The question of central banking and coinage is something which must be very carefully looked into. I shall send to the conference, when the time comes, economic experts who will advise on detailed arrangements with a view to safeguarding our future in this respect. (Akpan, 1972), It is most likely that when the time came to organise the first issue of Biafran notes, Ojukwu played a significant role. TT PK 5b 1968-69 BIAFRA 1 POUND PMG 65 EPQ GEM WITHOUT SERIAL NUMBERS! The World Igbo Congress (WIC) is calling on the Nigerian authorities to ensure the safety of the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, saying the . More products for this category are coming soon! Pls let Mazi know about it. Naira was Officially introduced in 1973 meaning 13 years after Nigeria independent, they were also using British currency and passports. Published on 07 November 2019. The world bank has not approved the Biafran currency, and this claim remains an empty statement with no link to reality. The first notes denominated in 5 shillings, 1 were introduced on January 29, 1968. Tons of new Biafran currency are dumped into the sea, to create artificial scarcity in the Republic. (Ojukwu, 1969). Is there a claim that you would like us to investigate? On the other hand, the retention of Nigerian currency may simply have been to provide a recognised circulating medium, and to provide some legitimacy to Biafras use of Nigerian currency in purchasing foreign exchange. Thank you It's fake! The difference being that the Eastern Regions arms had supporters of a leopard (on the left) and a man carrying a spear an Alo (on the right), whereas the Biafran arms had two leopards supporting the shield. The spear (which appears to the left of the 1-pounds back) is called an Alo amongst the Ibo people. BIAFRAN CURRENCY HAS BEEN APPROVED FROM WORLD BANK, BIAFRA IS COMING Content created and supplied by: Johnniepen (via Opera The war continued for two and a half years, with Biafra finally capitulating on 15 January 1970. Tracy L. Schmidt (editor); 2019. REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA
Top Rated Seller Top Rated Seller. General Ironsi (an Ibo) managed to stabilize the situation, and one of his first acts was to appoint military governors to the four regions with the most important appointment being that of Lieutenant-Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to govern the Eastern Region. However, yet another estimate stated that 30 million were circulating in Biafra at the point of secession, with further reserves of 40 million being held in the bank vaults of the Central Bank in Enugu and Port Harcourt. So next time you come across one of these notes, dont reject them out of hand collecting bank notes doesnt have to revolve around scarce notes, and this series proves that cheap notes can be just as intriguing as their expensive counterparts. 1967 (ND), BIAFRA 1 POUND BANKNOTE, CIRCULATED. Should any individual or enterprise wish to surrender a greater amount than the stated limits, then this would be done so long as the requests were registered with the exchange control authorities. There is also the usual text associated with any bank note the name of the country, Republic of Biafra; the name of the bank, Bank of Biafra; the promise to pay on demand the sum of ; and the value of the note, e.g. To all Nigerians, Please ignore the news that the Biafran Pound has been approved in Italy. her currency by more than 80 per cent. View cart for details. Falana gives CBN seven-day ultimatum, demands details of new naira notes distribution Bayelsa governor urges calm over cash crunch CSOs asks Buhari to uphold rule of law El-Rufai has advanced on his treasonable trajectory, says Osuntokun Ahead of tomorrow's Supreme Court sitting on the suit filed by governors against the Central [] Currency: Pound (1967-1970 . Currency Gallery: Biafra Africa Index World Index Banknotes for Sale Consignment List Banknotes Wanted Note Evaluation Banknote Grading Numismatic Books If you are looking to purchase Biafran banknotes, then please visit our Store instead. The People's Bank of China is aiming for widespread domestic use of the e-CNY, or digital yuan, in 2022. The men can be heard speaking in Igbo language and chanting "All hail Biafra" in the video, which has received over 1000 shares on Facebook. The currency spent in the Republic of Biafra 1967 and 1970 has probably entered into the currency market, serving as the legal tender in the market till date. