BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES. Currency Board of the British Caribbean Territories. 100 Dollars, 5.1.1953. P-12a. PMG Very Fine 20.The $100 of the British Caribbean Territories, issued by its Currency Board, with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the great rarities in the Commonwealth and QEII series. Very seldom offered in issued format, and a note that is missing from even the most advanced collections. The present example, problem-free with excellent color and paper quality, is one of the few pieces we have seen in recent memory that is problem-free. These notes, which represented considerable buying power in the British Caribbean at the time of issue, were used and abused, and precious few have survived in as attractive condition as the present piece.<p>The British Caribbean Currency Board (BCCB) played a crucial role in creating a standardized financial framework across British colonies in the Caribbean and South America. Its currency, introduced in 1951, became a cornerstone for economic cohesion in the region and would continue in circulation until the mid-1960s when notes of the East Caribbean Currency Authority were introduced. After a short-lived series with the portrait of King George VI this series with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was introduced, although the notes otherwise kept the same basic design on all its denominations. A map of the region is found at left on the front. The reverse design, showcasing the coats of arms of the member countries, symbolizes the collective identity of the participating colonies.<p>This is the first date of issue for this type. It is an attractive note, which is one of just two notes graded of this particular variety in the PMG population report, both at the Very Fine 20 level. However, the other note with this date, which sold at auction elsewhere in 2023 (realizing $28,800), has a comment for tears, so the present example is preferred. To further underscore the rarity of this type, we must mention that of all varieties, just seven notes in total have been graded, the finest which is a single Very Fine 35. An exceptional opportunity and one of the highlights of the present sale, not to be missed.
