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Inventory:
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- Product ID: 56993
The Ghana 5 Cedis 1965 Specimen Note, cataloged as Pick #6s, is a notable and highly collectible piece of West African numismatic history. Issued during a period of political transformation and national identity-building, this banknote represents the assertive modernization efforts of Ghana following its independence from British colonial rule in 1957. As a specimen issue, this note was not intended for general circulation but was instead distributed to central banks, printers, or archival institutions to illustrate the design and security features of the final circulating currency. Preserved in Uncirculated (UNC) condition, it remains a pristine and vivid example of mid-20th-century African banknote artistry and political symbolism.
In 1965, Ghana transitioned its currency from the Ghanaian pound, which was based on the British system, to a decimalized system consisting of the cedi and pesewa. This shift reflected the country's desire to break from colonial economic frameworks and embrace a more autonomous and distinctly African financial identity. The cedi was introduced by President Kwame Nkrumah, who envisioned it as a symbol of national pride and modernization. The 5 Cedis denomination was among the highest-value notes in the first decimalized series, making it one of the most prominent banknotes of its era in Ghana.
The design of the 1965 5 Cedis note is both bold and elegant, characterized by detailed engraving, rich color, and politically charged imagery. The obverse of the note features a commanding portrait of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, who was widely regarded as the founding father of the nation. His profile, facing right, is executed in fine intaglio, showcasing his dignified expression and formal attire. The portrait reflects Nkrumah’s central role in Ghanaian politics and his Pan-African vision for the continent. Surrounding the image is intricate scrollwork and geometric guilloche patterns that provide both aesthetic beauty and anti-counterfeiting measures.
The background color of the note is a deep violet-purple, with elements of red and green that offer striking visual contrast. The denomination “FIVE CEDIS” appears in bold, uppercase letters, with the numeral “5” positioned prominently in each corner. The Bank of Ghana’s name is clearly stated along the top, and the date of issue, 2nd July 1965, is centered below the portrait. Also present are signatures of bank officials, typically including the Governor of the Bank of Ghana. In specimen notes, these signatures may be printed rather than hand-signed, and the word “SPECIMEN” is often overprinted in red diagonally across the front to indicate that the note was not for circulation.
The reverse of the note is equally symbolic, showcasing a scene that represents Ghana’s industrial progress. It features a power-generating dam—believed to depict the Akosombo Dam, one of Nkrumah’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. The image signifies Ghana’s commitment to economic development, electrification, and modernization through hydroelectric power. This theme aligns with Nkrumah’s vision of an industrialized Africa capable of self-sufficiency. The rest of the reverse is filled with decorative linework, additional denomination markers, and a repeated pattern motif consistent with the overall design language of the note.
The note was printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Ltd., one of the world’s premier security printing firms. Their expertise ensured high-quality paper, fine intaglio engraving, and complex watermarking that made the note difficult to counterfeit. The watermark typically features a star or other security element embedded in the paper, which is visible when held to light. In specimen form, the note often has zero serial numbers (e.g., “000000”) or specific specimen serials, and red overprints to distinguish it from regular issues. The paper is firm, crisp, and fully original in uncirculated examples, retaining full embossing from the intaglio printing process.
In UNC condition, this specimen note is visually stunning. The paper remains bright and untoned, with sharp corners, full margins, and no creasing or folds. The color is vivid and unmarred by staining, fading, or handling marks. Both the portrait and the industrial scene retain sharp lines and detail, and the overprint “SPECIMEN” is cleanly applied without smudging. The note's condition enhances its appeal to collectors, as specimen issues were often handled during evaluation and rarely preserved in pristine state. Collectors especially value those that have never been mounted or punched, as some specimen notes were archivally stored with hole cancellations or staples.
The 1965 series of Ghanaian cedis, including the 5 Cedis note, was short-lived. Only a year after their release, in 1966, President Nkrumah was overthrown in a coup, and his political image was swiftly removed from currency and public institutions. The new military government replaced the 1965 notes with a revised series that omitted Nkrumah’s portrait. As a result, original 1965 notes featuring his likeness—especially in specimen and UNC condition—are both historically significant and comparatively rare. They are often viewed as symbols of a specific political moment in Ghana’s early independence era and carry broader Pan-African resonance.
This note holds appeal for a variety of collectors, including those interested in African currency, Cold War-era political ephemera, and portrait banknotes. Its design reflects a balance between national symbolism and international banknote standards of the time, showcasing the aspirations of a newly independent state. The inclusion of iconic infrastructure on the reverse and a powerful political figure on the obverse positions this note as both a financial instrument and a visual expression of national identity and pride.
In conclusion, the Ghana 5 Cedis 1965 P#6s Specimen Note in UNC condition is a premium example of post-colonial African banknote history. Its association with President Kwame Nkrumah, short-lived issuance, and distinctive artwork elevate it above ordinary currency into the realm of political and cultural artifact. In superb preservation, it offers collectors an unparalleled opportunity to own a symbol of Ghana’s bold leap into modern statehood and monetary sovereignty during a time of great transition on the African continent.