Macau new sig/date (08.08.2010) 100-pataca note confirmed


100 patacas (US$12.50), 8 DE AGOSTO DE 2010. Like P82, but new date and new signatures: Herculano de Sousa (Chief Executive Officer BNU) and Rodolfo Vasco Lavrador (Chairman of the Board of Directors BNU).

This is the last signature for Herculano de Sousa; he has retired after serving as the Chief Executive Officer of BNU for the past 11 years (1999–2010).

Courtesy of Wilson Chow.

Venezuela new sig/date (03.02.2011) 20-bolívar note confirmed


20 bolívares (US$4.65), 3 DE FEBRERO DE 2011. Like P91, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez.

India new 1,000-rupee note with rupee symbol confirmed


1,000 rupees (US$19), 2011. Like P100, but new date, new signature, and addition of rupee symbol to denomination.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Shibu Paul & Ashley Alexander (www.ebanknoteshop.com).

India new 100-rupee note with rupee symbol confirmed


100 rupees (US$1.90), 2011. Like P98, but new date, new signature, and addition of rupee symbol to denomination.

Courtesy of Shibu Paul & Ashley Alexander (www.ebanknoteshop.com).

Philippines new sig/date (2011) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$1.15), 2011. Like P193, but new date and signatures (Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III and Amando M. Tetangco, Jr.).

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Ghana new sig/date (01.07.2011) 5- and 20-cedi notes (B146c, B148c) confirmed

Ghana_BOG_5_cedis_2011.07.01_B146c_P38_MP_1906076_fGhana_BOG_5_cedis_2011.07.01_B146c_P38_MP_1906076_r
Like B146b, but new date (1st JULY 2011) and signature (Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur).

Ghana_BOG_20_cedis_2011.07.01_B148c_P40_VK_27944533_fGhana_BOG_20_cedis_2011.07.01_B148c_P40_VK_27944533_r
Like B148b, but new date (1st JULY 2011) and signature (Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Guyana new 500- and 1,000-dollar notes confirmed


In “the coming months” (by December 2011, but maybe sooner if supplies of existing notes run out), the Bank of Guyana will issue a new 500-dollar (US$2.47) banknote with new security features, including the denomination added to the watermark as an electrotype element, a holographic stripe with a colorful macaw at right on the front, a new registration device, vertical serial numbers at left, and a windowed security thread now visible from the back, not the front. Furthermore, the notes bear a new printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient instead of DE LA RUE). They remain undated and are signed by Lawrence Williams and Ashni Singh.


A new 1,000-dollar note will also be released with the same set of changes.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Murtaza Azeez.

Mongolia new 1,000-tögrög note (B433a) confirmed


Like B424b, but new date (2011), signature (L. Purevdorj), and revised script to the left of the signature on front.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (www.banknote.ws).

Dominican Republic new 50- and 100-peso dominicano notes confirmed

These notes are like the preceding issues, but have new dates, signatures (Albizu and Bengoa), printer imprints (DE LA RUE), screen traps, and currency name of pesos dominicanos.


50 pesos dominicanos (US$1.30), 2011.


100 pesos dominicanos (US$2.60), 2011.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Georgia new sig/date (2011) 5-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_5_L_2011.00.00_B48c_P70_C_68961115_sig
5 lari (US$3), 2011. Like NBG B48 (P70), but new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Dmitri Gvinadze) and date.

Courtesy of Дмитрий Чохонелидзе and Dmitry Zagorenko (http://bonistica.ru).

Liberia new sig/date (2011) 50-dollar note confirmed


50 dollars (US$0.70), 2011. Like CBL B9 (P29), but new signatures (Augustine K. Ngafuan and Joseph Mills Jones) and date.

Courtesy of Murtaza Karimjee.

Russia announces it is printing 10-ruble notes again


According to an article on The Moscow News dated 23 December 2011, Georgry Luntovsksy, the head of the Bank of Russia, has acknowledged, “In the fourth quarter [of 2011] we once again began printing the paper 10 ruble note, as banks had begun to complain of a deficit of the coins.” In October 2009, the bank announced the 10-ruble (US$0.30) note would be replaced with a coin.

Saar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Saar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Mines Domaniales de la Sarre (State-Owned Mines of the Saar) in 1919 and the Treasury in 1947. Revised 29 December 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Brazil new signature variety 50-real note reported


50 reals (US$27), 2010. Like new 50-real note issued 13.12.2010, but new signatures (Guido Mantega and Alexandre Antonio Tombini).

Courtesy of www.banknoten.de.

Sao Tome and Principe new sig/date (10.12.2010) 50,000- and 100,000-dobra notes confirmed


50,000 dobras (US$2.65), 10 de Dezembro de 2010. Like P68, but new date and signatures (unknown and Luis Fernando de Sousa Moreiraa).

100,000 dobras (US$5.30), 10 de Dezembro de 2010. Like P69, but new date and signatures (unknown and Luis Fernando de Sousa Moreiraa).

Courtesy of David Murcek (www.themonetaryunit.com).

Laos new 2,000-kip note (B517) confirmed


According tp a report on J&C Expat Services dated 29 November 2011, the Bank of the Lao PDR has released a new 2,000-kip (US$0.25) note dated 2011, marking the 36th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the birthday of the late President Kaysone Phomvihane on 13 December.

B517 (PNL): 2,000 kip (US$0.25)
Light blue, purple, gold, and green. Front: Kaysone Phomvihane; Xieng Thong temple; coat of arms. Back: Seset 2 Hydropower Plant. Solid security thread demetalized with Lao text. Watermark: Kaysone Phomvihane with electrotype design. Printer: (BOL). 141 x 65 mm.
a. 2011. Intro: 01.12.2011.

More details are in this Lao press release.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, José Fabrício Macêdo, and Dirk Kultus.

Solomon Islands new signature 10-dollar note (B217c) confirmed

Solomon_Islands_CBSI_10_dollars_2011.00.00_B217c_P27_C-5_759316_fSolomon_Islands_CBSI_10_dollars_2011.00.00_B217c_P27_C-5_759316_r
Like B217b, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Shadrach Fanega).

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Zambia new date (2011) 500-, 1,000-, and 20,000-kwacha notes confirmed


500 kwacha (US$0.10), 2011. Like BOZ B45 (P43), but new date and printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient.).

1,000 kwacha (US$0.20), 2011. Like BOZ B46 (P44), but new date and printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient.).

20,000 kwacha (US$3.90), 2011. Like BOZ B49 (P47), but new date and printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient.).

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Belarus chairperson discusses new denominations and currency revaluation

According to a Charter 97 article dated 16 December 2011, “I think that there will be no denomination [currency revaluation] next year. I cannot tell for sure,” stated Nadzeja Yermakova, the chairperson of the board of the National Bank of Belarus (NBB).

The bank is planning to issue a new 200,000-ruble (US$24) note, but when asked about larger denominations, including 500,000- and 1,000,000-ruble notes, Yermakova claimed that there are no such plans and said that if such high denominations were needed, it would be better to revalue the currency by removing several zeroes.

Even though they are worth less than a penny, Yermakova maintained that the 50- and 100-ruble banknotes are still needed, though she admited that the 10- and 20-ruble notes are “outdated.”

Switzerland new sig/date (2010) 50-franc note confirmed


50 francs (US$53), (20)10. Like P71, but new date and signatures (Hansueli Raggenbass and Jean-Pierre Danthine).

Courttesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Thailand new 100-baht commemorative note confirmed

On 2 December 2011, Bank of Thailand issued a new 100-baht note to commemorate the king’s 7th Cycle (84th) Birthday Anniversary.


PNL 100 baht (US$3.18)
Red and orange. Front: King’s initials in silver foil circle; King Rama IX wearing uniform; royal seal; Royal Garuda emblem. Back: King Rama IX with camera, holding papers, during his visit to Mae Roem Reservoir Project; Rama IX kneeling with a group of Thai people; royal Garuda emblem; Rama IX playing the saxophone; Rama IX planting an experimental plot of vetiver grass; four aircraft employing Super Sandwich cloud-seeding technique; Kwai Noi Bamrung Daen Dam in Phitsanulok Province and Chaipattana Low Speed Surface Aerator. Solid security thread. Watermark: Royal seal with electrotype king’s initials. Printer: (NPW). 162 x 84 mm. No date. Intro: 02.12.2011. Signature Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala and Prasarn Trairatvorakul.

9,999,999 notes were printed. If anyone knows for certain if all of these notes were sold in a folder at a premium as numsmatic products, or if some were issued into circulation for regular use, please share that information.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Sejin Ahn, Jose Fabricio Macedo, TDS, and Deschamps Jérome.

