Bahamas 50 Cents (1/2 Dollar) Elizabeth II 2001 Pick 68 UNC Banknote
The Bahamas 50 Cents (1/2 Dollar) 2001 Pick 68 banknote was issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas as part of the 2001 Series following the implementation of the Central Bank of The Bahamas Act 2000. Printed by De La Rue, it is one of the world’s few circulating half-dollar banknotes, making it especially popular among collectors.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this attractive note combines Bahamian culture, royal heritage and advanced security features.
Historical Background
The Bahamas has long maintained several unusual denominations, including the ½ Dollar and the famous 3 Dollar banknote. The 50 Cents note continues a long tradition of small-value paper money in the country and remains one of the most distinctive circulating banknotes in the Caribbean. The 2001 series introduced improved security features while retaining the classic design centred on Queen Elizabeth II and everyday Bahamian life.
Technical Specifications
- Country: The Bahamas
- Denomination: 50 Cents (½ Dollar)
- Year: 2001
- Series: 2001 Series
- Pick Number: P-68
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of The Bahamas
- Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 156 × 67 mm
- Printer: De La Rue (United Kingdom)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Burmese Ruby Tiara
- Outline map of The Bahamas
- Traditional straw baskets
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
Queen Elizabeth II served as Queen of The Bahamas from the country’s independence in 1973 until her death in 2022, making her portrait a familiar feature of Bahamian currency for decades.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Sister Sarah at Nassau Market
- Fruits, fish and local produce
- Market vendors and boats
- Coat of Arms of The Bahamas
- Banana motif
- Large denomination numerals
Sister Sarah became one of the best-known symbols of Bahamian culture through her long association with Nassau’s historic public market, representing the country’s vibrant traditions and local commerce.
Security Features
- Watermark of a Spanish sailing galleon
- Embedded windowed security thread with repeated “BAHAMAS”
- See-through Central Bank logo
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Microprinting
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Bahamas 50 Cents 2001 Pick 68 UNC banknote is one of the world’s few circulating half-dollar banknotes, making it a fascinating addition to any collection. Its combination of royal portraiture, Caribbean culture and unusual denomination has made it one of the most recognisable Bahamian notes.
Perfect for:
- Bahamas banknote collections
- Caribbean currency collections
- Queen Elizabeth II banknotes
- Low-denomination world banknotes
- Modern world paper money
- UNC banknote collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 68 is the standard 2001 Series issue signed by Governor Julian W. Francis. Together with the Bahamas’ famous 3 Dollar banknote, it represents one of the country’s most distinctive denominations and remains highly sought after by collectors because very few countries issue circulating ½ Dollar paper money.
