1 dollar 1965
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of the 1965 East Caribbean Currency Authority $1 note (Pick P-13d(1)), presented in uncirculated condition with pristine surfaces and vibrant color. The note features a striking portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse alongside a detailed map of the Caribbean territories, while the reverse displays an idyllic tropical coastal landscape with palm trees and sailing vessels. The combination of fine engraving, intact security features, and flawless condition makes this an attractive specimen for collectors of Commonwealth currency and Caribbean numismatics.
Common. The East Caribbean Currency Authority issued these notes across eight territories over multiple decades, resulting in substantial print runs. The 1965 series was foundational and widely circulated throughout the member islands. Uncirculated examples exist in reasonable supply in the numismatic market. There is no evidence of limited print runs, early recalls, or significant scarcity for this Pick number and denomination in this condition grade.
Issued by the East Caribbean Currency Authority during the early post-independence era, this 1965 note represents the monetary unity of eight British Caribbean territories (Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Christopher & Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent). The cartographic display of member islands on the obverse and the romanticized tropical coastal scene on the reverse reflect the regional identity and economic focus on tourism and maritime commerce characteristic of the mid-1960s Caribbean.
The obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in formal profile facing left, attired in ceremonial red jacket, positioned on the right side of the note. A prominent ornate circular guilloche design occupies the center, incorporating the denomination 'ONE DOLLAR.' The left side displays a detailed cartographic representation of the eight member Caribbean islands. Dollar signs appear in all four corners in decorative treatment. The reverse presents a picturesque tropical landscape scene, the signature imagery of this series, depicting a prominent coconut palm tree, coastal mountains, a seaside settlement, anchored sailing vessels, and a sandy shoreline. Decorative floral motifs (pink flowers) frame the upper corners, with additional denomination markers in circular medallions. The color palette of pink, red, blue, green, and cream creates a warm, tropical aesthetic befitting the subject matter.
FRONT SIDE: 'EAST CARIBBEAN CURRENCY AUTHORITY' (issuing authority); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); Serial number: 'B28 352288'; Signature lines labeled 'Chairman' and 'Director'. BACK SIDE: 'EAST CARIBBEAN CURRENCY AUTHORITY' (issuing authority); 'MONTSERRAT ST VINCENT ST LUCIA BARBADOS DOMINICA GRENADA ST CHRISTOPHER & NEVIS ANTIGUA' (member territories); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).
This note was produced using traditional intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London, as credited on the reverse. The fine line engraving is evident throughout both sides, with intricate cross-hatching, detailed portraiture, complex guilloche patterns in the central security design, and elaborate background patterning in the cartographic and landscape elements. The precision of the security features and overall design execution are characteristic of De la Rue's high-security banknote production standards of the era.
The observed specimen bears serial number B28 352288, indicating the 'B' series prefix (consistent with early 1965 production). The note is identified as Pick P-13d(1), which denotes the 1965 issue with the cartographic obverse design. No overprints, date variations, or signature varieties are apparent in this specimen. The specific serial number format and prefix align with standard first-series production characteristics of the East Caribbean Currency Authority.
