Saint Helena goes Polymer banknotes soon

On Monday, January 12, 2026, The Government of St Helena (SHG) has announced it will soon release a new Polymer banknotes of St Helena Pound (£) banknotes. This updated series — which includes £5, £10, and £20 notes — will display an image of His Majesty King Charles III and is set to be put into circulation later this month. The new designs also showcase Jonathan the Tortoise and the St Helena Ebony tree, and the notes will retain their current colour schemes.

This project, which began in 2024, represents a key step in modernising the island’s physical currency while preserving its unique cultural identity. 

Why the St Helena Pound Matters

Although the St Helena Pound is tied to the British Pound Sterling at par (1:1), issuing its own currency brings important advantages:

• Identity and Heritage: The SHP reflects St Helena’s distinct heritage and its status as a British Overseas Territory.

• Cultural Representation: Locally themed designs celebrate the island’s history, culture, and wildlife, helping foster community pride.

• Currency Control: Having its own notes allows SHG to oversee note issuance and ensure a reliable and secure cash supply suited to local needs. 

Enhanced Security & Accessibility

The new polymer notes incorporate modern banknote technology to improve longevity and make them much harder to counterfeit. Key security elements include:

• A clear transparent window visible from both sides.

• A shimmering metallic effect around the clear window when tilted.

• Raised ink on King Charles III’s portrait and on official signatures, which can be felt by touch.

• Tactile raised dots in the denomination corners to help visually impaired users identify the value — with shapes unique to each denomination (square for £5, triangle for £10, circle for £20).

• Microprinted denomination text visible under magnification.

• Negative raised ink spelling out “ST HELENA GOVERNMENT.”

• UV-reactive inks that show patterns and values under ultraviolet light. 

Circulation and Phasing In

Existing St Helena Pound notes will continue to be legal tender and circulate alongside the new series. As older and worn notes are returned to the Bank of St Helena, SHG will gradually withdraw them from use.