Aruban florin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aruban florin
ISO 4217 Code	AWG
User(s)	Aruba
Inflation	4.4% (2011)
Method	CPI
Pegged with	1 U.S. dollar = Afl. 1.79
Subunit
1⁄100	cent
Symbol	Aƒ, ƒ
Plural	florin
cent	cent
Coins	5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, Afl. 1, Afl. 2+1⁄2, Afl. 5
Banknotes	Afl. 10, Afl. 25, Afl. 50, Afl. 100, Afl. 200
Printer	Crane Currency

The florin (Dutch: [floːˈrɪn]; abbreviation: Afl.; code: AWG) or Aruban guilder is the currency of Aruba. It is subdivided into 100 cents. The florin was introduced in 1986, replacing the Netherlands Antillean guilder at par. The Aruba currency exchange rate for U.S. dollars is Afl. 1.77 for cash and Afl. 1.78 for traveller's checks. Most supermarkets and gas stations use the exchange rate of Afl. 1.75, while many restaurants and shops use the exchange rate of Afl. 1.80.

Coins

In 1986, coins were introduced in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and 1 and 2+1⁄2 florin. Later, the 5-florin banknote was replaced by a square coin and the 2+1⁄2-florin coin was removed from circulation. The 5-florin was replaced in 2005 with a round gold-coloured coin, because the old square 5-florin coin was too easy to counterfeit. All coins are struck in nickel-bonded steel with exception of the 5-florin, which is an alloy of copper and other metals. The 50 cent is the only square-shaped coin remaining, also commonly referred to as a "yotin" by the locals.

On the back of each 1-, 2+1⁄2- and 5-florin coin is a profile view of the current head of state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. From 1986 to 2013, this was Queen Beatrix and since 2014 it has been King Willem-Alexander. Moreover, only these three denominations have writing on their edge, namely God zij met ons, meaning 'God be with us'.

The Aruban florin coins, from left to right: 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1, 2+1⁄2 and 5 florin, before 2005.	2004 5-florin coin, slightly smaller than the 1-florin coin.	2012 (obverse)/2014 (reverse) 1-florin coin with Willem-Alexander on the reverse, as issued since 2013

Banknotes

The Central Bank of Aruba (Centrale Bank van Aruba) introduced banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 florin and dated 1 January 1986. In 1990, the bank issued the same denominations in a colourful new family of notes designed by Aruban artist Evelino Fingal. As director of the Archaeological Museum, Fingal found inspiration in old Indian paintings and pot shards. Fingal combined decorative motifs found on pre-Columbian pottery with pictures of animals unique to the island. The 500-florin notes were introduced in 1993, with the 5-florin note replaced by a square coin in 1995.

As of 2003, a new print was started of the then already existing banknotes of 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 florin. These new banknotes were made with new safety features to counteract counterfeiting, but retained their look.

In 2019, the Centrale Bank van Aruba unveiled a new series of banknotes in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 florin, with the latter serving as a new denomination. The theme presented for this series is "Life in Aruba", as it contains elements of Aruban flora, fauna, cultural heritage, monuments and landmarks. They were issued on 4 June 2019, and is circulating alongside the 2003 series until 11 August, after which the 2003 series of banknotes were no longer legal tender. Commercial banks in Aruba accepted the 2003 series of banknotes until December 4, afterward the notes will be redeemed at the Central Bank of Aruba for up to 30 years, until 11 August 2049. The 100 Florin note was awarded "2019 Banknote of the Year" by The International Banknote Society for its content, art, and security features.

Banknotes of the Aruban florin (2019 issue)
Image		Value	Main colour	Description		Date of issue
Obverse	Reverse			Obverse	Reverse
		Afl. 10	Blue	Green sea turtle	Bushiribana gold mill ruins	1 January 2019
		Afl. 25	Orange	Venezuelan troupial	Arawak pottery and cave paintings
		Afl. 50	Red/purple	Red land crab	Willem III Tower, Fort Zoutman (Oranjestad)
		Afl. 100	Green	Green iguana	Baile di Cinta dancers
		Afl. 200	Brown	Crested caracara	Caha di orgel, drum

Current exchange rates

See also

• Economy of Aruba
• Central banks and currencies of the Caribbean