1 dollar 1975 specimen

Common. This is a regular issue specimen from a widely circulated series (1975-1988) with substantial print runs. Market data from eBay shows consistent sales ranging from under $5 to approximately $75 for uncirculated examples, with most graded specimens (PMG 63-66) selling in the $18-36 range. The catalog value for UNC condition is listed at $35 (2019), and multiple UNC sales occurred at $51-75 in 2014-2015. The abundance of transaction data and moderate price points indicate this is a common note despite being a specimen variety.

Issued in 1975 by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, this note commemorates Bermuda's maritime heritage and colonial history through its depiction of traditional sailing vessels—historically the lifeblood of the island's economy—and the cityscape of Hamilton with its characteristic church spires and colonial architecture. The inclusion of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Bermuda's status as a British Overseas Territory during this period, while the engraved sailing ships (particularly the Bermudian sloop design) underscore the island's nautical traditions and economic foundation.

The obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in right-facing three-quarter profile, rendered in formal state portraiture style with necklace and earrings, positioned on the right side of the note. The center depicts a Bermuda petrel (cahow), the national bird, rendered in flight in brown/tan coloring against a light green watermarked background. Ornate corner elements feature dollar signs within decorative scrollwork frames at all four corners, with the Bermuda coat of arms prominently displayed—featuring a lion holding a shield containing the image of a shipwreck (the Sea Venture, historically significant to Bermuda's founding). The reverse showcases a detailed engraving of a traditional Bermudian sailing vessel with billowed sails and figures aboard, depicted on open water with fine cross-hatching and shading to create depth. The background shows the skyline of Hamilton with colonial-era buildings and church spires characteristic of historic Bermuda architecture. The entire design employs intricate line engraving with fine detail throughout.

Front Side: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing authority), '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination), 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authorization), 'CHAIRMAN' and 'MANAGING DIRECTOR' (signature titles), serial number 'A 3 1340099' (appears twice, top right and bottom right), date '1ST APRIL 1978' (actual issue date for this printing). Back Side: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (repeated on reverse), '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination repeated), plus 'PRO DATA FERUNT' (Latin motto on coat of arms, translating to 'By the evidence they show forth' or similar heraldic phrase).

Intaglio (steel plate engraving) printed by De La Rue, the primary security printer for Commonwealth banknotes during this era. The note exhibits the hallmark characteristics of high-quality intaglio production: fine line engraving, complex cross-hatching patterns, multiple color layers, and the distinctive raised ink texture visible under magnification. The watermark (tuna fish) was incorporated during the paper manufacturing process.

This is cataloged as Pick P-28as (specimen note variant). The visual analysis shows this impression bears the date '1ST APRIL 1978' on the obverse, though the Pick catalog lists the series as 1975-1988. PMG recognizes multiple variants within the P-28 base number (P-28a through P-28d, with some starred variants), typically distinguished by signature combinations and date variations. The specimen designation ('s' suffix) indicates this note was never intended for circulation and was produced for presentation or archive purposes. Serial number 'A 3 1340099' with prefix 'A 3' is consistent with early printings of this series.