Trinidadian dollar facts for kids

The dollar was the money used in Trinidad a long time ago, specifically until the year 1814. This old dollar wasn't like the coins we have today. It was made up of different pieces of Spanish dollars and other coins from Spanish colonies.

Before 1811, one of these dollars was worth 8 shillings. Each shilling was then worth 12 pence. But after 1811, the value changed, and the dollar became worth 9 shillings. In 1814, the British sterling currency became the official money for the island. Years later, starting in 1905, dollars began to be used in Trinidad again. First, it was the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, then the British West Indies dollar, and finally, the Trinidad and Tobago dollar was brought back.

How Were the Old Dollars Made?

The coins used as dollars in Trinidad were quite interesting. They weren't always minted as whole coins. Instead, people often cut larger coins into smaller pieces to make different values.

Making Shillings from Spanish Coins

Between 1798 and 1801, people made shillings by cutting segments from larger 8 reales coins. Imagine a big coin being sliced up to create smaller ones!

Creating Smaller Pence Pieces

In 1804, even smaller coins were made. Quarter and half pieces of the real coins were cut. These tiny pieces were then used as 3 pence and 6 pence coins.

The Holed Dollar Mystery

A very unique way of making coins happened in 1811. Large 8 reales coins had holes cut right through their centers! The small round pieces that were cut out (called "plugs") became 1 shilling coins. The larger coins with the holes in them were then used as 9 shillings pieces. To show they were official Trinidad money, all these coins had a special "T" mark pressed into them.