Belize Unveils New National Symbols Coin Series Celebrating Its Heritage
A New Look for Belize’s Coins
Belizeans will soon begin seeing a brand-new series of coins in circulation, each proudly showcasing one of the country’s national symbols. On today’s episode of Open Your Eyes, Delroy Rhaburn, Assistant Manager, Currency Management, Banking, Investment & Currency Department at the Central Bank of Belize (CBB), Emanuel Pech, Assistant Manager, Office of Strategy Management at the CBB, and Saverino Spagnolo, Senior Sales Manager, Foreign Circulation at the Royal Canadian Mint, introduced the Belize National Symbols Coin Series.
The redesign follows the modernization of Belize’s banknotes introduced last year. After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the Central Bank reviewed the country’s currency and chose to create a distinctly Belizean identity by featuring national heroes on banknotes and national symbols on coins. The result is a currency series that celebrates Belize’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
Featuring Belize’s National Treasures
Each denomination in the new coin series highlights one of Belize’s official national symbols. The one-dollar coin features a detailed map of Belize, while the fifty-cent coin showcases the majestic mahogany tree. The twenty-five-cent coin bears the keel-billed toucan, Belize’s national bird, followed by the national coat of arms on the ten-cent coin, the Baird’s tapir on the five-cent coin, and the black orchid on the one-cent coin.
The guests explained that every design was carefully selected to reflect Belize’s identity while complementing the recently introduced banknotes. Together, the notes and coins create a unified currency series that tells the story of the nation through its most recognizable symbols.
Modern Technology Meets Belizean Identity
The project was developed through a collaboration between the Central Bank of Belize and the Royal Canadian Mint, one of the world’s leading producers of circulation coins. Spagnolo explained that while the Central Bank provided the vision and cultural direction, the Royal Canadian Mint contributed its technical expertise and advanced manufacturing technology.
The new coins are produced using plated steel technology, making them lighter, more durable, and more cost-effective to manufacture than previous coins. They also feature enhanced security measures, including microscopic “CBB” inscriptions visible only under magnification and embedded authentication technology that allows the Central Bank to verify genuine coins using specialized equipment.
Collectibles and Circulation Beginning This September
Alongside the standard circulating coins, Belize will also release a limited-edition colored commemorative series featuring vibrant versions of selected national symbols. Produced using specialized high-speed printing technology, these collectible coins are expected to appeal to both numismatists and Belizeans looking to own a unique piece of national history.
The new coins will begin entering circulation in September, initially through commercial banks and credit unions before gradually appearing in everyday transactions. Existing coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and continue circulating alongside the new series.
As the Central Bank prepares for the nationwide rollout, officials are encouraging the public to learn more about the Belize National Symbols Coin Series through its ongoing public education campaign. With every transaction, Belizeans will now carry a small piece of the country’s heritage—making the new coins not only a means of exchange, but a celebration of national pride.