5 Shillings MLT Banknote (George V Issue) 1918

5 Shillings Pound / Lira (Issued 1918)

The 5 Shillings banknote issued by Malta in November 1918 was produced during a pivotal moment when British currency circulated throughout the Mediterranean territories under Crown administration. This issue arrived at the conclusion of the First World War, a time when Malta’s role as a strategic naval base had intensified demand for reliable currency to service military personnel and civilian populations alike. The denomination of five shillings represented a mid-range note designed for everyday transactions in a colonial economy. The date of 20th November 1918 places this currency mere days before the formal armistice, capturing a note issued at one of the most significant turning points in modern history.

On the front, the banknote features a formal portrait of King George V positioned within an ornate circular medallion on the right side of the design. The portrait appears in profile, rendered in finely detailed engraving with careful stippling and line work characteristic of early twentieth-century banknote artistry. The overall colour palette consists of mauve, pink, and brown tones printed across a cream-coloured base paper. The left side displays the denomination “5/-” in large numerals, with “FIVE SHILLINGS” in capitals beneath. Text reading “Malta” and “Valletta” appears at the top in decorative lettering, followed by “here is declared a Note” and legal tender instructions stating “to be legal tender for payments not exceeding £5”. The phrase “Commissioners of Currency” appears lower on the note, identifying the issuing authority. The date “20th November 1918” is clearly printed in the lower portion. Serial numbers appear in the upper left and upper right, both reading “400003” in this example. The entire design incorporates fine guilloché patterns and decorative borders in subtle geometric arrangements that frame the central elements.

The reverse displays a symmetrical design dominated by the denomination “5/-” positioned centrally within an ornate rectangular cartouche. The word “Five Shillings” appears in large serif lettering positioned both above and below the central cartouche, repeated on the left and right sides. The overall colour scheme shifts to sage green and cream tones. The central cartouche contains an engraved vignette depicting what appears to be a fortified coastal structure or harbour view characteristic of Malta’s architectural landscape, rendered in fine detail within the ornamental frame. Decorative botanical and geometric elements frame the design, with rosette ornaments positioned at cardinal points around the central device. The entire reverse composition emphasises symmetry and formal heraldic presentation, with the intricate engraving demonstrating the high standard of security printing employed in the Commonwealth’s colonial currency production.

Webuyallcurrency.com makes it easy to exchange old coins and banknotes — a 5 Shillings MLT banknote from Malta is accepted with other old or withdrawn Maltese Lira banknotes and converted into cash in one go.

• Indicate the quantity of 5 Shillings Pound / Lira banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com brings all your foreign currency together: exchange or sell Maltese Lira banknotes and other old, withdrawn or modern coins and notes for cash, with no specialist knowledge needed.