1 dollar 1973

Common. This is a regular issue banknote from the Central Bank of Barbados with no evidence of restricted circulation, recall, or limited print run. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades, with UNC examples regularly selling for $6.77–$17.00, indicating healthy supply in the collector market. The wide range of historical sales data (2010–2025) and multiple condition grades represented suggest substantial numbers remain in circulation among collectors.

Issued in 1973 by the Central Bank of Barbados, this note commemorates the island's post-independence period and national pride through its careful selection of imagery. Samuel Jackman Prescod, depicted on the obverse, was a pioneering 19th-century political figure who advocated for voting rights and social reform in Barbados. The reverse's depiction of Trafalgar Square reflects Bridgetown's architectural heritage and serves as a symbol of civic identity during a period of nation-building and economic development in the Caribbean.

The obverse features a portrait of Samuel Jackman Prescod, positioned to the right in formal attire and rendered in profile within an ornate circular decorative frame. This placement and styling emphasize the historical importance of this 19th-century Barbadian statesman. The Barbados coat of arms is centrally positioned on the left, displaying the national pelican crest with a shield bearing a cross and the national motto 'Pride and Industry.' The reverse showcases Trafalgar Square (National Heroes Square) in Bridgetown, depicting Gothic or ecclesiastical architecture with a prominent tower/spire, palm trees, and surrounding vegetation that evoke the tropical Caribbean setting and colonial-era urban planning. The color scheme of pink and red tones is consistent across both sides, with light cream underprinting providing contrast and enhancing the security printing.

FRONT: 'CENTRAL BANK OF BARBADOS' (issuing authority); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'GOVERNOR' (signature line); 'SAMUEL JACKMAN PRESCOD' (portrait identification); Serial number 'A1000880'; '$1' (denomination symbol). BACK: 'Central Bank of Barbados' (issuing authority); 'One Dollar' (denomination); '$1' (denomination symbol).

Intaglio printing by Thomas de la Rue (TDLR), London. The note exhibits characteristic high-quality line engraving with intricate background patterns, complex geometric designs, and fine line work visible in the portrait frame and architectural rendering. Multiple security features are evident including microprinting, detailed line patterns, and complex guilloche work typical of De la Rue's security currency production standards of the 1970s era.

Cataloged as Pick P-29a (printer TDLR) with known starred (*) and specimen (s) variants documented by PMG. The observed example shows signature of C. Blackman (Governor) and features the standard Thomas de la Rue printer identification. The serial number prefix 'A' and format suggest this is the base P-29a variety. No visible overprints or special markings indicative of specimen or starred notes are apparent in the visual analysis.