1986 Gibraltar 1 Pound Banknote – Royal Heritage & Colonial Legacy Pick# 20d | Numista# 202086 | Date of Issue: 21 October 1986
The 1986 Gibraltar 1 Pound banknote (Pick #20d) is a regal tribute to British colonial heritage and Gibraltar’s unique identity. Issued by the Government of Gibraltar under the Currency Note Ordinance CAP 39, this note features Queen Elizabeth II and the historic Convent of Gibraltar, blending royal symbolism with local governance. As part of Gibraltar’s pre-decimal currency system, it remains a prized collectible for enthusiasts of British Overseas Territories and royal iconography.
Historical Context
Released on 21 October 1986, this note was part of Gibraltar’s effort to maintain its own currency while under British sovereignty. The design reflects Gibraltar’s loyalty to the Crown and its distinct administrative status. The Convent, depicted on the reverse, has served as the Governor’s residence since the 18th century and symbolizes Gibraltar’s colonial continuity.
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)
Issuer Government of Gibraltar
Year of Issue 1986
Pick Number P# 20d
Material Paper
Size 134 × 67 mm
Watermark Queen Elizabeth II
Security Features Solid security thread, watermark, serial numbers
Printer Thomas De La Rue (TDLR), London
Demonetized Yes – replaced by coin in later years
Design Features
Obverse:
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at center right
Text: “ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTE ORDINANCE CAP 39”
Brown and red tones on multicolored underprint
Reverse:
Illustration of The Convent, Gibraltar’s Governor’s residence
Colonial architecture and flag details
Latin script and denomination
Collector Appeal
This note is ideal for collectors of British colonial currency and royal memorabilia:
Royal Portraiture: Features a youthful Queen Elizabeth II
Colonial Heritage: Highlights Gibraltar’s administrative legacy
Scarcer Date: 1986 issues with “L” prefix are less common
Pre-Euro British Territories: A must-have for thematic collectors
