New EC$ without Queen Elizabeth’s portrait to roll out by 2027

Eastern Caribbean banknotes are set to begin circulating in late 2027, featuring a redesign that excludes the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

During the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s (ECCB) 109th Monetary Council virtual meeting on Wednesday, October 18, under the agenda item “Change of Queen’s Image on Eastern Caribbean Currency,” the Council announced that the redesigned $100 note is expected to roll out by late 2027. This will be followed by the $5, $10, $20, and $50 notes as current stocks deplete.

Each denomination will showcase dual portraits of individuals from countries within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), totalling 10 prominent regional figures on the redesigned banknotes.

In an episode of the ‘Conversation with the Governor’ programme while in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday, September 15, 2022, Governor of the ECCB, Timothy Antoine, stated that there was no urgency in changing the appearance of Eastern Caribbean notes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. He noted that after her passing, the crucial question was, “What happens next?” Antoine explained that many people felt it was time to shift the designs of the EC banknotes away from the British monarchy. Instead, it was suggested that the designs should feature regional landmarks and heroes.

Minister of Finance Minister, of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Camillo Gonsalves, was present for this virtual meeting. The 110th meeting of the Monetary Council is scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2025 at the ECCB in St Kitts and Nevis.