Suriname chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Suriname chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Centrale Bank van Suriname (Central Bank of Suriname) from 1957 to present. De Surinaamsche Bank notes and currency notes (Muntbiljet) are not currently included in this chapter. Revised 10 November 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Mauritius new 200-, 500-, and 1,000-rupee notes confirmed


According to a press release dated 10 October 2011, on 14 October Bank of Mauritius issued revised 200-, 500-, and 1,000-rupee (US$6.90, 17.25, and 34.55, respectively) banknotes with new security features:

Multi Image Hologram upgrade for 200- and 500-rupee banknotes
This upgrade consists of a new feature which appears as a Multi Image design of a dodo and the face value as a new feature on the 200-rupee banknote, whereas the previous silver foil on the 500-rupee banknote has been replaced by a Multi Image design of a deer and the value of Rs500.

Depth Image Hologram upgrade for 1,000-rupee banknote
This feature replaces the current silver foil on the 1,000-rupee banknote and is an optically variable device. Classical holography allows a perception of depth by placing an image over a secondary plane apparently deep. On the hologram there is a registered central image of the Bank of Mauritius Tower and in the background the Multi Image feature showing the design of a key and the value of Rs1000.

Courtesy of Sami Kiuru, Claudio Marana, and Noteshobby.

Saudi Arabia names new governor of SAMA


According to a post on the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council dated 13 December 2011, King Abdullah appointed Dr. Fahad Al-Mubarak as governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, taking over from Muhammad Al-Jaser. As the governor’s signature appears on SAMA banknotes, it’s likely that this move may mean that new signature varieties can be expected eventually.

Courtesy of Dr. Ghassan Samman.

Mexico new sig/date (05.10.2009) 200-peso note confirmed


200 pesos (US$14.50), 5 OCT. 2009. Like P125, but new date and signatures (Guillermo Guemex Garcia and Raul Valdes Ramos). Series W.

Courtesy of Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez.

Poland new Marie Curie 20-złoty commemorative confirmed


According to a post on www.numizmatyczny.pl, the National Bank of Poland is issuing a new numismatic product commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in chemistry being awarded to Marie Curie. 60,000 pieces are being sold in a folder at 47 złotych each.

BNP13 (PNL): 20 złotych (US$6.65)
Brown and green. Front: Physicist Marie Skłodowska Curie; Sorbona w Paryżu (Sorbonne school building in Paris); coat of arms; Ra (atomic symbol for radium) in SPARK patch of concentric circles. Back: Curie quotation; Instytut Radowy w Warszawie (Radium Institute building in Warsaw); Nobel Prize medal for chemistry. Solid security thread with microprinted 20 Zł. Watermark: Marie Skłodowska Curie and electrotype denomination. Printer: PWPW S.A. 138 x 69 mm. 20 KWIETNIA 2011. Signatures: Marek Belka and Jerzy Stopyra. Intro: 09.12.2011.

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk, Mario Hilge, Jan Bogus, and Claudio Marana.

Denmark new sig/date (2010) 100-krone note confirmed


100 kroner (US$18), (20)10. Like P66, but new date, new signatures, and series A3.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Pages Coins and Currency.

Uzbekistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Uzbekistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Uzbekistan in 1992, and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Republic from 1994 to present. Revised 25.09.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

Sign up

Pakistan new signature 1,000-rupee note (B238f) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2010.00.00_B238f_P50e_CC_2222222_fPakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2010.00.00_B238f_P50e_CC_2222222_r
Like B238e, but new signature (Shaheed Kardar).

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

Malawi new date (30.06.2011) 100-kwacha note confirmed


100 kwacha (US$0.60), 31th JUNE 2011. Like B145, but new date and signature (Perks M. Ligoya).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Indonesia redenomination plans move a step closer to implementation

According to an article in The Jakarta Post dated 7 December 2011, the government has approved Bank Indonesia’s proposal to redenominate the rupiah by eliminating three zeros. A draft law is being finalized and still needs to be approved by the Law and Human Rights Ministry, then passed by the House of Representatives.

Bank Indonesia announced that the rupiah’s redenomination would be carried out in four stages over 10 years to minimize public confusion: information campaign to alert the public (2011-2012), transition period (2013-2015), the gradual withdrawal of the “old” rupiah (2016-2018), and the use of the “new” rupiah (2019-2020).

The redenomination would mean the 1,000-rupiah banknote, the nation’s smallest denomination, would become a 1-rupiah note, but the value would remain the same (currently US$0.10).

Angola new date (2011) and signature 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-kwanza notes confirmed


500 kwanza (US$5.25), JANEIRO DE 2011. Like P149, but new date and new signatures.

1,000 kwanza (US$10.50), JANEIRO DE 2011. Like P150, but new date and new signatures.

2,000 kwanza (US$21), JANEIRO DE 2011. Like P151, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Rui Manuel Palhares.

Sudan new 5-pound notes confirmed


5 pounds (US$1.85), JUNE 2011. Like P66, but new color schemes, new date, new signature, 2-mm wide windowed security thread moved to back of note, and map removed from upper right front.


5 pounds (US$1.85), JUNE 2011. Like above note, but with windowed thread on front of note.

Curiously, all denominations of the new designs issued on 24 July 2011 had the windowed thread on the back, apparently to help distinguish them from the preceding issues. However, it now appears that the bank is reversing course. It remains to be seen if the thread will move to the front on the other denominations in this series.

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.

The Challenge: Identify flowers and scene on back of Suriname's 1986-1988 notes

Today’s challenge is to identify the flowers and the scene which appears on the back of the Suriname’s banknotes from 1986 and 1988 (P130-P135).

The front of these notes features a portrait of Anton de Kom, a Surinamese resistance fighter and anti-colonialist author, so it may be that the crowd scene on the back is related, but I’ve been unable to locate any information to confirm this hunch.

I’m also interested in learning the precise names of the flowers which appear behind the toucan on the back of these notes.

If you can precisely identify the flowers or scene—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.




IDENTIFIED: Hibiscus, heliconia, and ginger flowers.

Courtesy of Frederick Martin.

Suriname new 5-, 10-, and 100-dollar notes confirmed

On 20 December 2010, the Central Bank of Suriname issued new 5-, 10-, and 100-dollar (US$1.50, 3.05, 30.30, respectively) notes dated 1 SEPTEMBER 2010 with the following improved security features:

  • The notes now have a holographic strip at right front.
  • An electrotype CBvS has been added to the watermark.
  • The signature of the previous president of the Central Bank, Andre Telting, is no longer on the bottom but on top of the note, just below the serial number.
  • The serial number itself is more up and moved more toward the center.
  • The bank logo at upper right front has been added as a registration device.
  • A color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized SRD.
  • A protective varnish to increase durability.
  • The denomination numerals on the back are shaped differently.


5 dollars
Orange, red, brown, green, and blue. Front: Coat of arms; Central Bank van Suriname headquarters building at the Waterkant in Paramaribo; nymphaea missouri (missouri waterlily) flower; bank logo registration device. Back: Bank logo; cocos nucifera (coconut palm) tree; forest and rapids near Gran-Rio in Sula. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized SRD. Watermark: Bank headquarters and electrotype CBvS.. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 70 mm.



10 dollars
Green, purple, and brown. Front: Coat of arms; Central Bank van Suriname headquarters building at the Waterkant in Paramaribo; zingiber spectabile (golden sceptor) flower; bank logo registration device. Back: Bank logo; tabebuia serratifolia (yellow lapacho or yellow poui ) tree; forest and Suriname river. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized SRD. Watermark: Bank headquarters and electrotype CBvS. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 70 mm.


100 dollars
Brown, red, and green. Front: Coat of arms; Central Bank van Suriname headquarters building at the Waterkant in Paramaribo; heliconia humilis (lobster claw) flower; bank logo registration device. Back: Bank logo; pterocarpus officinalis (dragonsblood tree) tree; Aruba-tabbetje, Marowijne rivier (tributary flowing from forest into river). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized SRD. Watermark: Bank headquarters and electrotype CBvS. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer and Thomas Augustsson.

Fiji new signature 2-, 5-, and 10-dollar notes confirmed


According to a press release dated 1 December 2011, 2-, 5-, and 10-dollar notes of the 2007 design series were issued 5 December bearing the signature of Barry Whiteside, governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Governor Whiteside’s signature replaces the signature of the former governor, Savenaca Narube.

