Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1964. One of five Wisden Cricketers of the Century. One of the five greatest Caribbean players of all time. The fifth player to be knighted for contribution to cricket (1975). Barbados National Hero.
Few cricketers can boast the acclaim that has been rightly bestowed up Sir Garfield St. Auburn Sobers. Throughout his 20-year test career, which began when he was only 17, he instilled fear in many an opposing team, first as a player and then as captain – he led the team in 39 consecutive tests. By the time he retired in 1974, he was universally acknowledged as the world’s greatest allrounder.
He began his career as an orthodox spin bowler, taking 4/81 on debut. Over the years, he added a variation of spin as well as fast medium pace to his bowling repertoire. By his retirement, he had taken 235 wickets at an average of 34.03.
As a fielder he was similarly impressive, taking 109 catches in his 93 matches.
Beyond a doubt, however, he is most renowned for his abilities with the bat. His test career tally of 8,032 runs, itself an impressive aggregate, was made at an average of 57.78, the third highest for a West Indian, and number 11 in world cricket. Among this remarkable haul were 26 centuries, among them three consecutive hundreds scored in 1958. The first of these was his famous of 365 not out, which remained a world test record for 36 years. Also a record is his six sixes in one over scored during a first-class match in 1968.
Sir Garfield Sobers was a rarity in the game of cricket: a most versatile bowler, a brilliant fielder and a dominant batsman. There can be no question that he is, as he has been affectionately referred to, “the complete cricketer”.
Description
The reverse design of this coin captures the power and elegance of the legendary allrounder in action as he plays a glorious cover drive. Beside his image is the inscription “The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers”, his official title. The circumferential inscription reads “Barbados – Home of the Masters” and the denomination.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 50 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers playing a cover drive
Diameter: 28.40mm
Weight: 15.97 grams
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 100 coins (50 minted)
This coin is no longer available.
Denomination: Five dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers playing a cover drive
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 500 coins (250 minted)
For a decade, beginning in 1948, Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes, and Frank Worrell formed one of the most respected and feared middle orders in international cricket. With their different, but equally effective batting styles – Walcott was powerful, Weekes was aggressive, and Worrell was elegant – they punished the opposition’s bowling attacks and in their 29 tests together scored 25 centuries, including four double centuries.
Clyde Walcott (January 17, 1926 – August 26, 2006)
Although he began his career as a wicketkeeper, Clyde Walcott was best known for his abilities with the bat. A stroke-making yet defensively sound batsman, he had a career total of 3,798 runs at an average of 56.68, including several notable innings, such as 168 against England at Lords in 1950, which led the West Indies to its first test victory in England. A Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1958, his record for the most centuries in a test series – five (106, 126, 110, 155, 110) scored against Australia in 1955 – still stands today.
After his retirement from tests in 1960, he remained closely involved with cricket, working as a commentator, coach, West Indies team manager, WICB president, ICC match referee and ICC president.
In 1994, he was knighted for his services to cricket.
Everton Weekes (February 26, 1925 – )
A Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1951, Everton Weekes was famous for his attacking style of batting. During his 10-year career, he amassed a total of 4,455 runs, including five centuries (141,128,194,162,101) scored in consecutive innings, a record that still stands today, more than 55 years later. His career average of 58.61 is among the top 10 for players with more than 3,000 runs.
Since retiring, he has continued his association with the sport as a manager for the West Indies team in 1968 and as an ICC match referee.
He was knighted for his services to cricket in 1995 and received an honorary doctorate in 2003 from the University of the West Indies.
Frank Worrell (August 1, 1924 – March 13, 1967)
Called “the most important cricketer to ever play the game in the Caribbean”, Frank Worrell’s legacy in West Indian cricket extends far behind his role as an allrounder in which he scored 3,860 runs at an average of 49.48, and took 69 wickets at an average of 38.72.
Knighted in 1964, he was the first black captain of the West Indies side, taking over at a time when it was felt that a coloured man could not head the team. He led in a way that unified the players and garnered the respect of the opposing teams to the extent that following the 1961 series against Australia, the Frank Worrell Trophy was introduced for test series between that country and the West Indies.
