1948 Government of Jamaica 5 Shillings Banknote - 2nd January 1948 Issue - King George VI - 1948 British Jamaica Five Shilling Note - P#37a

This listing is for the photographed 1948 Government of Jamaica 5 Shillings Bank Note. This note was issued while Jamaica was part of the Federation of the British West Indies, using the British monetary system. This is an earlier issued note, making it a rare find! The obverse of this note has a portrait of King George VI on the left end. The reverse portrays a small coat of arms in the upper center. Very Good/Fine (VG/F) grade/condition, visible folds and other signs of circulation, as pictured. This rare note provides a fascinating history into British colonialism and Jamaican history, making it a must have for any collection! P#37a (Pick Number 37a).

The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the British colony of Jamaica particularly hard compared to other Caribbean islands. They experienced numerous labor strikes and riots during this time, resulting in their heavy reliance on support from the British Government. In 1958 Jamaica started to gain autonomy from the British Empire, becoming part of the Federation of the British West Indies. Their involvement
in the FWI was a divisive issue, resulting in Jamaica leaving the federation and becoming their own independent nation by 1962, becoming part of the British Commonwealth. This note was issued within the short 4-year span when Jamaica was under British rule while part of the FWI. Super interesting piece of British Colonial and Caribbean history!

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1948 Government of Jamaica 5 Shillings Banknote - 2nd January 1948 Issue - King George VI - 1948 British Jamaica Five Shilling Note - P#37a