Sierra Leone 20 Leones Constance Cummings-John 2022 Pick 38 UNC Banknote
The Sierra Leone 20 Leones 2022 Pick 38 is a modern banknote issued by the Bank of Sierra Leone, honouring Constance Agatha Cummings-John (1918–2000), one of the country’s most influential female political and educational figures.
Introduced as part of Sierra Leone’s redesigned currency series in 2022, this banknote celebrates the contributions of women to the country’s social and political development.
The 20 Leones denomination represents an important part of Sierra Leone’s modern monetary system, introduced following a major currency redenomination.
Preserved in uncirculated condition, it is an appealing addition to collections of African paper money and banknotes featuring notable historical personalities.
Historical Background
Sierra Leone gained independence from the United Kingdom on 27 April 1961 and introduced the Leone as its national currency in 1964.
Over the following decades, the country’s banknotes featured political leaders, national monuments and other symbols of Sierra Leonean identity.
In 2022, the Bank of Sierra Leone introduced a redesigned currency series as part of a major monetary reform.
The redenomination removed three zeros from the existing currency, establishing an exchange rate of 1 new Leone (SLE) for 1,000 old Leones (SLL).
The new series featured prominent historical personalities, including Constance Cummings-John on the 20 Leones denomination.
Banknote Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Sierra Leone |
| Issuer | Bank of Sierra Leone |
| Denomination | 20 Leones |
| Year | 2022 |
| Catalogue number | Pick 38 |
| Currency | Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE) |
| Condition | Uncirculated (UNC) |
| Material | Paper |
| Featured personality | Constance Cummings-John |
| Series | 2022 Redenominated Currency Series |
| Type | Circulation banknote |
| Region | West Africa |
Obverse
The obverse features a portrait of Constance Cummings-John, an important figure in Sierra Leone’s educational, political and women’s rights history.
Her inclusion on the banknote recognises her contribution to the advancement of women and public education in Sierra Leone.
The design also incorporates the denomination of 20 Leones, official inscriptions and modern security-printing elements.
Reverse
The reverse incorporates additional imagery representing Sierra Leone’s national identity and development.
The design complements the portrait of Constance Cummings-John while displaying the denomination and official inscriptions.
The precise reverse motif and individual security features should be verified against the physical banknote before adding further technical details.
Who Was Constance Cummings-John?
Constance Agatha Cummings-John (1918–2000) was a Sierra Leonean educator, politician and advocate for women’s rights.
Born in Freetown, she dedicated much of her life to improving educational opportunities and encouraging women’s participation in public life.
She became particularly well known for her involvement in local politics and her work supporting education for girls.
In 1966, she became Mayor of Freetown, making her one of the most prominent women in Sierra Leone’s political history.
Her achievements helped challenge traditional barriers to women’s participation in leadership and public administration.
By featuring her portrait on the 20 Leones banknote, Sierra Leone recognises her lasting contribution to the country’s social development.
The 2022 Sierra Leone Currency Redenomination
In July 2022, Sierra Leone introduced a new series of banknotes as part of a currency redenomination.
The reform removed three zeros from the previous Leone, simplifying the monetary system.
OFFICIAL CONVERSION RATE
1 SLE = 1,000 SLL
One new Leone equals 1,000 old Leones.
The reform changed the nominal values of the currency without, by itself, changing their underlying purchasing power.
The redesigned series included denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 Leones, featuring important personalities from Sierra Leone’s history.
The 20 Leones note is the highest denomination in this original redesigned banknote family.
Women Featured on World Banknotes
Banknotes featuring influential women have become an important collecting category in world numismatics.
While many historical currencies predominantly depicted monarchs, presidents and military leaders, modern banknote designs increasingly recognise achievements in education, science, literature and social reform.
The Sierra Leone 20 Leones 2022 is a notable example, honouring a woman whose contributions extended beyond politics into education and women’s empowerment.
This makes it particularly appealing to collectors interested in women in history and African social development.
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Sierra Leone 20 Leones Constance Cummings-John 2022 Pick 38 UNC Banknote combines several attractive collecting themes: African currency, influential women, political history, educational reform and modern monetary transformations.
Its connection to the 2022 redenomination makes it historically significant within Sierra Leone’s monetary development.
The portrait of Constance Cummings-John adds a strong biographical and cultural dimension, while its uncirculated condition makes it an attractive example for a modern world banknote collection.
