500 Jamaican dollar note & bill

500 Jamaican dollar the front is Nanny of the Maroons

The Rt. Excellent Nanny of the Maroons

National heroine, Nanny, stands out in history as the only female among Jamaica's national heroes. She was a leader of the Maroons at the beginning of the 18th century and was known by both her people and the British settlers as an outstanding military leader. She became a symbol of unity and strength for her people during times of crisis and was particularly important to them in the fierce fight with the British during the First Maroon War from 1720 to 1739. Nanny (or 'Granny Nanny', as she was affectionately known) is said to have been a small, wiry woman with piercing eyes. Her influence over the Maroons was so strong that it seemed to be supernatural. Like the heroes of the pre-independence era, Nanny too met her untimely death at the instigation of the English some time around 1734. However, the spirit of Nanny of the Maroons remains today as a symbol of that indomitable desire that will never yield to captivity.

Centre: Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a tropical flower of great and universally admired beauty. Although native to Asia, Australia, the South Pacific and Hawaii, it can be found in almost every island in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, it is often referred to as 'shoe black', because the crushed flower was often used as black shoe polish. Hibiscus is a favourite fence shrub all over the island.

Blind feature

Two small circles on right side of note.

500 Jamaican dollar the back is Students of Central Branch Primary School (Kingston)

representing the different races which make up the Jamaican population

Old Map of Jamaica highlighting Port Royal

Originally known as Cayo de Carena, Port Royal was the most important city in Jamaica in the latter half of the 17th century. It was the haven for pirates such as Sir Henry Morgan, as well as being the island's chief trading centre for sugar, slaves and raw materials. Port Royal, which came to be known as the 'richest and wickedest city in the world', was destroyed by a massive earthquake, which plunged half of the city beneath the sea, on 07 June 1692. In the 18th century, Port Royal was also an important naval station. Today, it is one of the island's tourist attractions, and is noted for its sidewalk 'fish and bammy' restaurants.