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The Ghana 1000 Cedis 1965 banknote, cataloged as Pick #9A and graded UNC64 by PCGS, is one of the most iconic and rare pieces of West African numismatic history. Issued during the height of President Kwame Nkrumah’s pan-African vision and Ghana’s push toward economic self-reliance, this high-denomination note represents the pinnacle of the 1965 cedi series, both in face value and symbolic importance. As the highest denomination ever issued in the original cedi system of that era, the 1000 Cedis note embodied governmental authority, financial strength, and national aspiration. Its issuance reflected Ghana’s broader mission to modernize its monetary infrastructure following the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1957 and the introduction of its own decimalized currency in 1965.
Ghana's currency reform in 1965 replaced the Ghanaian pound with the cedi at a conversion rate of 1 pound to 2.4 cedis. This move away from the British-inspired system marked a significant assertion of Ghana’s sovereignty. The 1000 Cedis note, though primarily used for interbank settlements and large transactions, had deep symbolic value. It demonstrated the government's confidence in the cedi and emphasized national control over economic policy. Moreover, its extremely limited use and subsequent withdrawal following the 1966 coup d'état that deposed Nkrumah have rendered it exceedingly rare, especially in Uncirculated condition.
The obverse of the 1000 Cedis note features a commanding portrait of President Kwame Nkrumah. He is shown in three-quarter view wearing ceremonial kente cloth, a textile deeply rooted in Ghanaian tradition and culture. His image symbolizes leadership, heritage, and the visionary ethos of a self-governing African state. The portrait is executed with fine intaglio engraving, highlighting facial features, the folds of the kente, and the textures of the print with great clarity. Behind the portrait is a richly detailed guilloché pattern in shades of brown and dark red, serving both as a decorative element and an anti-counterfeiting measure. “BANK OF GHANA” is printed across the top, with “ONE THOUSAND CEDIS” in large type below.
The note’s denomination “1000” is prominently displayed in all four corners, and an ornate security thread runs vertically near the center. Its detailed microtext, multicolored underprint, and precise registration marks reinforce the technical quality of the note, which was printed by the renowned British firm Thomas De La Rue. The note’s layout is dignified and symmetrical, reflecting both artistic sophistication and strong national identity. In this UNC64 example, the paper remains bright, crisp, and unhandled, with only minor signs of natural press-to-paper contact or slight corner softness, typical for the grade.
The reverse of the 1000 Cedis note features a striking image of the Akosombo Dam, a centerpiece of Ghana’s industrial development under Nkrumah’s administration. Completed in the mid-1960s, the dam was a major infrastructure project designed to provide hydroelectric power to support economic modernization and industrial growth, particularly for the aluminum industry. The illustration on the note captures the dam in broad detail, with the Volta River flowing through its gates and the Ghanaian countryside stretching into the background. The design encapsulates the promise of energy independence and economic transformation.
The reverse’s design is executed in an elegant brown and tan color scheme, balancing the boldness of the obverse with a sense of structure and depth. The denomination is repeated in text and numerals, while intricate border designs frame the scene. Guilloché patterns and fine lines continue across the entire reverse, demonstrating the same level of printing precision seen on the front. In this PCGS UNC64 example, the reverse maintains exceptional clarity, full color saturation, and sharp edge integrity, showing no folds or distracting marks and retaining original press embossing.
Unlike specimen versions, this note was issued for circulation, though very few entered public hands. Most 1000 Cedis notes were likely held by financial institutions or government offices, meaning very few were ever handled by the public. Following Nkrumah’s removal in 1966, the political tone surrounding currency changed rapidly. Many of the high-denomination notes bearing his image were withdrawn or destroyed, making survivors like this an important and rare legacy of early independent Ghana’s monetary history. The replacement of the cedi in 1967 further curtailed the lifespan of this series, ensuring its scarcity.
The historical significance of this note is profound. It stands as a monument to the ambitions of early post-colonial Africa, where leaders like Nkrumah envisioned strong, self-sufficient economies supported by indigenous institutions. The 1000 Cedis note was not merely a financial tool—it was a proclamation of Ghana’s potential and confidence. Its imagery reflects a dual emphasis on cultural pride and technological advancement. For collectors and historians, it offers a window into a time when currency design was leveraged as a means of statecraft, ideology, and national storytelling.
From a numismatic perspective, the note’s scarcity and high denomination make it a centerpiece in any African or post-colonial banknote collection. It appeals to specialists in high-grade historical currency, African political history, or Cold War-era global economics. As a PCGS-certified UNC64 example, it provides assurance of authenticity, condition, and quality preservation. The note is well-centered with clean margins, no repairs, no discoloration, and full original paper strength—qualities that are critical for long-term value and desirability in the collector market.
In conclusion, the Ghana 1000 Cedis 1965 P#9A banknote in PCGS UNC64 grade is a rare, bold, and compelling artifact of African monetary and political history. Featuring the portrait of Kwame Nkrumah and the monumental Akosombo Dam, it encapsulates the optimism, power, and vision of a nation striving toward self-determination. Its limited survival in uncirculated condition enhances its appeal and ensures its place among the most important and visually striking banknotes issued by Ghana in the 20th century. As a high-denomination issue withdrawn shortly after printing, it remains a highly sought-after and valuable piece for collectors worldwide.