Sierra Leone 2 Leones Siaka Stevens 1985 Pick 6h UNC Banknote

The Sierra Leone 2 Leones 1985 Pick 6h is a historic banknote issued by the Bank of Sierra Leone, featuring Siaka Probyn Stevens (1905–1988), one of the country’s most influential political figures.

Dated 1985, this banknote belongs to the final year of Stevens’ presidency, making it particularly interesting for collectors of African political history and historical paper money.

Preserved in uncirculated condition, it offers an attractive example of Sierra Leone’s currency during the late twentieth century.

Historical Background

Sierra Leone gained independence from the United Kingdom on 27 April 1961.

The country initially retained the British West African Pound before introducing its own national currency, the Leone, in 1964.

The Bank of Sierra Leone became responsible for issuing the country’s currency and implementing monetary policy.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Sierra Leone’s banknotes frequently featured the portrait of President Siaka Stevens, reflecting his prominent position in the country’s political life.

The 1985 2 Leones banknote was issued during the final year of his presidency, shortly before Joseph Saidu Momoh succeeded him.

Banknote Specifications

Obverse

The obverse features a portrait of Siaka Stevens, President of Sierra Leone from 1971 to 1985.

The design incorporates the denomination of 2 Leones, official inscriptions and decorative security-printing patterns characteristic of Sierra Leone’s banknotes from this period.

Stevens’ portrait reflects the prominent role of political leaders in the visual identity of the country’s currency during the 1970s and 1980s.

Reverse

The reverse features additional imagery representing Sierra Leone, accompanied by the denomination and decorative elements.

The design reflects the country’s national identity and the artistic style of its twentieth-century paper currency.

The precise reverse motif of the Pick 6h variety should be confirmed against the physical banknote.

Who Was Siaka Stevens?

Siaka Probyn Stevens (1905–1988) was a Sierra Leonean politician who played a central role in the country’s post-independence history.

He served as Prime Minister from 1968 to 1971 and became Sierra Leone’s first executive president when the country adopted a republican constitution in 1971.

Stevens remained president until his retirement in 1985.

His administration was marked by the consolidation of political power, including the establishment of a one-party political system in 1978.

Because of his long period in office, Stevens appeared on numerous Sierra Leonean banknotes, making his portrait a familiar feature of the country’s currency.

The Sierra Leonean Leone

The Leone was introduced in 1964, replacing the British West African Pound at a rate of two Leones to one Pound.

The currency was divided into 100 Cents and became a symbol of Sierra Leone’s independent monetary system.

During the 1980s, denominations such as 1, 2 and 5 Leones were commonly represented in the country’s banknote series.

Over subsequent decades, inflation significantly reduced the purchasing power of the Leone, leading to the introduction of higher denominations.

In 2022, Sierra Leone introduced a redenominated currency at a conversion rate of 1 new Leone (SLE) to 1,000 old Leones (SLL).

The 1985 banknote therefore belongs to the original Leone monetary system.

Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?

The Sierra Leone 2 Leones Siaka Stevens 1985 Pick 6h UNC Banknote combines several appealing collecting themes: African political leaders, West African monetary history, post-independence currency and vintage twentieth-century banknotes.

Its portrait of Siaka Stevens and its 1985 date make it particularly interesting for collectors studying the political history of Sierra Leone.

The uncirculated condition further enhances its appeal as a well-preserved example of the country’s historical paper money.