The title under the signature reads “Acting Governor” as Whiteside was acting as the governor when these banknotes were reordered and printed. Other banknotes of 20, 50, and 100 dollars will continue to bear the signature of the former governor until the introduction of the new series in 2012.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus and Nin Cheun (http://stores.ebay.com/Noteshobby).

Singapore new 1,000-dollar variety note confirmed


1,000 dollars (US$780), no date. Like MAS B7 (P51), but with one diamond symbol under GOVERNMENT on back.

At some point in the late 2000s, the Monetary Authority of Singapore began including symbols on the back of the notes to indicate new printings. The first issue under a given signature has no symbol. The second printing has one square; the third, two squares; the fourth, one triangle; and the fifth, two triangles. To date, no note has had a sixth printing, and the MAS has not indicated what symbol it would use should the need arise.

Courtesy of Tan Wei Jie.

United Arab Emirates new 500-dirham note (B232a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2011.00.00_B232a_P32c_131_000087_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2011.00.00_B232a_P32c_131_000087_r
According to an article on Khaleej Times, on 29 November 2011, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates introduced a revised 500-dirham (US$136) note with new security features.

The new notes are like the preceding issues (B224), but the holographic stripe at right front has been replaced by G&D’s varifeye thread with see-through window. Extending throughout the window is an optically-variable stripe showing the National Emblem, a falcon head and denomination value. The old windowed metallic thread on the back of the note is replaced with a broader 3-mm wide color-shifting window thread with demetalized UAE 500. The metallic ink surrounding the UAE emblem on the top portion of the obverse side is replaced by multicolor ink print. The metallic silver ink at the bottom left of the banknote is replaced by a multicolor latent image. The falcon on the reverse side of the note is made smaller, and there is no intaglio printing on the reverse side of the banknote.

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun and Claudio Marana.

Philippines new sig/date (2011) 100-peso note confirmed


100 pesos (US$2.30), 2011. Like P194, but new date and signatures. Lowest known prefix is AF.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.


India 10-rupee note with rupee symbol and R inset letter reported

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to issue 10-rupee (US$0.20) notes with the new rupee symbol, the inset letter R, bearing the signature of Governor D Subbarao, and the year 2011 on back.

South Sudan new piaster notes (B101 - B103) confirmed

South_Sudan_BSS_5_piasters_2011.10.19_B101a_P1_AA_4230559_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_5_piasters_2011.10.19_B101a_P1_AA_4230559_r

South_Sudan_BSS_10_piasters_2011.10.19_B102a_P2_AB_3430170_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_10_piasters_2011.10.19_B102a_P2_AB_3430170_r

South_Sudan_BSS_25_piasters_2011.10.19_B103a_P3_AD_1468171_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_25_piasters_2011.10.19_B103a_P3_AD_1468171_r
According to various news reports, on 19 October 2011 the Central Bank of South Sudan issued new notes in the denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 piasters. These low-value notes will make it possible to purchase smaller items that cost less than a pound (1 South Sudan pound = 100 piasters), said Governor Kornelio Koriom. The new piaster notes are reportedly printed by De La Rue, which also produced the pound-denominated notes introduced on 18 July 2011. Further reports indicate that the 50-piaster denomination was dropped in favor of a coin.

Curiously, the currency is spelled piaster, not piastre, and the signatures remain the same as on the pound-denominated notes, even though the governor was replaced shortly after their introduction, which means these notes must have been planned well before his removal. To differentiate the designs from the higher denominations, the piaster notes have the portrait at right instead of left, and they do not have windowed security threads.

Courtesy of Murtaza Karimjee.

Malawi new date (30.06.2011) 50-kwacha note confirmed


According to an article on Nyasa Times dated 2 June 2011, in late May the Reserve Bank of Malawi issued a large quantity of 50-kwacha (US$0.35) notes dated 30th JUNE 2011. These are like the preceding issues (P53) dated 31st OCTOBER 2009, but with the new date which oddly falls after the date of introduction into circulation.

Courtesy of Aidan Work and Andrew Roberts.

Ukraine new sig/date (2011) 500-hryvnia note (B853b) reported


500 гривень (hryven), 2011. Like B853a, but new date and new signature (Serhii Arbuzov).

Courtesy of Pavlo Kravchuk.

Madagascar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Madagascar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 18-page catalog covers notes issued by the governor general in 1917, the Banque de Madagascar (Bank of Madagascar) from 1926 to 1942, and the Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara (Central Bank of Madagascar) from 1983 to present. Revised 3 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

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Madagascar and Comoros chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Madagascar and Comoros chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque de Madagascar et des Comores (Bank of Madagascar and the Comoros) from 1950 to 1958. Revised 8 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Malagasy Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Malagasy Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Malagasy Issuing Institute from 1962 to 1969, and the Banky Foiben’ny Repoblika Malagasy / Banque Centrale de la Republique Malgache (Central Bank of the Malagasy Republic) in 1974. Revised 12 Feb 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Angola new date (2010) and signature 5-, 10-, and 50-kwanza notes confirmed


5 kwanza (US$0.05), MAIO DE 2010. Like P144, but new date and new signatures.

10 kwanza (US$0.10), MAIO DE 2010. Like P145, but new date and new signatures.

50 kwanza (US$0.10), MAIO DE 2010. Like P146, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Alexey Semakov and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Libya new note series to be issued 2012


According to an article on Arabstoday dated 29 November 2011, the Central Bank of Libya is set to introduce new 1-, 5-, and 10-dinar banknotes in early 2012.



Ukraine not planning 1,000-hryvnia note

According to a Ukrainian Journal article dated 1 December 2011, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has no plans to issue a 1,000-hryvnia (US$125) banknote, says Viktor Zaivenko, deputy director general of the Money Circulation Department.

"The NBU has no such plans. And did not have [such plans]… The NBU is not working on issuing of 1,000 hryvnia banknotes and has not even designed them… The NBU thinks that the nominal range of banknotes as of today is sufficient for the economy," Zaivenko told reporters.

Currently the largest denomination in Ukraine is the 500-hryvnia note (P124), issued in 2006.

Scotland RBS new sig/date (21.11.2008) 5-pound note confirmed


5 pounds (US$7.85), 21st NOVEMBER 2008. Like P352, but new date and new signature (Stephen Hester). The first prefix with this sig/date is B/97.

Iraq denies rumor of new 50,000-dinar note

According to an article in Alsabaah Daily, the Central Bank of Iraq is planning to issue a 50,000-dinar (US$42.77) note to facilitate transactions. It plans to restart the issue of coins too. The new issues will not affect the redenomination plans, which will take more than one year to be implemented.

The plans mentioned above were denied in an article dated 11 November 2011 on The Currency Newshound, in which an anonymous source states that the bank is actually planning to redenominate its currency by removing three zeros from the dinar.

Courtesy of Mosab K Ibrahim.



Tunisia new 20- and 50-dinar notes confirmed

On 20 October 2011, the Central Bank of Tunisia introduced a new 20-dinar (US$14.20) note dated 2011 and measuring 153 x 76 mm. The preceding 20-dinar note dated 1992 (Pick 88) will remain legal tender for the time being, but will be gradually withdrawn from circulation. The front of the new 20-dinar note is similar to the preceding issue, but it’s pinkish red and brown in color instead of purple. The back of the note features an entirely new design. A new 50-dinar (US$35.45) note was also issued. Like the 2008-dated commemorative note (P91) of the same denomination, it features a portrait of Rachiq, but the front and back designs have both changed.


PNL 20 dinars (US$14)
Red, blue, and yellow. Front: Ksar Ouled Soltane fortified granary in Tataouine district; Kheireddine Ettounsi with sword on horse. Back: L’ecole Sadiki (Sadiki College) building in Tunis. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 20 DINARS BCT. Watermark: Olive tree with electrotype 20. Printer: Unknown. 153 x 76 mm. 2011-3-20. Signature unknown. Intro: 20.10.2011.


The same signature combination appears on both the 20- and 50-dinar notes. I am unsure of to whom the signatures belong. The bank’s web site identifies them by title only, which are Governor and Vice Governor of the Central Bank, positions currently occupied by Mustapha Kamel Nabli and Brahim Saada. However, given the recent turmoil in Tunisia, it’s not certain that these were the signaturories for the notes.


