Pakistan “Golden Jubilee of Independence” Commemorative Banknote 1997
In 1997, the State Bank of Pakistan issued a 5 Rupees commemorative banknote to celebrate 50 years of Pakistan’s independence (1947-1997). This special issue marked Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee, honoring the nation’s journey since its formation.
The banknote features iconic national symbols, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and the historic Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam on the reverse side. This banknote was released as a limited-edition commemorative issue but was also briefly circulated.
Overview of the Front and Back Note
The obverse (front) side of the banknote prominently features a portrait of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, wearing his traditional Jinnah cap. The banknote also displays the official Golden Jubilee logo (1947-1997), emphasizing 50 years of independence. The denomination “5” is positioned on the bottom left and top right, while the serial number is displayed on both the left and right sides.
The reverse (back) side of the banknote showcases the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, one of Pakistan’s most significant architectural and spiritual landmarks, located in Multan. This image represents Pakistan’s cultural and religious heritage. The words “State Bank of Pakistan” are printed at the top, with the denomination “Five Rupees” written in English at the bottom.
Design Features
Obverse (Front)
- Portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah – Depicting Pakistan’s founding father in a traditional Jinnah cap, symbolizing leadership and vision.
- Golden Jubilee Logo (1947-1997) – Marking 50 years of Pakistan’s independence.
- Denomination “5” – Displayed in both Urdu and English.
- Text in Urdu – Reads “بینک دولت پاکستان” (State Bank of Pakistan) and “پانچ روپے” (Five Rupees).
- Decorative Border Patterns – Enhancing the elegance of the design.
- Serial Number – Printed on both left and right sides for verification.
Reverse (Back)
- Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam – A representation of Pakistan’s historical and cultural heritage, located in Multan.
- Text in English – Reads “State Bank of Pakistan” and “Five Rupees”.
- Islamic Geometric Patterns – Adding an artistic touch to the note.
- Denomination “5” – Positioned at the bottom left and top right corners.
Color Scheme
- The front side has a blend of green, light yellow, and purple shades, reflecting Pakistan’s national colors and heritage.
- The back side incorporates a mix of light green, purple, and white tones, giving the banknote a balanced and elegant look.
The combination of colors makes this banknote visually distinct and symbolic of national pride.
Dimensions
- Width: 115 mm
- Length: 65 mm
This size follows the standard dimensions for Pakistani banknotes of that period, ensuring ease of use.
Security Features
The 1997 “Golden Jubilee of Independence” 5 Rupees commemorative banknote includes several security elements to prevent counterfeiting:
- Watermark – A hidden portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah becomes visible when the note is held up to the light.
- Security Thread – A thin embedded metallic strip runs across the note.
- Microprinting – Tiny inscriptions that can only be read under magnification.
- Raised Printing – Key details such as the portrait and denomination have a textured feel, making them harder to replicate.
- UV Features – Certain elements glow under ultraviolet (UV) light, enhancing security.
- Color-Shifting Ink – The denomination “5” changes color when tilted, preventing counterfeiting.
These security features ensure authenticity and make the note difficult to counterfeit.
Circulation and Collectibility
- This 5 Rupees banknote was issued as a commemorative note, but it was also briefly circulated for public use.
- It was released by the State Bank of Pakistan in 1997 to celebrate 50 years of independence.
- Due to its historical significance and limited print run, it has become a popular collectible item.
- Many copies remain in uncirculated condition, making them valuable to numismatists and collectors.
- The Golden Jubilee edition status increases its long-term investment potential.