the standard $5,000 note that is in circulation in Jamaica, as they both feature the image of Former Prime Minister Hugh Lawson Shearer, although on the commemorative note, the Jamaica 50 logo is also included.
However, there are a few noteworthy differences on the back of both notes, with the standard note featuring an aerial view of Highway 2000 on the back. The commemorative note, on the other hand, features a photograph of a group of children from Central Branch Primary School representing the national motto, ‘Out of Many, One People’. The image previously appeared on the back of the $2 that was in circulation between 1969 and 1994.
Nearly a decade following its issuance, the commemorative banknote has now come into circulation and individuals are experiencing difficulties in transacting with these notes owing to the aforementioned differences. Accordingly, the BoJ issued a statement on Tuesday (7 Dec), apologising for the inconvenience faced by consumers, adding that the central bank is willing to exchange the commemorative note for the standard note, if members of the public wish to do so. The bank also clarified that in terms of security features, both the commemorative $5,000 note and the standard $5,000 note remained the same.
“Although the commemorative $5000 note is similar to the standard $5000, there are some differences in appearance. Nevertheless, the Bank wishes to advise that both versions are genuine and acceptable for all transactions as legal tender,” the statement read. “Despite the abovementioned differences between the standard version of the $5000 note and the commemorative version, both are genuine notes for use in the settlement of transactions, as long as the security features are consistent with those reflected on Bank of Jamaica’s website…”
