Belize - Colony of British Honduras

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a Central American country with a unique historical development, which was under British rule from 1783 to 1981. Under the Treaty of Versailles (1783), the British were granted the right to extract logwood between the Hondo and Belize rivers. The Treaty of London (1786) further expanded the territory between the Belize and Sibun rivers. British settlers, mainly loggers known as Baymen, established their presence, and mahogany became the main export. In 1862, the territory officially became a British crown colony under the name British Honduras. The capital of the colony was Belize City until 1971, when, due to the devastation of hurricanes, Belmopan became the new capital. Maya resistance to British expansion led to several conflicts, especially under Marcos Canul in the 1860s and 1870s. The economy was dominated by the timber industry, especially the extraction of mahogany and logwood. Most of the land was owned by British companies, such as the Belize Estate and Produce Company, which hindered the development of agriculture. Maya, Garifuna, and Mestizo communities lived mainly as tenants or on reservations, while British elites dominated political and economic decisions. In 1964, British Honduras was granted partial self-government. In 1973, it was officially renamed Belize. On September 21, 1981, Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom and remained a member of the Commonwealth.

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, was a British Crown Colony from 1862 to 1973. During this period, it issued its own banknotes and coins, which are now of historical and numismatic value. Banknotes issued by the government of British Honduras came in four main issues: First Issue (1894) Six denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, $50, $100. These are extremely rare and not available for display. Second Issue (1895–1928) Also six denominations, with new designs. These are also rare and sought after by collectors. Third Issue (1939–1951) Four denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10. The banknotes feature the coat of arms of Belize on the left side, and the VI. on the right. The portrait of King George V was featured. Fourth issue (1952–1973) Five denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20. The design remained similar, but a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was added to the right side. The banknotes were produced by British printers, such as Bradbury Wilkinson and Company. Several of the coins issued by British Honduras are still legal tender in Belize. They were usually of British style and bore the portrait of the monarch. The official motto of the banknotes is: Sub Umbra Floreo - "I flourish in the shadow". In 1981, when Belize gained independence, the previous banknotes were demonetized, i.e. withdrawn from circulation.