5 shillings 1957

Common. While this is a mid-20th century colonial currency note that saw limited geographic circulation, the market data clearly demonstrates robust availability across all condition grades. eBay sales history spanning from 2009 to 2026 shows consistent supply of both circulated and uncirculated examples, with UNC examples regularly achieving $100-$250 depending on grading. The 2019 catalogue value of $150 for UNC places it well within the range of commonly encountered notes. Print runs for this issue were substantial relative to Bermuda's population and economic needs, and no evidence of recalls or scarcity exists. The frequency and consistency of sales across multiple years and multiple condition grades further confirms this is a readily available note in the collector market.

This 1957 issue marks the final year of the shilling-based currency system in Bermuda before the transition to decimal currency, making it a significant transitional note in the colony's monetary history. Issued under the authority of the Bermuda Legislature during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the note reflects Bermuda's continued status as a British colonial territory at a time when such territories were beginning to assert greater autonomy. The depiction of Hamilton Harbour and the coat of arms emphasizes Bermuda's identity and maritime heritage, while the formal legal tender inscription underscores the government's authority to issue currency independent from Britain.

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned centrally within an elegant oval decorative frame, rendered in the formal style typical of Commonwealth currency of the 1950s. Below the portrait is a detailed vignette depicting Hamilton Harbour with its characteristic coastal fortifications and waterfront architecture, providing a local geographic identity to the currency. The design employs a brown and mauve color palette with cream and orange-gold accents, surrounded by ornamental borders composed of intricate geometric and floral patterns. The denomination '5/-' appears in all four corners within decorative square frames. The reverse displays the Bermuda coat of arms as the central focal point, featuring the heraldic shield supported by two lions, crowned at the top, with the Latinized territorial motto beneath. The symmetrical layout emphasizes the heraldic achievement, with large ornamental denomination markers on either side, executed in pink, mauve, and olive-green tones. Throughout both sides, extensive guilloche and fine-line engraving provides sophisticated anti-counterfeiting security typical of this printer's work.

FRONT SIDE: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); 'BERMUDA NOTES ARE THE PAYMENT OF LEGAL TENDER FOR ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'FIVE SHILLINGS' (denomination in words); 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (authorization statement); 'HAMILTON, BERMUDA' (place of issue); '1ST MAY, 1957' (date of issue); 'COLONIAL TREASURER' and 'ASSISTANT COLONIAL TREASURER' (signatory titles); Serial number 'T792109' (appears twice). BACK SIDE: 'FIVE SHILLINGS' (denomination); '5/-' (denomination symbols in corners); 'DEUS ET DROIC' (Latin: 'God and Right' - Bermuda's heraldic motto); 'BRADBURY WILKINSON & CO U NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (steel die engraving), a hallmark of Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., one of the world's premier security printers. The note exhibits the characteristic features of this technique including fine line detail, complex guilloche patterns, sharp portrait engraving, and sophisticated geometric security patterns. The multiple color printing demonstrates the layered approach typical of high-security currency production, with separate passes for the brown/mauve overprint on the obverse and the pink/olive-green work on the reverse. The exceptional clarity of fine details, particularly in the heraldic engraving and ornamental borders, confirms professional intaglio production rather than lithography.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-18b, issued in 1957, printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (BWC). Per PMG population reports, there are three identified varieties for the base Pick number P-18: P-18a, P-18b, and P-18cts. The visual analysis confirms this is P-18b based on the 1957 date and BWC printer mark visible on the reverse. The serial number T792109 is consistent with this issue's numbering system. No overprints, signatures variations, or other distinguishing features are evident that would indicate a rare sub-variety within P-18b.