5 pounds 1957
Market Prices
3 salesAbout This Note
A handsome example of the 1957 Bermuda Government £5 note (P-21b), graded VF, featuring an ornate orange and coral design with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the right and a detailed vignette of Hamilton Harbour on the left. The note displays sharp engraving, minimal wear consistent with its grade, and light age-appropriate patina, representing a desirable mid-century Commonwealth banknote from the early post-war period.
Common. While the 1957 Bermuda £5 (P-21b) is not encountered in high volume on the modern collector market, eBay sales data shows consistent availability at modest prices (VF examples sold for $373–$456 in the 2013–2014 period, with more recent F-grade sales around $160). The 1952–1966 issue series had substantial print runs, and this variant (without security strip) represents the standard circulation type. The catalog value of $1,000 VF reflects collector demand and grade scarcity rather than overall rarity, as most surviving notes grade lower due to circulation wear.
Issued on 1 May 1957 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, this note reflects Bermuda's status as a British colony in the post-war era. The depiction of Hamilton Harbour and the inclusion of 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' underscore the island's colonial governance structure, while the heraldic coat of arms on the reverse featuring the lion and royal insignia reinforces Bermuda's Commonwealth ties during the mid-twentieth century.
The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in profile, rendered in the classical style typical of 1950s Commonwealth coinage and currency. The left side displays a coastal landscape vignette of Hamilton Harbour with colonial-era architecture, establishing the geographic and economic identity of Bermuda. The denomination 'FIVE POUNDS' is prominently displayed in the center-left in large numerals. The reverse presents the heraldic coat of arms of Bermuda centered within an ornate cartouche, flanked by decorative denomination tablets, surrounded by an elaborate geometric border. The entire design employs fine-line engraving with baroque-style flourishes, ornamental scrollwork, and floral corner designs characteristic of mid-century British currency production.
Front: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' / 'FIVE POUNDS' / 'BERMUDA NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' / 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' / 'HAMILTON, BERMUDA 1ST MAY, 1957' / 'COLONIAL TREASURER' / 'ASSISTANT COLONIAL TREASURER' / Serial number: M170820. Back: 'FIVE POUNDS' (repeated twice flanking the arms) / 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' (French: 'God and My Right' — the royal motto).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate printing), as evidenced by the fine detail, sharp lines, complex geometric patterns, and three-dimensional quality visible throughout the design. Printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. (BWC), a renowned London-based security printer specializing in banknote production. The technique provided security through the intricacy of the engraved patterns and the difficulty of reproduction.
This note is identified as Pick 21b: the 'without security strip' variant issued by the Bermuda Government in 1957. PMG population data confirms four cataloged variants of the base Pick 21 for this denomination: P-21a (wmk: Bank Title), P-21b (without security strip — this note), P-21c (with security strip), and P-21d (wmk: Bank Title). The specific variety P-21b is distinguished by the absence of a security strip, consistent with early 1950s security standards. Serial number M170820 indicates standard sequential numbering. The date 'HAMILTON, BERMUDA 1ST MAY, 1957' is printed on the face, establishing this as the first-day issue variant.
