Eastern Caribbean States consider replacing Queen's effigy with emblem

[eurocoin]

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank seeks public input on currency redesign

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Monetary Council has given its approval for the replacement of the Queen's image on the Eastern Caribbean Currency. The proposed replacement is an emblem that intricately captures the flags of ECCB member countries, offering a more comprehensive representation of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

This decision reflects a step towards a currency design that resonates more closely with the diverse nations within the ECCU, marking a departure from the traditional depiction of the Queen's image.

In a bid to involve the public in this significant decision, the ECCB invites individuals to share their views and provide suggestions on the proposed currency redesign. Interested parties can contribute to this dialogue by sending their thoughts via email to newecimage@eccb-centralbank.org.

The initiative to seek public input underscores the ECCB's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the redesigned currency is reflective of the collective identity of the ECCU member countries. This opportunity allows residents, stakeholders, and the wider public to actively participate in shaping a currency that not only serves as a medium of exchange but also stands as a symbol of unity and shared identity among the Eastern Caribbean nations. As the ECCB advances this process, the engagement of the public becomes pivotal in crafting a currency design that resonates with the values and aspirations of the diverse communities within the ECCU. The call for public input marks a progressive and inclusive approach to decision-making within the region's monetary framework.

Individuals are encouraged to express their views and contribute to the dialogue, emphasizing the significance of collective input in shaping the visual representation of the Eastern Caribbean Currency.

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Yes, it's time for a change. Maybe all those flags would make the design a bit too busy.

Perhaps something simpler than the emblem could be found for the inner circle.


What about the reverse designs? They deserve to be updated too.

[<k>]

East Caribbean States, 1996.

Here you see the coins as they were in 1996.

Since then, the 1, 2 and 5 cents have become round.

They do now have an polygonal inner rim, though.

However, the designs have not changed.

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Eastern Caribbean States, $8, 2011.

Coloured collector coin of 2011.

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Here is the current logo of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

The logo itself looks outdated. Those sprigs are very old-fashioned.

Something more modern and business-like is required.

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POLITIES USING THE EAST CARIBBEAN DOLLAR
    1] Anguilla

    2] Antigua and Barbuda

    3] Dominica

    4] Grenada     
                                 
    5] Montserrat

    6] St Christopher and Nevis

    7] St Lucia

    8] St Vincent and the Grenadines

All those using the East Caribbean dollar are also members of the Commonwealth.

Dominica is a republic.

Montserrat and Anguilla are British Overseas Territories.

The remainder are Commonwealth Realms with King Charles III as their monarch.

Up to Queen Elizabeth's death, these all used her portrait on their collector coins.

Will they all continue to do so, or will some use their coat of arms instead?

[<k>]

Belize is also considering dropping the monarch's portrait from its coins and banknotes.

That is because it is considering becoming a republic.


Apart from the East Caribbean States, I do not see any others dropping the portrait in the near future.

[coinote]

It's quite sad to see the portrait of monarch will be dropped, the best thing is they issue 2 different sets, one with the portrait and the other with local themes, like Belize in the 1970-80s when it issued both sets, although the set with coat of arms did not in general circulation....

[<k>]

Until now Queen Elizabeth's portrait has always appeared on the coins and banknotes.

However, in July 2023 East Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) agreed a new policy.

It decided to remove the monarch's image from the Eastern Caribbean dollar.

In 2024 the ECCU stated that new banknotes should enter circulation by late 2027.

Each denomination will feature dual portraits of two notable ECCU nationals.

The ECCU logo will replace the late Queen's portrait.

King Charles III will never be portrayed on the new currency.

Presumably a new coin series will also follow.

Most of the current coins show the Golden Hind on their reverse.

That was the flagship of Sir Francis Drake, who was a slave trader.

In today's political climate, empire and slavery are viewed as anathema.

I expect that the ECCU will produce a totally new set of reverse designs.

RELATED TOPICS

Coins of the British Caribbean Territories - Eastern Group

Coinage of the East Caribbean States