Catalog
20 Pounds
| Issuer | Natal Bank Limited |
|---|---|
| Year | 18xx |
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| Shape | Rectangular |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is engraved in a dark intaglio style on a fine guilloche underprint. A central vignette at the top presents the bank's coat of arms flanked by two allegorical female figures in classical dress, with a maritime scene in the background. The bank title 'THE NATAL BANK LIMITED' appears in bold letterpress across the centre, above the promise-to-pay text reading 'We Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand at our Office here the Sum of TWENTY POUNDS Sterling value received', with denomination numerals '20' in each upper corner and signature lines for Accountant and Manager at the foot. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse is printed in a uniform blue tone, composed entirely of intricate guilloche lacework with no pictorial vignette. The denomination '20' appears in each of the four corners within ornate rosette frames, and a central horizontal cartouche bears the bold inscription 'TWENTY POUNDS' in letterpress. The issuer's name 'THE NATAL BANK LIMITED' is distributed across the upper and lower guilloche panels in arched lettering. |
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| Comments |
The Natal Bank Limited was established in 1854, making it one of the earliest commercial banks in the colony. Bradbury, Wilkinson produced notes for numerous British colonial institutions during the nineteenth century, and the plates for this series were almost certainly engraved in London and shipped as completed printed sheets — the colony had no printing infrastructure capable of this quality.
The incomplete year date ("18xx") indicates unissued remainders, printed but never formally dated or signed for release. At twenty pounds, this was a high-denomination instrument in a colony where most daily commerce ran on far smaller values — the note would have moved between merchants and land agents, not general public hands.