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5 Naira, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria, 1979–1984 (Pick 20)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1979-1984

Issuing entity

Nigeria

This 5 Naira note was issued in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria, with dates recorded from 1979–1984. It belongs to the Naira (1973-date) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Federal Republic (1963-date). It measures 151 × 78 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 20.

Obverse: Green on multicolor underprint. Portrait of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa at left. Its lettering reads “CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA / FIVE NAIRA / ALHAJI SIR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA / 1912-1966 / GOVERNOR DIRECTOR OF DOMESTIC OPERATIONS”. Reverse: Green on multicolor underprint. Four Nkpokiti dancers with drums at right; Coat of Arms at bottom left. Its lettering reads “CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA / FIVE NAIRA”. The note was printed by De La Rue (Thomas de la Rue; Thomas De La Rue & Co.; TDLR), London, United Kingdom (1821-date). Watermark: Eagle. Signatures recorded for the type: Ola O. Vincent (OOV) (Governor); A. Bamidele Obilana (ABO) (Director of Domestic Operations); Cletus N. Nwagwu (CNN) (Director of Domestic Operations); Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed (AAA) (Governor). Issue date recorded in the catalogue: 2 July 1979. Demonetized: 1 January 1984.

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

For similar note with different colors, see P#24.

Physical characteristics

Size
151 × 78 mm
Shape
Rectangular
Material
Paper
Watermark
Eagle

Technical characteristics

Printer
De La Rue (Thomas de la Rue; Thomas De La Rue & Co.; TDLR), London, United Kingdom (1821-date)
Currency
Naira (1973-date)
Signatures
Ola O. Vincent (OOV) (Governor) · A. Bamidele Obilana (ABO) (Director of Domestic Operations) · Cletus N. Nwagwu (CNN) (Director of Domestic Operations) · Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed (AAA) (Governor)
Demonetized
1 January 1984
Issuing bank
Central Bank of Nigeria

Design

Obverse
Green on multicolor underprint. Portrait of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa at left.
Reverse
Green on multicolor underprint. Four Nkpokiti dancers with drums at right; Coat of Arms at bottom left.
Obverse lettering
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA / FIVE NAIRA / ALHAJI SIR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA / 1912-1966 / GOVERNOR DIRECTOR OF DOMESTIC OPERATIONS
Reverse lettering
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA / FIVE NAIRA

Identification

Value
5 Naira
Dates recorded
1979-1984
Distinguishing features
Printed date and signature combination separate sub-varieties
Catalogue number to match
Pick 20

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)P20
  • NumistaN# 236236

Research required

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