1 dollar 1965

Common. This is a regular issue from 1965 with significant circulation and surviving examples. eBay market data confirms common status, with recent sales predominantly in the $2-$35 range across various grades (F to AUNC), indicating healthy supply. While PMG 67 EPQ represents superior quality, the underlying note type itself was produced in substantial quantities. High-grade examples command modest premiums but remain readily obtainable.

This note was issued under the Currency Note Act of 1965, marking the establishment of the Bahamas Government's independent currency following the nation's path toward greater autonomy. The prominently featured Queen Elizabeth II reflects the Bahamas' Commonwealth status during this period, while the reverse's 'Sea Garden' design celebrates the nation's natural marine heritage and tropical identity. The three-signature format—including the Minister for Finance and Commissioners of Currency—represents the institutional framework governing Bahamas currency at the dawn of its modern monetary era.

The obverse features a formal left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II adorned with pearls, reflecting her role as head of state for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The design employs classical ornamental scrollwork patterns along both left and right borders with decorative corner emblems containing dollar sign symbols. Three signature lines prominently display the authorization of key governmental figures responsible for currency issuance. The reverse showcases an elaborate marine illustration depicting the 'Sea Garden'—a vibrant underwater ecosystem featuring tropical fish, coral formations, sea plants, and yellow hibiscus flowers. The Bahamas coat of arms (featuring a shield with crown, sailing ship, and blue and red coloring) appears on the right side of the reverse. The teal and green color palette on the obverse contrasts beautifully with the multi-colored marine scene on the reverse, employing yellows, blues, pinks, and warm earth tones.

FRONT SIDE: '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 tender declaration); 'ONE DOLLAR' (Denomination); '$1' (Denomination symbol); 'Minister for Finance' and 'Commissioners of Currency' (Titles of signatories); Serial number 'B650139'; Signatures of Earle Bethel (Minister for Finance), George Higgs (Commissioner), and Stanley W. Smith Butler (Commissioner). REVERSE SIDE: 'THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT' (Issuing authority); 'ONE DOLLAR' (Denomination); '$1' (Denomination symbol); 'SEA GARDEN' (Theme/design title).

This note was produced by Thomas de La Rue (TDLR), London, employing fine line engraving and intaglio printing techniques characteristic of British security printers of the period. The intricate line engraving patterns visible throughout, combined with the complex color registration evident in both the portrait details and the multi-colored sea garden scene, demonstrates sophisticated security printing. The shellfish watermark provides an additional anti-counterfeiting feature. The precision of detail, from the fine portrait work to the elaborate marine illustrations, reflects the high-quality standards of TDLR's currency production.

This note is cataloged as Pick 18b, representing a variant of the 1965 1 Dollar issue. The Pick catalog identifies two variants (P-18a and P-18b) for this denomination, both printed by TDLR. This example displays the signature variety of Earle Bethel (Minister for Finance), George Higgs, and Stanley W. Smith Butler (Commissioners), with serial number B650139. The 'B' prefix in the serial number may indicate a specific printing batch or series. Collectors should note signature varieties exist for this issue, as these represent different periods of governmental authority during 1965.