1 dollar 1965

Common. While this is the first year of issue for Bahamian currency, the 1965 one dollar note in Pick P-18a is readily available in the market. eBay auction data shows regular sales of UNC examples in the $26-$198 range depending on exact grading, with PMG-graded examples commanding premiums. The relatively high print run for a foundational currency issue and consistent market availability indicate this is not a scarce variety.

Issued under the Currency Note Act 1965, this note marks the Bahamas Government's establishment of its own currency following independence. The obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II reflects the Bahamas' continued ties to the British Commonwealth, while the reverse's vibrant sea garden design celebrates the nation's maritime heritage and tropical identity. The dual signatures of the Minister for Finance (M Hodges) and Commissioner of Currency (George Higgs) underscore the governmental authority behind this new currency.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II rendered in green and teal intaglio, surrounded by ornate guilloche patterns, rosette corner medallions, and dollar sign symbols characteristic of de la Rue's security printing standards. The reverse showcases an underwater sea garden scene with coral formations, seaweed, and yellow flowering plants, complemented by the Bahamas coat of arms on the right side—a shield bearing red and white sections with a crown and ship symbol. Both sides employ extensive fine line work and decorative rosettes in the corners, with the white background of the reverse providing striking contrast to the multicolored marine life illustration.

Front: 'THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); 'THE CURRENCY NOTE ACT 1965' (legal basis); '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'B2244004' (serial number); 'Minister for Finance' and 'Commissioner of Currency' (signature labels); 'M Hodges' (Minister's signature); 'George Higgs' (Commissioner's signature). Back: 'THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'SEA GARDEN' (design subject); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The extensive guilloche patterns, fine line borders, detailed portrait rendering, and intricate underwater scene all demonstrate the high-security characteristics of traditional intaglio production. Security features include multi-color overprinting, decorative rosette patterns, and complex background designs typical of de la Rue's mid-20th-century banknote production.

This example is identified as Pick P-18a, the standard variant produced by Thomas de la Rue (TDLR). The PMG population report indicates a P-18b variant also exists for the same Pick number, also printed by TDLR. Varieties for this note are typically distinguished by signature combinations and printer details. This specific note bears the signatures of M Hodges and George Higgs, which appears to be a primary variety. Serial number B2244004 is documented for reference.