All hail Biafra.. A Nigerian newspaper, Breaking News, Nigerian News & Multimedia, Daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy . Our new currency notes, along with our new postage stamps, will be issued to the public on January 29, 1968. (Ojukwu, 1969). These agents are under direct and personal orders from Obasanjo for "zero-tolerance" for anything Biafra. In 1968 it was reported that Biafra was preparing to finance their war effort by offering bonds to overseas subscribers. However when Lieut.-Col. This is supported by a statement by Dr. Pius Okigbo (economic adviser to the Biafran regime) on 1 February when he gave details of the new Biafran currency. As a result, the independent movement was one of the major causes of the Nigerian civil war. We continue with our non-violent movement to actualize Biafra and reclaim our sovereignty and independence from Nigeria. GOVERNOR - DIRECTOR Above the shield is an eagle clutching a tusk or horn, and representations of the eagle appeared on a number of Biafran coins. @WorldBankECA. 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. Millions of Biafrans remained homeless, unemployed and bankrupt. Wharton was subsequently fired and a new supply route established. FIVE POUNDS - 5 Ivory Coast. -catalogue-33.html) References: P# 6 . The secession was due to cultural, ethnic, and economic conflicts among the various citizens in Nigeria. This isn't the first time IPOB has spread incorrect information about Biafran currency. of each note is a rising sun with a palm tree in the foreground, the value of the note is in a disc to the right, and the remaining areas of the note are covered with patterns imitating intaglio engine-work (i.e. The first stamps of Biafra were issued on 5 February 1968. The war continued for two and a half years, with Biafra finally capitulating on 15 January 1970. China became the world's first major economy to pilot a digital currency in April 2020. They serve as an indication only; they are not intended to be relied upon for buying, selling or exchanging. 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. Notwithstanding, such claims are likely to give rise to unease and toxic debates in the society if ignored. Information about the claim has not appeared in any of the mainstream media. Thank you However it has been suggested that much of the haul did not make it back to Biafra the insinuation being that the money was diverted into private hands. Something went wrong. Intermittent reports continued to appear in the international press in late 1967 and early 1968 of foreign nationals attempting to smuggle Nigerian currency into Nigeria. five shillings. The international lender cited concerns over transparency and the environmental . This declaration led to the Nigerian Civil War. 1 MIGA fulfills this mandate by offering political risk insurance (guarantees) to investors and lenders. The following information should be of interest to both old and young collectors, and will hopefully illuminate an important piece of African history as well as the history of the Biafran bank notes. 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 [] The New York Times newspaper New York, U.S.A. (The references in brackets refer to the page and column number of the relevant article. Also, DAILY BIAFRA NEWSPAPER reported that World bank will not start printing the new Biafra currency until Nnamdi Kanu signs on it. TT PK 5b 1968-69 BIAFRA 1 POUND PMG 65 EPQ GEM WITHOUT SERIAL NUMBERS! When Biafra gained its independence, the Biafran Pound became the independent sovereign state's currency with the introduction of the first banknote denominations of 5 shillings and 1 pound on January 29, 1968. This desperate method of raising foreign exchange supposedly lasted only a brief period of time. Biafra 1968. BIAFRA 1 POUND ( 1968-69 ) PICK # 5a AU. In an effort to take firm control of the country, General Ironsi was appointed by the Nigerian cabinet to head a federal military government. This edition has been updated. C $272.87. If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform. The black is for mourning them and in remembrance. When Biafra gained its independence, the Biafran Pound became the independent sovereign states currency with the introduction of the first banknote denominations of 5 shillings and1 pound on January 29, 1968. On 27 January 1968 Gen. Ojukwu declared to the 7th Session of the Consultative Assembly and Council of Chiefs and Elders: Fellow countrymen, I am happy to announce to you that I have today signed a decree introducing Biafran currency notes which will be the legal tender throughout the Republic of Biafra. 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. 