Have you ever heard of British Honduras? That was the name given to Belize during British rule. And at the time, this territory had its own numismatic history, as Pier2 explains here.
Before becoming British Honduras in 1862, the territory on the east coast of Central America was already known as the ‘Settlement of Belize ’! Colonised by Europeans since the 17th century, this region was mainly used by the British as a base for pirates and loggers who exploited the logwood resources, used to produce dyes.
This region was disputed between Spain and Great Britain for many years. In 1798, the British won a decisive victory over the Spanish, which consolidated their dominance over the region. In 1862, the region was officially declared a British Crown colony under the name ‘British Honduras’, remaining a British colony until the mid-20th century.
In 1964, British Honduras gained self-government, although defence and foreign affairs remained under British control. From 1862 to 1973, its currency was the dollar = 100 cents, on which the effigies of various British monarchs appeared in succession.
The British colony of Honduras was renamed ‘Belize’ in 1973. This current name derives from the former capital, Belize, and the river of the same name. The currency was changed but remained the Belizean dollar.
Belize finally achieved full independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. It became a member of the Commonwealth, with the British monarch as its ceremonial head of state. Its Latin motto, ‘Sub umbra floreo’, means ‘I flourish in the shade’.
This motto appears on the coat of arms of Belize, which features a woodcutter’s tools beneath a tree, perhaps evoking the importance of the forestry industry in the country’s history. The shadow may refer to the shade cast by the forest’s tall trees, thereby highlighting the importance of nature and natural resources to Belize.
And in numismatics?
It is indeed necessary to distinguish between the different periods of the history of Belize.
Coins from the British Honduras era are fewer in number and harder to find than those in circulation since 1981. For example, coins bearing the effigy of Queen Victoria are quite, if not very, rare. On the other hand, you will find them much more easily if you search for Queen Elizabeth II on Delcampe!
Belize coins are still in circulation, so they are much easier to come by; however, precisely because they are in circulation, it is difficult to find them in very good condition.
Discover the Belizean currency for sale on Delcampe!
