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The Ghana 1 Cedi 1982 banknote, cataloged as Pick #17s and designated as a specimen with a PCGS grade of UNC64, is a vivid representation of the country’s post-independence monetary evolution during a period of economic turbulence and political transformation. Issued by the Bank of Ghana, this note belongs to the second cedi series, which succeeded the 1967 currency redesign that removed the image of Kwame Nkrumah after his overthrow in 1966. This 1982 issue reflects a new phase of national identity, defined by a move toward military governance, economic restructuring, and ongoing efforts to reinforce the country’s financial independence. As a specimen, the note was produced in limited quantities strictly for reference, archival, or display purposes. Its features are identical to the standard circulation issue but are distinguished by red "SPECIMEN" overprints and zeroed serial numbers. Graded UNC64 by PCGS, it exhibits bold color, crisp paper, and excellent overall integrity with minor handling evidence that precludes a higher gem grade.
The obverse of the note prominently features the portrait of a young Ghanaian woman dressed in traditional attire, likely representing a blend of the Ashanti or Ewe ethnic groups. This image, placed to the right side, symbolizes Ghana’s respect for its cultural diversity, the importance of women in national development, and the unity among the nation’s many peoples. The central theme of the note emphasizes national cohesion through cultural pride, and the woman’s detailed headscarf and composed expression convey dignity and purpose. Above her portrait is the inscription "BANK OF GHANA," with the denomination “ONE CEDI” printed clearly in both words and numerals. The background is a complex network of guilloché patterns in hues of orange, peach, and pale red, designed to discourage counterfeiting and enhance visual richness.
A red diagonal “SPECIMEN” stamp boldly crosses the center of the note, while both serial numbers are replaced with all zeros, marking it definitively as a non-negotiable reference issue. The watermark area to the left, when backlit, typically reveals a portrait of Tetteh Quarshie, the Ghanaian agricultural pioneer who introduced cocoa to the country—a nod to Ghana’s cocoa-based economy. Microtext and finely lined patterns fill the remaining open areas, providing both a decorative aesthetic and layered security. In this UNC64 example, the paper remains bright and original, the ink is sharp, and the print registration is well-aligned, though very minor handling may be visible at the corners or margins under magnification.
The reverse of the 1 Cedi note offers a picturesque depiction of modern Ghanaian industry and agriculture, reflecting the aspirations of the country in the early 1980s to modernize its economy while retaining strong agrarian roots. Central to the design is a textile loom and factory scene, symbolizing Ghana’s traditional crafts and its efforts to industrialize under state-driven development plans. The background showcases stylized machinery and geometric forms in subtle shades of brown and muted red, balancing artistic representation with clarity and function. The upper margin reads “BANK OF GHANA,” and the denomination appears again in all corners, ensuring easy recognition of the note’s value from any orientation.
The reverse also includes additional anti-counterfeiting features, such as symmetrical borders, guilloché flourishes, and precise color registration. The design is more subdued than the obverse, creating a deliberate contrast between the human-focused front and the economically focused back. The choice to emphasize productive labor over political figures on the reverse reflects the pragmatic messaging common in Ghanaian currency design of the 1980s. The note’s uniform coloration and fresh paper surface are typical of well-preserved specimens. In this particular UNC64 example, all features are sharply defined, with no folds or creases, although a very light press or storage impression may be present.
This 1 Cedi specimen was printed by Thomas De La Rue, one of the world’s most respected security printers, and represents a continuity of Ghana’s reliance on foreign expertise for currency production even while emphasizing its national character. Specimen notes like this were typically produced in very limited numbers—often fewer than 1,000—and were distributed to other central banks, museum collections, or internal archives for training or design documentation. Their rarity in the numismatic market is compounded by the fact that most were either destroyed after use or retained in secure storage, making well-graded examples highly collectible today.
Ghana’s economic environment in 1982, when this note was introduced, was marked by hardship, inflation, and austerity measures. After the December 31st, 1981 coup led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, the country experienced intense structural adjustment and military rule. The cedi, as a symbol of national stability and value, played an important role in state messaging. While inflation rapidly diminished the cedi’s actual purchasing power, the 1982 banknotes continued to project images of productivity, unity, and self-sufficiency. The inclusion of everyday Ghanaian workers, such as the woman on the obverse and the industrial motifs on the reverse, emphasized the people’s role in rebuilding the country.
In numismatic terms, the 1982 1 Cedi specimen is notable for being both transitional and representational. It bridges the optimism of Ghana’s post-independence currency redesigns with the realism of its economic challenges in the 1980s. Collectors value it for its attractive layout, cultural subject matter, and scarcity. Specimen banknotes from this era and region are much harder to locate than their circulated counterparts, particularly in grades above UNC60. The UNC64 designation ensures that the note is nearly pristine, offering superior color, print detail, and paper quality with only minor imperfections that are often invisible to the casual eye.
In conclusion, the Ghana 1 Cedi 1982 P#17s specimen graded UNC64 by PCGS is a historically significant and visually compelling note that captures a unique moment in Ghana’s financial and political journey. Its carefully balanced design, combining cultural portraiture with industrial themes, speaks to the nation’s aspirations during a period of reform and reconstruction. As a limited-edition specimen, it represents an excellent acquisition for collectors of African banknotes, Cold War-era monetary history, or institutional currency design. With its strong preservation and meaningful symbolism, this note stands as a testament to both Ghana’s rich heritage and its ongoing pursuit of national economic identity.