Jamaica boasts a rich history of currency, with coins constituting an integral facet of its monetary system. Prior to Jamaica's attainment of independence from British rule in 1962, it utilized British colonial currency, including the Jamaican pound, with coins from this era showcasing British monarchs.
Following independence, Jamaica embraced its own currency, the Jamaican dollar (JMD), with the initial Jamaican coins introduced in 1969. Jamaica's present coin denominations comprise the 1 Cent Coin, 5 Cent Coin, 10 Cent Coin, 25 Cent Coin, 50 Cent Coin, 1 Dollar Coin, 5 Dollar Coin, 10 Dollar Coin, and 20 Dollar Coin.
The 1, 5, and 10 cent coins typically consist of copper-plated steel, while the 25 and 50 cent coins are crafted from copper-nickel. These coins may showcase various designs, such as national symbols or cultural elements, alongside the coin's denomination.
Meanwhile, the 1, 5, 10, and 20 dollar coins are fashioned from nickel-plated steel and often bear the portrait of a Jamaican national hero or a former Prime Minister, with local scenes and popular landmarks adorning the reverse side.
