1 Shilling MLT Banknote (George VI Issue) 1943

1 Shilling Pound / Lira (Issued 1943)

Malta’s currency underwent significant restructuring during the Second World War, with the British colonial administration issuing new banknotes to replace earlier designs and modernise the circulating money supply. The 1943 one shilling note represents this period of wartime monetary reform, when Malta remained under direct British governance and sterling-based systems dominated Mediterranean banking. This particular issue reflects the practical needs of wartime commerce on the islands, combining security features with portrait imagery that reinforced the connection between the Maltese economy and the British Commonwealth. The note stands as a tangible record of how global conflict reshaped even the smallest territories’ financial infrastructure.

On the front, the banknote displays a striking portrait of King George VI positioned centrally within an oval medallion rendered in deep magenta and purple tones. The portrait is executed in fine engraving with careful cross-hatching that creates substantial depth and dimension in the monarch’s facial features. Surrounding the oval portrait frame is intricate guilloché patterning in pale blue, whilst the upper border features a curved ribbon banner inscribed “THE GOVERNMENT OF MALTA” in serif capitals. The text “HEREBY DECLARES THIS NOTE” appears in red lettering across the upper centre, with “TO BE LEGAL TENDER FOR PAYMENTS” in blue beneath. The denomination “ONE SHILLING” is printed in bold blue capitals on both the left and right margins, with smaller “1/-” symbols positioned in the corners. The note bears a serial number (A2 367617) displayed in blue ink in the top right and lower left corners. A handwritten signature appears in the lower centre portion of the design. The lower left corner contains additional denomination text reading “1/-” within a decorative square border, whilst the restriction “NOT EXCEEDING TWO POUNDS” is printed in blue on the right side. The overall colour scheme blends pale cream paper with blue, magenta, and purple inks, creating a sophisticated yet austere appearance typical of wartime currency design.

The reverse of the banknote presents a predominantly plain surface in pale cream, with subtle watermarked imagery visible throughout the paper when held to light. A faint circular watermark pattern can be discerned in the centre area, along with additional security elements embedded within the paper stock itself. The minimal reverse design was typical of British colonial currency from this era, prioritising security features within the paper composition rather than elaborate printed designs on the back side.

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