Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Dollar 1973-1986, KM# 14.1, Barbados, Elizabeth II
  • 1 Dollar 1973-1986, KM# 14.1, Barbados, Elizabeth II
Description

Engraver: Philip Nathan (PN)

Obverse

Depicts a coat of arms dividing date. Name of the country below.

The coat of arms of Barbados was adopted on 14 February 1966 by royal warrant of Queen Elizabeth II. Like other former British possessions in the Caribbean, the coat of arms has a helmet with a national symbol on top, and a shield beneath that is supported by two animals. The arms were designed by Neville Connell, for many years curator of the Barbados Museum, with artistic assistance by Hilda Ince.

The national symbol found on top of the helmet for Barbados is the fist of a Barbadian holding two stalks of sugar cane, that are crossed to resemble St. Andrew's Cross. This is representative of the importance of the sugar industry as well as Barbados celebrating its national independence day on St. Andrew's Day.

Upon the shield are a pair of the national flower, known as the Pride of Barbados, and a single bearded fig tree (Ficus citrifolia). The shield is supported by a dolphin fish and a pelican. They stand for the fishing industry and Pelican Island, respectively.

At the bottom is Barbados' national motto ("Pride and Industry") on a scroll.

1973
PRIDE AND INDUSTRY
BARBADOS

Reverse

Flying fish left, value below.

Barbados is known as "the land of the flying fish", and the fish is one of the national symbols of the country. Once abundant, it migrated between the warm, coral-filled Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island of Barbados and the plankton-rich outflows of the Orinoco River in Venezuela.

Many aspects of Barbadian culture center around the flying fish: it is depicted on coins, as sculptures in fountains, in artwork, and as part of the official logo of the Barbados Tourism Authority. Additionally, the Barbadian coat of arms features a pelican and dolphin fish on either side of the shield, but the dolphin resembles a flying fish. Furthermore, actual artistic renditions and holograms of the flying fish are also present within the Barbadian passport.

PN
ONE DOLLAR

Edge

1 Dollar

Large Type
KM# 14.1
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 6.32 g
Diameter 27.8 mm
Thickness 2.1 mm
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mints
Franklin Mint (FM)
Royal Mint

Related coins

Heavy Version

Bronze, 3.11 g, ⌀ 19 mm

Brass, 3.75 g, ⌀ 21 mm

Cupronickel, 2.29 g, ⌀ 17.77 mm