5 New Pence / 1 Pound British Armed Forces Special Voucher #544

Front

British Armed Forces Special Voucher 6th Series, 5 New Pence denomination. This note is part of the dual-denomination system used by British military personnel and their families stationed overseas, where the front displays 5 New Pence and the reverse displays the equivalent value of One Pound in local purchasing power. The 6th Series was issued by command of the Defence Council (later Army Council notation on reverse) and circulated in NAAFI stores and military facilities from 1972 to 1988, bridging the UK's decimalization period.

Back

Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom, the official coat of arms of the British monarch, featuring the quartered shield with the three lions of England, lion rampant of Scotland, and harp of Ireland, supported by the crowned lion of England and unicorn of Scotland. The reverse displays 'ONE POUND' denomination with 'SPECIAL VOUCHER' designation and the instruction 'FOR USE ONLY AS DETAILED ON THE REVERSE', along with serial number AA 1/10 136928. Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, London, as noted at bottom.

History

The British Armed Forces Special Vouchers (BAFSV) 6th Series was introduced in 1972 following UK decimalization and remained in use until 1988. These vouchers were a form of military scrip used by British service personnel and their dependents at NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) facilities worldwide to prevent currency speculation and black market activities in areas where British forces were stationed. The dual-denomination system (New Pence on front, Pound on back) reflected both the domestic UK decimal currency and the purchasing power equivalence in overseas locations. The front inscription changed from 'Defence Council' to 'Army Council' during the series run. Serial number format 'AA 1/10 136928' indicates series AA with fractional notation 1/10. The 6th Series was eventually phased out in favour of direct sterling usage as exchange controls relaxed. Pick number M48 catalogues this specific denomination pairing.