Description and research notes
This one hundred dollars issued note belongs to the 1996 revised series of the Cayman Islands Currency Board, authorized under the Cayman Islands Currency Law (Revised) and produced by Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited. The 1996 revision represents a matured phase of Cayman’s modern currency program, retaining the formal Currency Board structure while introducing a refreshed engraving palette and expanded marine iconography.
The obverse is dominated by the engraved portrait of Queen Elizabeth the Second at right, rendered in fine intaglio linework that concentrates both authority and technical complexity in a single visual anchor. At center, the Cayman Islands coat of arms is integrated into the denomination panel reading One Hundred Dollars, framed by layered ornamental scrollwork and marine motifs. The engraved signature of G. A. McCarthy appears beneath the central panel in his capacity as Chairman of the Cayman Islands Currency Board, placing this note firmly within the administrative phase of the 1996 series.
The serial number B/1 251767 appears at left and right in standard circulation format, identifying this specific production example within the B/1 prefix run. Unlike specimen material of the same denomination, this note carries no overprint, no control stamps, and no physical cancellation, reflecting its intended role as active legal tender within the Cayman monetary system.
The reverse presents a detailed view of George Town, capital of the Cayman Islands, extending across the central field in layered perspective. Foreground marine life, including coral formations and shell motifs, frames the lower register, while structured denomination cartouches anchor the corners. De La Rue’s engraving vocabulary is evident in the controlled shading of water surfaces, architectural outlines, and border geometry, balancing decorative identity with anti-counterfeiting density.
A turtle watermark, recorded on the PMG holder, reinforces both authenticity control and national symbolism. In high grade, the note preserves the clarity of fine line structures in the portrait field, the crisp definition of the coat of arms, and the subtle tonal transitions across the reverse harbor scene.
As an issued note rather than archival specimen material, this piece represents the live monetary expression of the 1996 Cayman Islands series under the chairmanship of G. A. McCarthy. It stands as a fully functional instrument of the Currency Board system and a reference example of late twentieth century British Overseas Territory security printing at the one hundred dollars denomination.