5 Pound B Series 14/10/77

Iconic piece of Irish numismatic history: the Series B £5 "John Scotus Eriugena" banknote. First introduced in 1976 as part of the Central Bank of Ireland’s "Series B" banknote issue, this note replaced the long-standing "Lady Lavery" design and remained in circulation until 1994, when it was replaced by the Series C.


​Design Details:

Front (Obverse): Features a portrait of John Scotus Eriugena (c. 800–c. 877), the prominent early medieval Irish philosopher and theologian. The design incorporates decorative letterwork inspired by the 9th-century Book of Kells, alongside adapted motifs from early Irish manuscript illumination in a rich brown and red-orange color palette.

Back (Reverse): Features an excerpt from an early Irish manuscript layout combined with intricate details adapted from the high crosses and monastic art of medieval Ireland, paying homage to Ireland's rich intellectual and artistic heritage.


​Historical Context:

Issued by the Central Bank of Ireland, the Series B banknotes marked a shift in Irish currency design, celebrating figures of Irish history, literature, and philosophy rather than allegorical portraits. This £5 note is a quintessential example of late 20th-century Irish design and serves as a tangible link to a pivotal era of the Irish pound before its replacement by the Series C issue.



​See images for condition.



​Post and Packaging:

Standard Post: €2.50

Registered Post: €10.50