1 Pound Biafran pound #50

Front

Palm tree at center with rising sun emblem below, symbolic of Biafra. The palm tree was a central element of Biafran iconography during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), representing the Igbo-dominated breakaway republic that declared independence from Nigeria. The note features signatures of Governor Sylvester U. Ugoh and an unidentified Director, with ornate guilloche patterns and the denomination '£1' in decorative roundel at right.

Back

Coat of arms of the Republic of Biafra at center, featuring an eagle atop a shield with a rising sun, flanked by two horses, with the motto 'Peace Unity Freedom' on banner below. The coat of arms represented the short-lived secessionist state's national identity during its existence from 1967 to 1970, when Biafra was reintegrated into Nigeria following the civil war.

History

First series issued by the Republic of Biafra, 1967–1970. The Biafran pound was introduced following the region's secession from Nigeria in May 1967, triggered by ethnic tensions and the aftermath of anti-Igbo pogroms. This currency circulated only within Biafran-controlled territory during the Nigerian Civil War. After Biafra's defeat and reintegration into Nigeria in January 1970, all Biafran currency was demonetized. The notes were printed under wartime conditions and are now sought by collectors as historical artifacts of this tragic conflict. Governor Sylvester U. Ugoh served as the first and only Governor of the Bank of Biafra.