1 dollar 1964
About This Note
This is a PMG graded 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated example of the 1964 Trinidad & Tobago Central Bank 1 Dollar note (Pick P-26a), featuring a striking red/pink color scheme with exceptional preservation. The obverse displays a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II within a circular frame alongside the national coat of arms, while the reverse depicts the Central Bank's Treasury building and an offshore oil refinery—key symbols of the nation's economic focus during the post-independence era. The crisp paper quality, sharp engraving, and absence of wear are characteristic of this professional grade, making it a desirable example for collectors of Caribbean currency.
common. The 1964 Trinidad & Tobago 1 Dollar note (P-26a) is a standard circulation issue from a well-established central bank with no documented evidence of restricted print runs, recall, or short-lived status. Examples are regularly encountered in both circulated and uncirculated grades in the collector market, though PMG 67 examples represent above-average condition within the survivor population.
This note was issued in 1964, a pivotal year for Trinidad & Tobago's economic development, just two years after the nation gained independence from British rule. The design's dual emphasis on institutional authority (via the Treasury building) and industrial progress (the oil refinery vignette) reflects the country's growing petroleum sector, which became the economic cornerstone of the nation. The inclusion of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait underscores Trinidad & Tobago's continued ties to the Commonwealth at the time of this note's issuance.
The obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in formal dress and regalia, positioned centrally within an ornate circular frame, flanked on the left by the coat of arms of Trinidad & Tobago featuring a shield with heraldic design elements. Both the front and reverse employ bold red and pink coloration with white accents, framed by intricate decorative borders with geometric and floral patterns characteristic of mid-20th century British Commonwealth currency design. The reverse showcases two distinct architectural/industrial elements: a prominent multi-story modern institutional building (the Central Bank's Treasury building) occupying the central composition, and a circular vignette in the upper right depicting industrial smokestacks and oil refinery infrastructure, reflecting Trinidad & Tobago's petroleum-based economy. Denomination markings appear in ornamental corner boxes on both sides.
FRONT: 'CENTRAL BANK OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO' (institutional identification); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENTRAL BANK ACT OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO' (legal authority statement); 'GOVERNOR' (title designation); 'John Blain' (signature of the Governor); Serial number 'F272119' appears twice (upper left and lower left). BACK: 'CENTRAL BANK OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO' (institutional identification across top); '$1' (denomination markers in all four corners).
This note was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine, intricate line work visible throughout both the portrait, architectural details, and decorative borders. The process involved engraving the design into steel plates, creating the characteristic sharp, precise details and three-dimensional quality visible in the imagery. The dual-color printing (red/pink with white) was achieved through multiple pass printing, a standard technique for Commonwealth banknotes of this era.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-26a, one of three identified variants (P-26a, P-26b, P-26c) differentiated by security features or subtle design changes. All three variants share the Bird of Paradise watermark. This specific example bears the signature of John Blain as Governor and carries serial number F272119 with the 'F' prefix. Without access to detailed comparative data on the specific distinguishing characteristics between P-26a, P-26b, and P-26c, the classification as P-26a should be verified against the original Pick catalog's precise specifications for this variety, though the watermark identification confirms it belongs to the three-variant P-26 series.
