1 dollar 1958

Common. Market data from eBay sales spanning 2009-2025 shows consistent availability with hundreds of transactions across multiple condition grades. AU-graded examples have sold in the $50-$80 range (AUNC $74.99 in 2025, PMG 58 $122.50 in 2020, PMG 65 $273.89 in 2019 for higher grades), while Fine and VF examples routinely sell for $15-$50, indicating strong collector demand but abundant supply. The 1958 Eastern Group issue was a regular series with substantial print runs, and examples remain commonly encountered in the numismatic market. The British Caribbean Territories Eastern Group currency was short-lived (lasting only until 1965), but this has not created scarcity for circulated or AU examples.

Issued on January 2, 1958, this note represents the British Caribbean Territories Eastern Group Currency Board's attempt to create a unified currency for recently-federated British Caribbean colonies during the transition toward independence. The reverse design prominently features the four constituent territories' heraldic arms—British Guiana (with its sailing ship emblem), Barbados, the Windward Islands, and Trinidad & Tobago—reflecting the political union of these regions during a pivotal moment in Caribbean decolonization. The inclusion of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait affirmed the territories' continued links to the British Commonwealth during this period of constitutional change.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in right-facing profile, enclosed within an ornate circular heraldic frame positioned on the right side of the note. The left side displays a detailed navigational map of the Caribbean Sea with an accompanying compass rose design, flanked by stylized palm tree elements suggesting the tropical location of the issuing territories. The reverse presents a sophisticated heraldic composition with four territorial coats of arms arranged symmetrically: British Guiana (lower left, featuring a sailing ship emblem in a circular seal representing maritime commerce), Barbados (upper center area with mountainous landscape imagery), and the Windward Islands and Trinidad & Tobago positioned on the right side with coastal and landscape elements. A central medallion in the upper portion depicts allegorical or mythological figures, reinforcing the Commonwealth prestige. The entire composition is framed by elaborate ornamental borders featuring interlocking geometric patterns and fine scrollwork throughout.

FRONT SIDE: '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'THE BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES EASTERN GROUP' (issuing authority); 'FOR THE CURRENCY BOARD' (legal statement); 'CHAIRMAN MEMBER' (signature authority labels); '2ND JANUARY 1958' (issue date); 'D3-982061' (serial number); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO. LTD. NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer identification). BACK SIDE: 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); '$1' (denomination); 'BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES' and 'EASTERN GROUP' (issuing authority); 'BARBADOS', 'WINDWARD ISLANDS', 'BRITISH GUIANA', 'TRINIDAD & TOBAGO' (territory identifications); 'PERSEVERIQUE PROBAT POPULUM ET PRUDENTIA JUSTITIAM' (Latin motto, approximate translation: 'Perseverance proves the people and wisdom/prudence proves justice').

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. Ltd., a renowned British security printer based in New Malden, Surrey. The technique is evidenced by the crisp, sharp impressions of fine line details, the complex ornamental borders, the intricate heraldic designs with multiple interlocking geometric patterns, and the detailed portraiture—all characteristic of high-security intaglio production from this era. The layered color application (pink/magenta primary color with lighter background tones) suggests multi-color engraving with careful registration.

This note is cataloged as P-7c (Eastern Group variant) and represents one of nine cataloged variants of the base Pick number P-7 for the 1958 1 Dollar issue. Variants include P-7a through P-7cs, with differentiation based on issuing sub-group (Eastern Group being the primary variant), signature combinations, and printing subtleties. The serial number prefix 'D3' and the issue date of January 2, 1958 are consistent with the standard P-7c identification. PMG population data indicates this variant exists but does not provide specific population counts for this exact grade.