2004 Jersey £1 Banknote – Celebrating 800 Years Under the Crown (P‑31)
The 2004 Jersey £1 commemorative banknote marks one of the most significant anniversaries in Channel Islands history: 800 years of Jersey under the English Crown. Issued by The States of Jersey, this elegant note blends royal portraiture, island heritage, and classic De La Rue craftsmanship into a compact, beautifully engraved design.
Historical Context
In 1204, King John lost mainland Normandy to France — but the Channel Islands, including Jersey, chose to remain loyal to the English Crown. Eight centuries later, Jersey commemorated this enduring constitutional relationship with a special £1 banknote celebrating its unique identity as a self‑governing Crown Dependency.
Issued in 2004, this note circulated widely across the island before being gradually replaced by newer designs, making crisp examples increasingly sought after by collectors of British Crown territories and commemorative issues.
Key Features & Specifications
Issuer: Jersey (British Crown Dependencies)
Issuing Authority: The States of Jersey
Type: Circulating commemorative banknote
Year: 2004
Value: 1 Pound (JEP)
Currency: Pound (decimalized, 1971–present)
Composition: Paper
Size: 128 × 65 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Reference: P‑31
Commemorative Theme: 800 Years of Jersey Under the Crown
Printer: De La Rue, London
Design Elements
Obverse
The front of the note features a refined portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolising Jersey’s centuries‑long constitutional link to the Crown. The design is clean and dignified, with inscriptions including:
The States of Jersey
One Pound
The layout reflects Jersey’s traditional banknote style — understated, elegant, and deeply tied to its island identity.
Reverse
The reverse showcases Mont Orgueil Castle, one of Jersey’s most iconic landmarks. Standing guard over Gorey Harbour for more than 600 years, the castle represents the island’s strategic importance and its long history of defence and autonomy.
The engraving captures the castle’s dramatic stonework and coastal setting, making it a standout visual centrepiece.
Printing & Craftsmanship
Produced by De La Rue, the note benefits from the company’s renowned engraving precision and security expertise, giving it a crisp, high‑quality finish typical of early‑2000s British Crown dependency issues.
Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This commemorative £1 note is ideal for collectors interested in:
Channel Islands currency
British Crown dependency issues
Elizabeth II portrait series
Commemorative banknotes
De La Rue printings
It also makes a thoughtful gift for:
Jersey residents and diaspora
Students of British constitutional history
Collectors of royal‑themed currency
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 2004 Jersey £1 (P‑31) is more than a low‑denomination note — it’s a celebration of eight centuries of loyalty, identity, and island heritage. With its royal portrait, iconic castle imagery, and commemorative significance, it stands as a charming and historically rich addition to any world banknote collection.
