Biafran pound
The pound was the currency of the breakaway Republic of Biafra between 1968 and 1970.
Context
The Republic of Biafra existed from 1967 to 1970 as an independent state between Nigeria and Cameroon. The central bank of Biafra was one of the first institutions created. It was then decided to maintain the Nigerian pound. The young Republic relied heavily on foreign exchange for cash, which turned into a risky venture.On 27 January 1968, Biafran President General C. Odumegwu Ojukwu declared:
The first notes, in denominations of 5/– and £1, were introduced on January 29, 1968. A series of coins was issued in 1969; 3d, 6d, 1/–, and 2s 6d coins were minted, all struck in aluminium. In February 1969, a second family of notes was issued in denominations of 5/– and 10/–, £1, £5 and £10. Despite not being recognised currency by the rest of the world when issued, the banknotes were afterwards sold as curios in British notaphily shops. The notes are now traded among banknote collectors at well above their original nominal value.
The most commonly found notes are the 1968 and 1969 £1 notes, with the £10 note and all coins being rare.
All banknotes issued by the Bank of Biafra are undated, though the dates of issuance are known. All notes bear the signature of bank Governor Sylvester Ugoh and Director William Uzoaga.