5 dollars 1970
Market Prices
16 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated 1970 Bermuda Government 5 Dollar note (Pick P-24) displaying pristine condition with vibrant purple/magenta and aqua coloring throughout. The note features a striking portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a detailed engraved reverse depicting St. David's lighthouse with panoramic Bermuda coastal buildings, exemplifying the high-quality intaglio work characteristic of this issue. As an early example from the first year of issue with exceptional preservation, this note represents an attractive specimen for Commonwealth currency collectors.
Common. While eBay market data shows UNC examples selling in the $49-$177.50 range historically (with more recent VF examples at $5.50-$22.99), the consistent availability of this note in multiple condition grades and the substantial number of sales spanning over a decade indicate strong collector supply. The 2019 catalogue value of $45 UNC further supports common classification. Print runs for Bermuda's 1970 series were substantial, and this note was not recalled or withdrawn.
Issued on February 6, 1970, this note marks the Bermuda Government's introduction of a new currency series following the territory's monetary modernization. The deliberate inclusion of St. David's lighthouse and Bermuda's distinctive coastal architecture on the reverse reflects the government's emphasis on local heritage and geography, while the tuna fish watermark (a native species of economic importance) underscores Bermuda's maritime identity during this post-colonial period of financial autonomy.
The obverse presents a three-quarter profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II rendered in purple and magenta tones, positioned at right with formal pearls and regalia. The center features the Bermuda coat of arms (heraldic shield with lion design) surrounded by elaborate scrollwork and geometric ornamental patterns in pale green/cyan and pink. A decorative floral element adorns the right side. The reverse displays a masterfully engraved dual composition: St. David's lighthouse (prominently featured on the left with distinctive banding pattern and lantern top) and an expansive panoramic landscape depicting Bermuda's characteristic architecture, coastal settlements, water features, and hillside terrain. Ornamental $5 denomination cartouches appear in all four corners, with scrollwork framing throughout.
FRONT SIDE: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority) | 'FIVE DOLLARS' (denomination) | '6TH FEBRUARY 1970' (issue date) | 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authorization) | 'MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR FINANCE' and 'CHAIRMAN, BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (official titles) | Signatures of John H. Sharpe and C. Seager (authorized officials) | 'A 001026' (serial number). REVERSE SIDE: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority repeated) | 'FIVE DOLLARS' and '$5' (denomination markers in all four corners) | 'FIVE DOLLARS' (denomination text).
Intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine line work, complex geometric patterns, detailed landscape rendering, and exceptional depth visible throughout both sides. The ornamental borders, security scrollwork, and portraiture all exhibit characteristics of traditional steel plate engraving. The printer for this Bermuda Government series was likely Thomas De La Rue & Company, the standard currency printer for Commonwealth nations during this period.
This specimen represents variety P-24a (Pick catalog designation) with tuna fish watermark. The serial number prefix 'A' and consecutive numbering system (A 001026) is consistent with the standard issue. Signatories John H. Sharpe (Member of Executive Council for Finance) and C. Seager (Chairman, Bermuda Monetary Authority) represent the authorized officials for this 1970 issue. No significant overprints, color variants, or error varieties are apparent from the visual analysis.
