Jamaica’s banknotes were upgraded and are comprised of six denominations, given the introduction of a new $2000 banknote. The banknotes are issued in denominations of $50, $100, $500, $1000, $2000 and $5000.

The upgrade of Jamaica’s banknotes is aimed at achieving the following:

  1. Enhancing the security of the banknotes to combat counterfeiting
    Counterfeiters are now using more sophisticated technology to threaten banknote security worldwide. As a result, in order to remain ahead of counterfeiters and manage the risks associated with counterfeiting, Bank of Jamaica has enhanced the integrity of our banknotes by incorporating state-of-the-art security features. Details of these security features are shown below.
  2. Better satisfying the needs of the visually impaired
    Each of the old banknotes had one feature which is dedicated to the visually impaired, that is either large numbering or tactile printing (recognised by touching and feeling). However, because of the substrate used, the effectiveness of those features decreased over time with continued use of the notes. Consequently, the current banknotes includes an upgrade of the substrate which will allow for the longevity of the features for the visually impaired.
  3. Providing cost savings to Bank of Jamaica
    With the current notes being printed on polymer substrate, which is a more durable substrate relative to that of the old banknotes, it allows for an increase in the average circulation life of the banknotes by at least 50%. This results in the banknote order quantities being lower, relative to previous practice, thereby yielding cost savings to the Bank. Should the need arise for destruction of banknotes, arrangements are in place for disposal of the polymer waste without compromising the environment.
  4. Ensuring a clear distinction between the different denominations
    There were concerns among members of the public that the $500 and $5000 banknotes were not easily distinguishable, especially in low-light conditions. The redesign of the banknotes ensures that each denomination is clearly distinguishable with distinct colours.
  5. Ensuring that the principles of fair trading are satisfied
    This relates to ensuring that all security features on the banknotes, features for the visually impaired and the substrate itself, are readily available in the banknote manufacturing market. This prevents the Bank from locking itself into a situation whereby only one printer is able to provide a particular feature on any denomination. This is critical to allow for flexibility in respect of the choice of printer, thereby ensuring full competition and ensuring that the Bank gets the best value for money.
  6. Honouring all our National Heroes and deceased Prime Ministers
    The Bank’s Currency Structure Policy indicates that subjects on the front of Jamaican banknotes are National Heroes and deceased Prime Ministers. However, with the evolution of Jamaica’s currency structure which has resulted in the demonetisation of some banknote denominations and the coining of others, the current banknotes feature only two of the seven National Heroes and three of four deceased Prime Ministers. In order to ensure inclusivity and full representation of these outstanding Jamaicans, the task was to have the eleven eligible persons represented on the six  banknote denominations. In this regard, each banknote denomination features two individuals, who are paired according to their contribution to Jamaica, and as such are placed in the broad categories of: Freedom Fighters; Black Empowerment/Pan Africanist; Fathers of the Nation and Nation Builders. Notably, The Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey appears as a single subject given his status as Jamaica’s first National Hero. 

The reverse (back) of the banknotes will continue to feature Jamaican images that existed on the previous notes. The back of the $2000 banknote features the photograph of a group of children from the Central Branch Primary School (circa 1968) that was previously featured on the back of the $2.00, which was in circulation between 1969 and 1994 and is now demonetised.

The banknotes features are as follows: