Guernsey Pound - Banknotes

Banknotes

In 1827, the States of Guernsey introduced 1 pound notes, with the Guernsey Banking Company and the Guernsey Commercial Banking Company also issuing 1 pound notes from 1861 and 1886, respectively. The commercial banks lost their right to issue notes in 1914, although the notes circulated until 1924. Also in 1914, the States introduced 5 and 10 shilling notes, also denominated as 6 and 12 francs.

In 1921, States notes were overstamped with the word "British" to signify the island's conversion to a pound equal to sterling. From 1924, 10 shilling notes were issued without any reference to the franc. The 5 shilling note was discontinued.

In 1941, following the German occupation, notes were introduced in denominations of 6 pence, 1 shilling 3 pence, 2 shillings 6 pence and 5 shillings. From 1942, the 1 shilling 3 pence notes were overprinted to produce 1 shilling notes. In 1945, following liberation, 5 pound notes were introduced and production of all denominations below 10 shillings ended.

The 10 shilling note was replaced by the 50 new pence coin in the run up to decimalization. 10 pound notes were introduced in 1975, followed by 20 pounds in 1980 and 50 pounds in 1994. Although 1 and 2 pound coins have been introduced, the 1 pound note still circulates.