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Frequencies show the percentage of Numista users who own each year or variety among all the users who own this banknote. Wharton was subsequently fired and a new supply route established. C $12.28. WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 In an effort to help accelerate Kenya's ongoing inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, the World Bank has approved a $750 million Development Policy Operation (DPO) that will help strengthen fiscal sustainability through reforms that contribute to greater transparency and the fight against This possibility is further enhanced by the knowledge that the Biafran postage stamps were printed by the Portuguese State Security Printers in Lisbon. Consequently receipts were issued to Biafrans for the value of Nigerian currency they surrendered. However they are an intriguing set of notes and will provide a collector with a complete set of a country for an affordable price. The first Biafran banknote was introduced in 1968 which replaced the Nigerian currency. However, some other comments appear to support the claim. Get the latest news, updates, and video from around the globe. Bank of Biafra. An article on the website Jamyco claims the World Bank has invited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to put his name on a new currency for Biafra. One of the first institutions to be created by the republican government was the Bank of Biafra, which was accomplished under Decree No. Comments made in a speech by General Ojukwu in February 1969 (a year after the events), reflect the public despair that was expressed at the Nigerian decree (although Ojukwu himself could not have been surprised): The government has long been aware of the terrible experiences of our people over the issue of currency. During the war, a number of international relief agencies were delivering food and medicine to the war-ravaged Republic. Long Reads. However, matters became critical in January 1966 when a number of junior army officers attempted a coup. Our main objective is to make sure we minimise lose of money. The first notes, in denominations of 5/- and 1, were introduced on January 29, 1968. The coup also resulted in General Ironsi being murdered, and hundreds of Ibo officers and soldiers being rounded up by their northern counterparts and shot. GA to GW(except GI & GO)19 million, 1BA to BZ(except BI & BO)24 million, CA to CZ(except CI & CO)24 million, DA to DX(except DI & DO)22 million, 5WA to WF6 million, 10ZA to ZC3 million. It appeared that the Eastern Region was forcing the hand of the central government so in an effort to coerce them back under federal control, Lagos began to impose an economic blockade. But, they have zero influence over the activities of Biafrans overseas; these Biafrans put on a successful worldwide demonstration (WWD) at the close of the month of May 2005 during which they sensitized the rest of the world--from Canada to South Africa, Austria to Gabon, and from Ireland to Ukraine to the case for Biafra, pressing for the support of self-determination as a natural and moral right, and as a right ratified by UN Charter. Amounts shown in italicized text are for items listed in currency other than Canadian dollars and are approximate conversions to Canadian dollars based upon Bloomberg's conversion rates. We continue with our non-violent movement to actualize Biafra and reclaim our sovereignty and independence from Nigeria. Because the old Nigerian notes continued to be accepted in certain areas, the value of the old Nigerian currency was not entirely worthle! WASHINGTON, March 17, 2020 The World Bank and IFC's Boards of Directors approved today an increased $14 billion package of fast-track financing to assist companies and countries in their efforts to prevent, detect and respond to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Niven, Rex (1970) The War of Nigerian Unity 1967-1970, Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Ltd, Lagos. Biafra, 1 pound, ND (1968-1969), P-5, UNC a country that existed for 3 years, Biafra 1 Pound (ND 1969) P-5a UNC Banknote - Palm Tree, 5 x 1 POUND 1968 Rep. of Biafra UNC Notes, Same Year, Different Prefix & Serial. that the sale of notes escalated and it is probable that some of the larger dealers of coins and bank notes offered to take large amounts of the notes. Pk 5b and this banknote is w. Seller: Trusted Traditions, Inc. (1) Posted: 07/16/19. In his Diary of Events Gen. Ojukwu makes the following entry: August 13 [1968]: The Hank Wharton Plot, hatched by British government and American CIA to sabotage Biafra and help Nigeria to carry through her final thrust into Biafran heartland. 1