PNL 50 dinars (US$34)
Green, blue, and orange. Front: Musée de la Monnaie (Currency Museum) building in Tunis; scholar Ibn Rachiq. Back: Place Gouvernement la Kasbah, central square in Tunis. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 50 DINARS BCT. Watermark: Olive tree and electrotype 50. Printer: Unknown. 158 x 79 mm. 2011-3-20. Signature unknown. Intro: 03.11.2011.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

India new 1,000-rupee note with rupee symbol reported

According to a press release dated 18 November 2011, the Reserve Bank of India plans to issue a new 1,000-rupee (US$19.13) note without inset letter, bearing the new rupee currency symbol.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

Courtesy of Anil Bohora.

Interesting article on polymer notes

On 18 November 2011, the BBC published an interesting article, “Who, What, Why: Why don't more countries use plastic banknotes?,” which quotes BanknoteNews.com contributor Stane Štraus, publisher of the Polymer Bank Notes of the World web site.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Sweden new sig/date (2008) 20-krona note confirmed


20 kronor (US$3), (200)8. Like P63, but new date and new signature combination (Johan Gernandt and Stefan Ingves).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Bangladesh new sig/date (2011) 20-taka note confirmed


20 taka (US$0.30), 2011. Like P48, but new date and new signature (Atiur Rahman).

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares and Sejin Ahn.


Canada new 100-dollar polymer note confirmed


100 dollars (US$98.40), 2011.
Brown. Front: Maple leaf; Prime Minister Sir Robert L. Borden. Back: Electrocardiogram (EKG) reading; woman looking into microscope; bottle of insulin; DNA double helix; maple leaf. Holographic stripe with Robert Borden and tower of parliament building in Ottawa. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: Unknown. 152 x 70 mm. Polymer. Intro: 14.11.2011.

According to a press released dated 14 November 2011, the Bank of Canada has introduced a new 100-dollar note which is the first polymer note for the nation. The new 50-dollar note is scheduled for introduction in March 2012.

Courtesy of Arthur Boyko and Nicholas Cheung.

Zambia new date (2011) 10,000-kwacha note (B151c) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_10000_kwacha_2011.00.00_B151c_P46_GL-03_9870894_fZambia_BOZ_10000_kwacha_2011.00.00_B151c_P46_GL-03_9870894_r
Like B151b, but new date (2011).

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Iceland new signature 500-króna note (B814b) confirmed

Iceland_SI_500_krónur_2001.05.22_B814b_P58_D_28855537_fIceland_SI_500_krónur_2001.05.22_B814b_P58_D_28855537_r
Like B814a, but new signatures (Davíð Oddsson and Ingimundur Friðriksson).

Courtesy of Werner Kober.

Indonesia new sig/date (2011) 1,000-rupiah note confirmed


1,000 rupiah (US$0.10), 2011. Like P141, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Armenia new 1,000-dram note confirmed



According to a News.am article dated 29 September 2011, the Central Bank of Armenia plans to issue a new 1,000-dram (US$2.67) banknote dated 2011 like the preceding issues dated 2001 (P50), but with a holographic stripe at left front. The note is printed without imprint by Enschede on paper produced by Landqart.

PNL 1,000 dram
Green and light rose. Front: Writer Yeghishe Charents; Mount Ararat. Back: Old Yerevan building; carriage with driver and two horses. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized AMD 1000. Watermark: Yeghishe Charents and electrotype 1000. Printer: (JEZ). 136 x 72 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Indonesia new 20,000-, 50,000-, and 100,000-rupiah notes confirmed






According to an article in The Jakarta Post dated 28 October 2011, Bank Indonesia issued newly designed banknotes denominated in 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 rupiah (US$2.25, 5.67, and 11.35, respectively) on 1 August 2011 in commemoration of Youth Pledge Day, although they bear no special commemorative text or images. The new notes do have enhanced security features, including “rainbow printing.” The notes also have new codes for the sight impaired. Existing notes of the same denominations will remain in circulation.

Courtesy of Wing Tse and Thomas Augustsson.

Congo (Democratic Republic) chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Congo (Democratic Republic) chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the Conseil Monétaire de la République du Congo (Monetary Council of the Republic of Congo) from 1962 to 1963; the Banque Nationale du Congo (National Bank of Congo) from 1961to 1971; and the Banque Centrale du Congo (Central Bank of Congo) from 1997 to present. Revised 5 July 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Sudan to issue new 2-pound note by end of November 2011

According to an article in Sudan Vision dated 15 November 2011, the Central Bank of Sudan (CBOS) has announced that it will start circulation of the 1-pound coin and the new 2-pound (US$0.75) banknote by the end of November 2011. The bank is removing old style notes from circulation as they are processed, regardless of their condition.

Mexico new sig/date (03.05.2010) 20-peso note confirmed


20 pesos (US$1.50), 3 MAY. 2010. Like P122, but new date, signatures (Guillermo Guemez Garcia and Raul Valdes Ramos), and serie L, M.

Courtesy of Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez and Mark Fox.

Nigeria new date (2011) 10-naira note confirmed with 6-digit serial numbers

10 naira (US$0.05), 2011. Like previous unlisted polymer 10-naira notes, but new date, new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Muhammad Nda), and 6-digit serial numbers.

Courtesy of Mohammed el-Arabi.

Malawi no longer issuing 20-kwacha notes

According to an article on Nyasa Times dated 11 November 2011, the Reserve Bank of Malawi claims it has stopped issuing 20-kwacha (US$0.12) notes because they are in short supply and the existing stock consists of poor-condition notes. Speculation holds that the move is intended to encourage use of coinage instead of notes.

Uganda clarifies position on 100,000-shilling note to keep up with inflation

According to an UGPulse article, Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile said the Bank of Uganda would consider introducing a 100,000-shilling (US$38.50) banknote if inflation doesn’t ease from recent levels around 30 percent. Currently the largest denomination is the 50,000-shilling note issued on 17 May 2010.

In a follow-up statement dated 11 November 2011, the Bank of Uganda clarified that it is not contemplating and has no immediate plans to introduce a 100,000-shilling note and that the bank has no intention of changing its currency structure at the moment.

Republic of the Congo chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Republic of the Congo chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 6-page catalog covers notes issued by Banque Centrale (Central Bank) in 1971, and Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of the Central African States) from 1974 to 1992. Revised 15 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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The Challenge: Identify building and monument on back of Madagascar 5,000-franc note

Today’s challenge is to identify the objects which appears on the back of the old 5,000-franc note of Madagascar.

If you can precisely identify the name and location of the building and/or monument—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

These objects appear on the back of the 5,000-franc from 1983 (Pick 69). The SCWPM claims the building is a school, but doesn’t give a precise identification. The monument has writing on it which reads “MADAGASIKARA MAHALEOTENA NAMBARA AMBAHBENASO 26 JUIN 1960.” The date is Madagascar’s independence day, and the text is in Malagasy.

Madagascar_BFM_5000_francs_1983.00.00_B303a_P69a_r

IDENTIFIED: La Bibliothèque Nationale de Madagascar (The National Library of Madagascar) building in Antananarivo and Stèle de l’Indépendance in Place de l’Indépendance in Antananarivo.

Courtesy of Robert Bethea, Murray Hanewich, and Dominique Dannery.

Burundi new sig/date (2011.09.01) 100-franc note confirmed


100 francs (US$0.07), 01-09-2011. Like P44, but new date and sigantures (Aimee Laurentine Kanyana and Gaspard Sindayigaya).

Courtesy of Giuseppe Favaro.

Nigeria new sig/date (2011) 10- and 20-naira notes confirmed


10 naira (US$0.05), 2011. Like previous unlisted polymer 10-naira notes, but new date, new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Muhammad Nda), and 7-digit serial numbers.


20 naira (US$0.10), 2011. Like P34, but new date, new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Muhammad Nda), and 6-digit serial numbers.

Courtesy of Mohammed el-Arabi.

The Challenge: Identify dam on front of Congo 100-franc note

Today’s challenge is to identify the dam which appears on the front of the old 100-franc note of Congo Democratic Republic.

If you can precisely identify the name and location of this dam—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

This dam appears on the front of the 100-franc from 1963 (Pick 1):

IDENTIFIED: Ruzizi I hydroelectric dam on Ruzizi River between Congo and Rwanda.

For extra credit, please supply the precise name of this equipment which appears on the back of this note:

IDENTIFIED: Bucket chain excavator.

Courtesy of Frederick Martin.

Switzerland new sig/date (2010) 50-franc note confirmed


50 francs (US$57), (20)10. Like P71, but new date and new signatures (Hansueli Raggenbass and Jordan).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Belarus new 100- and 5,000-ruble notes confirmed




According to a press release, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus introduced new 100-ruble (US$0.02) and 5,000-ruble (US$1) banknotes dated 2000. Both denominations retain their current designs (P26 and P29, respectively). The solid security thread is eliminated from the 100-ruble note as a cost-saving measure, whereas the 5,000-ruble note saw its security thread changed to a windowed thread with demetalized НБРБ, to strengthen its counterfeiting deterrence. The existing notes of the same denominations remain legal tender.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski, Didier Wiot, and Ivan Bogdanov (http://bonistics.org).

