


Jamaica as a British colony issued a farthing, halfpenny and penny, but no other denominations. The farthing and halfpenny were introduced during Queen Victoria's reign, with the same reverse design as shown above. The coins were issued only in cupro-nickel until the reign of George VI, from which time they were minted in nickel-brass. Apparently the Jamaicans disliked bronze and copper coins.
The coat of arms, which is depicted on the reverse of the coins, includes the cross of St George, five pineapples and a crocodile. According to Wikipedia:
The motto of the seal has been a matter of discussion for years since inception. The original motto, INDVS VTERQVE SERVIET VNI is the Latin translation for "The two Indians will serve as one", or rather "Both Indies will serve Together", in reference to the collective servitude of the Taino and Arawak Indians to the colonizers. The motto was later replaced with the English motto "Out of Many, One People", as tribute to the unity of the different cultural minorities inhabiting the nation. Perhaps as coincidence, the motto has the same meaning with the motto of the United States; E Pluribus Unum.Before the reign of George VI, the diameter of the 20th century coins was: farthing - 20.2mm; halfpenny - 25.3mm; penny - 30.9mm.

With the reign of George VI, the inner circles were removed from the obverse and reverse of the coins, which were now minted in nickel-brass. The penny was reduced in size to 27mm in diameter, whilst the halfpenny was reduced to 22m in diameter. The farthing retained a diameter of 20.2mm and was last issued in 1952.


In the reign of Elizabeth II, only the halfpenny and penny were issued, and in 1964 two supporters were added to the coat of arms: a male and female Taino (Arawak), representing the original Amerindian inhabitants of the island.

In 1969 a commemorative penny and halfpenny were minted to celebrate the centennial of Jamaican coinage.