In addition, Biafra was reported to have bought many of its armaments in Geneva and Lisbon reinforcing the probability that one or both of these cities may have provided printing presses for the notes. The pound (symbol ) was the currency of the breakaway Republic of Biafra between 1968 and 1970.. By the time the notes were introduced in 1969, the country controlled by the Biafran forces had been reduced to a circular area approximately 85 miles across (roughly 5,000 square miles) and all consumables had long been sold. From January 1968, a Swiss public relations company, Markpress of Geneva, looked after various interests of the Biafran government, operating the Biafran Overseas Press Division and providing access for journalists to Biafra. Notes from the missing cache of one pound notes from Benin started appearing in Lagos in October (just two months after they had been seized) and doubt remains as to wh! Rates that can't be backed up as they was just benchmarked out of fraustration. 5 shillings . Pick Publishing Corporation (1971) Picks Currency Year Book 1970, New York. Beresiner, Yasha & Narbeth, Colin (1973) The Story of Paper Money, David & Charles, Newton Abbot. . International Bank Note Society Journal. Essentially, most of the institutions required for running the new republic existed as part of the Nigerian governments administration for the Eastern region. The new currency went public on 28 January 1968, and the Nigerian pound was not accepted as an exchange unit. I am worried by the news that the Federal Government, because of shortage of funds for its services, has authorised the printing of a large quantity of unbacked notes for circulation. Modern issues 1961-present (25 th . Of the various symbols used in the design of the Biafran bank notes (both issues), several were very important. s got burnt, as the Central bank decided that there would be no exchange of Biafran currency for Nigerian currency, deciding instead to pay a flat rate of twenty Nigerian pounds to each depositor of Biafran or old Nigerian currency with the Central Bank. China became the world's first major economy to pilot a digital currency in April 2020. The 5 shillings depicts four Biafran girls while the 1 pound shows the coat of arms. Like any new nation, Biafra was keen to be identified with its own national symbols, and for this new republic these were primarily their coat of arms, the rising sun, and the palm tree all being used extensively on Biafran national instruments. Standard Catalog of World Paper Money. Reports exist that the Biafran government approached the Rothschild Bank either shortly after the outbreak of war, or at least by the end of 1967 in an effort to transform their holdings of Nigerian currency. 10 . ), It is interesting that such an attempt has been made to produce this quasi-security device, as another very simple security device is absent that of non-fluorescing paper. All details of foreign exchange and currency were handled by Ojukwu and a clique of personal supporters not by any part of the Biafran Civil Service. 5 shillings (B101ar, P1r) See Details. UNCIRCULATED. fty thousand. During the later half of 1968 the Central Bank of Nigeria announced they would exchange up to 30 per person and 500 for commercial enterprises in old Nigerian and Biafran currencies. Called the " sand dollar ," it will increase financial inclusion for inhabitants spread out across the country's 700 islands, where banking services such as cash machines are not always available. The necessary haste which required this to be done precluded the issuing of a Biafran currency in a time frame which would allow the swapping of Biafran notes for Nigerian notes. Records of the introduction of Biafran currency, which might confirm the dates in question, are few and far between. It is not known whether the sets were sold at the behest of the Biafrans, or by their agents in an effort to recoup unpaid costs. A video on this YouTube channel Biafra Generation claims that the world bank has approved the Biafran currency (what they termed as the Ejemme). The preparation of Biafra Independence on October 12 is in progress. It has also been suggested that the money ultimately fell into the hands of Nigerian soldiers who failed to declare their discovery. (After independence, a fourth region the Mid-west was created.) Lettering: REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA BANK OF BIAFRA Promise to pay on Demand the sum of . Most of us are familiar with the Biafra map of between May 30, 1967 and January 15, 1970 (the old Biafra.) Palm tree in centre with sunset behind, all with decorate circles containing words. Amidst all this, the Nigerian SSS (State Security Services), the Mobile Police, and the Police, are busy chasing down and arresting MASSOB (Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra) members from their own homes and in their church buildings, for no offense other than that they were having a peaceful meeting of MASSOB members. