New coins celebrate Belizean identity

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 2, 2026

   Belize has modernized it currency with our patriotic national coat of arms, national tree, bird, animal and flower, which have replaced the English monarch in the new designs for the National Symbols Coin Series unveiled by the Central Bank of Belize via official video on Wednesday, July 1. Our currency is now distinctly Belizean, as the coins complement the National Heroes banknotes introduced last year. The new coins do not alter the value of the Belize dollar, which remains at the fixed exchange rate of Bze $2.00 to U.S. $1.00.

   The Royal Canadian Mint will mint the new coin series, which will enter circulation in September as part of normal cash transactions at commercial banks, credit unions, and businesses countrywide. They will circulate alongside existing coins that show the departed monarch, which will be naturally phased out over time. The older coins will remain as legal tender, and citizens will not need to deposit or exchange the older coins for the new.

   The map of Belize emblazons the new $1.00 coin with a distinctive bronze appearance, while the 50-cent piece displays the mahogany tree. The 25-cent coin displays the national bird – the toucan; the 10-cent piece displays Belize’s coat of arms – Sub Umbra Floreo; the 5-cent piece features the national animal – the tapir; and the one-cent piece features a unique 10-sided edge, with the black orchid as its face.

   The public will note a difference in the weight and feel of the coins, which will be metallurgical, as the new coins will be made of steel, plated with nickel and bronze to lower cost while maintaining durability.

   The Central Bank will commemorate the launch with a painted 50-cent coin featuring the mahogany tree as a limited-edition for collectors, to be sold exclusively as a numismatic item. The design-reveal video may be viewed at www.centralbank.org.bz