20 dollars 1973 specimen

Common. While specimen notes command a modest premium over circulated examples of the same issue, specimen notes from major security printers like De la Rue were produced in sufficient quantities for distribution to banks and government institutions. The eBay market data shows significant price variation ($1.99 to $14.99), with most sales clustering at the lower end ($1.99-$6.99), indicating this is a standard specimen issue with modest collector demand. The 2019 catalogue value of $225 for UNC circulation notes suggests specimen examples trade at a fraction of that, consistent with typical specimen pricing patterns. No evidence of limited printing or recall status exists for Pick-34s.

This note was issued in 1973, during Barbados's early years following independence in 1966, when the newly established Central Bank of Barbados was consolidating the nation's monetary identity. The obverse honors Samuel Jackman Prescod, a 19th-century Barbadian philanthropist and abolitionist who played a significant role in the island's social history. The reverse depicts Trafalgar Square in Bridgetown, the nation's civic center (later renamed National Heroes Square), reflecting Barbados's colonial architectural heritage and its importance to the capital during this formative period of national institution-building.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Samuel Jackman Prescod, a bearded gentleman in 19th-century formal attire with bow tie, positioned prominently on the right side of the note. The left and center of the note display the coat of arms of Barbados with its heraldic lion and shield design, along with the national motto 'Pride Industry and Thrift.' Ornate corner ornaments display the $20 denomination. The reverse showcases a detailed architectural engraving of Trafalgar Square in Bridgetown, depicting a colonial-style building with a distinctive clock tower, accompanied by tropical vegetation and landscaped grounds. A large circular frame (typically used for additional heraldic elements in circulation versions) is present on the reverse. Both sides are framed by ornamental borders featuring fine scrollwork and filigree patterns characteristic of De la Rue's security printing standards.

FRONT: Central Bank of Barbados / Twenty Dollars / $20 / These notes are legal tender for the payment of any amount / Samuel Jackman Prescod / D1000000 (serial number) / Governor / Pride Industry and Thrift (national motto on coat of arms) / Specimen. BACK: Central Bank of Barbados / Twenty Dollars / $20 / Specimen / De La Rue (printer's mark).

This note was produced using traditional intaglio engraving and letterpress printing methods by Thomas De la Rue (TDLR), London's premier security printer. The visual analysis confirms multiple security features including complex microprint patterns, fine-line guilloche designs, intricate geometric patterns, and detailed security borders. The architectural vignette on the reverse demonstrates the exceptional line-work and depth characteristic of De la Rue's engraved intaglio process. The specimen overprint in red was applied as a final security measure to prevent circulation.

This note is catalogued as Pick-34s (specimen variant). According to catalog references, related circulation issues exist as P-39, P-44, and P-49 with different signature combinations. Subsequent larger numeral variants without underlaying appear in P-50, P-57, P-63A, P-63B, and P-69. The PMG population report indicates two base variants for P-34: the standard P-34 and P-34* (starred variant, likely denoting a printing variation). The specimen designation, combined with the serial number D1000000 (typical for specimen notes), confirms this as an official trial/presentation piece rather than a circulation issue. The signature visible is identified as C. Blackman (Governor).