KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar
Monetary System
01.05.1972: 1 Cayman Islands dollar (KYD) = 100 cents
2022 (2023) Commemorative Issues
According to a press release dated 12 October 2023, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority introduced a 70-dollar note commemorating the one-year anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and in recognition of her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service. This edition of 10,000 notes is not intended for general circulation. Buyers are limited to purchasing 10 notes at face value.
Description: 70.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Slate blue, orange, and brown. Front: English text; crown as registration device; fish; map; ERII royal cipher; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; three portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, including her holding bouquet of flowers during visit to Cayman Islands in 1983; ERII royal cipher; crown as registration device. Holographic windowed security thread. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype LIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
2022 (2023) Commemorative Issues
These notes commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) on 1 January 1997.
Description: 25.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Dark brown, light brown, and orange. Front: English text; scallop shells; map; holographic patch with CIMA 25th Anniversary logo; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; scallop shell; Hawksbill turtle, fish, and coral. Holographic windowed security thread. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Purple. Front: English text; stingrays; map; holographic patch with CIMA 25th Anniversary logo; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; shell; stingray. Holographic windowed security thread. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
2018 (2020) Commemorative Issues
Attendees of the National Heroes Day celebrations on 27 January 2020 were given 1-dollar notes with special Q/2 prefix, commemorative logo, and a descriptive flyer. The note entered public circulation at face value the following day. The note commemorates the 60th anniversary of the first written constitution of the Cayman Islands.
Description: 1.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Violet, sea blue, and orange. Front: English text; angel fish as registation device; map; Celebrate Cayman logo; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; nautilus shell; The Bluff on Cayman Brac. 4-mm wide purple RAPID windowed security thread. Watermark: Turtle and electrotype CIMA. Printer: CRANE CURRENCY. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
2010 – 2018 Issues
Each note has a 6-digit serial number and fractional alphanumeric prefix. The prefix on each denomination starts at D/1, and the number advances consecutively over time. New date and signature varieties have prefixes that resume where the preceding varieties end.
Description: 1.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Violet, sea blue, and orange. Front: English text; angel fish; map; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; nautilus shell; The Bluff on Cayman Brac. 1.4-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 5.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Green. Front: English text; Hawksbill turtles; map; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; conch shell; Cayman parrots. 1.4-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Red, violet, and dark gray. Front: English text; landcrabs; map; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; shell; wild banana orchid flower. 1.4-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 25.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Dark brown, light brown, and orange. Front: English text; scallop shells; map; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; scallop shell; Hawksbill turtle, fish, and coral. Holographic stripe. 0.75-mm wide solid security thread. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Purple. Front: English text; stingrays; map; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; shell; stingray. Holographic stripe. 0.75-mm wide solid security thread. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Orange, brown, and red. Front: English text; Cayman Schooner boats; map; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; conch shell; Financial Centre in George Town. Holographic stripe. 0.75-mm wide solid security thread. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
2005 – 2006 Issues
In late-2005 the CIMA began issuing a modified series of notes, including all denominations with the exception of the 50-dollar note. These new notes feature De La Rue’s Cornerstone watermarks for enhanced durability and security, as well as new signatures, and a solid security thread in addition to the windowed thread.
These notes have prefixes that resume where the preceding issues end.
Description: 1.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Violet, sea blue, and orange. Front: English text; fish; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral reef; fish; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 5.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Green. Front: English text; turtles; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; cutter sailboat; town; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Red, violet, and dark gray. Front: English text; crabs; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; Seven-Mile Beach on Grand Cayman; palm tree; open treasure chest; sailboat; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 25.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Dark brown, light brown, and orange. Front: English text; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; gold foil turtle. Back: English text; coral; maps; compass rose; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalizedCAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Orange, brown, and red. Front: English text; coral; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; fish; Cayman Schooner hologram. Back: English text; coral; George Town (capital) harbor with ships and buildings; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle, electrotype CIMA, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
2003 Issues
These issues differ from the preceding issues only in that the law date and imprint has changed to 2003 Series, Issued under The Monetary Authority Law (2002 Revision) and now there are two signatories and two security threads. These notes have prefixes that resume where the preceding issues end.
Description: 25.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Brown. Front: English text; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; gold foil turtle. Back: English text; coral; maps; compass rose; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Purple, green, orange, and red. Front: English text; rays; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; silver foil ray. Back: English text; coral; traditional cabin style Caymanian home; palm trees; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
2003 Commemorative Issues
This 1-dollar note with special Q/1 prefix commemorates the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the islands by Christopher Columbus.
