Banknotes

Barbadian banknotes are printed in London, England by De La Rue Currency, while Barbadian coins are made at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ontario, Canada.

The images that appear on Barbadian banknotes are portraits of Barbadians who have made significant contributions to the development of our nation. Four of these men are National Heroes: Charles Duncan O’Neal ($10), Samuel Jackman Prescod ($20), Errol Walton Barrow ($50), and Sir Grantley Adams ($100). The other two, John Redman Bovell ($2) and Sir Frank Worrell ($5) were leaders in their fields.

The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Barbados makes a recommendation to the Minister of Finance, who has final approval.

Yes. Although the Central Bank of Barbados updates the design of banknotes periodically, older issues of banknotes are not removed from circulation and are still legal tender. To date, the only Barbadian note that is no longer legal tender is the original grey $100 note bearing the signature of Dr. (now Sir) Courtney Blackman. A new $100 note with enhanced features was issued in its place. This new $100 and all other notes can be used for daily trans­actions.

The best way to determine if a banknote is counterfeit is to look for the presence of security features that are found on genuine notes.

If you have a note that you believe to be counterfeit, take the note to the Central Bank of Barbados. It is a criminal offence to knowingly pass (spend) a counterfeit note.

No. A counterfeit note is not legal tender and therefore has no value.

Any note that is torn, soiled, or in any way mutilated should be taken to a local commercial bank where a determination will be made of its value.

The Central Bank of Barbados updates the design of banknotes periodically.

Yes. From 1973-1976, Samuel Jackman Prescod’s image was featured on the five-dollar note. These notes bear the signature of Dr. (now Sir) Courtney Blackman and remain legal tender.

The Central Bank of Barbados has very specific regulations governing the reproduction of Barbadian currency.

Like Barbadian banknotes, the images that appear on circulation coins have historical or cultural significance.

Yes. Retailers are not obligated to accept more than 10 dollars in coins as payment for a purchase.

Numismatic (souvenir) coins are coins that have been specially minted to commemorate an event of significance or honour an important individual. Numismatic coins are limited edition coins and are usually proof quality, which means that they are individually struck as opposed to mass-produced like circulation coins.

All numismatic coins have a face/nominal value, which is determined by a number of factors. However, because they are limited edition coins, they often have a higher value among collectors.

At present, the following numismatic coins are available for sale:

• Proof Coinage of Barbados
• 1975 Silver Proof Coin
• 1997 25th Anniversary of the Central Bank of Barbados Silver Proof Set
• 1998 BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Set (not proof quality)
• 2000 50th Anniversary of the University of the West Indies Silver Proof Coin
• 2001 UNICEF Children of the World Silver Proof Coin
• 2003 375th Anniversary of the City of Bridgetown Silver Proof Coin
• 2007 The Rt Excellence Sir Garfield Sobers (Gold Proof, Silver proof coin)
• 2007 3Ws (Gold Proof coin; Silver Proof Coin)

Numismatic coins are available at the Central Bank of Barbados and at select retail outlets.