1 dollar 1964
About This Note
This is a pristine UNC example of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago's 1964 one dollar note (Pick P-26c), featuring an elegant portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in profile on the obverse within an ornate circular frame, rendered in the note's distinctive red and pink color scheme. The reverse showcases two emblematic images of the nation's development: the Central Bank building and an offshore oil platform, reflecting Trinidad and Tobago's economic foundations in the post-independence era. The note displays exceptional clarity and crispness throughout with no signs of circulation, making it an outstanding specimen from this historically significant early issue.
Common. The 1964 one dollar note from Trinidad and Tobago's Central Bank represents an early and foundational issue from the newly independent nation's currency system, with substantial print runs typical of denomination one notes intended for widespread circulation. Examples survive in quantity in various grades, and UNC specimens, while not abundant in the collector market, are encountered with sufficient regularity to classify this note as common rather than scarce or rare.
Issued in 1964 following Trinidad and Tobago's independence from British rule, this banknote represents the newly sovereign nation's assertion of monetary control through its Central Bank. The depiction of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse reflects the nation's continued Commonwealth membership at the time of issue, while the reverse imagery—featuring both governmental infrastructure (the Treasury building/Central Bank) and the oil platform—symbolizes the country's dual pillars of economic development during this formative period of nationhood.
The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, positioned centrally within an elaborate circular decorative border that demonstrates fine engraving work. The coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago, featuring two heraldic dragons flanking a shield with banner inscription, appears on the left side of the note. The reverse presents two complementary images representing national development: a prominent multi-story government building (the Central Bank/Treasury building) with distinctive horizontal striping and regular fenestration on the left, and an offshore oil drilling platform depicted within a circular vignette in the upper right. Both sides feature corner ornaments displaying the dollar denomination ($1), geometric background patterns, and fine-line security printing throughout.
FRONT: 'CENTRAL BANK OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO' (issuing authority); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'E/2 553033' (serial number); 'ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENTRAL BANK ACT OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO-1964' (legal authorization); 'GOVERNOR' (signature line); 'TOGETHER WE ASPIRE, TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE' (national motto). BACK: 'CENTRAL BANK OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO' (issuing authority); '$1' (denomination symbol).
This note was produced using intaglio engraving and letterpress printing techniques, as evidenced by the crisp, deeply defined portraiture, ornamental borders, and fine-line background patterns visible in the UNC specimen. The printing exhibits the hallmarks of high-quality security printing from the 1960s era, with precisely executed geometric designs and intricate vignettes characteristic of De La Rue or similar security printers who produced Commonwealth banknotes during this period.
This note is catalogued as Pick P-26c, one of three recorded variants (P-26a, P-26b, and P-26c) for the 1964 one dollar denomination. All variants share the Bird of Paradise watermark. The specific variety is determined by signature combinations and subtle design differences between the variants. Based on the serial number prefix 'E/2' observed on this specimen (E/2 553033), this represents the P-26c variety as catalogued.
