Catalog
5 Pounds
| Issuer | Somerset East Bank |
|---|---|
| Year | 1867-1891 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is arranged in a portrait format with a central heraldic vignette of the Cape of Good Hope coat of arms — two rampant lions supporting a shield surmounted by a crown — set beneath an arched bannerhead reading SOMERSET EAST BANK. Guilloche rosettes bearing the denomination numeral £5 are positioned at the upper left and upper right corners, with serial numbers in oval frames flanking the central design. The lower portion carries a cursive promise-to-pay legend and a bold letterpress panel inscribed FIVE POUNDS, with the place and date of issue, an authorising signature, and the text BY ORDER OF THE BOARD / FOR THE TRUSTEES. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | SOMERSET EAST BANK CAPE OF GOOD HOPE We Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand at our Office here the Sum of FIVE POUNDS Sterling for value received. SOMERSET EAST BY ORDER OF THE BOARD FOR THE TRUSTEES Five Pounds |
| Reverse description | The reverse shows a mirror impression of the obverse printing visible through the paper, consistent with a plain unprinted back typical of early South African provincial bank issues of this period, with no independent design elements applied to this side. |
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