5 Pula

Botswana's first banknote series, of which this 5 Pula is part, was introduced in 1976 following the establishment of the Bank of Botswana just the year prior. The pula replaced the rand at par — a straightforward substitution on the surface, but a pointed assertion of economic independence from South Africa at a time when Botswana was entirely landlocked within the apartheid state's sphere of influence.

Thomas De La Rue printed the entire inaugural series from London. Pick 3 is among the more elusive denominations from this first issue in circulated grades, as the 5 Pula represented significant purchasing power in 1976 Botswana and notes that entered commerce were heavily used.