-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56998
Checkout
The Ghana 1000 Cedis 1993 Specimen Note, identified in numismatic catalogs as Pick #29bs, stands as a testament to a pivotal period in Ghana’s economic and political development. Issued by the Bank of Ghana and preserved here in specimen form with Uncirculated (UNC) quality, this note represents both the high denomination required by the inflationary pressures of the early 1990s and the symbolic assertion of Ghana’s evolving national identity. Specimen notes were prepared in limited quantities to demonstrate a finalized design and security features for institutional review, without being intended for circulation. This particular issue is a critical artifact of Ghana’s monetary transition during the first years of democratic restoration following more than a decade of military governance.
The early 1990s marked a momentous shift in Ghanaian history. In 1992, the country returned to constitutional rule, holding its first multiparty elections in over a decade. Alongside this political transformation, economic reforms initiated under the Structural Adjustment Program of the 1980s continued, aiming to stabilize inflation, liberalize markets, and attract foreign investment. These reforms came with economic trade-offs, including persistent inflation and the depreciation of the cedi, which necessitated the introduction of higher-denomination banknotes. The 1000 Cedis note, introduced in 1992 and continued into 1993, reflected the need for more efficient transactional currency, reducing the burden of carrying large volumes of smaller notes.
The obverse of the 1993 1000 Cedis specimen note features an exceptional engraved portrait of Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey, one of Ghana’s most influential thinkers, educators, and proponents of African empowerment through learning. His forward-facing portrait exudes quiet confidence, wisdom, and determination, rendered with sharp intaglio detail to allow for visual clarity and tactile verification. Dr. Aggrey’s presence on this highest denomination note of the time signified the enduring value Ghana placed on education as a cornerstone of national progress, especially during a time of political rebuilding and economic recalibration.
The color palette of the obverse leans into deep magenta and violet tones, distinguished further by multi-shade guilloche designs that frame both the portrait and the inscriptions. The words “BANK OF GHANA” are boldly displayed at the top of the note, while “ONE THOUSAND CEDIS” anchors the lower portion. The denomination is repeated numerically in each corner. The printed date “2nd July 1993” is centrally located beneath the portrait. Standard for specimen issues, the serial numbers are replaced with “X0000000” or similar placeholders, and a red diagonal overprint reading “SPECIMEN” is prominently applied across the face, ensuring the note is not mistaken for legal tender.
The reverse of the note complements the themes on the obverse by showcasing the stately and historic main building of Achimota School in Accra, one of the premier educational institutions in West Africa. The architectural rendering features the clock tower and symmetrical colonnades of the school’s central structure, placed amid lush surroundings, symbolic of Ghana’s vision of intellectual cultivation and institutional excellence. The backdrop includes additional guilloche designs and security borders, harmonizing with the color scheme and reinforcing the note’s visual balance and complexity. This building's association with Dr. Aggrey, who helped shape its founding philosophy, creates a cohesive thematic narrative across the note’s design.
The note was printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Ltd., a London-based printer renowned for its expertise in producing secure and visually sophisticated currency for nations around the world. The paper used features an embedded watermark—typically of Dr. Aggrey—along with security threads and microtext patterns that serve both aesthetic and anti-counterfeiting purposes. Intaglio printing not only enhances the tactile quality of the ink but also improves durability, especially around the portrait and denomination inscriptions. The alignment of elements, depth of print, and precise color registration reflect the high production standards maintained for Ghana’s higher-denomination notes during this era.
In its specimen format, the 1000 Cedis note was distributed to select banking institutions, museums, law enforcement agencies, and international archives for reference and documentation. These specimen notes were produced in relatively small numbers and were never intended for public use, making them rarer and more collectible than their circulated counterparts. Their distinct attributes—such as red overprints, zeroed serial numbers, and pristine preservation—ensure that they remain highly sought-after among world currency collectors, particularly those specializing in African or Commonwealth banknotes.
Uncirculated (UNC) condition further enhances the value and appeal of this note. It retains full paper crispness, vibrant coloration, and sharp corners, with no folds, stains, or handling marks. The intaglio impressions remain deeply embossed, providing the expected tactile relief. The “SPECIMEN” overprint is clearly printed in red ink and unmarred by wear. The security features, including the watermark, are fully intact and easily visible under light inspection. Together, these elements confirm the note’s superior state of preservation and its appeal to both institutional and private collections.
This 1993 specimen note belongs to a broader design series that includes lower denominations, yet it stands apart as the apex of Ghanaian paper currency at that time. Its issuance came just before the country began contemplating more comprehensive currency reform, which would eventually lead to redenomination in 2007. As such, the 1000 Cedis note marks the culmination of the earlier cedi system and encapsulates the economic realities and aspirations of the time. It is a document of policy, design, and symbolism all in one, expressing both the functionality and philosophy of state-issued currency.
Among collectors, the 1993 1000 Cedis specimen is notable for its visual richness, high face value, and thematic resonance. It occupies a place of prestige within collections focused on Ghana, post-colonial African currencies, or global specimen issues. As the country’s highest denomination of the early 1990s, it also reflects macroeconomic conditions and governmental strategies for currency management during an era of growth and transition. Furthermore, the design’s emphasis on education and legacy reaffirms the national values that carried Ghana into its democratic revival.
In summary, the Ghana 1000 Cedis 1993 P#29bs Specimen Note in UNC condition is a rare and beautifully executed example of late 20th-century African currency. Its combination of symbolic portraiture, educational landmarks, vibrant color schemes, and robust security features make it a standout item for collectors and historians alike. As a specimen note, it preserves a moment of transformation in Ghana’s national story—where economic resilience, political renewal, and cultural pride intersect in the realm of monetary design.