Laos chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Laos chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 15-page catalog covers every note (142 types and varieties, including 24 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Lao Issara Government from 1945 to 1946; the Banque Nationale du Laos (National Bank of Laos) from 1957 to 1975; the Pathet Lao Government in 1968; the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic in 1979; and the Bank of the Lao PDR from 1979 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Vanuatu new signature 200-vatu note confirmed


200 vatu (US$2.20), no date. Like RBV B3 (P8), but new signatures (Odo Tevi and Sela Molisa).

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

Solomon Islands new signature 2-dollar note (B215b) confirmed

Solomon_Islands_CBSI_2_dollars_2006.00.00_B215b_P25_C-7_415337_fSolomon_Islands_CBSI_2_dollars_2006.00.00_B215b_P25_C-7_415337_r
Like B216a, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Shadrach Fanega).

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.

Ukraine new sig/date (2011) 5-hryvnia note (B846c) confirmed

5 гривень (hryven), 2011. Like B846b, but new date and new signature (Serhii Arbuzov).

Courtesy of Aleksey Gladkov (www.bonistika.net).

Ukraine new sig/date (2011) 200-hryvnia note (B852b) confirmed


200 гривень (hryven), 2011. Like B852a, but new date and new signature (Serhii Arbuzov).

Courtesy of Aleksey Gladkov (www.bonistika.net).

Iraq new date (2010) 25,000-dinar note confirmed


25,000 dinars (US$21.40), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P96c, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Indonesia new sig/date (2010) 100,000-rupiah note confirmed


100,000 rupiah (US$11.15), 2010. Like P146c, but new date and signatures.

This note has been confirmed dated 2004-2011, inclusive, with three signature varieties.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Argentina new signature 10-peso note confirmed


10 pesos (US$2.35), no date. Like P354, but new signature and suffix L.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

England new 50-pound note confirmed


50 pounds (US$80). Red. Front: Bank of England seal; Bank of England headquarters building in London; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: Entrepreneur Matthew Boulton; horse with rider and carriage outside Boulton’s Soho factory building; Whitbread steam engine; engineer James Watt; cogs. Solid and windowed Motion security threads. Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II and electrotype £50. Printer: (DLR). 156 x 85 mm. 2010. Signature Chris Salmon. Intro: 02.11.2011.



Read the Bank of England’s press release for more details.

Courtesy of Antje Ryberg.

Scotland new sig/date (19.01.2009) 50-pound note confirmed


50 pounds (US$80), 19th JANUARY 2009. Like P127, but new date and signatures (Daniels/Archie G. Kane Jr.).

Courtesy of Alan Bergson.

European Central Bank gets new governor on 01.11.2011


As of 1 November 2011, Mario Draghi takes over from Jean-Claude Trichet as governor of the European Central Bank. Draghi previously served as the head of the Bank of Italy since 29 December 2005. The change in governors will likely be followed by new signature varieties of euro banknotes.

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Pakistan delays demonetization of old 500-rupee notes (B227)

According to an Online International News Network article, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has approved pushing back the date of exchange of old design 500-rupee (B227) notes until 30 September 2012.

Ukraine new 50-hryvnia numismatic product (BNP804) confirmed



According to a press release dated 5 October 2011, the National Bank of Ukraine has issued a new 50-hryvnia (US$6.25) banknote to commemorate the bank’s 20th anniversary, which are like the notes originally issued in 2004 (Pick 121), but with the phrase “НБУ 20 років” (NBU - 20 years) on the front in a green-to-gold color-shifting SPARK patch, and serial numbers NB 0000001 - 0001000.




While technically legal tender, the first 200 notes were encased in acrylic and packaged in a box containing a silver version of the note; the remaining 800 notes were sold in a commemorative folder.

Courtesy of Alexander Kirshankov, Thomas Krause, Aleksey Gladkov, and Olexandr Danishenko.

Jamaica new date (15.02.2009) 500-dollar note (B240e) confirmed

Jamaica_BOJ_500_dollars_2009.01.15_B240e_P85_UG_983836_fJamaica_BOJ_500_dollars_2009.01.15_B240e_P85_UG_983836_r
Like B240d, but new date (15.01.2009).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

India new date (2011) 50-rupee note with R inset letter confirmed


50 rupees (US$1.02), 2011. Like P97, but new date, new signatures, and R inset letter.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

India new date (2011) 100-rupee note with R inset letter confirmed


100 rupees (US$2.05), 2011. Like P98, but new date, new signatures, and R inset letter.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Colombia new date (25.08.2009) 50,000-peso note confirmed


50,000 pesos (US$1.10), 25 DE AGOSTO DE 2009. Like P455, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Colombia new date (20.08.2009) 2,000-peso note confirmed


2,000 pesos (US$1.10), 20 DE AGOSTO DE 2009. Like P457, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Colombia new sig/date (23.11.2010) 1,000-peso note confirmed


1,000 pesos (US$0.55), 23 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2010. Like P456, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Rhodesia and Nyasaland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Rhodesia and Nyasaland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1956 to 1961. Revised 20 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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The Challenge: Identify building on back of Laos 20-kip note

Today’s challenge is to identify the building which appears on the back of the old 20-kip note of Laos.

If you can precisely identify the name and location of this building—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

This building appears on the back of the 20-kip notes from 1963 (Pick 11):

IDENTIFIED: Wat Sop monastery in Luang Prabang.

Courtesy of José Fabrício Macêdo.

Argentina new signature 2-peso note confirmed


2 pesos (US$0.47), no date. Like P352, but new signature and K suffix.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Pakistan new sig/date (2011) 1,000-rupee note (B238g) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2011.00.00_B238g_P50_CM_7355042_fPakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2011.00.00_B238g_P50_CM_7355042_r
Like B238f, but new date (2012) and new signature (Shahid Hafiz Kardar).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Serbia new 10-, 20-, and 200-dinar notes confirmed

On 30 September 2011, the National Bank of Serbia issued new notes dated 2011, denominated in 10, 20, and 200 dinars, all bearing the new Serbian coat of arms on back and a new signature (Dejan Šoškić, Governor).

Notes denominated in 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 dinars have not been similarly updated, but will probably be revised when stocks of these notes are exhausted.

Courtesy of Matej Omahen, Dragan, and Thomas Augustsson.

Pakistan to demonetize 5-rupee note (B230) on 01.01.2012

Pakistan_SBP_5_rupees_2010.00.00_B230c_P53c_FH_3337551_fPakistan_SBP_5_rupees_2010.00.00_B230c_P53c_FH_3337551_r
According to a press release issued by the State Bank of Pakistan, the 5-rupee note (B230) originally introduced 8 July 2008 will be demonetized on 1 January 2011 and replaced by a coin.

Courtesy of Tristan Williams and Sejin Ahn.

Malaysia announces printers for fourth series of notes

Malaysia's central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, has settled on the printers of its fourth series of ringgit banknotes which will have improved security features to overcome counterfeiting. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim said the suppliers for the new bank­notes were Crane AB of Sweden, Giesecke & Devrient GmbH of Germany, Oberthur Technologies of France (producing 1-ringgit note), and Orell Fussli of Switzerland. In a press release dated 23 May 2011, the bank indicated the new notes would be issued in early 2012.

Courtesy of Wilson Chow.

Bhutan new 100-ngultrum commemorative confirmed



The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan has issued a 100-ngultrum (US$2.05) banknote to commemorate the 13 October 2011 royal wedding of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. According to this BBS article dated 12 October 2011, the notes (and 500-ngultrum coins) are available in Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan Development Bank Limited, and in the BOB counter at the Paro Airport from 13 October until 4 November at a cost of 500 ngultrum and 5,000 ngultrum, respectively.

RMA BNP1 (PNL): 100 ngultrum
Orange, brown, and red. Front: Mythical angel carrying the Raven Crown; national emblem; royal wedding logo consisting of khorlo (wheel) signifying royalty, circles with dhar (ceremonial scarf) signifying eternal union of thap (method) and sherab (wisdom), and the dham tshig tsangma and lotus, symbolizing purity of union; King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Back: Dragons; Punakha Dzong (aka Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss”). Solid security thread with demetalized ROYAL WEDDING. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 145 x 70 mm. 2011. Signature 6. Intro: 13.10.2011.

