1 dollar 1970

Common. This is a regular issue from a significant Commonwealth issuing authority with substantial print runs. The eBay market data shows consistent sales across all condition grades, with UNC examples typically selling between $8-$30 depending on certification and demand, and graded PMG examples commanding premiums ($25-$143 range depending on grade). The widespread availability of examples in all grades and consistent low-to-moderate pricing indicates this is not a scarce or rare issue. The Pick P-23a variant cataloging by PMG indicates stable, well-documented supply.

Issued on 6th February 1970, this note marks the early period of modern Bermudian currency under the Bermuda Government's monetary authority. The maritime imagery—featuring a traditional Bermudian sailing vessel and coastal settlement—reflects the island's deep historical connection to seafaring and commerce, while the inclusion of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait represents Bermuda's Commonwealth status during this era. The establishment of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, as noted on the signature line, reflects the island's evolving financial independence and institutional development in the post-war period.

The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side, depicted in three-quarter profile facing left, wearing formal regalia including pearls and a tiara, rendered in the classical engraved style typical of Commonwealth currency. The central element is the Bermuda coat of arms contained within a decorative rectangular heraldic frame. A Bermuda longtail bird (likely representing the endemic Bermuda cahow or petrel referenced in catalog data) is depicted in flight in the upper center area. The reverse showcases a historical maritime scene with a traditional Bermudian sailing vessel under full sail, populated with passengers, positioned prominently against a coastal landscape. The background depicts a Bermudian harbor settlement with multiple buildings and what appears to be a church or significant civic structure, emphasizing the island's maritime heritage and colonial architecture. Ornamental scrollwork, guilloche patterns, and decorative dollar sign medallions frame both sides. The color palette combines dark blue with tan, aqua, and white underprinting.

Front side: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuer identification); '$1' (denomination, appears in four corners); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination text); '6TH FEBRUARY 1970' (issue date); 'A 216519' (serial number, top left and bottom right); 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authorization); 'MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR FINANCE' and 'John H. Sharpe' (financial officer signature); 'CHAIRMAN, BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (second signatory title). Back side: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuer identification); '$1' (denomination); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination text). All inscriptions are in English and indicate the note's official status and authorization under Bermudian government authority.

Intaglio/engraved printing on currency paper with watermark security feature (tuna fish watermark as noted in catalog data). The fine line engraving patterns, spiral security thread elements visible in background designs, and detailed guilloche work in corners and borders are characteristic of high-security banknote production by a specialized currency printer. The quality of detail and security measures suggest production by a major international currency printing firm, likely De La Rue or similar Commonwealth-era currency printer, though specific printer attribution for this Bermuda issue is not definitively established in available data.

This note is identified as Pick P-23a, the primary variant cataloged by PMG for the 1970 Bermuda $1 issue, distinguished by the tuna fish watermark. The serial number A 216519 and signatures of John H. Sharpe and the Bermuda Monetary Authority Chairman represent the standard format for this issue. No overprints, commemorative markings, or unusual printing variations are evident from the visual analysis. This appears to be a typical example of the standard circulation variety issued in 1970.