5 dollars 1970 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note, which inherently carries some collector premium over regular circulation issues, the 1970 Bermuda 5 Dollar denomination was produced in substantial quantities. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows PMG 64 graded examples selling for $70–$100 in recent years, with catalog values at $25 UNC (2019 data), indicating steady but modest demand consistent with common notes. Specimen notes from major Commonwealth issuers of this period are generally available to collectors, and this note bears no indicators of limited print run, recall status, or short-lived issuance.

Issued on 6th February 1970 by the Bermuda Government under the authority of the Bermuda Legislature, this note commemorates the early establishment of modern Bermuda currency during the post-colonial period. The prominence of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Bermuda's status as a British Overseas Territory, while the depicted lighthouse and coastal buildings anchor the design in Bermuda's maritime heritage and specific geographic landmarks such as St. George's Harbour and St. David's Lighthouse, significant navigation and historical features of the island.

The obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side in formal three-quarter profile view, wearing pearls and formal regalia, rendered in classical intaglio engraving style. The Bermuda Government coat of arms/crest is centrally positioned on the left side, flanked by ornate rosette and floral decorative elements (depicted as pink flowers with green leaves) on the right. Decorative circles containing the numeral '5' appear on both left and right margins. The reverse showcases St. David's Lighthouse on the left side—depicted as a distinctive striped beacon tower characteristic of Bermuda's navigation infrastructure—with an aerial or elevated perspective view of Bermuda's coastal settlement and buildings with visible rooftops on the right, representing St. George's Harbour area. Both sides employ elaborate guilloche patterns, geometric linear borders, and fine-line background engravings to enhance security. The dominant color palette of purple/magenta with pink and green accents creates visual distinction from other denominations in the series.

FRONT SIDE: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); '5 DOLLARS' (denomination); '6TH FEBRUARY 1970' (issue date); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen designation); 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (legal authorization); 'MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR FINANCE' (official title); 'CHAIRMAN BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY' (official title); 'A 000000' (specimen serial number). BACK SIDE: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); 'FIVE DOLLARS' (denomination in word form); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen designation). All inscriptions are in English.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The intricate guilloche patterns, fine-line engravings, delicate rosette designs, and precise portrait work are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The detailed landscape engraving of the lighthouse and settlement on the reverse further confirms intaglio methodology. The specific printer for the 1970 Bermuda Government series is not definitively documented in readily available references, though this period coincides with De La Rue's involvement in Commonwealth currency production.

This is Pick catalog number P-24s, the specimen variety of the 1970 Bermuda 5 Dollar note. The 's' designation indicates this is a specimen note, identifiable by the prominent diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint and the specimen serial number (A 000000) visible on the front. PMG population reports indicate P-24a as the primary circulating variant with tuna fish watermark. The specimen variety (P-24s) represents a distinct cataloging variant, separate from circulating issues. The watermark featuring a tuna fish is confirmed across variants and visible as white circular watermark areas in the corner regions observed in the visual analysis.