Courtesy of Sing Chai Tan, Marian Meyer, Christoph Thomas, and Thomas Krause.

Norway appoints new governor to central bank


According to a Ministry of Finance press release dated 22 October 2010, Øystein Olsen has been appointed the new governor of Norges Bank for a six-year term beginning on 1 January 2011. New signature varieties are likely to follow.

Courtesy of Håkon Hagelund.

Belarus expected to issue 200,000-ruble note in 2012

According to a statement given by Chairman Nadezhda Ermakova on 20 October 2011, the National Bank of Belarus plans to issue a new 200,000-ruble (US$21.35) note in early 2012. The note will feature Belarusian architecture works. Additionally, the bank plans to withdraw 10- and 20-ruble notes and round off prices to the nearest 50 rubles.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski.

Slovakia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Slovakia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 16-page catalog covers notes issued by the Slovakia State in 1939; the Republic from 1939 to 1945; the Slovak National Bank from 1940 to 1944; the Slovak Republic in 1993; and the National Bank of Slovakia from 1993 to 2007. Revised 14 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Paraguay new sig/date (2010) 5,000- and 10,000-guaraní notes confirmed


5,000 guaraníes (US$1.20), 2010.



10,000 guaraníes (US$2.40), 2010.

These notes are like the preceding issues, but have new date, new signatures (Jorge Aurelio Villalba Leguizamón and Jorge Raúl Corvalán Mendoza), new printer imprints (CASA DE MOEDA DO BRASIL), and new F series.

Courtesy of Arnoldo Efron (Monetary Research Institute).

Georgia new sig/date (2011) 20-lari note confirmed


20 lari (US$12.10), 2011. Like P72, but new date and signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Kakha Baindurashvili). Intro: 06.06.2011.

Japan color change of serial numbers on 1,000- and 10,000-yen notes confirmed


According to a press release dated 26 April 2011, the Bank of Japan is changing the color of the serial numbers on the 1,000 (US$12.25) and 10,000 (US$122) yen banknotes from black to brown on 19 July 2011. Other than this minor change, the notes will remain the same as the existing P104 and P106 designs which have been in circulation since 2004.

Courtesy of Kazutaka Nagura and Kinichiro Fujikawa.



India new 20-rupee 2011 note with F inset letter reported

According to an October 2011 press release, the Reserve Bank of India will soon introduce a 20-rupee (US$0.40), 2011 note with F inset letter and signed by Governor Subbarao.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

Mozambique new 20-, 50-, and 100-metical notes confirmed






The Banco de Moçambique has announced a new family of banknotes dated 2011 that are similar in design to the existing series dated 2006, but with enhanced security features. The three smaller denominations are printed on polymer, and the three larger denominations remain printed on paper. The notes were issued 1 October 2011.

Courtesy of Carlos Pinto and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Indonesia new date (2011) 5,000-, 10,000-, and 100,000-rupiah notes confirmed


5,000 rupiah (US$0.55), 2011. Like P142, but new date and signatures.


10,000 rupiah (US$1.15), 2011. Like PNL, but new date and signatures.


100,000 rupiah (US$11.30), 2011. Like P146, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Haiti new date (2009) 1,000-gourde note confirmed


1,000 gourdes (US$24.80), 2009. Like P278, but new date and new signatures (Charles Castel, Philippe W. Lahens, Marc Hébert Ignace)

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Colombia new date (02.09.2008) 20,000-peso note confirmed

20,000 pesos (US$10.55), 2 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2008. Like P454, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Somalia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Somalia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of Somalia from 1962 until 1971; the Somali National Bank in 1975; and the Bankiga Dhexe ee Soomaaliya (Central Bank of Somalia) from 1977 to present. Revised 5 January 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Angola to issue new note family by end of 2011

According to an AngoNotícias article dated 3 October 2011, the Banco Nacional de Angola plans to introduce new banknotes before the end of the year. The new series will contain a 5,000-kwanza (US$53) denomination for the first time, and will replace the co-joined portrait of José Eduardo dos Santos and Agostinho Neto with kings of Angola and nature scenes.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Great article on Landqart, a Swiss banknote paper producer

Check out this BBC article dated 21 September 2011, discussing the details of Landqart AG, a Swiss firm which produces security paper for the banknote industry. The article contains a lot of fascinating details and has several embedded videos, too. Be sure to check out the Related Stories links at the bottom of the web page.

Dominican Republic announces features of new 2011-dated banknotes


According to a press release dated 26 September 2011, the Banco Central de la Republica Dominciana has announced that all banknotes dated 2011 will be denominated in pesos dominicanos instead of pesos oro. Additionally, the 100-peso dominicano note will have color-shifting ink. The 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-peso dominicano notes will have the bank seal in a new position, SPARK patches at left front, and the watermark with pixelated denominations. There is no word yet on when these notes will be issued.

Zambia new date (2011) 50,000-kwacha note (B150g) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_50000_kwacha_2011.00.00_B150g_P48_JH-03_8707824_fZambia_BOZ_50000_kwacha_2011.00.00_B150g_P48_JH-03_8707824_r
Like B150f, but new date (2011) and new printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient).

Courtesy of Garry Craig and Ronald Kowaleski.

England to issue new 50-pound note 02.11.2011

According to a press release dated 30 September 2011, “the Bank of England will introduce a new-style £50 banknote into circulation on 2 November 2011. The note will feature the renowned 18th century business partnership of entrepreneur Matthew Boulton and engineer James Watt.

“A range of new and enhanced security features have been incorporated into the design of the Boulton and Watt £50 banknote. Full details of these will be revealed when the new banknote is introduced into circulation, accompanied by a publicity and education campaign.

“The Boulton and Watt £50 banknote marks the first time two portraits have appeared together on the back of a Bank of England banknote. It will also be the first banknote in circulation to be signed by Chris Salmon, who was appointed as the Bank’s Executive Director, Banking Services and Chief Cashier in April 2011.

“As new-design banknotes are introduced so the notes they replace are withdrawn – although they can always be exchanged with the Bank of England for their face value.

“The Boulton and Watt £50 banknote will initially circulate in tandem with the current £50 banknote featuring Sir John Houblon, the first Governor of the Bank of England, which was introduced in 1994. The Bank will make an announcement regarding the withdrawal date of the Houblon £50 banknote in due course.”

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

Italian Somaliland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Italian Somaliland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 6-page catalog covers notes issued by the V. Filonardi & C. in 1893, the Banca d’Italia Somalia Italiana in 1920, and the Cassa per la Circolazione Monetaria della Somalia from 1950 to 1960. Revised 12 February 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Peru new 50-, 100-, and 200-new sol notes confirmed

On 31 August 2011, Banco Central De Reservea del Perú introduced the following three new banknotes.


50 nuevos soles (US$18.35). Red. Front: Abraham Pinto Valdelomar. Back: Templo Nuevo, Chavin de Huantar, Ancash; coat of arms. Solid security thread with demetalized PERU 50 BCRP. Watermark: Abraham Pinto Valdelomar, pixelated rooster, and electrotype 50. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 65 mm.


100 nuevos soles (US$36.70). Blue. Front: Jorge Basadre Grohmann Back: Gran Pajatén, Cultura Chachopoyas, San Martin; coat of arms. Motion windowed security thread. Watermark: Jorge Basadre Grohmann, pixelated flag, and electrotype 100. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 65 mm.


200 nuevos soles (US$73.35). Gray. Front: Santa Rosa de Lima. Back: Ciudad Sagrada de Caral, Lima; coat of arms. Motion windowed security thread. Watermark: Santa Rosa de Lima, pixelated arc, and electrotype 200. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 65 mm.


Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Claudio Marana, and Thomas Augustsson.

Peru new 10- and 20-nuevo sol notes confirmed


10 nuevos soles (US$3.65)
Green, orange, brown, and red. Front: Inverted biplane; José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzales. Back: Vase; Machu Picchu ruins and mountains; coat of arms. Solid security thread with demetalized PERU 10 BCRP. Watermark: José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzales, pixelated airplane, and electrotype 10. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 65 mm. 13 DE AGOSTO DE 2009. Signature (Gerente General, Renzo Rossini Miñán; Presidente, Julio Velarde Flores). Intro: 30.06.2011.


