Trinidad and Tobago Dollar

The Trinidad and Tobago dollar is defined by its award-recognised design and full transition to De La Rue Safeguard® polymer technology within a modern Caribbean context.

Quick Facts

Country: Trinidad and Tobago

Code: TTD

Symbol: $

System: Decimal (1 Dollar = 100 Cents)

Status: In circulation

Issuer: Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago

The Story of the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar

The Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD) developed into one of the Caribbean’s most technically advanced currencies following independence, under the authority of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. A key international recognition came in 2014, when the 50-dollar note received the IBNS “Banknote of the Year” award, highlighting the country’s design and security capabilities. This trajectory culminated in the 2019 polymer conversion, where all denominations transitioned to high-durability substrates, marking a decisive shift in both longevity and visual presentation.

Design & Symbolism

Banknotes of the TTD series are produced by De La Rue using Safeguard® polymer substrate, enabling high clarity and structural resilience. The designs feature native species such as the Scarlet Ibis and the Cocrico, rendered with saturated colour fields that retain intensity over time. Transparent windows incorporate the ILLUMINATE feature, creating layered optical effects within the substrate. Additional elements include optically variable foils, fine microtext and controlled intaglio details, resulting in a surface that combines smooth polymer areas with defined tactile zones.

For collectors

For collectors, the Trinidad and Tobago dollar presents a clearly segmented field between earlier paper issues and the modern polymer series. The withdrawal of paper banknotes has created a finite pool of surviving UNC examples, while polymer notes introduce a different collecting dynamic defined by transparency, colour stability and surface preservation. High-grade specimens are distinguished by clean window clarity, precise registration and intact optical features, placing the series within both award-winning and polymer-focused collections.

The Trinidad and Tobago dollar remains the official currency, circulating within a decimal system across the twin-island republic.

Explore the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar Banknotes Collection