50 New Pence British Military Authority Pound #539

Front

British Armed Forces Special Voucher 50 New Pence denomination, issued for use by British military personnel in NAAFI canteens and service establishments. The note prominently displays 'FIFTY' and '50' with '50P' denomination markings in all four corners. The text warns that this note is valid only for transactions with NAAFI organisations at 6.60% of theatre value, cannot be offered to civilians, and that improper use is a disciplinary offence rendering the holder liable to penalties. These vouchers were a form of military scrip introduced after World War II to control currency flow in areas where British forces were stationed.

Back

The British Royal coat of arms (lion and unicorn supporters flanking a quartered shield topped with crown) appears at left. The central design displays the denomination 'ONE SHILLING' in decorative lettering within an ornamental frame, with the text 'ISSUED BY THE BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITY' at top. Serial letter 'D' appears at left and right margins. The voucher system allowed service personnel to purchase goods at military establishments while preventing local currency speculation and black market activity in post-war occupied territories and British military bases worldwide.

History

British Armed Forces Special Vouchers (BAFSV), commonly known as 'BAFVs' or military vouchers, were issued from 1946 to 1972 for use by British military personnel stationed abroad. The Second Series, introduced in the late 1940s, was denominated in both pounds/shillings and decimal new pence during Britain's transition to decimal currency (1968–1971). The '50 New Pence' denomination represents the decimalised equivalent of 10 shillings. These vouchers were valid only at NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) canteens and approved service establishments, operating at a fixed exchange rate (noted as 6.60% of theatre value on this note). The system was designed to prevent currency manipulation in post-war Germany, the Middle East, Far East, and other areas with British military presence. The vouchers were withdrawn in 1972 when the British military voucher system was discontinued. The serial letter 'D' indicates the print series/block. Pick catalogue reference M26 places this in the military issues category.