The New Banknote Series of the Central Bank of Belize: Honoring Heritage and Advancing Security

On January 23, 2025, the Central Bank of Belize unveiled a new series of banknotes that symbolizes deep respect for the country’s history and culture while setting new standards in security. This series, scheduled for release in mid-2025, has already captured the attention of not only Belizeans but also collectors and experts from around the globe.

The new banknotes impress not only with their design and manufacturing quality but also by telling unique stories about Belize's rich heritage. They feature key national figures, landmarks, endemic fauna and flora, as well as prominent natural and cultural attractions. This makes the series more than just a means of payment—it is a miniature encyclopedia of the country.

Key Features of the New Banknote Series

Each banknote in the series has unique features that serve educational, artistic, and security purposes simultaneously.

$100 (equivalent to $50 USD): Honoring George Cadle Price

The $100 banknote, rendered in elegant blue, features George Cadle Price, Belize’s first Prime Minister and a national hero. The front of the note also includes the Belize Coat of Arms and the Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula).

On the reverse side, depictions of a Hawksbill Sea Turtle, the Great Blue Hole—a world-renowned natural wonder—two French Angelfish, a Nurse Shark, and Grooved Brain Coral emphasize Belize's marine biodiversity.

For security, the note includes a holographic foil strip showcasing a keel-billed toucan and a sea turtle, along with a windowed security thread featuring a demetallized long-snouted seahorse.

$50 (equivalent to $25 USD): Legacy of Philip Goldson

This burgundy-colored banknote honors Philip Goldson, a member of the Belize House of Representatives and a figure known for his fight for the country’s independence. The front side features his portrait, the Belize Coat of Arms, and the Temple of the Mask at Lamanai.

The reverse highlights Mayan ruins, including the summit of Caana in Caracol, El Castillo in Xunantunich, and the eastern frieze of Xunantunich. A holographic foil strip with images of a keel-billed toucan and the Temple of the Mask adds both beauty and robust protection against counterfeiting.

$20 (equivalent to $10 USD): Celebrating Belize’s Unique Wildlife

The brown $20 banknote features George Cadle Price on the front and showcases a Baird’s Tapir (Belize’s national animal) alongside a jaguar (Panthera onca) and a green iguana on the reverse.

For added security, the note includes a holographic foil thread adorned with a Blue Morpho Butterfly and a windowed security thread featuring a keel-billed toucan.

$10 (equivalent to $5 USD): The Charm of Belize’s Birds

This green banknote, dedicated to Philip Goldson, features the Green Heron (Butorides virescens) on the front. On the reverse, there are depictions of a keel-billed toucan perched on a branch, a long-billed hermit hummingbird collecting nectar, and a scaled hummingbird in flight.

The holographic foil strip with images of a keel-billed toucan and a Scarlet Macaw enhances the note’s elegance and security features.

$5 (equivalent to $2.50 USD): Symbols of Independence

The red $5 banknote features George Cadle Price on the front, along with the National Assembly Building on Independence Plaza in Belmopan. The reverse side showcases the Belize City Peninsula, the Supreme Court Building, and St. John’s Cathedral in Belize City.

$2 (equivalent to $1 USD): The Beauty of Belize’s Waterfalls

This purple $2 banknote honors Philip Goldson and features the Antelope Falls in Mayflower Bocawina National Park on the front. The reverse displays three iconic waterfalls: the Sapodilla Waterfall, the 1,000-Foot Falls, and a waterfall in Elijio Panti National Park.

Innovations in Security

The new banknote series incorporates the latest anti-counterfeiting technologies, including:

  • Holographic foil strips with unique images.
  • Windowed security threads with demetallized designs visible under different angles.
  • Watermarks featuring portraits of national heroes.
  • Specialized tactile features for the visually impaired to identify denominations.

Symbolism and Significance

This banknote series is not just a means of payment but a powerful tool for promoting Belize’s culture, history, and nature. It stands as proof of how modern technologies can be combined with national traditions to create a true masterpiece.

Thanks to its uniqueness and attention to detail, the new banknote series from the Central Bank of Belize is sure to become a coveted item for banknote collectors worldwide.

Vitalii Cherniuk, IBNS 13299-R