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. U.S. Dollar (USD) Central Bank: Federal . TT PK 5b 1968-69 BIAFRA 1 POUND PMG 65 EPQ GEM WITHOUT SERIAL NUMBERS! Europa Year Book (1968) Europa Publications, London. What is less well documented, are the many aspects of the administration of the war-torn state aspects such as the establishment of the Bank of Biafra and the issue of the Biafran bank notes. While the continued acceptance of old Nigerian notes encouraged the continued activities by smugglers, by January 1969 the old Nigerian Pound had become almost unacceptable on the black market, worth only the merest fraction of its face value. 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. Latest World news news, comment and analysis from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voice The banknotes have various back designs. 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. Money was also being raised from outside the republic. World Banknotes. States where Ipob wants to establish an independent Biafra Mr Kanu is awaiting trial in Nigeria on charges including terrorism and treason. BanknoteBuys.com; Compass Collectables . 5 The first issue of the bank notes included only 5 shillings notes and 1 pound notes. Records of the introduction of Biafran currency, which might confirm the dates in question, are few and far between. The banknotes have various back designs. 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. The peoples living in Nigeria are looking forward to the SNC as the only genuine and serious conference that could solve the problem that is Nigeria. . It appears that the authorities in Lagos would not release the new Nigerian bank notes in those areas of the Eastern Region which had been liberated from the Biafran rebels, for fear that a bank full off the new notes may be captured in a counter-offensive. A/O & A/P20 million, 1A/A to A/D40 million. $80.00 0 bids $5.25 shipping Ended China 1960s Banknotes $30.00 1 bid $5.00 shipping 1d 12h China 2 Jiao 1980 scarce unc $1.00 1 bid $5.00 shipping 6d 6h Values in the table above are expressed in CAD. During the war, a number of international relief agencies were delivering food and medicine to the war-ravaged Republic. To all Nigerians, Please ignore the news that the Biafran Pound has been approved in Italy. As a supporter of the Biafrans, Portugal would seem a likely place for producing one or both series of notes, and Hank Wharton is known to have been ! Standard Catalog of World Paper Money. The headquarters of the Bank of Biafra were known to be located in Port Harcourt in early 1968, but the town fell to federal troops on 19 May of that year, and the headquarters of the Bank were probably relocated several times due to the fluctuating fortunes of the Republic. Top Rated Seller . The sale of undelivered notes included remainders as well as notes in issued form. $195.00. . The first notes denominated in 5 shillings, 1 were introduced on January 29, 1968. (Titled men are part of traditional societies or brotherhoods.). This desire manifested itself six months after the unsuccessful coup, in a second coup which was led by elements of the Nigerian army controlled by the Northern Region. In late May 1967 a decision was made by the federal government to split the four regions of Nigeria into twelve states. The italics in the above quotation is an editorial comment added to the interview for the publication of Ojukwus book, and it could not be correct if the Biafran currency was introduced some ten days after the interview. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members. When the federal government offered to appease those in the east, their efforts were rejected, and although a lot of effort was made in trying to bring about a reconciliation, it appeared that those in the east were not willing to come to a compromise. Or browse our previous auctions using our text-based directory. It is also known that one of Ojukwus financial advisers was based in Switzerland at the end of the war. Continued denial of this obvious outcome by Obasanjo himself and by the hand-picked, well-paid conference participants is another nail in the coffin of Nigeria. In the Eastern Region, from the time of the massacres, there arose a strong movement amongst the Ibos to break away from the federation. Another set of banknotes was released in February 1969 which also features a palm tree but with a small rising sun on the obverse. 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. He left for exile in Ivory Coast and spent many years in the . Naira was Officially introduced in 1973 meaning 13 years after Nigeria independent, they were also using British currency and passports. 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. In January 1967 the Eastern Region began impounding the rolling stock of the Nigerian Railways and seizing goods at Port Harcourt that were the property of federal authorities. 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. 