The History of the Jersey Pound

Jersey is a small island located off the coast of France, it neighbors Guernsey if you are familiar with that country. It’s currency is the Jersey Pound; it circulates alongside the British Pound as well as the Guernsey Pound. All are widely accepted on the island. The Jersey Pound dates back to 1834 as it replaced the Livre that was formerly in use. The first designs of the Jersey Pound are rather simple. They do not feature images of royalty or anything like that, just plain text. The 5 Pounds, 1840 features only text reading “Jersey States Bond for Five Pounds British”. There is also an image of the coat of arms in the center.

The First Jersey Pound

In 1941 there was a release of newly designed banknotes that had a war time propaganda theme. The Jersey 1 Pound, 1941 is colored in red and green. The front only features text alongside the coat of arms. On the reverse is an image of people on a horse drawn carriage. Also in 1963 came the modern designs featuring a young Queen Elizabeth II. The 10 Pounds, 1963 is colored in purple and features the Queen on the right hand corner. The reverse features an image of Saint Ouen’s Manor. In the 70’s there was a redesign with updated image of the Queen.

With updated in banknote technology there has also been the need to upgrade against counterfeiting. As a result, in recent years there has been a redesign of banknotes with bright colors and up to date images of the Queen. The Jersey 10 Pounds, 2010 is colored in orange and features images of the Queen on the left hand corner as well as an image of the coat of arms in the center. The reverse of the banknote shows the Lalique glass sculptures in St Matthew’s Church and also an image of Seymour Tower.