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The Ghana 200 Cedis 1992 Specimen Note, cataloged as Pick #27bs, stands as an important artifact in the history of Ghana’s currency, embodying the nation’s ongoing efforts to adapt its monetary system amid socio-political evolution and economic reform in the early 1990s. This particular note, a specimen version of the standard circulation issue, was not released for public use but instead prepared for archival, demonstrative, and international banking purposes. It reflects the continuation of a design introduced in the early 1980s, with updated features and issue details relevant to the country’s changing financial landscape. In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the note retains all of its original vibrancy, detail, and structural integrity, making it a desirable example for collectors and monetary historians alike.
By 1992, Ghana was navigating the effects of a decade-long Economic Recovery Program (ERP), initiated in 1983 in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Inflation had continued to pressure the Ghanaian cedi, prompting the sustained issuance of higher-denomination notes such as the 200 Cedis to meet the increasing cost of goods and services. The 200 Cedis denomination remained in active use throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, bridging a critical transition period as the nation reintroduced multiparty democracy and instituted new monetary control measures. The 1992 issue represents this period of both political renewal and economic persistence.
The obverse of the 1992 200 Cedis specimen note features the stately portrait of Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey, an influential Ghanaian educator, missionary, and advocate for gender equality in education. His forward-facing portrait is executed in fine intaglio engraving, capturing his composed and intellectual demeanor with precision. Dr. Aggrey symbolizes the foundational role of education in national development and is one of the few individuals to be honored consistently across multiple Ghanaian currency issues. The choice of his image on such a high-denomination note affirms the importance placed on intellectual leadership during periods of national transformation.
The design utilizes a color palette dominated by deep blue and teal tones, providing a sense of stability and gravitas suitable for high-value currency. Above the portrait, the issuing authority “Bank of Ghana” is clearly printed, while below it, the note is dated “2nd July 1992.” The denomination “200 CEDIS” appears in bold, uppercase lettering at the bottom center. The serial numbers, typical of specimen notes, are represented as “X0000000” and printed in vivid red ink at opposing corners. A large red diagonal overprint reading “SPECIMEN” is stamped across the note’s surface, unmistakably indicating its non-circulating status and use for display or verification purposes.
The reverse of the note continues the national theme of educational progress by depicting the Achimota School in Accra, one of Ghana’s most prestigious academic institutions. Founded in 1927 and often referred to as the cradle of Ghanaian elite education, Achimota has produced numerous national leaders, scholars, and civic figures. The school building is shown in architectural detail, complete with its signature clock tower, symmetrical layout, and verdant campus surroundings. This reinforces the note’s overarching theme—anchoring the country’s identity and strength in its educational heritage and academic institutions.
Security features embedded within the note’s design reflect the sophistication of late 20th-century banknote production. These include intricate guilloche patterns, multi-color underprints, latent image areas, and microprinted text. Additionally, a watermark—most often depicting Dr. Aggrey—serves as a key anti-counterfeiting element, only visible when held up to the light. The note also benefits from intaglio printing, which provides a tactile feel to the raised elements, particularly around the portrait and denomination indicators. The paper used is a high-quality cotton-based substrate engineered for both durability and fidelity to the printing process.
This note was produced by the Bank of Ghana’s printing contractor, most likely Thomas De La Rue & Co., which was responsible for many of Ghana’s banknotes during the period. Specimen notes like this were distributed in limited numbers to central banks, law enforcement agencies, and archival repositories worldwide to illustrate upcoming or active banknote designs. As a result, they were preserved under controlled conditions, and many feature serial numbers like “000000” or “X-prefix” examples, as seen here. The large red SPECIMEN overprint distinguishes these notes from genuine legal tender while ensuring they can be safely distributed for reference without fear of unauthorized use.
In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the Ghana 200 Cedis 1992 specimen note maintains all of its original characteristics without degradation. The note’s paper remains crisp and unhandled, with no folds, tears, stains, or corner wear. The inks are bright and unfaded, with the deep blue and purple tones maintaining their full saturation. The embossing from the intaglio press remains intact, particularly across the portrait of Dr. Aggrey and the bank’s inscriptions. These physical attributes, combined with the rarity and educational theme, contribute to the note’s appeal among collectors of African currency and world specimen banknotes.
Although the basic design of this note mirrors its 1983 predecessor, its 1992 issue date places it in a new context. That year marked Ghana’s return to constitutional rule and multiparty elections after over a decade of military-led government. Thus, the 1992 specimen carries not only monetary value but also political symbolism, reflecting a rebirth of democratic governance and fiscal recalibration. It embodies a moment of optimism, cautious reform, and institutional continuity, as seen through the continued celebration of national heroes and symbols like Dr. Aggrey and Achimota School.
Among collectors, this note occupies a distinct niche: it represents a transitional phase of Ghana’s economy, is tied to a key figure in the country’s cultural history, and survives in a rarely encountered form. Specimen notes are inherently scarcer than circulation issues, and UNC examples are especially desirable due to their unspoiled condition. For students of currency design, it also offers a case study in how developing nations maintained both symbolic and practical coherence in their monetary instruments during periods of change.
In conclusion, the Ghana 200 Cedis 1992 P#27bs Specimen UNC is a striking, historically significant, and beautifully preserved banknote. It is not only an artifact of fiscal necessity but a canvas of national pride, featuring enduring Ghanaian icons of education and leadership. With its rich blue tones, crisp intaglio printing, and official specimen markings, it remains a highly attractive addition to any collection focused on African banknotes, specimen issues, or the interplay between economics and nation-building in the post-colonial era.