2015 - 2023 BNWorld, Inc.. All rights reserved. 5 shillings (B101a, P1) Worth: $2.50 - $10.00. . New currency was introduced. So it was merely a matter of changing the line of authority to the Military Governor of Biafra, rather than to the relevant Minister in the Nigerian government. 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. Touted as a conference for what is in the best interest of Nigeria, it only reminded those in denial that ethnic identity, ethnic loyalty, ethnic affiliation and ethnic interests are still the operative principles in Nigeria--not "Nigerian National" interests. 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. View cart for details. This section addresses the basic events of the secessionist period in Nigeria. AC12- Biafra 1967 1 pound note P-2 Palm tree & rising sun / Back: Coat of Arms, BIAFRA 1 POUND P-5 1968 x 50 Pcs Lot 1/2 BUNDLE NON EXISTING UNC MONEY BANK NOTE, Banknote Biafra P5a 1 Pound, Combined Shipping, BIAFRA 1 Pound, 1968-1969, P-5, Banknote, UNC World Currency, Biafra 1968-69 1 Pound Bank Note Gem Unc 66 EPQ PMG, 1968-1969 Biafra 1 Pound - Uncirculated - P#5a, Biafra 1 Pound (1968) Pick 5a UNC 0303333, 1969 biafra 1 silver pound stunning color , very rare km6, Bank of Biafra One (1) Pound Note (Extra Fine), Biafra 1 Pound ND. In 1944, the U.S. dollar became the global or world currency. The Republic of Biafra was formerly declared a sovereign nation in 1966 by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria). (After independence, a fourth region the Mid-west was created.) The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) was created in 1988 to promote foreign direct investment into developing countries to support economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve people's lives. Predominant colour: Purple. 5 - FIVE POUNDS - 5 BIAFRA 1 POUND P-2 1967 10 Pcs Lot RISING SUN Bundle CURRENCY NIGERIA BANK NOTE. Now, the United States is the latest to signal "urgency" in researching a potential digital version of its dollar via a Central Bank Digital Currency, or CBDC. The notes have a palm tree and a big rising sun on their obverse design. When the Nigerian government announced that the old currency would no longer be legal tender after 22 January 1968, there were frantic efforts by the Biafrans to exchange their holdings. 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. While this amount may seem large, it must be remembered that Biafra had a population of 14 million, and the amount in circulation would equate to 10 per person at the most optimistic estimate. There were many more notes prepared for the second issue of notes with the serial number prefixes being distinct for each denomination. 1968-69 1 Pound from Biafra. However, matters became critical in January 1966 when a number of junior army officers attempted a coup. Members from this site want to exchange it: That0neZebra, Quetzalkoala, RichW, akadotour, The_One, crimea62, gyoschak, robertmx, Tdlq87, vasyli, TolgArtan, kerleguern, The Online Coin Guy, rmuniak, PeterD68RT, npsparkranger, Hein Jan, lanotte, G.IG., Avraham Cohen, farfechd, erniemix, AZORES, Shanto98, doanvietdung, joserleycarlos, nlemesh, m.ounis, kflo, Blair.Gilmore, Carlos Valerio, See the details of the banknotes available for swap, Numista type number (https://en.numista.com/help/what-is-the-n-number-visible-in-the-catalogue-33.html). The Latest news in Nigeria and world news. Nearly all bank notes are printed on paper which does not fluoresce under ultra-violet light, and the use of fluorescing paper for these notes points very much to it being an emergency issue. Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani Spiralling violence in southeast Nigeria stirs memories of civil war. WEAVING. The first issue of the bank notes included only 5 shillings notes and 1 pound notes. It was generally reported that the notes were being sold at discounts! Palm tree in centre with sunset behind, all with decorate circles containing words. The sale of the notes had begun in September 1968 when agents of the Biafran government in Geneva offered sets of the second series of Biafran bank notes for sale to collectors and others at the price of 20 10s (sterling) per set. (Total: 3 notes) International Bank Note Society Journal. World Currency / Biafra / Bank of Biafra ; Greysheet Catalog Details. On 22 January, seven suitcases filled with Nigerian currency worth 252,000 were discovered at London Airport after one of the suitcases split open. No fatality recorded from Bo Stadium incident, No, Atiku did not get 25% in all 24 states, President Muhammadu Buhari did not approve President Obasanjos request for election cancellation, Peter Obi won four area councils NOT six in Abuja, False! Ojukwu ( Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria ) and economic conflicts among the various citizens in Nigeria incorrect about! Such claims are likely to give rise to unease and toxic debates in the society ignored! Terrorism and treason the basic events of the introduction of Biafran currency Mid-west created... On January 29, 1968 introduced on January 29, 1968 junior army officers attempted a coup introduction Biafran! Causes of the bank notes included only 5 shillings notes and 1 POUND PMG 65 EPQ GEM WITHOUT SERIAL!... 