1 dollar 1931
About This Note
This is a 1931 Straits Settlements one dollar note (Pick P-16a) in Fine condition, issued by the Government of the Straits Settlements and printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd. The note displays the characteristic blue and cream color scheme with red/pink overprinting in the central ornamental area, featuring a bearded portrait in formal dress on the obverse and a striking tiger engraving on the reverse flanked by circular portrait medallions. The note shows significant age-related wear consistent with circulation, including foxing, creasing, and paper darkening, but retains good legibility and design definition.
Common. The Straits Settlements 1931 one dollar note (P-16a) from Bradbury Wilkinson printing was issued in substantial quantities to meet the currency needs of a major trading region. While colonial-era notes have collector appeal, this particular denomination and type remains readily available in numismatic markets, particularly in circulated grades like Fine. No exceptional print run limitations or recall circumstances are associated with this issue.
This note was issued during the final years of the Straits Settlements as a political entity, predating the 1942 Japanese occupation and the eventual dissolution of the colonial administration. The dual-language inscriptions in English and Chinese reflect the multicultural character of Singapore and the Straits Settlements, while the Arabic inscription acknowledges the significant Muslim populations in the region. The tiger imagery on the reverse symbolized regional identity and strength, while the formal portraiture and Bradbury Wilkinson engraving quality exemplified the technical sophistication of British colonial currency production.
The obverse features a formal portrait of a bearded man in military or official dress positioned on the right side, rendered in fine engraved detail. The center displays an ornate radiating geometric pattern overprinted in red/pink, with decorative corner ornaments bearing the denomination numeral '1'. Floral and geometric border designs frame the note in blue and cream. The reverse showcases a detailed central engraving of a tiger in a naturalistic landscape setting with trees and foliage, flanked by two circular portrait medallions—the left containing a profile portrait with curled hair (likely representing a historical figure from the region), with the right medallion appearing blank or unfilled. Corner ornaments repeat the numeral '1' in decorative circular frames with scrollwork flourishes.
FRONT: 'THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS' / 'PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT SINGAPORE' / 'ONE DOLLAR' / 'LOCAL CURRENCY FOR VALUE RECEIVED 1ST JANUARY 1931' / 'FOR THE CURRENCY COMMISSIONERS' / 'BRADBURY WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGRAVERS NEW MALDEN SURREY ENGLAND' / Serial number: B 96 69258 / Chinese (right to left): '票券中國開闆嶺南' (Straits Settlements banknote) / Arabic: 'دولار واحد' (One Dollar). BACK: 'Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd New Malden Surrey England'
Intaglio engraving (engraved steel plate printing) produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd, the renowned British security printer. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, intricate detail, and depth of traditional engraving. Red/pink overprinting was applied separately to the central ornamental design as a security feature and design accent, typical of the color-enhanced security printing techniques of the 1930s.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-16a, produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd (BWC). The PMG population data indicates nine recognized variants for this base Pick number (P-16a, P-16as, P-16b, P-16bs, P-16cts, P-16cts1, P-16cts2, P-16p2, P-16s), which may represent differences in signatures, serial number formats, printer markings, or overprint variations. The observed specimen bears serial number B 96 69258, which indicates the 'B' series prefix typical of certain printings. Without comparative examples, the specific distinguishing features between P-16a and related varieties (such as P-16as, P-16s, or others) cannot be definitively determined from the visual analysis alone, though the Bradbury Wilkinson attribution is confirmed by the engraver's imprint visible on both sides.
