Currency Reproduction Guidelines & Use of Images

Individuals who wish to reproduce or use an image of the CI currency must obtain written consent from Cmrai via email. Specific restrictions apply to ensure:

1. compliance with the Monetary Authority Act;
2. that reproductions and uses of currency images do not deceive the public;
3. that the Queen’s portrait is not distorted, improperly displayed, or shown in offensive contexts.

Banknotes

Cmrai prohibits the reproduction of banknote images on items for sale.

With written permission from Cmrai, designs are generally expected to meet the following criteria:

1. Reproductions of banknotes must not be the same size as the actual notes. If they are smaller, they can be up to half as long and half as wide. If they are larger, they must be at least twice as long and twice as wide.
2. Banknotes should be depicted at an angle, not flat to the camera, and should be part of a larger design.

Designs incorporating reproductions of banknotes for educational purposes should follow the same criteria as above, with the word “SPECIMEN” in solid black capital letters across the note, which should be displayed flat to the camera.

This guideline does not apply to the reproduction of banknotes for educational purposes in film, television, or online media. Such reproductions may be made without specific application to Cmrai.

Coins

Cmrai does not allow physical reproductions of coins in metal or any other material. Cmrai also limits the use of photographic reproductions of coins.

However, Cmrai does permit the use of coin images on items for sale provided that the coins, or their appearance, are not altered in any way.

Prosecution of Vendors, Merchants, and Others

Cmrai may use its authority under the Monetary Authority Act to take action against individuals, vendors, or merchants who sell any item that bears a design imitating the CI currency. To avoid any doubt, Cmrai will pursue and, if necessary, seek prosecution of any individual or company involved in violating the Penal Code.

Anyone who, without legal authority, sells any item bearing a design that imitates Cayman Islands currency, is guilty of an offense and liable to imprisonment for up to six months or a fine.

Forgery of a Cayman Islands Banknote

Anyone who, without lawful authority, makes, uses, or knowingly possesses any materials or tools for forgery is guilty of an offense and liable to imprisonment for up to seven years.

Anyone who forges any banknote is guilty of an offense and liable to imprisonment for life in addition to being subject to a forfeiture order.

Reporting Counterfeit Notes or Coins

To report counterfeit currency, complete the Cmrai Forged Currency Reporting Form. Once completed, submit the form along with the counterfeit currency to the Cmrai office.

Defacing and Mutilation of the Currency

It is an offense to deface, mutilate, or perforate any banknote or coin that is legal tender in the Cayman Islands. A person found guilty of this offense is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment for up to three months.