The Cayman Islands will introduce circulating coins bearing King Charles III’s portrait for the first time as it updates its currency to reflect the reigning British monarch.
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) unveiled the 2026 coin series on 9 October, with the four denominations expected to begin entering circulation the following week.
The release covers the 25 cent, 10 cent, five cent and one cent coins.
Minted by Monnaie de Paris, France’s national mint, the coins retain their existing weights, dimensions, metallic compositions and reverse-side designs.
The main change is on the obverse, where King Charles’ portrait replaces that of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Coins featuring Queen Elizabeth’s portrait will remain legal tender and are expected to circulate alongside the new series for the foreseeable future, CIMA said.
Acting chief executive officer Patrick Bodden said the currency reflects Cayman’s history, identity and international connections.
“Our national currency is more than a medium of exchange, it reflects our history, our identity, and our connection to the wider world,” Bodden said.
“The introduction of these new coins marks an important moment for the Cayman Islands, and we are proud to share this transition with the community.”
CIMA said it will announce the official release date through its website.
A limited-edition collector’s set containing all four denominations in a sealed blister pack is also expected to go on sale later this year.
Cayman introduced its own currency on 1 May 1972, replacing Jamaican currency.
The original decimal-based system included four circulating coin denominations – one cent, five cents, 10 cents and 25 cents – alongside banknotes in four denominations.
While the 2026 series changes the monarch’s portrait on standard circulating coins, it does not alter the denominations or established reverse-side designs.
Those designs feature a two-masted Cayman schooner on the 25 cent coin, a hawksbill turtle on the 10 cent coin, a crayfish on the five cent coin and a thrush on the one cent coin, according to CIMA’s published specifications.
CIMA has also previously issued commemorative currency.
In January 2020, a modified version of the existing CI$1 banknote was released to mark the 60th anniversary of the Cayman Islands’ first written constitution.
