Top
header Notes Collection

20 Dollars 1997, Bahamas

in Krause book Number: 65
Years of issue: 1997
Edition: 7 812 700
Signatures: Governor: Mr. Julian W. Francis (1997 - 2005)
Serie: 1997 Issue
Specimen of: 1992
Material: Cotton fiber
Size (mm): 156 х 67
Printer: TDLR (Thomas de la Rue & Company), London

* All pictures marked magnify are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.

** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.

20 Dollars 1997

Description

Watermark:

watermark

Spanish galleon "Santa Maria", the flagship of the first expedition of Columbus sailing on the sea the sun shone. Her foremast shows pennant Expedition (white with a green cross and the first letters of the names of the Spanish royal couple, sent an expedition - Ferdinand and Isabella), and on the main and mizzen-mast - then flag and pennant Spain lion of Leon and Castillo.

Security thread.

Avers:

20 Dollars 1997

On background is the map of Bahamas with the image of Spanish galleon "Santa Maria" approaching. Lower is A compass rose, sometimes called a wind-rose.

20 dollars 1997

Sir Milo Boughton Butler, GCMG (August 11, 1906 – January 22, 1979) was a Bahamian administrator. He was appointed as the first Bahamian Governor-General on the recommendation of Lynden Pindling, prime minister of The Bahamas and leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), of which he was also a member. He was Governor General from 1973 until his death in Nassau in 1979. He is commemorated with a statue located in downtown Nassau across from the Parliament House.

1937-1947, 1956-1966, 1967-1973 gg. - Member of the House of Assembly,

1967 - Minister of Health and Social Welfare,

1968-1970 - Minister of Labour, Agriculture and Fisheries,

1970-1972 - Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries,

1972-1973 - Minister without portfolio,

1973-1979 - Governor General of the Bahamas.

In 1975 HM The Queen Elizabeth II elevated him to the dignity of knighthood. Prior to his appointment to the Cabinet is actively engaged in business, leading a campaign of "Milo B. Butler and Sons Limited". Also, within 5 years, Sir Butler was a member of the Synod of the Anglican Church.

20 dollars 1997 20 dollars 1997 20 dollars 1997On left side is the Horse with coach (Surrey) - a traditional type of transportation in the Bahamas, for tourists.

Horse Drawn Carriage tours of historic Nassau are the best possible and by far the most romantic way to see all the history of Nassau. This is the best way to enjoy the beautiful breezes and see all the beautiful things, and yet also allows you to avoid all the down town traffic at the same time. Most tours usually last between 25 minutes to two hours, depending on your driver and what you have made arrangements for.

Be sure to head to the Cruise ship terminal area to find the Horse Drawn Carriage Tours as they are there daily. The drivers rest the horses daily from 1:00-3:00 pm May - October, and from 1:00-2:00 pm November - April.

20 dollars 1997 20 dollars 1997 20 dollars 1997Recently there have been reports of a terrible life conditions of the horses on Bahamas. This attracted the attention of the public and influential societies, protecting rights of animals. So, the question of the future of Surreys for tourists in the Bahamas is very unstable. (www.bahamasfinder.com) (www.oldbahamas.com)

20 dollars 1997On left side is the Bank of Bahamas logo.

It is Mellita quinquiesperforata or Keyhole Sand Dollar - a tropical species of sand dollar, a flat, round marine animal related to sea urchins, sea stars, and other echinoderms.

The selection of the sand dollar as the logo of the Central Bank was made by the first Governor, Mr. T. B. Donaldson, who, in addition to wanting something Bahamian, was "intrigued by the elegance and history" of this unusual specimen of marine life, of which an interesting legend exists. The markings on the shell of the sand dollar are said to symbolize the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ".

Denominations in numerals are in three corners. In words in center.

In lower right corner is a hologram window with Bank of Bahamas logo inside.

Revers:

20 Dollars 1997

Lower, on left side, is the anchor.

Coat of arms

The Coat of Arms of the Bahamas is on right side. Nearby is? again, the logo of the Bank of Bahamas.

It contains a shield with the national symbols as its focal point.

The escutcheon (shield) is supported by a marlin and flamingo. The crest on top of the helm (helmet) is a conch shell, which represents the varied marine life of the island chain. Below the helm is the escutcheon itself, whose main charge is a ship, reputed to represent the Santa Maria of Christopher Columbus. It is sailing beneath a sun in the chief. The animals supporting the shield are the national animals, and the national motto is found at the bottom. The flamingo is located upon land, and the marlin upon sea, indicating the geography of the islands.

The vibrant tinctures of the coat of arms are also intended to point to a bright future for the islands. They are also reputed to have been maintained for their attractiveness to tourists.

The Coat of Arms was approved by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on 7 December 1971 for use by the Bahamian People and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It was designed by Bahamian artist and clergyman, Rev. Dr. Hervis L. Bain, Jr., who is also a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Nearby is Bank of Bahamas logo. This is the Mellita quinquiesperforata or Keyhole Sand Dollar.

20 dollars 1997 20 dollars 1997Centered is the view at Nassau harbour and cruise ships terminal. Above are: Paradise island bridge, built in 1966 - second one, and Sir Sidney Poitier bridge, built in second half of 1990s - first one. these bridges crossing Nassau harbour and connecting Paradise island and New Providence island (Nassau).

New Providence is the most populous island in the Bahamas, containing more than 70% of the total population. It houses the national capital city of Nassau. The island was originally under Spanish control following Christopher Columbus's discovery of the New World, but the Spanish government showed little interest in developing the island (and the Bahamas as a whole). Nassau, the island's largest city, was formerly known as Charles-town, but it was burned to the ground by the Spanish in 1684. It was laid out and renamed Nassau in 1695 by Nicholas Trott, the most successful Lord Proprietor, in honor of the Prince of Orange-Nassau who became William III of England. The three branches of Bahamian Government: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary, are all headquartered on New Providence. New Providence functions as the main commercial hub of the Bahamas. It is also home to more than 400 banks and trust companies, and its hotels and port account for more than two thirds of the four million-plus tourists who visit the Bahamas annually. Other settlements on New Providence include Grants Town, Bain Town, Fox Hill, Adelaide, Yamacraw, South Beach, Coral Harbour, Lyford Cay, Paradise Island, Sea Breeze, Centreville, The Grove (South) and The Grove (West Bay), Cable Beach, Delaporte, Gambier, and Love Beach.

Paradise Island is an island in the Bahamas formerly known as Hog Island. The island, with an area of 277 hectares (685 acres) (2.8 km2 /1.1 sq. mi.), is located just off the shore of the city of Nassau, which is itself located on the northern edge of the island of New Providence. It is best known for the sprawling resort Atlantis with its extensive water park rides, pools, beach, restaurants, walk-in aquarium and casinos.

Denominations are on right side, in left top corner and centered.

Comments:

The signature on banknote belongs to:

Mr. Julian W. Francis, CBE

Mr. Julian W. Francis, CBE.

Governor (February 1997-May 2005) Mr. Julian W. Francis was appointed to the post of Deputy Governor and member of the Bank's Board of Directors in 1993, following a successful banking career in Paris, France, and earlier in The Bahamas. Mr. Francis was appointed Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas on 1st February, 1997. In 2000, the honour of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) was conferred on him.