Antigua and Barbuda's history of currency notes is closely intertwined with its colonial past and subsequent independence. Prior to gaining independence in 1981, Antigua and Barbuda used the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) as its official currency, which was shared with other countries in the Eastern Caribbean region.
The Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority, established in 1965, was responsible for issuing and managing the currency. The early banknotes of Antigua and Barbuda featured Queen Elizabeth II, as the country was a member of the British Commonwealth.
After gaining independence, Antigua and Barbuda continued to use the Eastern Caribbean dollar as its official currency. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) assumed the responsibility for issuing the currency and maintaining its stability.
The banknotes of Antigua and Barbuda have undergone various changes and updates over the years. The designs on the banknotes feature national symbols, historical landmarks, and notable figures from the country's history. The banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Eastern Caribbean dollars.
The Eastern Caribbean dollar remains the legal tender in Antigua and Barbuda, and its value is pegged to the United States dollar at a fixed exchange rate. This stability in the currency has helped facilitate trade and economic activities in the country.
It is worth noting that in addition to paper currency, Antigua and Barbuda also uses coins in various denominations, including cents and dollars, for smaller transactions. The coins feature national symbols, flora, and fauna of the country.
Overall, the currency notes of Antigua and Barbuda reflect the country's rich history, cultural heritage, and close ties to the Eastern Caribbean region.