Biafran pound

The Biafran pound (symbol £, or £B for distinction) was the currency of the breakaway Republic of Biafra between 1968 and 1970.

Biafran pound
Denominations
Superunit
1/20shilling
1/240penny
Symbol£B
Banknotes5/-, 10/-, £B1, £B5, £B10
Coins3d, 6d, 1/-, 2/6
Demographics
User(s)Biafra
Issuance
Central bankBank of Biafra
This infobox shows the latest status before this currency was rendered obsolete.
Biafran 2½ shilling coin from 1969 of aluminium, reverse.
Biafran 2½ shilling coin from 1969 of aluminium, obverse.

The first notes, denominated in 5 shillings and £B1, were introduced on January 29, 1968.[1] A series of coins was issued in 1969; 3d, 6d, 1/-, and 2s 6d coins were minted, all made of aluminium. In February 1969, a second family of notes was issued in denominations of 5s and 10s, £B1, £B5 and £B10. Despite not being recognised as currency by the rest of the world when issued, the banknotes were afterwards sold as curios (typically at a price of 2/6 (=£0.125Stg) for £B1 notes when sold in London notaphily shops), and are now traded among banknote collectors at well above their original nominal value.

The most commonly found notes are the 1968 and 1969 £B1 notes, with the £B10 note and all coins being rare.

Banknotes of the Biafran pound (1968 "First" issue)
ImageValueObverseReverse
5/-Palm tree over a rising sunFour Biafran girls
£B1Palm tree over a rising sunCoat of arms of Biafra
Banknotes of the Biafran pound (1969 "Second" issue)
ImageValueObverseReverse
5/-Palm tree over a rising sunFour Biafran girls
10/-Palm tree over a rising sunOil refinery
£B1Palm tree over a rising sunCoat of arms of Biafra
£B5Palm tree over a rising sunA female weaver
£B10Palm tree over a rising sunA male carver

See also

References

  1. Linzmayer, Owen (2011). "Biafra". The Banknote Book. San Francisco, CA: www.BanknoteNews.com. Retrieved 2011-08-21.


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