5 Pounds

Bermuda's postwar government notes were still denominated in pounds well after most Caribbean territories had begun transitioning away from sterling. This 1947 issue from Bradbury, Wilkinson came at a moment when Bermuda's currency remained formally pegged to sterling at par — a relationship that would hold until decimalization in 1970. The £5 was a high denomination for a small island economy; purchasing power at the time placed it beyond the reach of everyday transactions for most residents.

Bradbury, Wilkinson's New Malden facility was the dominant printer for British colonial currency in this period, and the quality of their intaglio work on this series is consistent with that reputation. Watermark security only — no metallic thread, which was not yet standard for colonial issues of this date.