Central Bank: NEW Series 2026 TT $100 Banknote Coming August 2026

The Coat of Arms is integrated into the design of all Trinidad and Tobago banknotes and coins. The new Coat of Arms became valid from 25th February, 2025 and consistent with the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) (Extension of Time for Use of Former Coat of Arms) Order, 2025, the old Coat of Arms remains valid until 2nd January, 2031.

In a Media Release today (Friday 9th January, 2026), the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago said it will introduce the new Coat of Arms on new banknotes from August 2026, beginning with the Series 2026 $100 denomination.

Following the introduction of the Series 2026 $100 banknotes with the new Coat of Arms, all $100 notes and notes of other denominations with Series dates prior to 2026, as well as all coins bearing the former Coat of Arms, will be changed out on a phased basis. The Bank said it will therefore allow the old notes and coins with the former Coat of Arms that are in active circulation to remain legal tender until 2nd January, 2031 (or a later date if extended by the Minister).

The introduction of the Series 2026 $100 Banknote with the new Coat of Arms

The following is an update from the Central Bank regarding the launch of the Series 2026 TT $100 banknote:

• The current $100 banknote in circulation is the 2019 Series. Based on normal banknote industry practices adopted by monetary authorities globally, including the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, a mid-series upgrade is usually issued within seven (7) years. This is considered important due to modernization and developments in technology that offer enhanced materials, advanced security features and improved printing techniques and durability.

• The Series 2026 TT $100 banknote will be put into circulation from August 2026 and will co-circulate with the 2019 Series. This timing will allow for a number of activities that are required prior to currency issuance, including secure shipment and distribution of notes to relevant stakeholders for adaptation of their cash processing machinery and training purposes. In the case of the Central Bank, time is needed for infrastructure modernization to accommodate processing of the new denomination based on its specifications and security features and for the execution of a comprehensive “Know Your Money” (KYM) public education currency campaign.

• The design of the Series 2026 will retain key elements of the 2019 Series in terms of look and feel, including colour, size, substrate (polymer), national flag and tactile features for the visually impaired.

• The new Series 2026 will have a number of enhanced security features, including a larger transparent “window” incorporating the Bird of Paradise, with additional security features that take into account advances in banknote printing technology over the last five (5) years. It will also include the new Coat of Arms.

The Central Bank said it will “continue its annual KYM campaigns across its communication channels and will publish Public Notices with further details closer to the release date of the new banknote Series.”

Please be guided accordingly.

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