Description: 1.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Blue. Front: English text; fish; conch shell; quincentennial logo with dates 1503-2003; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral reef; fish; conch shell. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
2001 Issues
These issues differ from the preceding issues only in that the law date and imprint has changed to 2001 Series, Issued under The Monetary Authority Law (2001 Revision).
These notes have prefixes that resume where the preceding issues end.
Description: 1.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Blue. Front: English text; fish; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral reef; fish; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 5.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Green. Front: English text; turtles; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; cutter sailboat; town; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Red. Front: English text; crabs; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; Seven-Mile Beach on Grand Cayman; palm tree; open treasure chest; sailboat; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalizedCAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Turquoise. Front: English text; rays; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; silver foil ray. Back: English text; coral; traditional cabin style Caymanian home; palm trees; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Cayman Islands Monetary Authority
On 1 January 1997, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) was established by merging the Financial Services Supervision Department and the Cayman Islands Currency Board.
For more information, visit www.cimoney.com.ky.
1996 – 2-nd Issues
This series of notes dated 1996 feature a windowed security thread, the addition of an electrotype CIMA to the watermark, a revised printer imprint on back, and a change in the name of the issuing authority from the Cayman Islands Currency Board to the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Also, the 25-dollar note has a foil turtle on front where the 100-dollar note has a holographic Cayman Schooner.
Each note has a 6-digit serial number and fractional alphanumeric prefix. The prefix on each denomination starts at C/1, and the number advances consecutively over time.
Description: 1.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Blue. Front: English text; fish; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral reef; fish; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 5.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Green. Front: English text; turtles; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; cutter sailboat; town; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Red. Front: English text; crabs; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; Seven-Mile Beach on Grand Cayman; palm tree; open treasure chest; sailboat; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalizedCAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 25.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Brown. Front: English text; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; gold foil turtle. Back: English text; coral; maps; compass rose; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Orange. Front: English text; turtle; coral; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; fish; Cayman Schooner hologram. Back: English text; coral; George Town (capital) harbor with ships and buildings; conch shell. Windowed security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle with electrotype CIMA. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
1996 – 1st Issues
The revised series of 1996 saw the introduction of secondary colors which highlight the design details of each note, novel serial numbers, a change in the printer imprint, demetalized security thread, as well as a new law date and signature.
These notes have prefixes that resume where the preceding issues end.
Description: 1.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Blue. Front: English text; fish; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral reef; fish; conch shell. Solid security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 5.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Green. Front: English text; turtles; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; cutter sailboat; town; conch shell. Solid security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Red. Front: English text; crabs; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; Seven-Mile Beach on Grand Cayman; palm tree; open treasure chest; sailboat; conch shell. Solid security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 25.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Brown. Front: English text; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; maps; compass rose; conch shell. Solid security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Orange. Front: English text; turtle; coral; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; fish. Back: English text; coral; George Town (capital) harbor with ships and buildings; conch shell. Solid security thread with demetalized CAYMAN ISLANDS. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
1991 Issues
These notes dated 1991 feature a new portrait of QEII, a conch shell registration device, a new signature, a different printer imprint on back, and revised back designs that bleed to the borders with coral at left.
Each note has a 6-digit serial number and fractional alphanumeric prefix. The prefix on each denomination is B/1.
Description: 5.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Green. Front: English text; turtles; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; cutter sailboat; town; conch shell. Solid security thread. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY, LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Red. Front: English text; crabs; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; Seven-Mile Beach on Grand Cayman; palm tree; open treasure chest; sailboat; conch shell. Solid security thread. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY, LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 25.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Brown. Front: English text; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: English text; coral; maps; compass rose; conch shell. Solid security thread. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY, LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 KYD – Cayman Islands Dollar Size: 156 x 66 mm
Orange. Front: English text; coral; conch shell; open treasure chest; coat of arms; Queen Elizabeth II; fish. Back: English text; coral; George Town (capital) harbor with ships and buildings; conch shell. Solid security thread. Watermark: Turtle. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY, LIMITED. 156 x 66 mm. Paper.
Cayman Islands Currency Board
Prior to 1972, the Cayman Islands used the currency of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands Currency Board (CICB) was created by the Currency Law 19 passed on 1 November 1971 for the purpose of administering the physical issue and redemption of currency. On 1 May 1972, the CICB commenced operations with its first issue. By the end of June 1972, $710,895 worth of Jamaican notes and coins had been redeemed for an equivalent amount of Cayman currency, though Jamaican currency remained legal tender until 31 August 1972.
