Jamaica Coin List

Jamaica's official currency is the Jamaican dollar, which was introduced in 1969 to replace the Jamaican pound. Jamaica's current monetary system reflects its colonial history and subsequent independence, with numismatics rich in cultural and historical detail.

Current currency in circulation

The Jamaican dollar is divided into 100 cents and is represented by the symbol J$. Coins in circulation include denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents, as well as 1 and 5 dollars. Current banknotes come in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 Jamaican dollars. Coin and banknote designs feature historical figures and national symbols, such as the Jamaican coat of arms and portraits of national heroes.

Monetary history and highlights

Prior to the introduction of the Jamaican dollar, Jamaica used several currencies, including Spanish and British coins during the colonial period. The Jamaican pound, introduced in 1840, was the immediate predecessor of today's dollar. An important milestone in Jamaican numismatics was the issuance of the first commemorative coins in 1966, celebrating the country's independence. Since then, Jamaica has issued numerous commemorative coins, including series celebrating Rastafarian culture, the Olympic Games and prominent figures in Jamaican history.