1 dollar 1974

Common. This is a regular issue of the Central Bank of the Bahamas' inaugural currency series with substantial print runs. eBay market data consistently shows examples in various grades selling for modest prices: uncirculated examples typically bringing $13.50–$21.05, while professionally graded PMG 67 specimens command higher prices ($66.90–$91.00). The large volume of historical sales data and regular availability in the secondary market confirm this note's common status despite its numismatic interest as an early central bank issue.

This note was issued under the Central Bank of the Bahamas Act of 1974, marking the transition of currency control to the newly established central bank following Bahamian independence in 1973. The design prominently features Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State, reflecting the Bahamas' continuing ties to the Commonwealth at that time. The reverse's sea garden imagery underscores the nation's maritime heritage and tropical identity, while the coat of arms with heraldic symbols represents the newly sovereign nation's national identity.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the left side, rendered in profile and wearing formal attire with jewelry. The background is light green and cream-colored with ornate decorative borders comprising geometric patterns, circular seal elements in the corners, and dollar sign symbols. The note's legal framework is established through prominent text referencing the Central Bank of the Bahamas Act of 1974. The reverse displays an elaborate underwater scene titled 'Sea Garden,' featuring a naturalistic coral reef ecosystem with various tropical fish species, coral formations, sea plants, and rocky seabed elements rendered in vibrant colors (blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and pinks). The Bahamian coat of arms, incorporating heraldic symbols including a sun and flamingos within a shield design, appears on the right side of the reverse. Yellow decorative flowers frame the left border of the reverse design.

Front: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS' (issuing authority); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER UNDER THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS ACT 1974 FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); Serial number 'H 144144' (identification); 'Governor' (designation); 'T.F. Donaldson' (Governor's signature); '$1' (denomination symbol). Back: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS' (issuing authority); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); '$1' (denomination symbol); 'SEA GARDEN' (reverse design title); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving with multi-color offset printing, executed by Thomas de La Rue & Company, Limited, London. The note exhibits characteristic fine-line engraving patterns and intricate geometric designs throughout both sides. The complex color registration on the reverse's sea garden scene, combined with the precision of the decorative borders and security elements, demonstrates the advanced security printing techniques employed by this premier currency printer during the 1970s.

This specimen represents Pick P-35a, the standard variety of the 1974 1 Dollar note printed by Thomas de La Rue. The PMG population report indicates two catalogued variants exist for this base Pick number: P-35a and P-35a* (likely a star note variant indicating replacement notes). The observed serial number H 144144 with Governor T.F. Donaldson's signature is consistent with the standard production variety. No overprints, date variations, or other distinguishing features are evident in this example.