2 dollars 1973

Common. This commemorative note, while thematically significant, had a standard production run as indicated by the eBay price history showing regular sales of UNC specimens ranging from $6 to $21.50 (with one outlier PMG 67 at $60). The 2019 catalog value for UNC condition is listed at $15, and multiple UNC examples have sold consistently over the past decade, indicating adequate availability in the collector market. The double prefix serial number (FA-O) and standard print quantities support a common classification despite its historical commemorative nature.

This commemorative note marks Jamaica's recognition of the 25th anniversary of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically emphasizing Articles 23-26 regarding food, education, and employment for all. The imagery deliberately reflects Jamaica's national motto 'Out of Many One People' through the portrayal of Paul Bogle, a national hero who led the Morant Bay Rebellion, and the diverse group of schoolchildren on the reverse, symbolizing the nation's commitment to unity and social progress in 1973. The inscription of the Bank of Jamaica Law 1960 anchors the note to Jamaica's post-independence monetary framework.

The obverse features Paul Bogle, the 19th-century Jamaican national hero and leader of the Morant Bay Rebellion, portrayed in formal profile facing right with characteristic period clothing. The Jamaica coat of arms appears at left with the national motto. A red-billed streamertail hummingbird (Trochilus polytmus, Jamaica's national bird) is depicted in flight in the center-right area, symbolizing national pride. The reverse showcases approximately fourteen schoolchildren of various ages from the Central Branch Primary School in Kingston, deliberately arranged to represent Jamaica's diverse racial composition and commitment to universal education. Decorative floral elements border the left side with pink flowers and green foliage. The color palette of beige/cream base with green and red-brown accents creates visual harmony throughout, while complex geometric patterns and fine engraved lines provide security features. The pineapple watermark, traditional for Jamaican currency, appears throughout.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANK OF JAMAICA' (issuing authority); '$2' (denomination); 'TWO DOLLARS' (denomination in words); 'FA010945' (serial number); 'PAUL BOGLE' (portrayed historical figure); 'GOVERNOR' (official title); 'ISSUED UNDER THE BANK OF JAMAICA LAW 1960' (legal authority); 'Out of Many One People' (national motto). BACK SIDE: 'BANK OF JAMAICA' (issuing authority); '$2' (denomination); 'UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 1948 - 10 DECEMBER - 1973' (commemorative theme with specific date); 'TOWARD FOOD EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL ARTICLES 23-28' (emphasis on human rights provisions); 'OUT OF MANY, ONE PEOPLE' (national motto); 'TWO DOLLARS' (denomination in words).

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas de la Rue, London, the renowned British security printer. The visual analysis reveals characteristic features of intaglio production including fine line engraving throughout, complex geometric patterns in the background, intricate circular design elements at corners, and the high-quality portrait rendering of both Paul Bogle and the schoolchildren group. The multi-color printing process combined green, red-brown, and blue inks on a cream base with precise registration evident in the corner design elements and border work.

This note is identified as Pick catalog number P-58, issued in 1973 under the Bank of Jamaica Law of 1960 (with notation '1970' in some references, likely indicating a printing date). The serial number observed (FA010945) shows the double prefix 'FA-O' format typical of this issue. The catalog reference notes this is distinct from the regular 2 dollar issue (Pick P-55), making it a specific commemorative variety. PMG has catalogued 1 variant for this base Pick number according to the population report. No overprints or signature variations are noted in the visual analysis for this specimen.