1 dollar 1986

Common. This 1986 P-28c issue is a regular circulation note from a 13-year series (1975-1988) with substantial print runs. eBay market data confirms common status: UNC examples regularly sell for $11.50–$24.50, with most sales between $13–$22, indicating healthy supply and modest collector demand. The note has no known print run restrictions, was not recalled, and remains readily available in all grades. The Bermuda Monetary Authority maintained consistent production of $1 notes throughout the 1970s–1980s.

This 1986 issue represents Bermuda's continued use of sterling-linked currency under the Bermuda Monetary Authority, which maintained Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning monarch on its currency. The prominent depiction of a traditional Bermudian sailing vessel on the reverse reflects the island's maritime heritage and historical importance as a seafaring nation, while the coastal architecture vignette showcases Hamilton's role as the capital. The note was issued during a period of economic stability for the island, with the 1986 date marking a refresh of the currency series that had been in circulation since 1975.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in three-quarter profile, depicted wearing formal regalia including a necklace and pearl earrings, positioned on the right side of the note. The center-left displays the Bermuda coat of arms—a shield-shaped heraldic design featuring a lion and other emblematic elements—enclosed in a rectangular frame. A Bermuda longtail (cahow), the national bird, is depicted in flight in the upper-center area. Ornate rosette dollar sign emblems occupy all four corners. The reverse showcases a detailed engraving of a traditional Bermudian sloop or sailing vessel under full sail, carrying multiple passengers on choppy waters. An architectural landscape vignette depicting Hamilton's waterfront and buildings appears in the upper right corner. Fine linework and intricate background patterns provide security and aesthetic detail throughout both sides.

FRONT SIDE: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing authority); '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); '1st JANUARY 1986' (issue date); 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authority); Serial number 'A 8 613241' (appears twice); Signatures of 'David Wilkins' (Chairman) and 'Lucelle Cooke' (General Manager); 'PRO PATA FEROAH' (Latin: 'For our country'—Bermuda's national motto). BACK SIDE: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (repeated); '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination markers in corner emblems).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/steel plate engraving), evidenced by the fine, precise linework visible throughout both sides, the depth of the engraved portraits and vessels, and the intricate rosette patterns and background security patterns. The printer for Bermuda's 1986 currency series was typically Bradbury Wilkinson or De La Rue, major security printers of Commonwealth banknotes during this period, though specific attribution requires verification of printer marks not clearly visible in the images provided.

This note is identified as Pick P-28c, one of seven known variants cataloged for the base Pick number P-28 (covering the 1975–1988 series). Variants in this series include P-28a, P-28b, P-28b* (star note), P-28c, P-28d, P-28d* (star note), and P-28s (specimen). The P-28c variant is distinguished by specific signature combinations and date markings within the broader 1986 issue. The observed signatures of David Wilkins (Chairman) and Lucelle Cooke (General Manager) with the '1st JANUARY 1986' date confirm the P-28c attribution. The watermark is the tuna fish, consistent with Bermuda's multi-species security design program. Serial number prefix 'A 8' is typical for this variety.