1 dollar 1984 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (which are typically produced in smaller quantities than regular circulation notes), the 1984 Bermuda 1 Dollar series had a lengthy production run (1975-1988 according to catalog data). Market data from realbanknotes.com shows multiple sales across various grades with UNC examples selling between $35-$75 in recent years, indicating adequate collector availability. The specimen designation does not elevate it to rare status given the extended production period and steady secondary market activity.

Issued on 1st May 1984, this note represents the Bermuda Monetary Authority's mid-series currency production during a period of stable monetary policy in Bermuda. The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realm of Bermuda, while the reverse depicts a traditional Bermuda sailing vessel—a longtail being the national bird on the obverse—reflecting the islands' maritime heritage and historic seafaring culture. The inclusion of period architecture in the harbor scene and the Bermuda coat of arms underscores the connection between the currency and local historical identity during the 1980s.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side in profile, wearing jewelry and formal regalia. The center-upper portion displays a longtail (the national bird of Bermuda) in flight. The Bermuda coat of arms, featuring a shield design with heraldic lion and other symbolic elements, is positioned in the center-left within a rectangular frame. Ornamental scalloped $1 denominational markers appear in all four corners within decorative frames. The color scheme consists primarily of cream, pale green, and blue-gray tones with brown/tan accents for the bird. The reverse presents an intricately engraved scene of a traditional multi-sailed Bermuda vessel carrying passengers, with a detailed coastal cityscape featuring historic buildings and churches visible in the background. The harbor/waterfront setting emphasizes Bermuda's maritime heritage. The same scalloped $1 markers appear in the top-right and lower-left corners. Fine line engraving with complex cross-hatching provides the primary security features throughout both sides, using blue-gray, white, and pale blue coloring.

FRONT SIDE: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing institution), '1ST MAY 1984' (issue date), 'ONE DOLLAR' / '$1' (denomination), 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authority), 'SPECIMEN' (note type/status), signature lines labeled 'CHAIRMAN' and 'MANAGING DIRECTOR', serial number 'A/16 874'. BACK SIDE: 'BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (issuing institution), '$1' / 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination), 'SPECIMEN' (note type/status). All inscriptions are in English.

Intaglio (line engraving) printing method, evidenced by the crisp, detailed fine-line cross-hatching patterns, intricate background designs, and the depth of detail visible in the portrait, coat of arms, and landscape scene. The multi-colored security printing and the precision of the engraved borders indicate professional security printing standards. For Bermuda Monetary Authority notes of this era, the printer is likely De La Rue or another major Commonwealth security printer, though the specific printer is not definitively marked on the specimen.

This note is cataloged as P-28bs, the specimen variety of the base Pick number P-28. The PMG population report indicates seven variants exist for this base Pick number (P-28a through P-28d, plus starred variants and P-28s). This specific example is the specimen version (s suffix), distinguishable by the red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint. The watermark is identified as a tuna fish. The serial number prefix 'A/16' and the issue date of 1st May 1984 are consistent with this variety classification.