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO TASIN NEWS TV BIKO Pls subscribe, like, comment a. Bank Of Biafra (11) Browse Banknotes. Thursday, 23rd . This is a Currency Gallery page and some, most or even all of the banknotes displayed above on this page may not be available to purchase or to photograph. lines drawn by a geometric lathe). Auction 109. Akpan, Ntieyong U. The two letter serial number were followed by a seven digit number. There is the possibility that the Biafran currency was actually introduced earlier than stated, for in an interview at Umuahia on 18 January 1968, Gen. Ojukwu made the following comment: I understand that some women in the villages said that if this money [during the recall of Nigerian currency for Biafran currency] was wanted for the war they did not mind; the government should take it all. (Ojukwu, 1969). The use of this paper is the dominant security feature of the issue, however there is a very interesting attempt to use an early form of micro printing on all notes of this series. Since some users own several versions, the sum may be greater than 100%. While the Biafrans seem to have rejected this offer, it is likely that some conversion did take place (though not necessarily through Rothschild) as Gen. Ojukwu stated in February 1969: We have been fighting the war with Nigerian foreign exchange, plus of course, what we converted or what we acquired earlier on. (Ojukwu, 1969), The reference to what we acquired earlier on, possibly refers to a windfall to the Biafrans in 1967. For the first series, there are only two known serial number prefixes, while for the second series there are four prefixes. The Central Bank began recalling the Biafran currency and the old Nigerian currency in the war-torn region but, because of the shortage of new Nigerian notes, only receipts were issued to those who surrendered the notes; although during this period of recall it was unclear what rate of exchange would be made for the Biafran notes. Once the new notes were introduced, the federal government could stop redeeming notes of their current issue, and by that process make the Biafran holdings worthless consequently, the Biafran holdings were forced to be sold at a discount. The Latest news in Nigeria and world news. When Biafra declared its independence, it was drastically short of equipment to fight the war, despite the declarations of Lieut.-Col. Ojukwu. This video has been widely circulated on social media, causing great pleasure among many, with some suggesting that the Biafran Pound is more valuable than the Nigerian Naira. Despite the advance warnings given by Lagos, and the dubious manner in which the Biafrans were raising revenue with Nigerian currency, the Biafran Government looked upon the Nigerian announcement as ! A report by the Pointer News that claims the World Bank is set to establish the Central Bank of Biafra has been shared over 500 times on Facebook. It includes data from the World Bank's microdata, finances and energy data platforms, as well as datasets from the open data catalog . In an effort to take firm control of the country, General Ironsi was appointed by the Nigerian cabinet to head a federal military government. On 22 January, seven suitcases filled with Nigerian currency worth 252,000 were discovered at London Airport after one of the suitcases split open. Has a politician, a business or union leader, a health association or environmental group said something that you suspect is untrue or misleading and that should be challenged? Description Biafra Bank of Biafra 1 Pound ND (1967) Pick 2 PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ; Angola Banco de Angola 20 Escudos 1956 Pick 87 PMG Choice About Unc 58; Mozambique Banco de Mocambique 100 Escudos 1961 (ND 1976) pick 117a PMG Gem Uncirulated 66 EPQ. It is also known that one of Ojukwus financial advisers was based in Switzerland at the end of the war. -catalogue-33.html) References: P# 6 . Top Rated Seller . is helping the country rebuild and recover: blogs.worldbank.org. The sale of undelivered notes included remainders as well as notes in issued form. BIAFRA 1 POUND ( 1968-69 ) PICK # 5a AU. Such a unilateral inflationary decision could damage the economy of the component parts. In 1967, following two coups and turmoil which led to about a million Igbos returning to the south-east of Nigeria, the Republic of Biafra seceded with 33-year-old military officer Emeka Odumegwu. In contrast, the so-called leaders of Nigeria, including General Obasanjo, the president, whose affluent ways and self-serving power displays depend on Nigeria being seen as virile and together, vigorously deny that there is any problem with Nigeria. Tracy L. Schmidt (editor); 2019. Above the shield is an eagle clutching a tusk or horn, and representations of the eagle appeared on a number of Biafran coins. BANK OF BIAFRA
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