History
These coins were first released and put in circulation on the 8th of September 1969, and signified the completion of the historical milestone of Jamaica having its first independent monetary system.
These coins consisted of a 1c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 25c and 50c pieces, all made from cupro-nickel and minted by the British Royal Mint.
On one side of these newly minted coins was the National Coat of Arms originally designed by William Sancroft, then Archbishop of Canterbury. The original verbiage on the Coat of Arms, INDVS VTERQVE SERVIET VNI (Latin for "The two Indians will serve as one") was later replaced with "Out of Many, One People", a fitting description for unity of the many cultures which make up this small island.
The second side of each of these coins shows a unique design specific to denomination.
20 cent - This coin illustrates the Jamaican National Tree, the Blue Mahoe.
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This tall, straight tree has a unique wood structure made up of a mix of bluish green and yellow accents. It is this 'Blue' which the first part of the name is derived from, with 'Mahoe' being a Carib-Indian word.
With heart shaped green leaves and the flowers that change colour, this beautiful tree is indigenous to Jamaica, with only our neighboring Cuba supporting its natural growth.
With heart shaped green leaves and the flowers that change colour, this beautiful tree is indigenous to Jamaica, with only our neighboring Cuba supporting its natural growth.
20 cent - This coin has an alternate illustration of the Jamaican National Fruit, the Ackee.
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Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica and is borne in clusters on an evergreen tree. Its name is derived from the West African Akye fufo. The tree is not endemic to the West Indies but was introduced from West Africa during the 18th century. Ackee trees are found across the island of Jamaica but the main producing areas are located in Clarendon and St Elizabeth. There are two bearing seasons: between January to March and June to August.
The fruit turns red on reaching maturity and splits open with continued exposure to the sun, and traditionally it is at this time that the ackees are harvested. This delicacy is enjoyed by many at breakfast or as an entree.
The fruit turns red on reaching maturity and splits open with continued exposure to the sun, and traditionally it is at this time that the ackees are harvested. This delicacy is enjoyed by many at breakfast or as an entree.
25 cent - This coin depicts the Jamaican National Bird, the Doctor Bird
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The Swallow Tail Humming Bird also known as the Doctor Bird, a beautiful species with its two distinctive long tails, is a treat to glimpse. It is also characterized by its green and black body, and is more commonly known as a 'humming' bird for its special wings and feathers which can flap up to 80 times per second! This creates that non-mistakable 'hum'. Another unique quality of this species is its ability to fly backwards. They are among the smallest of birds, with most species measuring in the 7.5-13 cm (3-5 in.) range.
50 cent - This coin portrays the Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey.
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Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jr. (1887-1940) was a Jamaican publisher, journalist and entrepreneur. Garvey was a devout advocate for Black Nationalism, and for the return of blacks to their native land of Africa. Garvey was also responsible for the founding of the People's Political Party (PPP) in September 1929, Jamaica's first modern political party. On 15 November 1964, the government of Jamaica, proclaimed him Jamaica's first national hero.
These coins were in circulation for 20 years before being withdrawn as legal tender in 1989.
References
Bank of Jamaica http://www.boj.org.jm "Talipariti elatum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2009-01-27 http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?426094 Raffaele, Herbert; James Wiley, Orlando Garrido, Allan Keith & Janis Raffaele (2003) Birds of the West Indies, Christopher Helm, London http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_bird Encyclopedia Britannica Online Marcus Garvey profile. Retrieved 20 February 2008. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/226276/Marcus-Garvey Order of National Hero, Office of the Prime Minister, http://www.opm.gov.jm/opm_programmes/the_chancery_/_protocol/ national_honours_and_awards/order_of_national_hero http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm/lectures/ackee.html |