1 pound 1952

Common. This is a regular issue from the standard 1952-1966 series with a substantial print run. eBay pricing data shows notes in VF condition selling for $25-$100 USD over the past decade, with PMG graded examples at lower grades (25, 40) also in the $30-$73 range, indicating robust supply in the numismatic market. While this EF example represents a higher condition grade and may command a premium (estimated $150-$250 based on 2019 catalogue values for VF at $100 and UNC at $550), the note itself is not rare.

This note was issued on 20 October 1952, during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II and in the final years of Bermuda's colonial administration under British authority. The inclusion of the Royal Coat of Arms and the 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' motto reflects Bermuda's status as a British Crown Colony at this time. The coastal landscape depicted on the obverse subtly references Bermuda's maritime heritage and geographic identity as an island nation.

The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II portrayed in right-profile bust wearing a crown and formal attire, positioned on the right side of the note. The left side showcases a coastal landscape scene typical of Bermuda's harbor geography. An ornate oval cartouche in the center contains the legal tender declaration and issuing authority information, surrounded by decorative floral and geometric border patterns. Large ornamental £1 denomination frames appear in the top corners. The reverse is dominated by the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (shield with heraldic divisions, supported by lion and unicorn, crowned above) centered within an elaborate circular frame. Large £1 denominations in ornate frames flank the coat of arms on both sides, with the French motto 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' inscribed below.

Front side: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' — Bermuda Government; 'BERMUDA NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT.' — Bermuda notes are legal tender for the payment of any amount; 'Hamilton, Bermuda, 20th October, 1952.' — Issue location and date; 'ONE POUND' — Denomination; 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' — Issued under the authority of the Bermuda Legislature; 'ASSISTANT COLONIAL TREASURER' and 'COLONIAL TREASURER' — Signatory titles; 'A 060255' — Serial number. Back side: 'ONE POUND' — Denomination; 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' — God and my right (Royal motto).

This note was produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (BWC), New Malden, a renowned security printer specializing in currency production. The printing technique is intaglio (steel/copperplate engraving), evident from the sharp, crisp detail work visible throughout: fine-line cross-hatching, intricate mesh patterns, complex geometric designs, and deeply rendered portraits. The multicolor printing was achieved through multiple passes of the engraved plates, characteristic of high-security banknote production standards of the early 1950s.

This note is identified as Pick-20a variant, printed by Bradbury Wilkinson (BWC). The PMG population data indicates multiple variants exist for this base Pick number: P-20b (without security strip) and P-20c (with security strip), plus P-20cts. The visual analysis does not provide sufficient detail to definitively confirm whether this specific note includes or excludes a security strip, which would determine if it is P-20a, P-20b, or P-20c. The serial number observed is 'A 060255,' suggesting a relatively early printing in the series based on the low serial range.