The reverse design of this coin features the famous trio of Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes relaxing together on the cricket field with a cricket bat and ball beside them. Beneath them is the inscription “3W’s”, their nickname. Inscribed around the circumference of the coin is “Barbados – Home of the Masters” and the denomination.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 50 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The 3Ws relaxing on a cricket field
Diameter: 28.40mm
Weight: 15.97 grams
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 100 coins (50 minted)
Denomination: Five dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The 3Ws relaxing on a cricket field
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 500 coins (250 minted)
The British founded Bridgetown, now the capital city of Barbados, on July 5, 1628.
Its name is derived from an Amerindian bridge found spanning the waterway later named Constitution River (now reduced to a canal). In early deeds, Bridgetown was known as “The Indian Bridgetown”, “The Indian Bridge” or just “The Bridge”. Bridgetown is located in the southwest of the island on Carlisle Bay and is the country’s chief port and commercial centre.
Unfortunately, Bridgetown was devastated by fire and hurricane and, as a result, it is probable that only eastern Bridgetown predates the major fire of 1860 and only a few buildings in western Bridgetown have survived the great hurricanes of 1780 and 1831.
The reverse of the coin features the Montefiore Fountain in Coleridge Street. The fountain was presented to the city in 1864 by a Bridgetown businessman called John Montefiore, in memory of his father, who had died in 1854.
The fountain was imported and arrived in Barbados in 1865. It was originally erected in Beckwith Place, Lower Broad Street and then moved in 1940 to its present location near the National Library Service in Coleridge Street. It remains a fine example of Neo-Gothic decorative art.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 50 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The Montefiore Fountain in Coleridge Street, Barbados
Diameter: 28.40mm
Weight: 15.97 grams
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 100 coins (50 minted)
This coin is no longer available.
Denomination: Five dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The Montefiore Fountain in Coleridge Street, Barbados
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 2,500 coins (200 minted)
The reverse of the coin depicts boys and girls participating in a game of cricket, the most popular sport in Barbados. In the background is the Independence Arch, one of the most prominent architectural features in Barbados. The UNICEF logo appears in the lower right quarter of the design, and the inscription for the children of the world circumscribes the top half of the design.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: Five dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Children playing cricket against the backdrop of the Bridgetown Arch
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Valcambi SA, Switzerland
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 5,000 (100 minted)
Oriens ex occidente lux “A light rising from the West” became the prophetic exhortation of the small, intrepid group of West Indian visionaries who, in 1948, established the University of the West Indies as the first regional institution of higher learning. They believed that the creation of opportunities for higher education and self-advancement was the only route by which the region could attain true self-government.
The light has indeed risen in the intervening 50 years, with the University of the West Indies providing the Caribbean region with an educated civil service, agricultural experts, engineers, physicians and other professionals needed to manage the region’s affairs.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the University of the West Indies, the Central Bank of Barbados authorised the Royal Mint to strike commemorative coins.
The reverse features the university logo and motto with the circumferential inscription 50th anniversary of the university of the west indies and the anniversary dates 1948-1998.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 10 dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: University of the West Indies logo and motto
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 1,000 (800 minted)
The Central Bank of Barbados was established in May 1972 by the Government of Barbados to advance the pace of economic development in the country. Prior to 1972, the East Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA) was the institution responsible for the management of monetary matters for most of the smaller Eastern Caribbean countries, including Barbados.
From its inception, the Central Bank has been committed to promoting monetary stability and a sound financial structure, fostering the development of the money and capital markets, channelling commercial bank credit into productive activities, and fostering credit and exchange conditions conducive to the orderly and sustained economic development of Barbados.
The outstanding 25-dollar silver coin minted in 99.9% fine silver features the logo of the Central Bank of Barbados – the dolphin – on the reverse.
The heptagonal one-dollar coin features the flying fish. This particular fish is widely known in Barbados and represents a significant amount of commercial catches.
The 25-cent coin features the centuries-old Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, which has been restored as a national monument. The mill symbolizes the importance of the sugar industry, which provides Barbados with its major exports.
The 10-cent coin carries the tern, often called the swallow of the sea for its grace in flight and represents Barbados’ many sea birds.
The one-dollar, 25-cent and 10-cent coins are made of cupronickel.
The brass five-cent depicts the South Point Lighthouse, an island landmark since 1852. The historic structure is one of the first sights to greet visitors as they approach the island.
Finally, the one-cent coin, in copper-plated zinc, bears the broken trident of King Neptune. The trident with its broken shaft represents the departure from the past and symbolizes the history of Barbados.