20 nuevos soles (US$7.30)
Brown, orange, green, and red. Front: Raúl Porras Barrenechea. Back: Chimú pottery vessel of a cat; Chan Chan archaeological complex; coat of arms. Solid security thread with demetalized PERU 20 BCRP. Watermark: Raúl Porras Barrenechea, pixelated open book, and electrotype 20. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 65 mm. 13 DE AGOSTO DE 2009. Signature (Gerente General, Renzo Rossini Miñán; Presidente, Julio Velarde Flores). Intro: 30.06.2011.

More info is available from the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Dennis Zammit, and Fernando Horna.

East Caribbean States new 1-dollar variety confirmed


1 dollar (US$0.37), no date. Like P21, but with V suffix, the country code for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Courtesy of TDS.

Cameroon chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Cameroon chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 11-page catalog covers notes issued by the Kaiserliches Gouvernement von Kamerun (Imperial Government of Cameroon) in 1914, the Territoire du Cameroun (Territory of Cameroon) in 1922, the Banque Centrale (Central Bank) from 1961 to 1972, and the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) from 1974 to 1992. Revised 4 February 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Lesotho 50-loti note dated 1993 confirmed


50 maloti (US$7.45), 1993. Like P14, but new date.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Ethiopia accepted bids to print more banknotes

According to an article on allAfrica.com dated 14 September 2011, De La Rue, Francois-Charles Oberthur, and Giesecke & Devrient have submitted bids to the National Bank of Ethiopia for printing 46 billion birr worth of 100-birr notes and 6 billion birr worth of 50-birr notes. The winning bidder is expected to deliver the new notes within four months. No word on if the notes will be new designs.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

New Sudan high denomination notes sought


The IBNS Journal Volume 50 Number 1 contains an interesting article, “The Elusive Unofficial Banknotes of New Sudan.” Author Peter Symes details the history of notes from the “Bank of New Sudan” which were prepared in late 2002 and issued regionally for a few years thereafter. Reliable information is scarce regarding these issues, particularly regarding the higher denominations. Anyone who owns the 50, 100, or 200 pound notes in this family is encouraged to send 300-dpi scans of same so this info can be shared with other collectors.

Jordan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Jordan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 21-page catalog covers notes issued by the The Hashemite Kingdom of the Jordan from 1950 to 1952; and the Central Bank of Jordan from 1965 to present. Revised 10 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Paraguay contemplating polymer 5,000- and 10,000-guaraní notes

According to a Digital ABC article dated 11 September 2011, Banco Central del Paraguay is considering issuing its 5,000- and 10,000-guaraní (US$1.25 and $2.50, respectively) banknotes in polymer to extend their lifespan. Paraguay currently has a polymer 2,000-guaraní note issued in December 2009.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Taiwan numismatic product expected to sell out quickly

According to an article in The China Post dated 9 September 2011, the Central Bank of China experienced strong demand for the 500,000 sets of “Collector's Version of the Republic of China Founding Centenary NT$100 Banknotes” it sold to the public for NT$500 (US$17.10). Each set contains three NT$100 banknotes.

Isle of Man new 10-pound variety confirmed

The 10-pound (US$15.90) note issued by the Isle of Man Government has been confirmed with Q prefix and the printer imprint at lower center on back changed to DE LA RUE.

Courtesy of Mark Brook.

Nigeria chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Nigeria chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 20-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of Nigeria in 1918, and the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1958 to present. Revised 26 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Seychelles new 50-, 100-, and 500-rupee notes confirmed






According to a press release dated 3 June 2011, the Central Bank of Seychelles issued updated 50-, 100-, and 500-rupee banknotes on 7 June 2011. The new notes have enhanced security features, revised colors, and updated designs.

Each of the three new banknotes has a hologram instead of a foil sailfish which currently appears at upper right front on the existing notes. On the 50-rupee (US$4.10) note, the silver holographic sailfish alternates between the number 50 and an image of the Aldabra rail, a flightless bird. On the 100-rupee (US$8.15) note, the gold holographic sailfish alternates between the number 100 and an image of the Seychelles giant tortoise. On the 500-rupee (US$41) note, the gold holographic sailfish alternates between the number 500 and an image of the Seychelles scops owl.

Additional security upgrades include a 2.5-mm wide fluorescent security thread on the 50-rupee note, a 2.5-mm wide color-shifting security thread on the 100-rupee note, and a 3-mm wide color-shifting security thread on the 500-rupee note. The notes are also protected by De La Rue’s unique Gemini technology that fluoresces under ultraviolet light but appears normal in daylight.

The color schemes of the notes have been revised, with the notes being more green, red, and orange, respectively, than the notes currently in circulation. The new notes also carry the year of printing, as well as the signature of Pierre Laporte, the bank’s current governor. Existing notes remain legal tender and will be removed from circulation as they wear out.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Bangladesh new note family confirmed











According to a press release dated 9 August 2011, Bangladesh Bank will issue on 11 August a new set of notes denominated in 5, 100, 500, and 1,000 taka, all dated 2011 and featuring a portrait and watermark of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with the National Martyr’s Monument in Savar at center front. The new 2-taka note issued by the state bears the signature of Finance Secretary Dr Mohammad Tareq while the other denominations have the signature of Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.


Seychelles new 100-rupee variety confirmed


100 rupees (US$8.20), no date. Like P40, but signature of Governor Norman Weber in red ink, not purple. The change in ink color for the signature appears to take place sometime between prefix AE and AF, which makes this variety a very short run because the signature changes to that of Francis Chang-Leng with prefix AF, when the vertical serial number also switches from black to red.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

India 20-rupee variety with F inset letter reported

According to a press release dated 2 September 2011, the Reserve Bank of India will soon issue a 20-rupee note with F inset letter and the signature of Dr. D. Subbarao, Governor.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

England contemplating polymer notes

According to an article in The Independent dated 4 September 2011, the Bank of England is considering a polymer 5-pound (US$8.05) note and a 50-pound (US$80) note with a transparent window (most likely De La Rue’s Optiks) to improve durability and protect against counterfeiting.

A source close to the BoE said: "This is at the evaluation stage. A decision won't be made for the next year or two and production a little while after that, but a plastic £5 note is a possibility even though it won't provide as much security as other options."

Courtesy Thomas Krause and Richard Miranda.

The Challenge: Identify gate on front of South Korea 100-won note of 1950

Today’s challenge is to identify the gate which appear on the front of the old 100-won notes of South Korea.

If you can precisely identify the name and location of this gate—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

The following image appears on the front of the 100-won note of South Korea from 1950 (Pick 7):

IDENTIFIED: Gwanghwamun gate to Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul.

Courtesy of José Fabrício Macêdo.

Sierra Leone chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Sierra Leone chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 12-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Sierra Leone from 1964 to present. Revised 22 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Ukraine new sig/date (2011) 1-hryvnia note (B844b) confirmed


1 гривня (hryvnia), 2011. Like B44a, but new date and new signature (Serhii Arbuzov). Intro: 1 September 2011.

Courtesy of Mykhaylo Kharytonov.

Somaliland new date (2011) 500-shilling note confirmed


500 shillings (US$0.05), 2011. Like BOS B22 (P6), but new date and new signatures (Abdi Dirir Abdi and Abdi Mohamoud Gullet).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Dennis Zammit.

UN releases $1.5 billion in Libyan banknotes from DLR

The United Nations has approved the release of 1.86 billion (US$1.5 billion) worth of Libyan dinar banknotes printed by De La Rue. The notes had been held in the UK under sanctions imposed on the Gaddafi regime, but will now be delivered to the Central Bank of Libya.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Macau commemorative notes reported



The Banco Nacional Ultramarino and the Banco da China will issue 10-pataca (US$1.25) banknotes to commemorate the Year of the Dragon. The Banco da China is also planning to issue a 100-pataca (US$12.50) note to commemorate its centennial anniversary.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

The Challenge: Identify items on back of Jordan 5-dinar note

Today’s challenge is to identify the items which appear on the back of the old 5-dinar notes of Jordan.

If you can precisely identify the name of these items—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

At left is a registration device that looks like an urn, vase, or maybe even the top of a chess piece, and at right are plants that look like cattails. These appear on the back of all 5-dinar notes from 1992 to 1997 (Pick 25 and Pick 30):

IDENTIFIED: Monastery tomb urn on top of Ed-Deir Monastery in Petra. See also this photo.
IDENTIFED: Cattails.

Courtesy of Tristan Williams and Alessio Amato.

India to issue polymer 10-rupee notes

According to an article on MoneyControl dated 26 August 2011, the Reserve Bank of India will introduce 100 crore (1 billion) polymer 10-rupee (US$0.20) banknotes on a trial basis. India has been contemplating such a test for several years now. No word yet on exactly when the polymer notes will be issued.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

Courtesy of Anil Bohora.


