1 dollar 1975

Common. This is a regular-issue note with a substantial print run across the 1975-1988 issuance period, and eBay market data shows consistent trading in the $3-$36 range across all grades from F to PMG 66. The note circulated widely in Bermuda's economy and remains readily available on the secondary market. AU examples command modest premiums ($15-$30 range based on historical auction data) but are not scarce. The 'signed' notation in the catalog likely refers to the presence of authentic signatures rather than a rare autographed variant, adding only marginal collector appeal.

Issued on 1st July 1975, this note commemorates Bermuda's monetary independence under the newly established Bermuda Monetary Authority, replacing earlier currency. The design elements—Queen Elizabeth II as reigning sovereign, the Bermuda longtail bird (national symbol), and the depicted colonial harbor buildings and traditional sailing vessels—reflect Bermuda's dual identity as a Commonwealth territory with deep maritime and colonial roots. The ornate heraldic imagery and decorative borders exemplify the high-security engraving standards of mid-1970s Commonwealth currency production.

The obverse (front) features a right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in the lower right quadrant, rendered in formal Commonwealth style. Dominating the upper-center is the Bermuda longtail (locally called cahow or tropicbird), depicted in brown and white plumage in flight—a national emblem and enduring symbol of Bermuda's natural heritage. The center-left displays the Bermuda coat of arms with heraldic shield and supporters. All four corners are ornamented with quadrefoil designs containing dollar sign symbols within elaborate frames. The reverse (back) depicts Bermuda's maritime tradition with a multi-masted sailing vessel under full sail in the lower left, while the upper right showcases colonial-era waterfront architecture including a church spire and period buildings characteristic of Hamilton. The color scheme of blues, purples, greens, and tan on aqua underprint creates visual depth while maintaining the dignified Commonwealth aesthetic. Intricate guilloche borders and fine line engraving throughout demonstrate the security printing craft standard of the era.

Front side: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing institution); '1ST JULY 1975' (issue date); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authorization); 'CHAIRMAN' and 'MANAGING DIRECTOR' (signature titles); Serial number 'A 128500' (top left and bottom right). Back side: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing institution); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination). All text in English.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing/copperplate) with multi-color offset underlays, typical of Commonwealth currency produced during the 1970s. The fine line work, guilloche patterns, and detailed portraiture are characteristic of De La Rue or similar specialized security printers contracted by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Evidence of careful registration between color layers and the precise rendering of security features suggest professional Crown currency production standards.

This is identified as Pick 28a, one of seven catalogued variants for the base 1 Dollar note (28a through 28d, with 28b*, 28d*, and 28s special varieties). The 28a variant is the standard 1975 version with 'CHAIRMAN' and 'MANAGING DIRECTOR' signature titles visible on both obverse and reverse. The note displays characteristics consistent with early 1975 issuance (1st July date visible). Serial number prefix 'A' suggests an early production run. Variants 28b-28d and the starred varieties (28b*, 28d*) typically represent later issuances (1978, 1982, 1988) or minor signature/title changes. The 28s notation indicates specimen or special issue variants. Without access to signature images or date variations from the full catalog, this specimen is most reliably identified as P-28a based on the 1975 date and standard signature titles.