The obverse of each coin features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
The sterling silver Proof 10-dolllar coin of Barbados reflects the natural beauty and character of the tropical island nation.
The reverse features the portrait of King Neptune in all his majesty, able to command all the creatures living in the sea – even the mighty ocean itself – with but a single motion of his trident.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 10 dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: King Neptune and his trident
Diameter: 42mm
Mint: Franklin Mint
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
The 1977 coinage of Barbados captures the beauty and character of the tropical island-nation.
As the easternmost island in the West Indies, Barbados is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Caribbean Sea. Five of the eight coins indicate the importance of the sea, which has played a dominant role in the development of Barbados. The remaining three coins feature important island landmarks. The coins range in denomination from one cent to 10 dollars.
The large 10-dollar coin – minted in solid sterling silver (.925 fine) – carries a dramatic depiction of Neptune, Lord of the Sea, bearing the trident that is symbolic of his power. Having risen upon sea deposits and coral from the ocean floor, Barbados is, in every sense, a child of the sea.
The historic Shell Fountain, built in 1861 to celebrate the installation of piped water, is the subject of the five-dollar coin. Located at Trafalgar Square (now Heroes Square) in Bridgetown, the island’s capital city, the Shell Fountain is adjacent to a statue of the English admiral Lord Nelson. The five-dollar coin is .800 fine silver.
Barbados’ staghorn coral and the vivid West Indian fish native to these reefs are depicted on the two-dollar coin.
Barbados is widely known as “The Land of the Flying Fish”. These fish, which make up a large portion of the commercial catches so important to the nation’s economy, are represented on the heptagonal one-dollar coin.
The centuries-old Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, which has been restored as a national monument by the Barbados National Trust is depicted on the 25-cent piece. The mill symbolizes the importance of the sugar industry, which provides Barbados with its major exports.
The 10-cent coin carries the tern, often called the swallow of the sea for its grace in flight and represents Barbados’ many sea birds.
The one-dollar, 25-cent and 10-cent coins are made of cupronickel.
The brass five-cent depicts the South Point Lighthouse, an island landmark since 1852. The historic structure is one of the first sights to greet visitors as they approach the island.
And finally, the one-cent coin, in bronze, bears the broken trident of King Neptune. The trident with its broken shaft represents the departure from the past and symbolizes the history of Barbados.
The obverse of each coin features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
The 1977 Proof coinage was minted by the Franklin Mint, USA.
The Proof coinage of Barbados is also available for the years 1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980.
This 1980 25-dollar coin is one of a set of five coins issued by the governments of five Caribbean nations to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Established in 1970, the bank assists numerous Caribbean countries in their continuing commitment to promote economic growth and social development.
The reverse of this coin includes the distinctive globe-with-map emblem of the CDB. In addition, the coin carries the inscription caribbean development bank and the legend 1970 * tenth anniversary * 1980. The design also includes a distinguishing symbol of Barbados – the national flag.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 25 dollars
Alloy: .500 fine silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Emblem of the CDB and Barbados flag
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Franklin Mint, USA
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
The 1981 25-dollar silver coin of Barbados was issued to commemorate Barbados’ selection as host-nation for the 4th Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) held in July 1981.
The reverse design evokes the spirit and purpose of the Festival in its portrayal of the sun’s rays representing the various participating nations, the waves denoting the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, and the stylised figure of a man with upraised arms, symbolising the cultural and artistic riches of the area.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 25 dollars
Alloy: .500 fine silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Stylised design to represent the spirit of the festival
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Franklin Mint, USA
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
The Central Bank of Barbados was established in May 1972 by the Government of Barbados to advance the pace of economic development in the country. Prior to 1972, the East Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA) was the institution responsible for the management of monetary matters for most of the smaller Eastern Caribbean countries, including Barbados.
From its inception, the Central Bank has been committed to promoting monetary stability and a sound financial structure, fostering the development of the money and capital markets, channelling commercial bank credit into productive activities, and fostering credit and exchange conditions conducive to the orderly and sustained economic development of Barbados.
The outstanding 10-dollar silver coin minted in 99.9% fine silver features the official seal of the Central Bank of Barbados – the dolphin – on the reverse.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
This historic commemorative coin pays tribute to the first president of the United States on the 250th Anniversary of his birth. Washington visited Barbados in 1851 at the age of 19; his visit to the island was destined to be his only trip to a foreign country.
