New Coins Drop Tomorrow, and the Queen Is Gone for Good

Belizeans will get their first new coin series in over four decades starting tomorrow, and it comes without the Queen. 

The Central Bank of Belize rolls out its National Symbols Coin Series nationwide on 18th September, the first change to the country’s coinage since the bank was established in 1982.

The National Symbols Coin Series, themed “Belize in Every Coin”, will begin circulating nationwide on Friday, September 18. 

Emmanuel Pech, Assistant Manager, Office of Strategy Management, says the launch marks the first new coin series introduced by the institution since its establishment.

“Once it enters into circulation tomorrow, people once they start transacting with these coins, they will literally have a piece of Belize, a piece of our history and heritage in every coin they use,” Pech said. 

The six denominations feature national symbols: the one-dollar coin carries the map of Belize, 50 cents features the mahogany tree, 25 cents the toucan, 10 cents the coat of arms, five cents the tapir and the new one-cent coin features the black orchid.

The coins are also switching materials. “We have the nickel plated steel, the bronze plated steel,” said Delroy Rhaburn – Assistant Manager, Currency Management, Banking, Investment & Currency Department. “It is as durable as the old coin, but the metals are much more affordable.” 

Rhaburn added, “We wanted something that would have complemented the notes we put out last year, something that would be more Belizean.”

And if you still have the old coins, there is no need to rush to a bank. According to Rhaburn, “The old money is still legal tender… You don’t need to turn them in.”

The launch will also include a limited-edition painted 50-cent collector’s coin featuring the mahogany tree. Only 100,000 were produced and the coin will be sold exclusively through the Central Bank. 

The new circulation coins will enter the public through commercial banks, credit unions and businesses.