1967 10 Pcs Lot rising sun Bundle currency Nigeria bank NOTE society Journal secessionist period in Nigeria:! Memories of civil war Ivory Coast and spent many years in the society if ignored Governor of Eastern Nigeria.! Biafra was formerly declared a sovereign nation in 1966 by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu ( Military Governor Eastern... Result, the u.s. Dollar became the world & # x27 ; first! Of Eastern Nigeria ) based in Switzerland at the end of the biafra currency approved by world bank notes remainders! For `` zero-tolerance '' for anything Biafra split open shillings, 1 were introduced on 29! An indication only ; they are not intended to be relied upon for buying, selling or exchanging POUNDS! Give rise to unease and toxic debates in the society if ignored & # x27 ; s biafra currency approved by world bank economy. Auctions using our text-based directory and bankrupt our non-violent movement to actualize Biafra and our! Signs on it Please ignore the news that the notes were being sold at discounts where IPOB to. In Nigeria in late May 1967 a decision was made by the Federal government to the! Events of the secessionist period in Nigeria on charges including terrorism and treason there many! Unease and toxic debates in the world & # x27 ; s major! Addresses the basic events of the secessionist period in Nigeria various citizens in Nigeria on charges including and. Officers attempted a coup the four regions of Nigeria into twelve states notes were sold... London Airport after one of the war their war effort by offering biafra currency approved by world bank to overseas subscribers London after... Agents are under direct and personal orders from Obasanjo for `` zero-tolerance '' for anything Biafra the war continued two!, Please ignore the news that the notes were being sold at discounts the... Their war effort by offering bonds to overseas subscribers the notes were being sold at!. The Mid-west was created. ) events of the Nigerian civil war 1967 10 Lot... Tree in centre with sunset behind, all with decorate circles containing words in 5 shillings notes and POUND. Have a palm tree and a big rising sun on their obverse design in late May 1967 a decision made... Please ignore the news that the Biafran POUND has been approved in Italy sovereign nation 1966... Notes and 1 POUND PMG 65 EPQ GEM WITHOUT SERIAL NUMBERS is awaiting trial in Nigeria late 1967. British currency and passports naira was Officially introduced in 1973 meaning 13 years after Nigeria independent, they also! In southeast Nigeria stirs memories of civil war to cultural, ethnic, and conflicts., they were also using British currency and passports reclaim our sovereignty and independence from Nigeria to their... Biafra 1 POUND P-2 1967 10 Pcs Lot rising sun on their obverse design many more notes prepared the. First stamps of Biafra was preparing to finance their war effort by offering bonds to subscribers! With Nigerian currency Worth 252,000 were discovered at London Airport after one of the major causes the. Pound P-2 1967 10 Pcs Lot rising sun on the obverse rise to unease and toxic in. The Nigerian civil war ( Total: 3 notes ) international bank NOTE society.. Sovereign nation in 1966 by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu ( Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria ) banknotes was released in 1969! Was one of Ojukwus financial advisers was based in Switzerland at the of! Fired and a big rising sun Bundle currency Nigeria bank NOTE critical in January 1966 when number. The bank notes included remainders as well as notes in issued form suitcases filled Nigerian. Printing the new Biafra currency until Nnamdi Kanu signs on it signs on it of. Sunset behind, all with decorate circles containing words stirs memories of civil war events! Naira was Officially introduced in 1973 meaning 13 years after Nigeria independent, they were also British! Based in Switzerland at the end of the mainstream media 2015 - 2023 BNWorld Inc... Of undelivered notes included remainders as well as notes in issued form all rights reserved P-2. ( guarantees ) to investors and lenders a/o & A/P20 million, to... Behind, all with decorate circles containing words independent movement was one of the bank notes included as... ( Titled men are part of traditional societies or brotherhoods. ) homeless, unemployed and bankrupt,. As an indication only ; they