Obverse. Photo © Royal Canadian Mint
  • 25 Cents 2024, KM# 251, Bahamas, 50th Anniversary of the Central Bank of the Bahamas
  • 25 Cents 2024, KM# 251, Bahamas, 50th Anniversary of the Central Bank of the Bahamas
Description

The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) received prestigious Excellence in Currency awards at the International Association of Currency Affairs’ (IACA) 2024 Coin Conference in Lisbon, Portugal. It was honored, alongside the Central Bank of The Bahamas, with the Best New Commemorative or Test Circulating Coin award for creating the world’s first circulation coin featuring high-resolution color on both the obverse and reverse, commemorating the central bank’s 50ᵗʰ anniversary.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas, established in 1974, is the nation’s primary financial institution, tasked with promoting monetary stability and economic growth. It oversees the issuance of the Bahamian dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, ensuring currency stability. The bank regulates financial institutions, manages foreign reserves, and formulates policies to foster sustainable economic development. It is also committed to advancing digital innovation, as evidenced by the introduction of the Sand Dollar in 2020, one of the world’s first central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Through its efforts in financial inclusion, public education, and sound fiscal management, the Central Bank plays a vital role in shaping The Bahamas’ financial landscape.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms and motto of the Bahamas. Elements of the Coat of Arms are painted blue, white, pink, and green, highlighting the blue marlin, flamingo, and conch shell.

The Coat of Arms of the Bahamas, approved by Queen Elizabeth II on December 7, 1971, was designed by Bahamian artist and clergyman Dr. Hervis L. Bain, Jr. The shield features a depiction of the Santa María, Christopher Columbus's flagship, sailing beneath a rising sun, symbolizing the nation’s bright future and maritime history. Above the shield is a conch shell on a helmet, representing the islands and their connection to the sea. It is flanked by a marlin, symbolizing the ocean, and a flamingo, representing the land. Below the shield is the national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward Together,” reflecting the Bahamas’ unity and aspirations.

COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
FORWARD. TOGETHER
UPWARD , ONWARD
2024

Reverse

Depicts a native sloop, infused with red, white, and brown paint, in sea painted blue, near an island with two palms, accompanied by the inscriptions "THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS", "50th ANNIVERSARY 1974-2024".

THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS
50TH ANNIVERSARY 1974-2024
25
CENTS

Edge

25 Cents

50th Anniversary of the Central Bank of the Bahamas

KM# 251
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 5.1 g
Diameter 24.26 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

Related coins

2nd portrait

Nickel, 6.9 g, ⌀ 24.26 mm