1 dollar 1968 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note from 1968 (the inaugural year of the Bahamas Monetary Authority), specimen notes were produced in meaningful quantities for distribution to banks and numismatic institutions. eBay market data shows UNC examples selling in the $69–$81 range in 2016–2017, with 2019 catalog valuations at $120 for UNC grade. These moderate market prices and consistent sales activity indicate this note remains readily available to collectors. Specimen overprints do not render a note rare; they were standard security practice.

This note commemorates the establishment of the Bahamas Monetary Authority in 1968, marking the transition to independent Bahamian currency control following the country's move toward greater financial sovereignty. The choice of Queen Elizabeth II as the portrait reflects the Bahamas' status as a Commonwealth realm during this period. The sea garden imagery on the reverse represents the natural beauty and marine heritage central to the Bahamian identity and economy.

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in formal attire with jewelry, positioned on the left side of the note. The design employs ornate geometric rosette patterns and decorative borders throughout, with dollar signs in decorative circular frames positioned in all four corners. The reverse depicts a detailed, multicolored underwater sea garden scene with vibrant coral reef formations in yellows, purples, and browns, rendered against a sandy/rocky bottom in teal and light blue tones. The upper right corner displays the Bahamas coat of arms, featuring a shield with a split design (red and light blue sections) and a sailing ship, topped by a crown—representing the maritime heritage and Commonwealth status of the Bahamas. Fine line engraving creates intricate background patterns throughout both sides.

Front side: 'BAHAMAS MONETARY AUTHORITY' (header), 'ESTABLISHED BY THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT 1968', 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER UNDER THE BAHAMAS MONETARY AUTHORITY ACT 1968 FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT', 'ONE DOLLAR', 'SPECIMEN' (red overprint), 'Chairman', 'Manager', '$1' (corner denominations), 'G0000000' (specimen serial number). Back side: 'BAHAMAS MONETARY AUTHORITY', 'ONE DOLLAR', 'SEA GARDEN', 'SPECIMEN' (red overprint), '$1' (corner denominations), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

The note employs intaglio engraving and multicolor printing, executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London—one of the world's premier security printers. The fine line engraving visible throughout the borders and background patterns, combined with the detailed color intaglio printing evident in the portrait, rosette patterns, and particularly in the complex marine life rendering on the reverse, indicates sophisticated multi-pass printing. The vibrant, precise color registration in the sea garden scene demonstrates De La Rue's advanced capabilities in security banknote production.

This note is identified as Pick P-27s, the specimen variant of the 1968 1 Dollar Bahamas Monetary Authority note. The 's' designation denotes the specimen overprint. PMG records show two cataloged variants for this base Pick number: P-27a (standard circulation issue) and P-27s (specimen issue, this note). The red 'SPECIMEN' overprint and serial number 'G0000000' (typical for specimen notes) confirm this as the specimen variety. Signature varieties exist on circulation issues, but this specimen carries standard specimen-issue characteristics.