back -- because he gave it all away! Through a friend, Frederick Yearwood, who was chairman of the BMA from 1979 until 1982, has appealed to the public to get any Bermuda notes released during the years of his tenure.

It is understood Mr. Yearwood had purchased many of the notes bearing his "F.W. Yearwood'' signature when they were released and his supply has been used up.

"He gave away all of his notes over the years and now he would like them for displays and to give to his grand kids,'' a spokesperson said. "Obviously as time goes on they get more valuable and rare.'' And it seems the spokesperson is right -- while Mr. Yearwood was recently able to purchase from the BMA two $100 notes at face value, he was offered a "crisp and pristine'' $1 note for $1,000 from a private collector.

It is not known if Mr. Yearwood took the offer. All Bermuda paper money from before the 1990s is no longer legal tender, having been replaced by a new design.

Mr. Yearwood, a noted coin and stamp collector, is looking for local denominations of $1, $5, $10, $50, and $100 with his signature.

Anyone with suitable items can call 295-7236 during the day or 292-7155 in the evening.