1 dollar 1965

Common. While the PMG 68 EPQ grade is exceptional and commands premium pricing (comparable PMG 67 brought $131.25 in 2019), the underlying note type itself is a standard regular issue with no documented scarcity. The 1965 East Caribbean Currency Authority issues were produced in substantial quantities for regional circulation. eBay price data shows VF examples trading in the $2-6 range and catalog values list UNC at $200, consistent with a common note where premiums derive entirely from condition rarity rather than print run scarcity.

Issued in 1965 by the East Caribbean Currency Authority, this note represents the early standardization of currency across multiple Caribbean territories including Dominica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Barbados. The imagery—Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning monarch and a tropical Caribbean coastal landscape—reflects the British colonial heritage of these island nations during the period of emerging independence and regional economic cooperation. The prominence of the regional map and identification of member islands demonstrates the Authority's mission to unify currency across a fragmented geographic region.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in pink and red tones positioned on the right side, with a regional map of the East Caribbean States occupying the left portion. The center displays a fish illustration alongside ornamental floral designs and the denomination. Multiple signature lines for authorized officials appear in the lower center, with dollar sign symbols in corners. The reverse depicts a romantic tropical coastal landscape with a prominent palm tree, mountainous terrain in the background, tropical waters, and a small sailing vessel, all rendered in fine red engraving. The member territories are listed across the bottom, and decorative circular medallions with geometric patterns occupy the lower corners. The overall design employs multicolored underprinting with dominant pink, red, green, and cream tones.

Front side: 'EAST CARIBBEAN CURRENCY AUTHORITY' (issuing institution); '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); Serial number 'B19 292663'; signature titles 'Chairman' and 'Director'. Back side: 'EAST CARIBBEAN CURRENCY AUTHORITY' (issuing institution); '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'DOMINICA ANTIGUA SAINT LUCIA BARBADOS DOMINICA' (member territories); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited of London, as noted in the printer attribution on the reverse. The visual evidence of intricate geometric crosshatching, fine line patterns throughout the design, and the sharp, crisp impression of the portrait and landscape vignette are characteristic of high-quality intaglio work. Security features include a watermark of Queen Elizabeth II and multiple signature lines.

This specimen exhibits serial number B19 292663, with the 'B19' prefix indicating a specific printing batch. The signature block appears to contain authorized officer signatures for 'Chairman' and 'Director' positions, though specific signatory identification would require comparison with other dated examples. The note matches Pick catalog number P-13c, which represents the standard 1965 one dollar design without recorded major varieties in security features or design elements for this denomination and year.