The 1 Dollar banknote issued by the Central Bank of Belize in 1987 reflects the nation’s colonial heritage and its transition toward independence. The obverse features a youthful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing Belize’s status as a Commonwealth realm during that era. It also includes the national coat of arms and vivid green tones typical of the country’s early paper currency.
The reverse displays a harbor scene in Belize City, highlighting the country’s maritime economy and picturesque coastal character. Printed on paper, the note includes key security features for its time, such as a solid security thread, a watermark of a jaguar’s head, and multicolored underprint patterns. The banknote measures 140 x 70 mm and bears the signatures of the Central Bank’s Governor and the Financial Secretary.
Obverse
Green print; multicolour underprint; black serial numbers.
Bust of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Kokoshnik Tiara facing front-left, at centre-right. Corals and fish at centre. Modified coat of arms of Belize at upper-left corner. Carved jade head of god Kinich Ahau at upper-right corner.
Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) see-through feature at right.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
Central Bank of Belize
ISSUED UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE ACT, 1982
ONE DOLLAR
LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT
IN BELIZE OF ANY AMOUNT
BELIZE, 1st NOVEMBER 1983
LARGEST BARRIER REEF
IN THE AMERICAS
GOVERNOR
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
DIRECTOR
SUB • UMBRA • FLOREO
$1
Translation: I flourish in the shade.
Reverse
Green print; multicolour underprint.
National Assembly building in Belmopan, Belize at centre. Common iguana (Iguana iguana) at lower left, jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) facing left, at right.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
Central Bank of Belize
One
Dollar
$1
Watermark
Carved head of the “Sleeping giant”.
Signatures
| Robert Clifton Swift (RCS) | Governor, Central Bank of Belize |  |
| Edmund Andrew Marshalleck (EAM) | Financial Secretary |  |
| Edgar Gegg (EG) | Director, Central Bank of Belize |  |
| Henry Edney Conrad Cain (HECC) | Financial Secretary |  |
| Arsenio Burgos (AB) | Director, Central Bank of Belize |  |
| Alan Slusher (AS) | Governor, Central Bank of Belize |  |
Printer
De La Rue (Thomas de la Rue; Thomas De La Rue & Co.; TDLR), London, United Kingdom (1821-date)
Features
| Issuer | Belize › Belize (1973-date) |
|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Central Bank of Belize |
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1973-2022) |
| Type | Standard circulation banknotes |
| Years | 1983-1987 |
| Value | 1 Dollar 1 BZD = GBP 0.37 |
| Currency | Dollar (1973-date) |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | 157 × 68 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
