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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.
Numismatic coins are available at the Central Bank of Barbados and at select retail outlets.
At present, the following numismatic coins are available for sale:
Numismatic coins are produced at the discretion of the Central Bank of Barbados, usually when there is an event of major local historical or cultural significance.
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.
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.
Yes. Retailers are not obligated to accept more than 10 dollars in coins as payment for a purchase.
Like Barbadian banknotes, the images that appear on circulation coins have historical or cultural significance.
The Central Bank of Barbados has very specific regulations governing the reproduction of Barbadian currency.
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 updates the design of banknotes periodically.
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.
No. A counterfeit note is not legal tender and therefore has no value.
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.
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.
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.
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.