Barbados gained independence from Britain in November 1966, but the Central Bank wasn't established until 1972, and the first national coinage — including this dollar — didn't reach circulation until 1973. The designs were commissioned from Philip Nathan, a British sculptor who produced the wildlife-themed series that gave Barbadian coinage a distinct identity from the outset. The large-type dollar ran until 1986, when it was replaced by a reduced specification to cut production costs.
Barbados gained independence from Britain in November 1966, but the Central Bank wasn't established until 1972, and the first national coinage — including this dollar — didn't reach circulation until 1973. The designs were commissioned from Philip Nathan, a British sculptor who produced the wildlife-themed series that gave Barbadian coinage a distinct identity from the outset. The large-type dollar ran until 1986, when it was replaced by a reduced specification to cut production costs.