The reverse of this coin bears an original sculptured portrait of Washington created exclusively for this issue. Also depicted is the house where Washington is believed to have stayed during his visit. This historic site is now known as George Washington House. In addition, the coin also bears the commemorative inscription george washington 250th anniversary of birth.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 250 dollars
Alloy: gold (900 parts per 1,000)
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Portrait of George Washington and George Washington House
Diameter: 24.25mm
Weight: 6.60 grams
Mint: Franklin Mint
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
The coin commemorates the 30th anniversary of the coronation of Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and is one of five crown-sized coins by five countries in the British Commonwealth of Nations – the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Virgin Islands and the Solomon Islands.
The reverse bears a sculptured portrayal of the traditional heraldic symbols of the queen’s majesty: the Imperial State Crown, the Sceptre with Cross, the Rod with the Dove and the Orb of England. It also includes the inscription 30th anniversary of queen elizabeth ii coronation 1953-1983.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 25 dollars
Alloy: .500 fine silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Traditional heraldic symbols
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 30.09g
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
The 1983 10-dollar silver coin of Barbados was redesigned for a series commemorating the elements of the nation’s Coat of Arms.
The reverse features the pelican, the national bird of Barbados and a prominent feature of the nation’s Coat of Arms.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 10 dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The pelican
Diameter: 42mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Franklin Mint
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
The 1984 10-dollar silver coin of Barbados was redesigned for a series commemorating the elements of the nation’s Coat of Arms.
The reverse features three dolphins. The dolphin is a prominent feature of the nation’s Coat of Arms and a symbol of the island’s fishing industry.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 10 dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The pelican
Diameter: 42mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Franklin Mint
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
United Nations Decade for Women (1985)
The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the decade 1976-1985 as the United Nations Decade for Women, with the goals of “Equality, Development and Peace”. The United Nations and its system of agencies are concerned with improving the conditions for women everywhere, particularly those in developing countries.
Description
The reverse of the coin features a woman teaching children about Barbados, the inscription united nations decade for women and the official symbol.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 25 dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Woman teaching children about Barbados
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 23.33g
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Barbados Royal Visit Commemorative Crown (1985)
To commemorate the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Caribbean in October and November 1985, the Royal Mint was commissioned by the Central Bank of Barbados to strike a limited number of commemorative crown-sized proof coins.
Description
The reverse design features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in her Royal Diadem, which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of British Parliament.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 500 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold (916.7 parts per 1,000)
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Royal Diadem
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 47.54g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 250
After Britain and Bermuda, Barbados has the oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth.
The Barbados Parliament is housed in the east wing of the public buildings, which are located in the heart of the capital, Bridgetown. Parliament Building, with its impressive gothic arches and stained glass windows, was constructed and handed over to the government in 1874 to accommodate the House of Assembly and the Senate.
Description
The reverse of this coin was designed by Royal Mint engraver Robert Elderton and depicts a representation of the elegant Barbados Parliament Building with the inscription “350th anniversary of parliament – 1639-1989”.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 100 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold (916.7 parts per 1,000)
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The Parliament Building
Diameter: 28.40mm
Weight: 15.98 grams
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 500 (50 minted)
Denomination: 50 dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Barbados Parliament Building
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 33.625g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 5,000
The Central Bank of Barbados authorised the Royal Mint to strike a limited number of Proof coins to mark the discovery of the Barbadian Buckle.
The Barbados Buckle was found in 1979 in the Scottish Border country embedded in a shingle of the River Tweed and is thought to be the oldest known artefact depicting cricket outside the British Isles, having been tentatively dated to around 1780. Cricket is known to have been played in Barbados as early as 1806, but it is thought that the game had already been established there well before then.
The reverse of this magnificent coin bears a representation of the Barbadian Buckle. The buckle’s design shows a mulatto slave being bowled, with the background details indicating a probable venue in Barbados. The windmill and hut, for instance, strongly suggest the Caribbean, while the palm tree has been positively identified as Roystonea Oleracea, the Cabbage Palm native to Barbados. A surrounding inscription reads international cricket buckle with the denominational value of 50 dollars (gold) or 10 dollars (silver) and barbados.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 50 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The Barbadian Buckle
Diameter: 28.40mm
Weight: 15.98 grams
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 500 (50 minted)
Denomination: 10 dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The Barbadian Buckle
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 5,000 (100 minted)
Barbados has played a major role in representing the world’s small island states at the Earth Summit, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and consequently hosted the Global Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States from 25 April to 6 May 1994.
