Almost 13 percent more Bermuda currency and notes will be in circulation this holiday period compared to the same period in 2004, according to figures released by the Bermuda Monetary Authority yesterday.

During the 2005 holiday period $113.6 million will be in circulation compared to the same period of 2004 when just $100.8 million was in circulation.

Christmas is one of the time periods when the figures for Bermuda notes and coins in circulation rises sharply. The seasonal peak in money in circulation ? which also traditionally occurs over the Cup Match holiday ? is normally reversed very quickly after the holiday.

The total amount of notes and coins issued to the banks by the BMA between December 1 to December 23 this year was $13 million up 73 percent compared to the $7.3 million issued during the same period last year.