The history of banknotes in St. Helena and Ascension is fascinating and reflects the economic evolution of these British overseas territories. Both islands have undergone significant changes in their monetary system over the years, moving from using British coins and banknotes to issuing their own local currency.
Current banknotes in circulation
St. Helena currently uses the St. Helena pound, which is on par with the British pound sterling. Banknotes in circulation include denominations of 5, 10 and 20 pounds, all featuring iconic images of the island, such as the famous Jonathan, the giant tortoise. For its part, Ascension does not issue its own banknotes, but uses the St. Helena pound for its economic transactions.
Historical banknotes and relevant facts
Historically, St. Helena issued its first banknotes of its own in 1976, marking an important milestone in its financial autonomy. These first banknotes featured designs that reflected the island's rich history, including references to Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled there. A curious fact is that prior to 1976, the island used a variety of coins and banknotes, including British sterling and, at certain periods, even Indian currency. The evolution of St. Helena's banknotes reflects not only its economic development, but also its unique cultural identity.
