1986 Bermuda 1 Dollar Banknote – Sailboats, Seabirds, and Sovereignty in Blue
Issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the 1986 $1 banknote is a graceful blend of British royal portraiture and island iconography. As part of the 1974–1982 series, this note reflects Bermuda’s maritime heritage and its status as a British Overseas Territory. With its crisp engraving, low print volume, and distinctive blue tones, it remains a favourite among collectors of Commonwealth and island currency.
Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co., the note features the Bermuda petrel (cahow) in flight, a symbol of the island’s ecological resilience, and a reverse scene of Hamilton Harbour, complete with sailboats and colonial architecture.
Key Features & Historical Significance
Issuer: Bermuda Monetary Authority
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Year of Issue: 1986
Pick Number: P-28c
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co., London
Size: Approx. 140 × 70 mm
Material: Paper with intaglio and multicolour lithographic printing
Design Highlights
Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at right, wearing the Kokoshnik Tiara, with the Bermuda petrel (Pterodroma cahow) in flight at centre and the Bermuda coat of arms at left.
Reverse: A tranquil view of Hamilton Harbour, with two sailboats at left and colonial buildings at upper right — a nod to Bermuda’s seafaring legacy.
Watermark: Tuna fish, visible when held to light.
Security Features: Guilloché patterns, watermark, and black serial numbers.
Signatures: Typically Chairman and General Manager of the Bermuda Monetary Authority
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1986 $1 note is a standout for collectors of British Overseas Territories and maritime-themed currency. It offers:
Royal and ecological symbolism, with Queen Elizabeth II and the endangered cahow
Maritime artistry, capturing Bermuda’s nautical charm
Low print volume, with limited circulation outside the island
Aesthetic appeal, with crisp engraving and a cool blue palette
Sail into Bermudian history with this elegant $1 note. The 1986 Bermuda banknote is more than currency — it’s a tribute to island life, royal legacy, and ocean-bound identity.
