5 dollars 1973
“#1001000”
Market Prices
9 salesAbout This Note
An exceptional uncirculated example of the Central Bank of Barbados 5 Dollars note from 1973, featuring a striking portrait of Samuel Jackman Prescod on the obverse and a detailed engraved scene of Trafalgar Square (National Heroes Square) in Bridgetown on the reverse. The note exhibits pristine condition with sharp, crisp printing throughout, no visible wear or handling marks, and displays the characteristic green-on-multicolored design typical of De la Rue's high-quality banknote production from this era.
Common. Market data from eBay sales indicates consistent availability with prices ranging from $5.76 to $41.05 depending on condition grade, with most graded examples (PMG 64-65) selling between $13-$23. The 2019 catalogue value of $70 for UNC examples, while respectable, is consistent with common uncirculated banknotes. The note was part of a regular issue from a major issuing authority with substantial print runs typical of the period.
Issued in 1973 during Barbados' early period as an independent nation (independence achieved in 1966), this note commemorates Samuel Jackman Prescod, a significant 19th-century political figure and abolitionist from Barbados. The reverse depicts Trafalgar Square in Bridgetown, a colonial-era public monument that was later renamed National Heroes Square, reflecting the post-independence nation's effort to establish its own cultural and national identity through currency design.
The obverse features a detailed engraved portrait of Samuel Jackman Prescod, a 19th-century Barbadian political leader and abolitionist, positioned on the right side within an ornate circular frame. The left-center displays the national coat of arms of Barbados, featuring a shield with crossed tridents and floral elements beneath a banner inscribed with the national motto 'PRIDE AND INDUSTRY.' The reverse depicts a colonial landscape scene of Trafalgar Square in Bridgetown, showcasing a prominent church or cathedral with a cross-topped tower, surrounding colonial-era buildings, tropical vegetation including palm trees, a monument or statue on a pedestal, manicured grounds with hedges and railings, and a waterside setting. The overall color scheme is predominantly green on multicolored underprint with gray, cream, and white tones.
Front side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF BARBADOS' (issuing authority), '$5' (denomination), 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration), 'FIVE DOLLARS' (denomination spelled out), 'GOVERNOR' (signatory title), 'SAMUEL JACKMAN PRESCOD' (portrait subject identification), 'PRIDE AND INDUSTRY' (national motto from coat of arms), Serial numbers 'B1001000' and 'BT001000'. Back side: 'Central Bank of Barbados' (issuing authority repeated), '$5' (denomination markers), 'Five Dollars' (denomination spelled out), 'DE LA RUE' (security printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue (TDLR), the renowned London-based security printer. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, complex geometric patterns, intricate crosshatching, and high-quality detail reproduction typical of mid-20th century De la Rue banknote production. Multiple security elements are evident in the detailed engraved portraits, ornate frames, complex architectural rendering, and fine stippling throughout.
Pick catalog P-31a identified as the sole variant for this base Pick number, printed by TDLR (Thomas de la Rue, London). The observed serial numbers (B1001000, BT001000) indicate this is specimen-range or low serial number note, which may have minor collector interest but does not constitute a distinct variety. The signature observed appears to be that of C. Blackman (Governor), consistent with the 1973 issuance period.
