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20 Shillings, Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya, 1969–1973 (Pick 8)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1969-1973

Issuing entity

Republic of Kenya

This 20 Shillings note was issued in Kenya by the Central Bank of Kenya, with dates recorded from 1969–1973. It belongs to the Shilling (1966-date) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Republic (1963-date). It measures 163 × 87 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 8.

Obverse: Front-right facing bust of President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta at left, arms at centre. Its lettering reads “20 / BANK KUU YA KENYA / CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA / LEGAL TENDER FOR TWENTY SHILLINGS / SHILINGI ISHIRINI / TWENTY SHILLINGS / THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF KENYA / MZEE JOMO KENYATTA / FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Central Bank of Kenya Twenty shillings”. Reverse: Plants and train loaded with sisal, mountains in background. Its lettering reads “20 / TWENTY SHILLINGS”.

The note was printed by Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, United Kingdom (1856-1990). Watermark: Lion head. Identification note: match the value, issuing bank, printed date and Pick number together; dates and signature combinations distinguish sub-varieties, which are not separated in this entry. Details follow the Numista catalogue entry and the Standard Catalog reference it cites; they have not been checked against a central-bank archive.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
2

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

largest known serial number for the previous type: A/27 940,000 smallest known serial number for the next type: B/1 000,001 This is an automatic translation. The original text is: plus grand numéro de série connu pour le type précédant: A/27 940,000 plus petit numéro de série connu pour le type suivant: B/1 000,001

Physical characteristics

Size
163 × 87 mm
Shape
Rectangular
Material
Paper
Watermark
Lion head

Technical characteristics

Printer
Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, United Kingdom (1856-1990)
Currency
Shilling (1966-date)
Issuing bank
Central Bank of Kenya

Design

Obverse
Front-right facing bust of President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta at left, arms at centre
Reverse
Plants and train loaded with sisal, mountains in background
Obverse lettering
20 / BANK KUU YA KENYA / CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA / LEGAL TENDER FOR TWENTY SHILLINGS / SHILINGI ISHIRINI / TWENTY SHILLINGS / THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF KENYA / MZEE JOMO KENYATTA / FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Reverse lettering
20 / TWENTY SHILLINGS

Identification

Value
20 Shillings
Dates recorded
1969-1973
Distinguishing features
Printed date and signature combination separate sub-varieties
Catalogue number to match
Pick 8

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Research required
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

  • Standard Catalog of World Paper Money (Pick)P8
  • NumistaN# 223161

Research required

  • Confirm date and signature varieties against the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money.
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