Government undecided on King's image on banknotes

A decision on whether to use an image of King Charles III on new Jersey banknotes has not been made due to a "significant stock" of currency featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II, the government says.

Bank of England notes featuring the King went into circulation in June 2024 and Jersey's treasury minister said the creation of new Jersey notes had been explored.

However, Deputy Elaine Millar said stock levels of current notes meant no decision had been made on the introduction of new currency or what it would look like.

"This approach ensures that unnecessary costs are avoided and that value for money is maintained on behalf of the public," she said.

Deputy Helen Miles submitted a written question to the treasury minister asking for an estimated timeline for new notes and coins featuring the King.

In response, Millar said the government held a "significant stock of banknotes featuring the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II".

"This is due to the need for large minimum print runs, which are required to achieve value for money in a smaller jurisdiction such as ours," she said.

The Government of Jersey has updated its banknotes twice in the last 36 years, once in 1989 and again in 2010.

In April, the States of Guernsey announced it would not include a portrait of the King on updated currency for the island.

Millar said a decision on including the King on Jersey currency had not been made.

"While the introduction of a new series of notes has been explored, current stock levels are such that it shall be some time before any final decision is made on whether a new family of notes is required, and which design options may be preferred," she said.

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