Ghana 1 Cedi 1982 Pick 17 UNC Banknote
The Ghana 1 Cedi 1982 banknote (Pick 17) is a significant piece of West African monetary history issued by the Bank of Ghana during a period of economic and political transformation.
This attractive vintage banknote features Kwame Nkrumah, the founding father of modern Ghana and one of Africa’s most influential independence leaders. As one of the country’s most recognizable historical figures, Nkrumah’s presence makes this note especially popular among collectors of African history and world paper money.
Preserved in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this note offers collectors the opportunity to own an original example from Ghana’s early post-independence currency system.
Historical Background
Following independence from the United Kingdom in 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve independence from colonial rule.
Under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana became a symbol of African self-determination and economic development. During the following decades, the country’s banknotes frequently featured Nkrumah as a tribute to his role in shaping the nation.
The 1982 issue belongs to a period when Ghana was implementing economic reforms and modernizing its monetary system amid challenging economic conditions.
Today, these notes are increasingly sought after by collectors interested in African history, independence movements and vintage banknotes.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Ghana
- Denomination: 1 Cedi
- Year: 1982
- Pick Number: P-17
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Bank of Ghana
- Currency: Ghanaian Cedi
- Material: Paper
Obverse
The front of the banknote features:
- Portrait of Kwame Nkrumah
- Bank of Ghana inscriptions
- Ornamental security patterns
- National symbols
- Serial numbering
Nkrumah remains one of the most important political figures in African history and is widely regarded as the architect of modern Ghana.
Reverse
The reverse showcases imagery reflecting Ghana’s national development and economic progress.
Design elements include:
- National development themes
- Agricultural and industrial symbolism
- Decorative patterns
- Denomination inscriptions
The reverse design highlights the aspirations of Ghana during the late twentieth century.
Security Features
- Watermark
- Security thread
- Fine-line guilloche patterns
- Intaglio printing
- Serial numbers
- Anti-counterfeiting features of the period
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Ghana 1 Cedi 1982 Pick 17 UNC banknote combines historical importance, attractive design and the legacy of one of Africa’s most influential leaders.
Perfect for:
- African banknote collections
- Ghana currency collections
- Kwame Nkrumah memorabilia
- Independence-themed collections
- Vintage world banknote collections
- UNC paper money collections
Collector’s Note
Banknotes featuring Kwame Nkrumah remain among the most popular Ghanaian issues with international collectors. The 1982 1 Cedi note is an affordable yet historically significant example that represents Ghana’s post-independence era and the vision of one of Africa’s most celebrated leaders.

