1 pound 1957

Common. While the 1957 date gives this note historical interest, the 1952-1966 Bermuda Government pound series had substantial print runs, and many examples survive in various grades. Catalog values of $400 UNC and $75 VF indicate moderate collector interest but not scarcity. eBay auction data shows regular sales with UNC examples realizing prices in the $50-$518 range depending on exact grade, with no evidence of extreme rarity. The Pick-20b variety (without security strip) is a standard variant from the series, not a rare or short-run type.

Issued on May 1, 1957, during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, this note reflects Bermuda's status as a British Crown Colony under the authority of the Bermuda Legislature and Colonial Treasurer. The prominent royal coat of arms on the reverse and the portrait of the young Queen on the obverse underscore Bermuda's constitutional ties to the British Commonwealth during a period of relative political stability in the mid-20th century. The denomination in pounds sterling reflects Bermuda's currency system prior to decimalization and the later adoption of the Bermuda dollar.

The obverse features a formal three-quarter portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara and formal regalia, positioned at right, with an ornate central medallion containing the denomination and issuing authority information. A picturesque coastal or harbor landscape vignette—representing Bermuda's maritime heritage—appears at left. The reverse displays the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom in a circular central cartouche, flanked by ornate decorative frames containing the numeral '1' on both sides. The coat of arms features the crowned shield with lion and unicorn supporters and is accompanied by the Latin royal motto 'DIEU ET MON DROIT.' The entire note is surrounded by decorative borders incorporating intricate geometric patterns, floral ornaments, and guilloché work typical of high-security banknote design of the era.

FRONT: '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, 1st MAY, 1957' — Hamilton, Bermuda, 1st May, 1957; 'ONE POUND' — One pound; 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' — Issued under the authority of the Bermuda Legislature; 'ASSISTANT COLONIAL TREASURER' — Assistant Colonial Treasurer; 'COLONIAL TREASURER' — Colonial Treasurer; Serial number 'T 728699'. REVERSE: 'ONE POUND' — One pound; 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' — God and my right (the royal motto of the British Crown).

Intaglio engraving and letterpress printing by Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, Ltd., New Malden, a premier British security printer. The extensive fine line work, complex guilloché patterns, geometric cross-hatching, and ornamental frames observed throughout the note are characteristic of intaglio engraving, which creates the raised tactile quality and anti-counterfeiting security features that distinguish banknotes from other printed matter. The multi-color design indicates careful plate registration typical of high-quality banknote production from this security printer.

This note is cataloged as Pick-20b, the variant without a security strip. The PMG population report identifies four distinct varieties for this base Pick number: P-20a (standard), P-20b (without security strip—this note), P-20c (with security strip), and P-20cts (type to be confirmed). The observed serial number T 728699 falls within the typical range for 1957 issuance. The front is dated May 1, 1957 (printed at Hamilton, Bermuda), confirming the specific issue date. No visible overprints, signature variations beyond the printed titles (Colonial Treasurer, Assistant Colonial Treasurer), or error characteristics are noted in this example.