100 Dollars Sailing Ships

Antigua and Barbuda achieved full independence on 1 November 1981, and this note was issued as part of that occasion — a commemorative piece rather than a circulating banknote. The silver-against-gold-foil construction places it firmly in the numismatic souvenir category, produced to generate revenue and collector interest rather than to function in commerce.

Alan D'Estrehan's involvement is worth noting: he worked on several Eastern Caribbean commemorative issues during this period, and the construction technique — .999 fine silver sheet laminated or backed against 23-karat gold foil — was relatively unusual for 1981 and adds genuine material value independent of face denomination.