SHPSaint Helena PoundSaint Helena Pound (SHP)
The Saint Helena pound is the locally issued sterling-linked currency used on Saint Helena and Ascension Island for prices, public accounts and cash payments.
- ISO code
- SHP
- Symbol
- £
- Region
- Africa
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The Saint Helena pound is maintained at one-to-one parity with pound sterling.
- Last reviewed
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SHP converter
SHPRate date:
Quick facts
SHP at a glance
Currency profile
How SHP works
The Saint Helena pound is the locally issued sterling-linked currency used on Saint Helena and Ascension Island for prices, public accounts and cash payments.
The Government of Saint Helena maintains the SHP currency framework. One pound is divided into 100 pence and has the same official value as pound sterling.
- SHP uses a separate ISO code and locally issued notes and coins within its circulation area.
- The parity link gives SHP and GBP equal unit values, while cash acceptance outside the islands remains a separate practical question.
Context
Why this currency matters
The Saint Helena pound shows why unit value and cash identity should not be conflated. Its official one-for-one link to sterling makes conversions straightforward, yet SHP remains a local issue with its own code and circulation area. The distinction is useful for travelers, postal and public records, and businesses supplying remote South Atlantic communities.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The Saint Helena pound is maintained at one-to-one parity with pound sterling.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for SHP
Modern local issue established
Saint Helena developed the modern locally issued pound framework used alongside its sterling relationship.
Government of Saint HelenaDecimal coin series expanded
A dedicated decimal coin family strengthened the local cash system.
Government of Saint HelenaSterling parity continues
The official framework continues to value SHP at parity with GBP.
Government of Saint Helena
Usage and economy
How SHP is used
- Saint Helena pounds are used for local retail and government transactions on Saint Helena and Ascension.
- GBP, ZAR, NAD and USD provide useful external comparison contexts.
Banknotes and coins
SHP currency units
Government of Saint Helena is the authoritative source for the current SHP banknote framework.
Government of Saint Helena is the authoritative source for the current SHP coin framework.
One Saint Helena Pound unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Penny as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
SHP questions
Where is the Saint Helena pound used?
SHP is used on Saint Helena and Ascension Island within the territory's local monetary framework.
Does SHP have the same value as GBP?
Yes. The official arrangement maintains SHP at parity with pound sterling.
Why keep SHP separate in currency data?
SHP identifies locally issued cash and territorial accounts, which are distinct from Bank of England notes even at equal value.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.