Kenya 5 Shillings 1984 Pick 19c UNC Banknote
The Kenya 5 Shillings 1984 banknote (Pick 19c) was issued by the Central Bank of Kenya as part of the first banknote series bearing the portrait of President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, who became President in 1978. Introduced in the early 1980s, this note circulated until it was gradually replaced by the 5 Shillings coin in 1985.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, it is one of the most collectible low-denomination Kenyan banknotes from the Moi era.
Historical Background
Following the succession of Daniel Toroitich arap Moi after the death of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya introduced a completely redesigned family of banknotes in 1980, replacing Kenyatta’s portrait with that of the new president. The 5 Shillings denomination remained in circulation until the introduction of the 5 Shillings coin in 1985, although both the note and coin circulated together for a period.
The 1984 Pick 19c is the final dated variety of this denomination before production ceased.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Kenya
- Denomination: 5 Shillings
- Year: 1984
- Pick Number: P-19c
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of Kenya
- Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
- Material: Cotton paper
- Dimensions: 132 × 70 mm
- Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. Ltd. (United Kingdom)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi
- Coat of Arms of Kenya
- Floral ornament
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
The portrait of President Moi symbolised Kenya’s new political era following his accession to office in 1978 and appeared on all Kenyan banknotes issued during the 1980s and 1990s.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Three African buffaloes
- Two giraffes
- Mountain landscape
- Large denomination numerals
- Decorative security patterns
This wildlife scene celebrates Kenya’s internationally renowned national parks and reflects the country’s rich biodiversity and tourism heritage.
Security Features
- Lion’s head watermark
- Embedded security thread
- Intaglio printing
- Fine guilloche patterns
- Serial numbering
- High-quality security paper
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Kenya 5 Shillings 1984 Pick 19c UNC banknote is an iconic low-denomination issue from the early Moi period. Combining an important political portrait with classic African wildlife imagery, it is an essential piece for collectors of East African currency.
Perfect for:
- Kenya banknote collections
- African currency collections
- Wildlife-themed banknotes
- Daniel arap Moi memorabilia
- Historic low-denomination banknotes
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 19c is the final 1984 variety of Kenya’s classic 5 Shillings banknote before the denomination transitioned to a coin. Because many surviving examples entered circulation, crisp UNC specimens have become increasingly desirable among collectors of Kenyan and East African paper money.
