1 dollar 1978

Common. This is a regular-issue note from the lengthy 1975-1988 circulation period (catalogued as P-28b, one of seven documented variants for this base Pick number). Market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent sales of this note type in circulated and uncirculated grades ranging from $1-$50, with UNC examples regularly selling between $10-$25 throughout the 2010s-2020s. The eBay price tracking data demonstrates strong supply and regular transaction volume across multiple condition grades, typical of common twentieth-century Commonwealth currency. Even this specimen example, while non-negotiable and institutional in nature, does not command premium pricing that would indicate scarcity.

This 1 Dollar note was issued under the authority of the Bermuda Monetary Authority beginning in 1975, marking a significant transition in Bermuda's monetary independence. The design choices—featuring Queen Elizabeth II as a Commonwealth monarch, combined with distinctly Bermudian imagery including the endemic longtail bird and colonial architecture—reflect Bermuda's dual identity as both a British Overseas Territory and a self-governing island nation. The depicted sailing vessel and historic buildings in Hamilton represent Bermuda's maritime heritage and colonial past, elements central to the island's identity during the post-war period.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II adorned with pearls and formal regalia, positioned on the right side of the note. Centrally placed above is the Bermuda longtail (Bermuda cahow), an endemic seabird of significant national importance, depicted in flight. The lower center displays the Bermuda coat of arms within a rectangular heraldic frame, incorporating elements of the island's heraldic tradition. The reverse showcases a meticulously engraved traditional Bermudian sailing vessel (likely a sloop) with full rigging on choppy waters, positioned in the center-left. The upper right features a detailed architectural vignette of historic colonial buildings in Hamilton, prominently including a church or cathedral with distinctive spires and period architecture. Both sides incorporate ornate guilloche patterns and decorative corner medallions containing dollar sign symbols, rendered in blue and tan/beige on aqua underprint.

Front side: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing institution), 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination), '1ST JULY 1975' (authorization date), 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authority), 'CHAIRMAN' and 'MANAGING DIRECTOR' (signature blocks), 'SPECIMEN' (non-negotiable designation), and '$1' (denomination symbol). Serial number appears as 'A 000000' (characteristic of specimen notes). Back side: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (repeated), 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination), 'SPECIMEN' (non-negotiable designation), and '$1' (denomination symbol). All inscriptions are in English.

This note was produced using fine line engraving and intaglio printing methods, as evidenced by the sharp, detailed guilloche patterns, the precise line work throughout the border ornaments, and the delicate rendering of the portrait, architectural elements, and natural imagery. The printing quality and security features are consistent with notes produced by the British American Note Company (BANC) or similar Commonwealth security printers responsible for Bermuda currency production during this period. The note exhibits the hallmark characteristics of professional security printing including subtle shading, fine parallel lines, and complex anti-counterfeiting patterns.

This is identified as Pick number P-28b, one of seven known varieties for the 1 Dollar Bermuda note series. The 1978 date combined with the watermark (tuna fish, as noted in catalog references) and the specimen designation place this within the standard circulation variant. The serial number shown as 'A 000000' is characteristic of specimen notes produced for institutional reference and distribution, not circulation. Other documented variants include P-28a, P-28c, P-28d, P-28d*, and a starred specimen variant P-28b*. Signature varieties and date variations (1975, 1979, 1982, 1984) are known within this series and represent cataloguing distinctions between Pick numbers.