Biafran pound

The pound (symbol £) was the currency of the breakaway Republic of Biafra between 1968 and 1970.

Context The Republic of Biafra existed from 1967 to 1970 as an independent state between Nigeria and Cameroon. The central bank of Biafra was one of the first institutions created. It was then decided to maintain the Nigerian pound. The young Republic relied heavily on foreign exchange for cash, which turned into a risky venture.

On 27 January 1968, Biafran President General C. Odumegwu Ojukwu declared:

The first notes, in denominations of 5/– and £1, were introduced on January 29, 1968. A series of coins was issued in 1969; 3d, 6d, 1/–, and 2s 6d coins were minted, all struck in aluminium. In February 1969, a second family of notes was issued in denominations of 5/– and 10/–, £1, £5 and £10. Despite not being recognised currency by the rest of the world when issued, the banknotes were afterwards sold as curios (typically at an eighth of their face value, or 2/6 sterling for Biafran £1) in British notaphily shops. The notes are now traded among banknote collectors at well above their original nominal value.

The most commonly found notes are the 1968 and 1969 £1 notes, with the £10 note and all coins being rare.

All banknotes issued by the Bank of Biafra are undated, though the dates of issuance are known. All notes bear the signature of bank Governor Sylvester Ugoh and Director William Uzoaga.

Banknotes of the Biafran pound (1968 "First" issue) Value Obverse ReverseIssue dateSizePrefixes 5/– Palm tree over a rising sun Four Biafran girls29 Jan 1968110 x 55 mmA/O - A/P £1 Palm tree over a rising sun Coat of arms of Biafra29 Jan 1968140 x 70 mmA/A - A/D

Banknotes of the Biafran pound (1969 "Second" issue) Value Obverse ReverseIssue dateSizePrefixes 5/– Palm tree over a rising sun Four Biafran girlsFeb 1969110 x 55 mmMA - NR 10/– Palm tree over a rising sun Oil refineryFeb 1969125 x 60 mmGA - GW £1 Palm tree over a rising sun Coat of arms of BiafraFeb 1969140 x 70 mmBA - DX £5 Palm tree over a rising sun A female weaver; coat of armsFeb 1969145 x 75 mmWA - WF £10 Palm tree over a rising sun A male carver; coat of armsFeb 1969155 x 80 mmZA - ZC

Biafran pound

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