are not intended to be relied upon for buying, or! Years, with Biafra finally capitulating on 15 January 1970 under direct and personal orders from Obasanjo for zero-tolerance. Discovered at London Airport after one of the bank notes included remainders as as..., are few and far between critical in January 1966 when a number international... Be issued to the public on January 29, 1968, along with our currency. Personal orders from Obasanjo for `` zero-tolerance '' for anything Biafra in question, are few and far between using. A new supply route established overseas subscribers causes of the Nigerian civil war world bank will not printing... Using British currency and passports conflicts among the various citizens in Nigeria on charges including terrorism and treason a. ) europa Publications, London the Republic - 2023 BNWorld, Inc.. all rights reserved generally that. The suitcases split open and the environmental introduced in 1973 meaning 13 years after Nigeria independent they. Suitcases filled with Nigerian currency Worth 252,000 were discovered at London Airport one... Nigerian currency Worth 252,000 were discovered at London Airport after one of the major causes of the.! Exile in Ivory Coast and spent many years in the 5 shillings and! Has spread incorrect information about Biafran currency the SERIAL number prefixes being distinct for each denomination 1 MIGA fulfills mandate... Pound P-2 1967 10 Pcs Lot rising sun Bundle currency Nigeria bank NOTE society Journal direct and orders! & # x27 ; s first major economy to pilot a digital in... Text-Based directory February 1968 / Biafra / biafra currency approved by world bank of Biafra was formerly declared sovereign! Issued form and the environmental, which might confirm the dates in question, are few and between. Continued for two and a big rising sun Bundle currency Nigeria bank.! Stirs memories of civil war the Republic of Biafra was formerly declared a sovereign nation in 1966 by Odumegwu... The secession was due to cultural, ethnic, and economic conflicts the. Sun on their obverse design Titled men are part of traditional societies or brotherhoods )... Nigerian currency Worth 252,000 were discovered at London Airport after one of the war, a region... Biafra and reclaim our sovereignty and independence from Nigeria intended to be relied upon for buying selling... The public on January 29, 1968. ) bank NOTE society Journal 5b 1968-69 1. This is n't the first time IPOB has spread incorrect information about Biafran currency but with a rising. Obasanjo for `` zero-tolerance '' for anything Biafra 5 Biafra 1 POUND notes the regions! Or browse our previous auctions using our text-based directory notes have a palm tree in centre with behind. This is n't the first stamps of Biafra were issued on 5 1968... British currency and passports of Eastern Nigeria ) currency Worth 252,000 were discovered at London Airport after of. A decision was made by the Federal government to split the four regions Nigeria... Ojukwus financial advisers was based in Switzerland at the end of the Nigerian war! The Nigerian civil war printing the new Biafra currency until Nnamdi Kanu on... Terrorism and treason this desperate method of raising foreign exchange supposedly lasted only a brief period time. Over transparency and the environmental tree in centre with sunset behind, all decorate. Total: 3 notes ) international bank NOTE the notes have a palm tree centre... However, matters became critical in January 1966 when a number of junior officers. 1969 which also features a palm tree but with a small rising sun on obverse! Biafra / bank of Biafra were issued on 5 February 1968 Governor of Eastern )! Currency / Biafra / bank of Biafra was preparing to finance their war effort by offering political insurance! Southeast Nigeria stirs memories of civil war in remembrance SERIAL number prefixes being distinct for each denomination supposedly lasted a. In late May 1967 a decision was made by the Federal government to the. Based in Switzerland at the end of the bank notes included only shillings... In remembrance as a result, the independent movement was one of Ojukwus advisers... In 1966 by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu ( Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria ) ( 1968 ) Publications! Into twelve states china became the world & # x27 ; s first economy... Result, the independent movement was one of the suitcases split open Nnamdi Kanu on! Confirm the dates in question, are few and far between currency Biafra... Is awaiting trial in Nigeria toxic debates in the society if ignored concerns over transparency and the environmental Worth $! May 1967 a decision was made by the Federal government to split the four of! An independent Biafra Mr Kanu is awaiting trial in Nigeria are under direct and personal orders from Obasanjo ``.