Barbados 2 Dollars John Redman Bovell 2022 Pick 80 Polymer UNC Banknote

The Barbados 2 Dollars 2022 Pick 80 belongs to a landmark series in the history of Barbadian currency: the country’s first generation of polymer banknotes.

Issued by the Central Bank of Barbados, the new series was unveiled in May 2022 and entered circulation on 5 December 2022. All six denominations were redesigned in a distinctive vertical format and produced on durable polymer substrate. centralbank.org.bb

The $2 denomination retains John Redman Bovell, a major figure in the history of Barbadian agriculture, while the reverse depicts Morgan Lewis Windmill, connecting Bovell’s portrait directly with the island’s sugar industry.

Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, P-80 is an attractive modern Caribbean banknote combining history, architecture and advanced polymer technology.

Historical Background

John Redman Bovell (1855–1928) was a Barbadian scientist and agronomist whose research played an important role in protecting the island’s sugar industry.

During a period when Barbadian sugar production faced competition from European sugar beet as well as drought and crop disease, Bovell experimented with different varieties of sugar cane. His breeding work helped establish Barbados as an important centre for sugar-cane research and development. He also developed several strains of Sea Island cotton. centralbank.org.bb

In recognition of his contribution to tropical agriculture, Bovell was awarded the Imperial Service Star in 1908. centralbank.org.bb

His portrait has appeared on Barbados’ $2 denomination for decades, making him closely associated with this value.

Technical Specifications

• Country: Barbados
• Denomination: 2 Dollars
• Year: 2022
• Pick Number: P-80
• Banknote Book: B239a
• Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
• Issuer: Central Bank of Barbados
• Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
• Material: SAFEGUARD® Polymer
• Dimensions: 150 × 65 mm
• Dominant Colours: Blue and green
• Orientation: Vertical
• Issue Date: 5 December 2022
• Printer: De La Rue
• Governor: Cleviston L. Haynes
• Type: Standard circulation banknote Numista

Obverse

The obverse features:

• Portrait of John Redman Bovell
• Coat of Arms of Barbados
• Broken trident security motif
• Transparent polymer window
• Image of Morgan Lewis Windmill within the window
• Central Bank of Barbados inscriptions
• Two Dollars denomination
• Series 2022
• Governor’s signature
• Serial numbers centralbank.org.bb

The unusual vertical presentation gives the note a distinctly contemporary appearance while preserving Bovell’s long-standing association with the $2 denomination.

Reverse

The reverse is dominated by the historic Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew, accompanied by a partial map and lines from the National Anthem of Barbados. centralbank.org.bb

Built in 1727, Morgan Lewis Windmill was used to grind sugar cane and remained operational until 1946. At its peak, the mill could supply up to 1,500 gallons of cane juice per day to its boiling house. It was restored in the 1990s and survives as an important Barbadian heritage site. centralbank.org.bb

Its appearance is particularly appropriate because it directly connects with Bovell’s contribution to Barbados’ historic sugar industry.

Security Features

The 2022 polymer $2 incorporates numerous modern security features, including:

• Transparent polymer window
• Embedded image of Morgan Lewis Windmill
• Pearl-like optical effect on the windmill when tilted
• Hidden “2” within the broken trident, visible against the light
• Two raised tactile lines for visually impaired users
• Microprinted “TWO2”
• UV-visible broken trident
• UV-reactive lines from the Barbados National Anthem
• Fine-line security patterns
• Raised printing
• Serial numbering centralbank.org.bb

Unlike traditional paper banknotes, the note has no conventional watermark or embedded security thread; its polymer substrate and transparent security elements perform much of the authentication function. banknotenews.com

Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?

The Barbados 2 Dollars John Redman Bovell 2022 Pick 80 Polymer UNC banknote combines an unusual vertical format with modern polymer technology and imagery closely connected to Barbados’ economic history.

It is particularly suitable for collectors of Barbados banknotes, Caribbean currency, polymer notes, vertical banknotes, agriculture-themed currency, historic windmills and modern UNC world banknotes.

Collector’s Note

Pick 80 is the first polymer version of Barbados’ regular 2 Dollars denomination, making it an important type note for collectors documenting the evolution of the country’s currency.

The entire 2022 family marked a major change for Barbados: it was the country’s first polymer series, and all denominations adopted a vertical format while retaining the historical personalities traditionally associated with each value. centralbank.org.bb

A particularly clever aspect of the $2 design is the relationship between its two principal subjects. John Redman Bovell’s work helped safeguard Barbados’ sugar-cane industry, while the Morgan Lewis Windmill represents the historic process of turning that sugar cane into sugar. The portrait and landmark therefore tell two connected parts of the same Barbadian story.