
The Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound was a currency used in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, a short-lived union of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland. It was introduced in 1955 and replaced by the Rhodesian dollar in 1965.
The currency was pegged to the British pound at a rate of 1:1, which meant that the Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound was equivalent to the British pound. This peg was maintained until the currency was replaced.
The Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound was divided into 20 shillings, with each shilling further divided into 12 pence. This means that there were 240 pence in a pound.
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History of the Currency
The Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound was introduced in 1955 to replace the Southern Rhodesian pound, which had been circulating in the entire federation.
The new currency was pegged at par to the British sterling, maintaining the same value as the previous currency.
The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland broke up at the end of 1963, leading to the creation of separate British colonies, including Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia, and Southern Rhodesia.
Each of these territories eventually became independent, issuing their own pounds at par with the Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound, which was no longer in circulation.
Introduction to the Currency

The currency has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years.
The first forms of currency emerged around 700 BCE in ancient Greece and Rome, where people used coins made of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver.
The use of coins allowed for easier trade and commerce, and soon became the standard form of currency.
The first paper money was introduced in China during the Tang Dynasty, around 1000 CE.
The introduction of paper money revolutionized the way people thought about currency, and paved the way for modern banking systems.
The gold standard, which linked the value of currency to the value of gold, was widely adopted in the 19th century.
The gold standard helped to establish trust in the currency system, but also limited the ability of governments to print money and control the economy.
The widespread use of credit cards and digital payments has transformed the way we think about currency, and has made it easier than ever to conduct transactions.
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Background and Development

The concept of currency has been around for thousands of years, with the first known use of commodity-based currency dating back to ancient civilizations in Africa and Asia around 700 BCE.
The Lydians are credited with inventing the first gold and silver coins around 560 BCE, which were stamped with official marks to guarantee their authenticity.
These early coins were made from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, and were used to facilitate trade and commerce.
The use of coins as a medium of exchange gained popularity and spread throughout the ancient world, with the Greeks and Romans adopting the practice.
The first paper money was introduced in China during the Tang Dynasty around 960 CE, with the use of paper currency becoming widespread during the Ming Dynasty.
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Auction Details
The Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound was a currency used in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1953 to 1963. It was pegged to the British pound at a rate of 1:1.
The auction details for this currency are limited, but it's worth noting that the Federation was dissolved in 1963, and the currency was replaced by the Rhodesian dollar.
Lot 1315

Lot 1315 is a notable item in the auction. It's a coin from Rhodesia & Nyasaland, specifically a 10 Shillings note from 1961.
This coin is in Extremely Fine condition, denoted by the XF (-) grading. The p20b designation is a reference to the specific banknote series.
The XF grading indicates that the coin has a high level of detail and preservation, but may show some minor wear or flaws.
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Lot 1316
Lot 1316 is a notable item in the auction. It features a 10 Shillings note from Rhodesia & Nyasaland, issued in 1961.
The grade of this note is Very Fine, indicated by the VF (-) notation. This suggests it has some minor flaws but is still in good condition.
The catalog number for this note is p20b. This is a specific reference number that collectors and dealers use to identify the note.
Lot 1320
Lot 1320 is a notable item in the auction, featuring a 1 Pound note from Rhodesia & Nyasaland, issued in 1960. It's in Very Fine condition, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
The note's catalog number is p21b, which indicates its rarity and collectibility.
This note is a great opportunity for collectors to own a piece of history from a unique region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Fed of Rhodesia and Nyasaland?
The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was a British-dominated political unit that existed from 1953 to 1963, comprising Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland. It was a short-lived federation that ultimately dissolved on December 31, 1963.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodesia_and_Nyasaland_pound
- https://www.currencybanknotes.com/banknotecountry.php
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note201810.html
- https://www.greysheet.com/prices/sp/rhodesia-and-nyasaland-bank-of-rhodesia-and-nyasaland/10935
- https://greenapple.bidinside.com/en/cat/361/7/rhodesia-nyasaland/1/
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