Ghana 5000 Cedis 1999 Pick 34d UNC Banknote
The Ghana 5000 Cedis 1999 banknote (Pick 34d) is a colourful standard circulation issue produced by the Bank of Ghana. It belongs to the smaller-format 5000 Cedis series used from 1996 until the years preceding Ghana’s 2007 currency redenomination. The Pick 34d variety is dated 1 July 1999.
Printed in green and reddish-orange tones over a multicoloured background, the note combines Ghanaian national symbolism with imagery representing maritime trade and the timber industry. In uncirculated condition, it offers collectors a crisp example of late twentieth-century West African currency.
Historical Background
This banknote formed part of Ghana’s second cedi currency system, which remained in use until 2007. Following the later redenomination, banknotes from this family were withdrawn and became obsolete as circulating currency.
The 5000 Cedis was an important higher denomination during the late 1990s. Its design reflects Ghana’s economic activity through references to shipping, commercial ports and timber, while the national coat of arms reinforces the note’s official identity.
The Bank of Ghana identifies this historical design family with the themes of a map, harbour and ships.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Ghana
- Denomination: 5,000 Cedis
- Date: 1 July 1999
- Pick Number: P-34d
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Bank of Ghana
- Currency: Second Ghanaian cedi
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 150 × 75 mm
- Printer: De La Rue, United Kingdom
- Status: Demonetised
Obverse
The obverse features:
- The Ghanaian coat of arms
- Large star motifs within the underprint
- The Bank of Ghana title
- The national motto “Freedom and Justice”
- The Adinkra symbol Gye Nyame
- Serial numbers and denomination inscriptions
The expression Gye Nyame is commonly translated as “except for God” and is one of Ghana’s most recognisable traditional symbols.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- A cargo ship or freighter in a harbour
- Floating or transported timber logs
- An outline map of Ghana
- Large denomination numerals
- Decorative security patterns
The scene highlights Ghana’s maritime trade, port infrastructure and timber sector.
Security Features
- Ghanaian coat-of-arms watermark
- Security thread
- Intaglio printing
- Fine guilloche patterns
- Multicoloured underprint
- Serial numbering
- Ultraviolet-reactive elements
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Ghana 5000 Cedis 1999 Pick 34d UNC banknote is an attractive representative of Ghana’s pre-redenomination currency. Its combination of national symbolism, harbour imagery and industrial themes gives it strong visual and historical appeal.
Perfect for:
- Ghanaian banknote collections
- African currency collections
- Maritime-themed banknotes
- Ships and harbour collections
- Industrial and timber-themed collections
- Pre-redenomination currencies
- UNC world banknote collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 34 series was issued with several different dates between 1996 and 2006. The Pick 34d corresponds specifically to the issue dated 1 July 1999, allowing collectors to build a complete date-variety set of this distinctive 5000 Cedis design.
