The Aruban Florin, abbreviated as AWG, was introduced in 1986 when Aruba gained its currency following its separation from the Netherlands Antilles. Interestingly, the only other country to use the Florin is its Dutch Caribbean neighbor, the Caribbean Netherlands, where a form of the Dutch Guilder (or Florin) was once common. The unique choice of currency name reflects Aruba’s colonial Dutch heritage.

Beyond its numismatic backstory, the Florin is divisible into 100 cents and features vibrant, distinctive notes designed with native flora and fauna, emphasizing Aruba’s rich biodiversity. Coins in circulation not only serve as currency but also as a testament to Aruba’s cultural pride, prominently featuring symbols such as the island’s iconic Divi-divi tree and the goats that freely graze across the semi-arid island landscape. This distinct currency certainly captures the essence of Aruba’s uniqueness and environment.