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Last year, the government of Belize announced a change in the country’s bank notes, and the new notes started circulating late summer 2025. One year later, the government is unveiling new coins in Belize.
For many years, Queen Elizabeth had appeared on both the bank notes and coins in Belize, but after the death of the monarch, there was a good deal of speculation about whether Belize would switch the image on its bank notes from Elizabeth to to the new king; however, this speculation came to an end when the Central Bank publicly unveiled the new currency for Belize last year. The British monarch would no longer appear on Belizean bank notes.
To read both about the Belizeans who replaced Elizabeth on Belize’s bank notes and the history of currency in Belize, check out our article on the New Currency in Belize.
New Coins in Belize
With the introduction of the new coins by the Central Bank of Belize in September 2026, Belize will no longer produce currency depicting the British monarch.
The Central Bank of Belize announced the new coins as the National Symbols Coins series. The Central Bank says that the new coins, minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, are a “permanent tribute to the natural wonders, rich heritage, and enduring national symbols of Belize.”
Like with the bank notes, which replaced the image of the monarch with the National Heroes series, the new coins steer away from the image of the British Monarch to uniquely Belizean symbols.
Are the New Coins in Belize the Same Size as the Old Coins?
The new coins in Belize are virtually the same sizes and shapes as the coins which have been circulating in Belize for many years (pictured above), and both the old and new coins will circulate side-by side, so you can use either coin interchangeably.
Are the New Coins in Belize Made of the Same Materials as the Old Coins?
No, the new National Symbols coins use modern alloys with a steel core, meaning they will naturally react to magnets. This magnetic attraction is normal and confirms the updated minting materials.
Because all coins are built to remain in circulation for 20-30 years, we may see the legacy Monarch coins in circulation alongside the new National Symbols coins for many years to come.
What Materials Are Used in the New Coins in Belize?
While the old Monarch Series one-cent and five-cent coins are made from aluminum, the National Symbols one-cent and five-cent coins are made from nickel-plated steel, which makes them a little heavier than the older aluminum coins.
The Monarch Series ten-cent, twenty-five cent, and fifty-cent coins were all made of cupro nickel while the new coins in these denominations are minted from nickel-plated steel, with all three of these new coins being slightly lighter than their older cousins in the Monarch Series.
Finally, the familiar 10-sided one-dollar coin in the Monarch series is made from nickel brass while the new one-dollar coin is made with bronze-plated steel, which results in the new one-dollar coin having a more bronze/rose gold appearance rather than the yellow-gold appearance of the Monarch coin. The new dollar coin is also lighter in weight than the old one.
What Symbols Were Chosen for the New Coins in Belize?
The Central Bank of Belize declares that there is “Belize in every coin” in the new National symbols series. They describe the series:
Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2026, this collection is a permanent tribute to our natural wonders, rich heritage, and enduring national symbols. Crafted for the modern era, this series combines advanced minting technology with thoughtful, accessible design.
Central Bank of Belize
One Cent Coin
The new one-cent coin honors the National Flower of Belize, the Black Orchid.
The Prosthechea Cochleata, or Black Orchid, is native to Belize and can be found across the country’s forests. It showcases the flower’s distinctive clamshell shape and dark petals on the coin’s reverse side.
Five Cent Coin
The new five-cent coin depicts Baird’s Tapir, Belize’s national animal. The Baird’s Tapir is the largest non-domesticated land mammal in Central America, and the Central Bank says the animals on the coins were chosen to celebrate Belize’s commitment to wildlife conservation and native biodiversity.
Ten Cent Coin
The new ten-cent coin depicts the national Coat of Arms, which features two woodcutters, a mahogany tree, and the national motto, “Sub Umbra Floreo,” meaning “under the shade I flourish.”
Twenty-Five Cent Coin
The new twenty-five cent coin showcases the profile of the Keel-Billed Toucan, the National Bird of Belize. Known for its rainbow-colored bill, this social species reflects the rich diversity of the nation’s tropical forests.
Fifty Cent Coin
The new fifty-cent coin features the canopy of the Mahogany Tree, the National Tree of Belize. The Mahogany Tree is a symbol of the early forestry heritage in Belize, and it serves to remind the people of Belize of their strength and national identity.
One Dollar Coin
The new one dollar coin showcases a relief map of Belize. The detailed design highlights the country’s geography, stretching from the Caribbean to the mountains in the west.
Central Bank Summary of the New Coins in Belize
According to the Central Bank of Belize, the facts you need to know about the new National symbols coins in Belize:
Dual Legal Tender
The legacy Monarch Series and the National Symbols series are both legal tender. There is no need to exchange your existing coins.
New Metal Composition
The National Symbols series coins use modern alloys with a steel core, meaning they will naturally attract to magnets.
Built to Last for Many Years
The National Symbols series coins are highly durable and can remain in circulation for 20 to 30 years.
Smooth Transition
Both the legacy Monarch Series and the new National Symbols series coins will circulate seamlessly side-by-side in everyday commerce.
Final Thoughts on the New Coins in Belize
Interestingly, last year when Belize announced the introduction of new bank notes and that the Central Bank was removing the British Monarch from the notes, there was a great deal of both public reporting and strong opinions on social media concerning whether or not it was a good idea to break from the tradition of displaying the British monarch on the currency of Belize.
However, this year, when the Central Bank announced that they were issuing new coins in Belize, there was very light coverage of the story in the national media, and almost no discussion on social media.
The new coins appear to be attractive, and because both the legacy Monarch series and the new National Symbols series of coins are likely to be in circulation side-by-side for years to come, this will give native Belizeans and long-time expats a good while to get used to the new change jangling in their pockets.
If you’ve enjoyed our look at the new coins in Belize, check out our Archive of Articles covering all aspects of moving to, and living in Belize. We have produced well-researched articles on topics ranging from the Permanent Residency process to the Real Cost of Living in Belize, a look at the Hurricane Season, and an examination of Why Expats Leave Belize.
For those of you in the planning stages of a move to Belize, along with our articles on many of the practical aspects of moving to and living in Belize, don’t forget to check out our Interview with an Expat in Belize series for a look at how folks in many different life situations, and living in different parts of the country, have navigated their move and their new lives here in Belize.
Finally, those of you seriously considering a move to Belize, might want to check out our book: Belize FAQs: A detailed guide for those interested in moving to Belize. In the book, there are more than 150 pages of Belize FAQs at your fingertips. And Belize FAQs is available in both paperback and Kindle formats.