5 dollars 1973 replacement

Common. This is a standard circulation issue from the Central Bank of Barbados's 1973 series. No evidence suggests limited print runs or special scarcity conditions. The replacement note designation (P-31*) is a cataloging variant rather than a rarity indicator. These notes were issued in substantial quantities for regular circulation and remain relatively available in the collector market.

Issued in 1973 by the Central Bank of Barbados, this banknote commemorates Samuel Jackman Prescod, an important 19th-century abolitionist and political reformer who advocated for universal male suffrage in Barbados. The reverse depicts Trafalgar Square (now National Heroes Square) in Bridgetown, the cultural and administrative heart of the island, reflecting Barbados's colonial heritage and its transition to post-independence nation-building during the early 1970s.

The obverse features a formal three-quarter portrait of Samuel Jackman Prescod positioned on the right side, rendered in classical engraving style typical of De la Rue's work. The Barbadian coat of arms occupies the center-left, incorporating heraldic elements including seahorses and floral designs, with the national motto 'Pride Industry and' visible on the shield. The reverse presents an engraved colonial architectural scene of Trafalgar Square in Bridgetown, depicting period buildings with a prominent church tower, fortification walls, palm trees, and waterfront elements characteristic of the island's heritage. An empty circular medallion frame appears on the right side of the reverse, a standard security feature placeholder in banknote design of this era.

Front side: 'Central Bank of Barbados' (issuing authority); '$5' and 'Five Dollars' (denomination); 'These notes are legal tender for the payment of any amount' (legal tender declaration); 'Governor' (signature line designation); 'Samuel Jackman Prescod' (portrait identification); 'Pride Industry and' (portion of national motto visible on coat of arms); Serial number 'Z1007501'. Back side: 'Central Bank of Barbados' (issuing authority); '$5' and 'Five Dollars' (denomination); 'De La Rue' (printer attribution, London).

Intaglio (recess) engraving executed by De La Rue, London, the world-renowned security printer. The note displays characteristic fine-line engraving work, complex geometric security patterns integrated into borders and backgrounds, and microprint elements throughout. Multiple security features are evident including intricate line-work patterns in the background and decorative geometric borders designed to prevent counterfeiting.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-31* (replacement note variant). The serial number prefix 'Z' and the serial number 'Z1007501' are visible. PMG has recorded one variant for the base Pick number P-31, identified as P-31a with TDLR (De La Rue, London) as printer attribution. The replacement note status is indicated by the asterisk in the catalog designation, though this is primarily a cataloging convention rather than a scarce printing variant.