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The Ghana 5000 Cedis 2000 Specimen note, cataloged as Pick #34es, represents the final issue in one of the most historically significant denominations of Ghana’s pre-redenomination currency system. Issued by the Bank of Ghana and printed by the renowned security printer Thomas De La Rue & Company, this specimen version was created for archival, institutional, and collector purposes rather than for general circulation. Marked with bold red “SPECIMEN” overprints and featuring zeroed serial numbers such as “X0000000,” the note is designated as Uncirculated (UNC), ensuring that it retains its full original quality—sharp printing, vibrant coloration, and unblemished paper. As the last 5000 Cedis note issued before Ghana’s monetary reform in 2007, this 2000-dated specimen occupies a pivotal place in the nation's numismatic timeline.
The 5000 Cedis denomination was first introduced in 1994, responding to rising inflation and the growing need for higher-value banknotes. It quickly became a mainstay of Ghanaian commerce, used widely in medium to large transactions. The 2000 issue capped a six-year run of this design, closing out an era of large-denomination notes that were soon to be retired in favor of the new Ghana cedi (GHS). By the early 2000s, the economic landscape was shifting toward redenomination discussions, making this note both a functional instrument and a symbol of transition. As a specimen, the 2000 version is especially desirable because it combines the latest printing in the series with the collectibility of a limited-release reference note.
The obverse of the 5000 Cedis note features a finely engraved portrait of Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey, a revered figure in Ghanaian history. Aggrey was a prominent educator, philosopher, and early advocate for Pan-Africanism. He co-founded Achimota School and is widely credited with shaping the intellectual foundation of Ghana’s educational system. His forward-facing portrait, rendered in intaglio for raised tactile effect, conveys wisdom and authority. Dressed in academic robes and wearing round spectacles, Aggrey’s likeness is a powerful visual affirmation of Ghana’s dedication to education and leadership. His presence on the highest-denomination note of the time speaks to his enduring legacy in Ghanaian society.
The obverse is dominated by shades of olive green, warm tan, and subtle brown, providing a formal yet approachable aesthetic. “BANK OF GHANA” is boldly printed above the portrait, while “FIVE THOUSAND CEDIS” appears prominently in both numeral and text form. Below the denomination, the issue date “2nd July 2000” is printed alongside the facsimile signatures of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana. Specimen-specific features include the aforementioned “X0000000” serial numbers on both the left and right margins, and a diagonal red “SPECIMEN” overprint that does not interfere with any core design elements. The visual layout is balanced, clean, and symmetrical, contributing to both the security and beauty of the note.
The reverse of the note celebrates Ghana’s agricultural heritage, specifically its world-renowned cocoa industry. A detailed scene features two Ghanaian workers engaged in cocoa harvesting. One carries a basket of freshly picked cocoa pods, while the other is shown sorting or inspecting beans. This illustration is both literal and symbolic, emphasizing the importance of agriculture to the national economy. Cocoa has long been Ghana’s leading export commodity and a primary source of foreign exchange earnings. The inclusion of this imagery on the note reflects the centrality of labor and productivity to the country’s development narrative.
Artistic detailing on the reverse complements the design of the obverse with similar color tones, stylized foliage, and guilloché security patterns. The scene is framed with decorative borders and includes the denomination “5000” printed in each corner. Fine lines, microtext, and geometric elements add further complexity to deter counterfeiting and reinforce the visual identity of the note. The reverse design mirrors the obverse in balance and intent, bringing together the themes of intellectual advancement and economic vitality.
Security features on the 2000 specimen are robust and reflect the technological standards of the time. A watermark of Dr. Aggrey appears on the left side of the note when held against light, serving as a primary anti-counterfeiting measure. A solid metallic security thread is embedded vertically in the paper, visible both on the surface and under transmitted light. Microprinting, raised intaglio elements, and precise registration between front and back printing enhance both the aesthetic and functional integrity of the note. As a specimen, this example was never exposed to circulation and thus retains all of these features in pristine condition.
The purpose of a specimen note is to provide an exact reference copy for official and educational purposes. Such notes were distributed in very limited quantities to central banks, law enforcement agencies, and select collectors. They are rare by nature and highly valued for their completeness, preservation, and insight into the production process of circulating currency. This 2000 specimen was likely one of the final such examples printed before the 5000 Cedis note was retired. Its Uncirculated (UNC) condition means that every design element—from the finest microprint to the broad color palette—is perfectly preserved as it was upon initial production.
The broader historical context adds to the note’s importance. In 2007, Ghana redenominated its currency by introducing the new Ghana cedi (GHS), replacing 10,000 old cedis with 1 new cedi. As a result, the 5000 Cedis note was phased out and ceased to be legal tender. Today, the note is valued not for its former purchasing power but for its cultural, educational, and historical significance. It serves as a testament to Ghana’s adaptive economic policies and the evolution of its currency system over time. For collectors, this specimen captures the final chapter of the old cedi’s journey before a new monetary era began.
From a numismatic perspective, the 2000 Ghana 5000 Cedis Specimen is a perfect confluence of rarity, symbolism, and design excellence. It offers collectors a window into Ghana’s financial history, showcasing both a revered national figure and a vital economic sector. The combination of top-tier security printing, cultural relevance, and limited availability makes it one of the most compelling specimen notes from modern Africa. As the concluding year of the 5000 Cedis series, this example holds particular appeal for specialists in African currency, De La Rue products, and specimen collections worldwide.
In summary, the Ghana 5000 Cedis 2000 P#34es Specimen UNC is a masterfully produced and historically significant note that embodies the values, challenges, and aspirations of late-20th-century Ghana. With its focus on education through Dr. Aggrey and agriculture via the cocoa harvest scene, it is more than currency—it is a cultural document. As the last print in the series and a preserved specimen in pristine condition, it is an essential acquisition for serious numismatists, economic historians, and anyone interested in the story of Ghana’s transition from the old cedi to a new, modern monetary framework.