1 dollar 1965
Market Prices
16 salesAbout This Note
This is a visually striking 1965 Bahamas Government one dollar note (Pick 18b) in uncirculated condition, featuring an elegant portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse rendered in teal and green tones with intricate security patterns. The reverse showcases a vibrant underwater sea garden scene with coral formations and tropical flora, along with the Bahamas coat of arms—a beautiful example of thematic currency design from the early post-independence period. The note exhibits no wear, creasing, or discoloration, with crisp printing and vivid color registration throughout.
Common. While this is a legitimate cataloged variety (P-18b), the 1965 Bahamas one dollar note was produced in substantial quantities as a standard circulation issue. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades ranging from $1.10 to $34 USD, with typical VF specimens selling in the $5-10 range and UNC examples commanding $20-55 in the secondary market. These prices reflect normal collector demand for accessible early Commonwealth currency rather than scarcity.
Issued under the Currency Note Act of 1965, this note marks the Bahamas' transition to independent currency following political developments in the mid-1960s. The obverse honors Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning monarch and head of state, while the reverse's sea garden imagery celebrates the islands' natural marine heritage and tropical identity—themes central to Bahamian national pride and tourism appeal during this formative period of nationhood.
The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II adorned with earrings and formal regalia including crown/tiara, rendered in fine engraved detail with flesh tones set against an ornate teal and green background. Dollar sign ($) symbols appear in all four corners with circular ornamental seals in the bottom corners. The reverse presents an elaborate sea garden composition depicting underwater coral formations, tropical fish, and marine life in vivid polychromatic rendering, with the Bahamian coat of arms (shield with crown, ship, and motto banner) positioned prominently at right. Decorative yellow tropical flowers (likely Juniper or similar indigenous species) frame the design. Both sides employ guilloche patterns and fine-line security work throughout.
FRONT: 'THE CURRENCY NOTE ACT 1965' (The legislative authority for currency issuance); 'THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal status declaration); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'Minister for Finance' and 'Commissioners of Currency' (issuing officials); Signatures of E. Arbuthnott, Pierre Higgs, and Arnold L. Lockhart; Serial number C012601. BACK: 'THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'SEA GARDEN' (design theme); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving with multi-color offset lithography for background and decorative elements. Printed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London—the world's premier security printer and primary currency note producer for Commonwealth nations. The complexity of color registration visible in the coat of arms and sea garden scene, combined with the fine-line guilloche patterns and portrait engraving, reflects de la Rue's sophisticated currency production standards of the period.
This note is cataloged as Pick 18b, indicating it is one of two known varieties of the 1965 Bahamas $1 note. The variant designation (18a vs. 18b) likely reflects signature varieties or minor printing differences by Thomas de la Rue. The observed signatures of E. Arbuthnott, Pierre Higgs, and Arnold L. Lockhart represent the three-signature variety typical of this issue period. Serial number format and printing characteristics would confirm specific variety assignment upon detailed comparison with reference examples.
