1 pound 1964
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4 salesAbout This Note
This is a Bank of Jamaica one pound note from 1964, issued under the Bank of Jamaica Law 1960, printed by Thomas de la Rue in London. The note features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse with the Jamaica coat of arms, and depicts an agricultural harvesting scene with tractor and sugar cane on the reverse. The specimen exhibits exceptional condition consistent with VF grade, with sharp printing, no visible wear, and excellent detail preservation throughout the fine line engraving.
Common. This note sold regularly on the secondary market with VF specimens commanding $24.50-$28.50 in recent years (2021-2022) according to the eBay price data provided, well within the range expected for common circulating issues. The 2019 catalogue value of $25 for VF grade further confirms common status. The Pick number P-51Ca is one of multiple catalogued variants of the 1964 one pound issue, and no specific print run restriction or rarity flag applies to this particular variety.
This note was issued during the early years of Jamaica's monetary independence following the transition from British colonial currency. The reverse design prominently featuring sugar cane harvesting reflects Jamaica's significant agricultural economy of the 1960s, with sugar production being a major export and economic driver. The continued portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse reflects Jamaica's status as part of the Commonwealth during this period.
The obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in profile wearing a tiara, positioned on the left side of the note against a pink/beige background with green decorative elements. Below her portrait is the Jamaica coat of arms featuring a shield with heraldic design and animal supporters (lion and other heraldic beasts), with the denomination 'ONE POUND' prominently displayed in the center. The reverse depicts a working agricultural scene of mechanical sugar cane harvesting, showing a tractor with harvester attachment and a loaded wagon operating in a mature sugar cane field, with decorative geometric border patterns throughout. The green on multicolored underprint provides the color scheme for both sides.
Front: 'BANK OF JAMAICA' (issuing authority), 'ONE POUND' (denomination), '£1' (denomination symbol in corners), 'ISSUED UNDER THE BANK OF JAMAICA LAW 1960' (legal authority), 'GOVERNOR' (signature line), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED.' (printer attribution), Serial number 'DG476215' (repeated). Back: 'BANK OF JAMAICA' (issuing authority), 'ONE POUND' (denomination, repeated on left and right), '£1' (denomination symbol in all four corners). All inscriptions are in English.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London, evidenced by the fine line patterns, intricate cross-hatching, stippling, and geometric border designs visible throughout both the portrait and reverse scenes. The detailed engraved shading and security features characteristic of de la Rue's work are clearly apparent in the crisp execution of fine details.
This note is catalogued as Pick P-51Ca, specifically the variant with English motto below the arms (distinguished from P-51 which carries a Latin motto). The serial number prefix 'DG' and gothic-style serial number format are consistent with this 1964 issue. The Law of 1960 date notation ('L. 1960') appears on the note as required by the issuing legislation. This represents one of five documented one pound variants in the P-51 series (P-51Ca through P-51Ce, plus P-51Cs and P-51s), all printed by TDLR.