The aim of the conference was to adopt and implement programmes supporting, in particular, the monitoring of land resources in agriculture and forestry as well as marine and coastal resources; the conservation of endangered species and their habitats and the recommendation of measures in fields such as training health and tourism, which advance the development of human resources. The conference also provided an opportunity to build and strengthen inter-regional cooperation between the small island developing states and to endorse the establishment of a National Disaster Emergency Fund for their future safety and protection.
The reverse of the coin symbolises the aim of the conference featuring a strong protective hand embracing a small island homestead and a palm tree.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 50 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold (916.7 parts per 1,000)
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The logo for the UN Global Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States
Diameter: 28.40mm
Weight: 15.98g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Denomination: Five dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: The logo for the United Nations Global Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 2,500 (500 minted)
The Central Bank of Barbados was established in May 1972 by the Government of Barbados to advance the pace of economic development in the country. Prior to 1972, the East Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA) was the institution responsible for the management of monetary matters for most of the smaller Eastern Caribbean countries, including Barbados.
From its inception, the Central Bank has been committed to promoting monetary stability and a sound financial structure, fostering the development of the money and capital markets, channelling commercial bank credit into productive activities, and fostering credit and exchange conditions conducive to the orderly and sustained economic development of Barbados.
The outstanding 25-dollar silver coin minted in 99.9% fine silver features the logo of the Central Bank of Barbados – the dolphin – on the reverse.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 25 dollars
Alloy: 99.9% fine silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Logo of the Central Bank of Barbados
Weight: 31.39g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: (500 minted)
To commemorate the millennium, the Central Bank of Barbados commissioned the production of a unique eight-sided silver Proof five-dollar coin.
Purely symbolic, the commemorative reverse features a controlled yet brightly burning fire whose flames leap through the year 2000. It is a fire that beautifully captures the passionate spirit of the people of Barbados in the past and that will carry them through the millennium and on into the future. The circular base through which it burns represents not only the island itself but also the circle of unity and the eternal circle of life.
On the floor of the base is a broken chain portraying freedom from slavery and also Neptune’s trident, alluding to the people’s dependence on and gratitude for the bounty of the sea. Originally complete, the trident had been a national symbol since colonial times but, marking a significant break from the past, its stem was removed following independence in 1966.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: Five dollars
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Flames of a burning fire, national symbols
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Special Features: Eight-sided coin with dual date
The Jewish Synagogue was established in 1654 at Synagogue Lane, Bridgetown. The present building was opened in 1833 (after the original was destroyed by a hurricane in 1831) and was restored in 1987. The building and its attached graveyard represent one of the most historic structures on the island.
The congregation, comprising Spanish and Portuguese Jews played an intricate part in the development of our island. The introduction of sugar brought from Recife, Brazil, was one of those contributions. Swan Street, also known as Jew Street was where many of them lived and conducted their businesses.
The Synagogue, which contains an elegant blend of Jewish, Gothic, Renaissance and Barbadian architectural features, stands amid the tombstones of the first major North American – Caribbean Jewish communities.
The reverse of the coin carries the inscription 350th anniversary of the bridgetown synagogue and the denomination fifty dollars. In addition, the coin features a rum barrel in the centre with the initial mt on the top of the barrel. The design is based on an 18th Century coin, which was used as currency. That coin was minted by the Jewish merchant, Joseph Tolanto, who is also credited with its design.
The obverse features Barbados’ Coat of Arms. The central element of this official emblem is a shield supported by a dolphin and a pelican. Two Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) flowers and one of the island’s Bearded Fig Trees (ficus Citrifolia) are depicted on the shield. Above the shield is a crest consisting of a raised forearm holding crossed sugar cane stalks above a helmet and mantling. A ribbon bears the inscription pride and industry, the national motto.
Denomination: 50 dollars
Alloy: 22 carat gold (916.7 parts per 1,000 gold)
Obverse: Coat of Arms of Barbados
Reverse: Rum barrel with the initials MT
Diameter: 28.40mm
Weight: 15.976g
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Finish: Proof with frosted relief
Issue Limit: 100 (100 minted)