National Symbols Coin Series enters circulation in Belize

The Central Bank of Belize confirmed that Belize’s new National Symbols Coin Series entered circulation on Friday, September 18th. The six redesigned coins, minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, are now legal tender nationwide and will circulate alongside existing coins bearing the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The change follows Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, which prompted the Central Bank to review the designs of both banknotes and coins. The process initially focused on banknotes, which are more widely used. As designs for the 2025 National Heroes Banknote Series took shape, officials decided the coins should carry a complementary theme focused on Belize’s national identity.
Earlier this year, the Central Bank announced that the new coins would be introduced in September, with designs highlighting Belize’s history, culture, and natural environment. The new series prominently features national symbols on each denomination. The launch theme, “Belize in Every Coin,” reflects the aim of incorporating Belizean heritage into everyday transactions.
Delroy Rhaburn, Assistant Manager in the Currency Management, Banking, Investment and Currency Department at the Central Bank of Belize, explained the reasoning behind the redesign. “We actually started looking at both the banknotes and currency when Queen Elizabeth II passed in 2022. Traditionally, if a monarch passes, you need to replace their image and their effigy on the currency. So that’s when we started this whole process,” Rhaburn said.
He added that the new series represents a significant milestone for Belize. “We’ve reached a stage where we are, I think me personally as a Belizean, I’m very proud, and the Central Bank is also very proud to be introducing this new set of coins because for the first time, the full set of Belizean coins represents Belizean national identity.”
In San Pedro, some residents, including bank employees and customers, said they were looking forward to seeing the new coins in circulation and collecting the complete National Symbols series.
With both coin series now circulating, the Central Bank said the public need not exchange existing coins, as they remain legal tender. A limited-edition painted 50-cent collector’s coin featuring the Mahogany Tree also went on sale on September 18th as a numismatic item.
Over time, the new coins are expected to become more common in daily transactions as older coins are gradually removed from circulation due to normal wear and tear.