Guernsey and the Channel Islands are remnants of the Duchy of Normandy to which the Kings of England (formerly the Dukes of Normandy) held on. Guernsey includes the northern island of Alderney. The Germans occupied Guernsey from June 30, 1940 until May 9, 1945.
Guernsey has used the Pound Sterling (GBP) as legal tender since the 1300s. Guernsey issues its own Pound (GGP) notes and coins. Local copper coinage began in 1830. There were 21 Guernsey shillings to the British Pound and 96 Doubles (equal to one French double tournois) to the shilling (or 2016 Doubles to the British Pound). The pound sterling became the exclusive legal tender on Guernsey in 1921. The Germans issued currency for Guernsey during their occupation of the island. The Pound was divisible into 20 Shillings and 240 Pence until February 14, 1971 when it was made divisible into 100 Pence. Bank of England banknotes are legal tender in Guernsey. Guernsey banknotes, issued by the States of Guernsey, are not legal tender, but are commonly used in circulation in Guernsey. |
