Certainly! Here is the comprehensive financial history report of Antigua and Barbuda in International English, as requested:

Comprehensive Financial History Report of Antigua and Barbuda

Basic Information

• Country ISO Code: AG

• Official Language: English

• Language ISO Code: en

• Current Official Currency: East Caribbean Dollar

• Currency ISO Code: XCD

• Capital: Saint John's

• Population: Approximately 88,000 (2012)

Monetary History

Antigua and Barbuda has used the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) as its official currency since gaining independence in 1981. This currency is shared among several Eastern Caribbean countries, including Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

• The East Caribbean Dollar was introduced in 1965, replacing the British West Indies dollar.

• The currency is issued and regulated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), headquartered in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

• The dollar has been pegged to the US dollar since 1976 at a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.

• Coins in circulation include denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 25 cents, as well as the 1 dollar coin.

• Banknotes are issued in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars, featuring designs that reflect the culture and history of the Eastern Caribbean.

• Banknotes bear letters indicating the issuing country; for Antigua and Barbuda, the letter is “A”.

Historical and Economic Context

• Prior to the adoption of the East Caribbean Dollar, currencies such as the Spanish real and British pound sterling circulated.

• In 1981, commemorative coins were issued to celebrate Antigua and Barbuda’s independence, minted in silver and gold and highly valued by collectors.

• The economy is primarily based on tourism, financial services, and agriculture, with the East Caribbean Dollar facilitating regional trade.

• The population is mainly concentrated in the capital, Saint John’s, which has about 26,000 inhabitants.

Additional Information

• Issuing Bank: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)

• Legislation: Monetary system regulated by the ECCB and local laws of member countries.

• Security Features: Banknotes include modern security elements such as holograms and color-shifting inks.

• Commemorative Coins and Banknotes: Various series have been issued over the years highlighting local wildlife, historical events, and important personalities.

Summary Table

This report presents a comprehensive monetary history of Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting the use of the East Caribbean Dollar as the official currency, its historical background, economic context, and cultural aspects related to the currency.