1979 St Helena 50 Pence – A Rare Fractional Gem from the South Atlantic
Delve into the charm of remote island currency with the 1979 St Helena 50 Pence note, a scarce fractional denomination issued by the Government of St Helena. With its maritime imagery, royal portrait, and colonial symbolism, this note is a standout among British Overseas Territories banknotes.
🕰️ Historical Context
Introduced in 1979 as part of St Helena’s first official banknote series, the 50p note reflects the island’s transition to a localized currency system. Issued exclusively for use on St Helena and Ascension Island, it circulated alongside the St Helena Pound, which remains pegged 1:1 to the British Pound Sterling.
📌 Key Features & Specifications
Feature Details
Pick Number P-5
Denomination 50 Pence (0.50 SHP)
Currency St Helena Pound (SHP)
Material Paper
Issuing Authority Government of St Helena
Size 140 × 60 mm
Printer Thomas De La Rue & Co., London
Watermark Profile of Queen Elizabeth II
Security Thread None
Demonetized No – still redeemable locally
🎨 Design Elements
Front: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at right, with Jamestown Harbour and three sailboats at anchor to the left. The note features a purple underprint and rosette patterns, evoking both elegance and island life.
Back: Displays the East India Company arms on the left and the colonial seal on the right, with the Latin motto “AUSPICIO REGIS ET SENATUS ANGLIÆ” (“Under the Auspices of the King and the Senate of England”).
🔠 Lettering on the Note
“GOVERNMENT OF ST. HELENA”
“50p” and “FIFTY PENCE” in multiple locations
“CURRENCY COMMISSIONERS” signature panel
Serial number with prefix (e.g., V/1)
🔒 Security Features
Watermark: Profile of Queen Elizabeth II
No security thread
Printed serial numbers for authenticity
🎁 Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This note is a perfect fit for:
👑 Royal memorabilia collectors – Featuring a regal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
🌍 Island currency enthusiasts – A rare fractional note from a remote British territory
🎂 Those born in 1979 – A unique and meaningful birth-year gift
🛳️ Maritime and colonial history lovers – With its harbor scene and East India Company symbolism
💡 Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1979 St Helena 50 Pence note is a miniature masterpiece—rare, region-specific, and rich in symbolism. Its limited circulation, elegant design, and historical context make it a prized addition to any collection of Commonwealth, fractional, or island-issued banknotes.
