The Saint Kitts dollar, also known as the Eastern Caribbean dollar, is the official currency of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
It's pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD to 2.70 XCD, which means the value of the dollar is tied to the value of the US dollar.
Saint Kitts and Nevis adopted the Eastern Caribbean dollar in 1976, replacing the British West Indies dollar.
For another approach, see: Central Banks and Currencies of the Caribbean
History of the Saint Kitts Dollar
The Saint Kitts dollar has a rich history that spans centuries. The currency was first introduced in the early 19th century, comprising cut Spanish dollars and overstamped French colonial coins.
The dollar was subdivided into 12 bits, with each bit worth 9 pence. In 1801, four types of coins were issued, including 1+1⁄2 pence coins known as black dogs.
The black dogs were produced by countermarking French colonial 24 deniers coins with the letter "S". The other coins were 1⁄8, 1⁄4, and 1⁄2 dollar pieces, produced by cutting Spanish or Spanish colonial 8 reales coins and countermarking them with an "S".
Curious to learn more? Check out: Currency of Spanish America
In 1830, sterling was established as the official currency of the island, marking a significant change in the Saint Kitts dollar's history. The first private banknotes were issued in 1913, denominated in dollars.
These banknotes were later reissued in 1920, with some notes also denominated in sterling, at a rate of 1 dollar = 4 shillings 2 pence. The British West Indies dollar was introduced in 1935, replacing the Saint Kitts dollar.
Recommended read: Banknotes of the Australian Pound
Send Money to Nevis
Sending money to Nevis can be a straightforward process.
Remitly offers two options for sending money from USD to XCD: ECONOMY and EXPRESS.
The ECONOMY option has a flat fee of $2.99, regardless of the send amount.
For EXPRESS, the fee is $4.99, also regardless of the send amount.
New customers can take advantage of a limited time offer, with no fees on their first transfer.
Worth a look: Money from New Zealand
Understanding the Saint Kitts Dollar
The Saint Kitts Dollar was first issued in coinage by the colonial power, which was minted in half, quarter, and eighth-dollar coins.
The Saint Kitts Dollar was equivalent to 12 bits, with each bit worth 9 pence. This unique currency system was in place for a significant period of time.
Saint Kitts adopted the sterling currency in 1849, while Nevis adopted it in 1858, more than 140 years after the British Empire established the gold standard in the West Indies.
The Saint Kitts Dollar was replaced by the British West Indies Dollar in 1935, marking the end of an era for this currency.
Readers also liked: British West Indies Dollar
Historic Currencies of Nevis
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar has been the official currency of Saint Kitts and Nevis since 1965, replacing the British West Indies Dollar.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank manages the currency, ensuring economic stability across its member nations.
Saint Kitts and Nevis has had other currencies circulate over its history, including the British West Indies Dollar, which was used before the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.
The British West Indies Dollar was a predecessor to the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which was introduced in 1965.
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar reflects the shared cultural and economic heritage of the region, as managed by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
For another approach, see: Malaya and British Borneo Dollar
The Saint Kitts Dollar
The Saint Kitts Dollar is the official currency of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a country located in the Caribbean. It's a relatively small island nation with a population of around 53,000 people.
The Saint Kitts Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 1 USD to 2.70 XCD, which is the official currency code for the Saint Kitts Dollar. This means that the value of the Saint Kitts Dollar is tied to the value of the US Dollar.
As a result, the Saint Kitts Dollar is widely accepted and used in the country, and it's also accepted in some neighboring islands. You can easily exchange your US Dollars for Saint Kitts Dollars at banks, currency exchange offices, or even some hotels.
Additional reading: Saint Lucia Dollar
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use US dollars in St Kitts?
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in St Kitts, but change is typically given in Eastern Caribbean (E.C.) currency. You can also exchange other currencies like Pound Sterling, Euro, and Canadian notes at local banks.
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