1 dollar 1968

Common. While this is the first regular-issue banknote from the Bahamas Monetary Authority (historically significant), the Pick P-27 1 Dollar note in all grades remains common in the numismatic market. eBay sales data shows consistent circulation across all condition grades from Fine through Uncirculated, with UNC examples typically achieving $22–$40 in recent years (2012–2019), indicating steady collector demand but ample supply. The note was produced in substantial quantities for regular circulation, and no print run restrictions or recalls are documented. The abundance of sales records spanning over a decade without notable price appreciation for UNC examples further confirms common status.

Issued in 1968 following the establishment of the Bahamas Monetary Authority by the Bahamas Government in 1966, this note marked the transition of the Bahamas toward greater monetary independence. The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the Bahamas' continued ties to the Commonwealth at the moment of monetary sovereignty, while the reverse depicts the 'Sea Garden'—a reference to the Bahamas' renowned marine environment and coral reefs, emphasizing the nation's natural heritage and tropical identity. The inclusion of the coat of arms with its maritime symbolism underscores the islands' oceanic character and economic reliance on marine resources.

The obverse features a formal left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing jeweled formal attire, rendered in meticulous engraving style typical of Thomas De La Rue's security printing. The portrait is flanked by ornamental rosette designs and geometric patterns with decorative scrollwork in a predominantly green and teal color scheme with cream/beige accents. Dollar sign symbols appear in opposite corners. The reverse showcases a detailed color engraving of an underwater coral reef scene labeled 'Sea Garden,' depicting marine vegetation and rocky formations in naturalistic detail, with tropical flora elements on the left side. The Bahamas coat of arms—featuring a shield with crown and maritime symbolism (including a ship motif)—occupies the right side of the reverse. Both sides incorporate fine line guilloché patterns and multiple layers of engraved line work as counterfeit deterrents. The note's dimensions and overall design reflect mid-20th century Commonwealth currency conventions.

FRONT: 'BAHAMAS MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing authority); 'ESTABLISHED BY THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT 1966' (establishment date); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER UNDER THE BAHAMAS MONETARY AUTHORITY ACT 1966 FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'ONE DOLLAR' and '$1' (denomination); 'G 881219' (serial number); 'Chairman' and 'Manager' (signatory titles); 'Stiles Hammond' (Chairman signature); 'T. Russell Donaldson' (Manager signature). BACK: 'BAHAMAS MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing authority); 'ONE DOLLAR' and '$1' (denomination); 'SEA GARDEN' (reverse design theme); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer identification).

Intaglio engraving (letterpress) produced by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London—the world's premier security printer for banknotes during this period. The visual evidence of intricate fine line engraving patterns, multi-layered guilloché background designs, and color separation security printing techniques visible on both obverse and reverse confirm De La Rue's signature high-security production methods. The sharp, crisp print quality and precise color registration observable in the uncirculated specimen are hallmarks of De La Rue's craftsmanship.

This specimen displays characteristics consistent with Pick P-27a (standard issue, TDLR printer mark). PMG has catalogued two variants under P-27: P-27a and P-27s (specimen). The serial number 'G 881219' visible on the obverse is consistent with standard circulation issue numbering. The signatures of Stiles Hammond (Chairman) and T. Russell Donaldson (Manager) identify this as an early-period example from the initial signature series of the Bahamas Monetary Authority. No overprints or commemorative markings are evident. The 'L. 1968' date designation (Law of 1968) references the governing legislation rather than a specific release date, and all P-27 notes carry this designation.