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The Ghana 10 Shillings 1958 banknote, cataloged as Pick #1s in specimen format, represents a historic and transitional issue marking Ghana’s emergence as the first sub-Saharan African colony to achieve independence from colonial rule. Issued shortly after Ghana’s independence from the United Kingdom in March 1957, this note was released by the Bank of Ghana, newly established in 1957 and operational by July 1958. As a specimen note, this example was never meant for circulation but instead served as a master reference for central banks, archival institutions, or training purposes. Graded UNC64 by PCGS, this specimen maintains nearly perfect preservation, with clean margins, sharp print registration, and full paper quality, reflecting its exceptional rarity and significance in the history of modern African currency.
The 10 Shillings note was part of Ghana’s first independent currency series, designed and printed by Thomas De La Rue, the prominent British security printer. While Ghana would eventually switch to its own currency system—the cedi and pesewa—in 1965, this initial post-independence series retained British monetary denominations such as the shilling and pound, in part to maintain continuity and public familiarity during the early years of self-rule. The issue of the 10 Shillings banknote came at a symbolic time, reflecting both pride in national independence and a measured economic transition that retained some colonial structural features while projecting sovereign identity.
The obverse of the note features a finely engraved portrait of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, located to the left. Nkrumah is depicted in formal dress, exuding confidence and resolve, symbolizing Ghana’s leadership role in Africa’s decolonization movement. His portrait was a bold departure from the earlier colonial currency that featured British monarchs, and its inclusion signaled a conscious assertion of African autonomy. Adjacent to the portrait is the coat of arms of Ghana, consisting of a shield divided into four quarters with national symbols, topped by a black five-pointed star—emblematic of African freedom and unity. The issuing authority, "Bank of Ghana," is printed prominently along the top center, with “Ten Shillings” appearing in both English and the local Akan language below.
The note’s color scheme is a rich blend of reddish-brown and orange hues, accented with intricate guilloché patterns and microtext security detailing. The use of traditional patterns reflects both artistic elegance and technical anti-counterfeit features, standard in high-quality banknote production. The denomination appears in numerals in all four corners, while the serial numbers are generally replaced with zero-filled digits or are overprinted with “SPECIMEN” diagonally in bold red ink. On this UNC64 PCGS-certified example, the paper remains clean and crisp, with bold inking, strong corners, and only minor handling or faint disturbances that keep it just shy of a higher uncirculated grade.
The reverse of the 10 Shillings note displays a striking scene of two traditional Ghanaian women engaged in spinning and weaving textiles—symbolizing Ghana’s proud artisanal traditions and the importance of domestic industry. This design choice emphasizes national self-sufficiency and celebrates the contributions of women in both cultural and economic life. The backdrop of the scene includes intricate textile patterns and architecture that ground the artwork in a recognizably Ghanaian setting. The denomination “Ten Shillings” is repeated at the center and in the corners, ensuring easy recognition, and the entire composition is framed by a border of intricate security linework and repeating geometries.
The design and issuance of this note occurred during a time of global currency modernization and African political transformation. Ghana’s currency, while still tied to the British West African pound system in terms of value, was the first in the region to be fully under the control of an African-led central bank. The note itself was designed not only as a medium of exchange but also as a symbol of national pride, economic development, and the possibilities of self-determination. By issuing its own notes with national imagery, Ghana joined the ranks of modern nations that could represent their identity through the medium of money.
Specimen notes such as this 10 Shillings example were generally issued in very limited quantities. They were provided to printing archives, central banks, law enforcement agencies, and museum collections for study and reference. They may also have been distributed to other governments and commercial banks for verification and educational purposes. Specimen overprints and voided serial numbers help prevent these notes from entering circulation. The PCGS UNC64 grade denotes a banknote with outstanding visual appeal and full originality, with only light printer handling or a nearly invisible corner bump keeping it from gem condition. The paper is unmarred by folds, tears, or stains, and the ink remains vivid and fully intact.
The historical importance of this note is considerable. As Ghana was the first British colony in Africa to gain full independence, its early banknotes served as models and inspirations for other African nations seeking monetary autonomy. The 10 Shillings note is thus more than a financial artifact—it is a landmark in postcolonial African economic history. Its iconography, including Nkrumah’s portrait and traditional textile labor, illustrates the conscious fusion of modern governance with indigenous cultural roots. These features, combined with the exceptional preservation and specimen rarity, make this note an indispensable item for collectors of African, Commonwealth, or postcolonial currency.
In today’s numismatic market, Ghana’s early specimen notes command premium interest due to their scarcity, artistic merit, and historical context. Collectors seek out notes from this transitional period as milestones in the evolution of modern African banking and political independence. The PCGS UNC64 grade guarantees both authenticity and condition quality, ensuring that this specimen remains an ideal showcase of Ghanaian monetary heritage. The sealed holder adds long-term preservation and professional certification, important for both private collections and public exhibits.
In conclusion, the Ghana 10 Shillings 1958 P#1s Specimen note, graded UNC64 by PCGS, is a beautifully preserved, historically rich example of Ghana’s first independent currency issue. It combines powerful national symbolism, detailed design, and secure production standards to present a compelling narrative of African independence. As a specimen, it holds elevated numismatic significance, providing both a record of economic sovereignty and a pristine visual artifact of postcolonial transformation.