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1 dollar 1965

America › Caribbean › East Caribbean States
P-13e1965Easr Caribbean Currency AuthorityUNC
1 dollar 1965 from East Caribbean States, P-13e (1965) — image 1
1 dollar 1965 from East Caribbean States, P-13e (1965) — image 2

Market Prices

9 sales
Catalogue (2019)
VF$12
UNC$65
VF$6.52021-04-27(7 bids)
VF$8.932021-01-27(12 bids)
PMG 65$292019-05-05(9 bids)
F$4.262018-03-07(7 bids)
F$11.612017-06-13(14 bids)
F$4.352016-11-25(6 bids)
UNC$18.52014-12-26(2 bids)
AUNC$8.492013-11-17(8 bids)
F$62010-07-19

About This Note

A pristine uncirculated example of the East Caribbean Currency Authority's 1965 One Dollar note (Pick-13e), printed by Thomas de la Rue. The note displays excellent color registration with dominant pink-red tones and features Queen Elizabeth II in profile on the obverse alongside a detailed map of the Eastern Caribbean islands, while the reverse showcases an engraved tropical coastal landscape complete with palm trees, banana plants, and sailboats. This specimen exhibits sharp, clear printing with no wear, creases, or stains, making it an attractive addition to any collection of early Caribbean currency.

Rarity

Common. This is a regular-issue note from the East Caribbean Currency Authority's early circulation period with no indication of limited print run or special rarity. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent eBay sales in recent years: UNC examples selling for $18.50-$65 (depending on source and exact grade), with VF specimens regularly appearing at $6.50-$12. The availability of multiple sales over a decade-long period and catalog valuations of $65 for UNC condition indicate this is a standard, readily available note in the collector market.

Historical Context

Issued by the East Caribbean Currency Authority in 1965, this note represents the early unified currency system for the British-administered Caribbean territories during the post-colonial transition period. The obverse prominently features Queen Elizabeth II as a symbol of continued Commonwealth ties, while the reverse celebrates the region's natural tropical landscape and maritime heritage with depictions of the coastal terrain, island vegetation, and sailing vessels characteristic of the Eastern Caribbean islands including Montserrat, St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, St. Christopher, Nevis, and Anguilla.

Design

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side of the note, rendered in the classical style typical of Commonwealth currency of the era. A detailed map of the Eastern Caribbean region occupies the left side, identifying the constituent islands. The center showcases an ornamental oval medallion frame containing the denomination 'ONE DOLLAR' with intricate guilloche patterns and fine line work throughout. Dollar sign symbols appear in circles at the top left and bottom left. The reverse presents an elaborate engraved tropical landscape depicting a coastal Caribbean scene with mountains, coconut and palm trees, prominent banana plants with large leaves in the foreground, and sailing vessels on the water. A shell or conch motif appears in the upper left corner, with decorative floral elements (likely hibiscus) framing the right border. The overall design celebrates both the political connection to the Commonwealth and the natural beauty and maritime character of the island territories.

Inscriptions

Front: 'EAST CARIBBEAN CURRENCY AUTHORITY' (top), '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (center oval denomination), 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration), 'Chairman' and 'Director' (signature lines), Serial number 'B57 461722'. Back: 'EAST CARIBBEAN CURRENCY AUTHORITY' (top), 'MONTSERRAT ST.LUCIA GRENADA DOMINICA ST.CHRISTOPHER NEVIS ANGUILLA' (territory listing in arc format), 'ONE DOLLAR' and '$1' (denomination markers), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED.' (printer credit line).

Printing Technique

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London, a renowned security printer. The note exhibits characteristic intaglio features including fine line work, cross-hatching, intricate guilloche patterns, and detailed engraved landscape elements visible in both the obverse map and reverse coastal scene. The sharp impression quality and fine detail visible in the security features confirm professional security printing standards of the period.

Varieties

This specimen is identified as Pick-13e, indicating it is one of the recognized varieties within the 1965 One Dollar issue. The serial number prefix 'B57' and the signature lines (Chairman and Director positions visible but signatures not legible in analysis) may identify this as a specific printing signature variety. The Pick catalog's designation of '13e' suggests multiple signature or design varieties exist for this denomination and year; without comparison examples, the specific distinguishing characteristics of the 'e' variety are not definitively identified from this image alone, though the note's registration quality and design elements are consistent with standard production of this period.