Catalog
| Issuer | Government of Antigua & Barbuda |
|---|---|
| Year | 1981 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | 152 × 69 mm |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | 30 GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 30 INDEPENDENCE NOVEMBER 1981 Minister of Finance 30 THIRTY DOLLARS 30 |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | 30 GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 30 Portuguese Man-Of-War / Man-Of-War Fish 30 THIRTY DOLLARS 30 |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
The $30 denomination exists for one reason: 1981 was the year Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence from Britain, and 30 years of associated statehood since 1967 was the figure being commemorated. The denomination itself has no place in any regular currency system — it was never intended for commerce.
Gold foil issues of this type were produced almost exclusively as collector souvenirs, typically by private mints contracting with newly independent or newly celebrating governments in the Caribbean during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The "unusual pair" designation suggests two foil pieces issued together, though the issuing authority here was the government rather than a central bank, which tells you everything about the instrument's monetary standing.