20 dollars 1970 specimen

Common. While specimen notes are technically non-circulating, they were produced in sufficient quantities for distribution to banks and collectors and were not subject to the same supply constraints as regular circulation notes. The eBay market data provided shows specimen examples selling for $99–$124.50 in PMG grades 64–67, with catalog values listed at $35 UNC (2019 data), indicating steady collector demand but consistent availability. No evidence suggests this Pick number had an exceptionally small print run or was withdrawn from the market early.

This 1970 specimen note was issued under the Bermuda Monetary Authority following the establishment of the Bermuda Government's currency system in the post-war period. The reverse design prominently features Somerset Bridge, one of Bermuda's most iconic structures, alongside period fortifications and palm trees, reflecting the island's colonial heritage and strategic maritime importance. The inclusion of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait underscores Bermuda's status as a British Commonwealth territory during this era.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing left, positioned at the right side of the note, with her wearing a tiara and pearl necklace. The design incorporates a pink hibiscus flower in the upper center area, symbolizing Bermuda's tropical flora. Four corners contain ornate circular rosette designs with dollar sign symbols integrated within the decorative framework. The center displays issuing information and official signatures. The reverse presents a detailed engraved landscape scene depicting Somerset Bridge (a distinctive causeway structure), colonial-era fortifications with stone walls, tropical vegetation including palm trees, a sailing vessel in the water, and coastal architecture. A coat of arms appears in the upper left corner. The predominant color on both sides is green on a multicolored underprint, with brown and tan tones used in the landscape engraving.

Front: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority), 'TWENTY DOLLARS' (denomination), 'A 000000' (serial number, specimen format), '6TH FEBRUARY 1970' (issue date), 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authority), 'MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR FINANCE' (official title), 'CHAIRMAN, BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (official title), 'SPECIMEN' (note classification). Back: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority), 'TWENTY DOLLARS' (denomination), 'SPECIMEN' (note classification), 'QUOD PATA PERUNT' (Latin phrase on coat of arms, approximately 'What has been lost is lost' or similar heraldic motto).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving and multi-color letterpress printing, which is evidenced by the crisp, highly detailed fine line work visible throughout, the ornate corner rosette designs with concentric circular patterns, and the sharp impression of all inscriptions and portraits. The consistent color saturation and intricate security engraving patterns are characteristic of De La Rue or similar high-security Commonwealth banknote printers of the 1970s era. The specimen overprint was applied as a separate security measure to distinguish this from circulating currency.

This is the specimen variety (Pick P-26s) of the 1970 Bermuda $20, identifiable by the diagonal red 'SPECIMEN' overprint and the '000000' serial number format typical of non-circulating specimen issues. The visual analysis confirms the watermark as a tuna fish, consistent with the PMG population report listing for P-26a (the standard circulating issue). No other significant varieties are evident from the observed details; this represents the single cataloged variant for this base Pick number in the PMG population report.