Hi all,
I came across a fascinating banknote in my late mother’s collection and I’d love some help identifying what’s going on.
It’s a Bahamas Government 4 shillings note with serial number **A/10 446562**, which, based on every reference I’ve found (Pick #13a), should be a **1954 Queen Elizabeth II issue**.
However, the portrait on the front of the note is **clearly King George VI**.
- It was printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co.
- It matches the layout and back design of the 1954 notes.
- It’s in excellent condition.
- The signature pair matches QEII-era issues.
My best guess is that it’s either a transitional plate mix-up, an early leftover printing, or possibly a mismatched serial-design error. I haven't found another example like it.
Has anyone seen this anomaly before? Any insight into how something like this could happen—or whether it has any collectible value beyond the standard issue?
Photos of front and back are attached. Thank you so much for any insights!
—Melissa