South Sudan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The South Sudan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of South Sudan from 2011 to present. Revised 24 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Ghana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Ghana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 25-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Ghana from 1958 to present. Revised 18 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Philippines new 100-peso Ateneo Law School commemorative confirmed


100 pesos (US$2.35), 2011. Like P194, but with blue 75 YEARS ATENEO LAW SCHOOL AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM overprint on watermark area. This note was issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the school.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Kirsty Lopez and Alexander Jacinto.

Bangladesh new 100-taka variety dated 2009 confirmed


100 taka (US$1.35), 2009. Like other previously reported varieties of P49 dated 2009, but with Western digits used for the serial number at lower right. All preceding notes used Bangla digits for both upper left and lower right serial numbers. The previously reported note dated 2010 also has Western digits at lower right.

Courtesy of Rui Palhares.


Ethiopia considers issuing 200-birr notes

According to an article on Ezega dated 20 August 2011, the National Bank of Ethiopia is considering introducing a 200-birr (US$11.70) banknote to keep up with the needs of an economy experiencing high inflation. Currently the highest denomination in Ethiopia is the 100-birr note (Pick 52).

Central African States new sig combo confirmed


The above signature combination has been confirmed on 500-, 1,000, 2,000-, and 5,000-franc notes with U country code for Cameroon. These notes are like P206 to P209, respectively, except for the new signatures (Le Gouverneur is Lucas Abaga Nchama and Censeur Salomon Francis Meke).

Courtesy of Hans-Dieter Müller, Dennis Zammit, Richard Castedo, and Murtaza Karimjee.

Bhutan revised 5-, 100-, and 500-ngultrum notes confirmed





The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan has issued revised banknotes denominated in 5, 100, and 500 ngultrum. The notes are dated 2011, and carry a new signature (Dasho Daw Tenzin) and title of GOVERNOR. as well as improved PEAK (printed embossed anticopy key) security elements (see area above date in detail image).

Courtesy of Rui Palhares.

Turkmenistan new 10,000-manat variety reported


There may be a new variety for the 10,000-manat note dated 1999, listed in The Banknote Book as TMB B6 (P13). As you can see from the scans above, there is a crescent moon and five stars in optically variable ink at upper left front. On the earlier issue (based upon the serial number) shown at left, the OVI appears green, but on later issues shown at right, the OVI appears gold. The differences in the color is not a scanning artifact; examining the notes themselves reveals they appear different to the naked eye even when tilted back and forth.

All images I’ve seen of notes with higher serial numbers than the one shown at right also appear to have gold OVI, including the revised 2000 dated note TMB B7 (P14). If anyone else has a green OVI note, please post a comment with your note’s serial number.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Serbia new 50-dinar note confirmed


50 dinars (US$0.70), 2011. Like P40 (top), but new date, new signature (Dejan Šoškić, Governor), and modified coat of arms (more detailed illustration).

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Brunei's new notes contain Braille blunder


According to an article in the Brunei Times dated 9 August 2011, the dots in the upper left front corner of new polymer banknotes issed 18 July 2011 are intended to assist the sight-impaired, but they are not raised, so they can’t be felt tactilely, and they are not accurately rendered as Braille numbers corresponding to the denominations. Specifically, the spacing of the dots is wrong, and the lack the lead-in character that indicates that numbers follow.

Malta chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Malta chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of Malta from 1914 to 1963, and the Central Bank of Malta from 1968 until 2008. Revised 5 January 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Canada new date (2011) 20-dollar note confirmed


20 dollars (US$20.20), 2011. Like P103 (“ISSUE OF 2004”) but new “PRINTED IN” date of 2011 at lower center on back and new signatures (Maclem / Carney).

Courtesy of Dharshan Mahalingam.

Uruguay new date (2011) 20-peso uruguayo note confirmed


20 pesos uruguayos (US$1.10), 2011. Like P86, but new date, new signatures, Serie F instead of E, different imprint (DE LA RUE), and different screen trap pattern at left and right edges.

By the way, the 17th edition of the SCWPM lists P86 as an exected new issue dated 2006, but I suspect this is an error as I’ve never seen this denomination dated 2006. If anyone has a 20 pesos uruguayos dated 2006, please send scans.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmail.com and Frank van Tiel.

South Sudan's central bank governor replaced by deputy

According to a Reuters Africa article dated 16 August 2011, Elijah Malok has been replaced as the governor of the Bank of South Sudan by his former deputy, Kornelio Koriom. Malok’s signature appears on the world’s newest nation’s banknotes which were issued 18 July 2011.

The Challenge: Identify building on back of Ghana's 20,000-cedi note

Today’s challenge is to identify the building which appears on the back of the old 20,000-cedi note of Ghana.

If you can precisely identify the name and location of this building—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

This building appears on the back of all of the 20,000-cedi notes from 2002-2006 (Pick 36):

IDENTIFIED: National Theatre of Ghana in Accra.

Courtesy of Frederick Martin.

Indonesia announces new notes to be issued in late 2011


According to an article in JakartaGlobe dated 13 August 2011, Bank Indonesia is planning to upgrade the security of its banknotes with a new series to be printed by October at the latest. The new notes will feature “rainbow printing,” which allows several colors to be printed using a single plate in specially modified equipment, resulting in a natural blending of the colors that is difficult to reproduce using commercially available printers. The only Indonesian note to currently feature rainbow printing is the 10,000-rupiah note dated 2010, shown above.

“Now we will also use rainbow printing for the Rp 20,000, Rp 50,000 and Rp 100,000 bills. This is in line with international standards,” said Muhammad Dahlan, the central bank’s director for circulation.

Singapore chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Singapore chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 18-page catalog covers every note (129 types and varieties, including 33 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency from 1967 to 2002, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore from 2004 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Sierra Leone to withdraw old notes as of 15 August 2011

According to a press release dated 25 February 2011, the Bank of Sierra Leone has postponed until 15 August 2011 the withdrawal of old-style banknotes in favor of the new, smaller notes which were issued 14 May 2010.

Ukraine new sig/date (2011) 10-kryvnia note (B848b) confirmed


10 гривень (hryven), 2011. Like B848a, but new date and new signature (Serhii Arbuzov). Intro: 1 July 2011.

Courtesy of Aleksey Gladkov (www.bonistika.net).

Singapore new 2-dollar variety confirmed

2 dollars (US$1.65), no date. Like P46, but with two triangles below EDUCATION on back. Intro: July 2011.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Sudan new 10- and 20-pound notes confirmed


10 pounds (US$3.75), JUNE 2011. Like P67, but new color schemes, new date, new signature, 2-mm wide windowed security thread moved to back of note, and watusi cattle removed from front of note.


20 pounds (US$7.50), JUNE 2011. Like P68, but new color schemes, new date, new signature, and 2-mm wide windowed security thread moved to back of note.

Courtesy of http://stores.ebay.com/PHILANOTE.

Austrian banknote firm may pull out of Syria contract

According to an Associated Press report dated 5 August 2011, OeBS (Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck, Austria) is reviewing its contract to provide banknotes to the Central Bank of Syria. The Austria Press Agency reported that printing company OeBS—a subsidiary of Oesterreichischen Nationalbank, Austria’s central bank—has nearly completed the 2008 contract it has with Syria, and may pull out of the troubled country due to international pressure in the wake of the crackdown on protests against President Bashar Assad’s regime.



Macedonia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Macedonia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of Macedonia in 1992, and the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia from 1993 to present. Revised 11 November 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Jersey to issue 100-pound commemorative note in 2012


According to a press release dated 2 August 2011, the States of Jersey will issue a 100-pound (US$162) note to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. The note will feature artist Chris Levine’s holographic portrait of QEII called Equanimity.

Treasury and Resources Minister Philip Ozouf said, “In order to issue a new £100 note, I will be asking the States to amend the existing 1959 law which limits the maximum denomination of any currency note to £50. As with our most recent set of banknotes, the commemorative £100 note will feature English, French, and Jèrriais. I am hopeful that, as well as forming an integral and useful part of our currency, these new notes will become collectors’ pieces in their own right.”

Courtesy of Marcus Jansson.

Australia new date (2010) 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes confirmed


20 dollars (US$21), (20)10. Like P59f, but new date.
50 dollars (US$53), (20)10. Like P60g, but new date.
100 dollars (US$105), (20)10. Like P61a, but new date.

All three denominations have the same signature combination shown above.

Courtesy of Kai.

Moldova chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Moldova chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banca Naţională a Moldovei (National Bank of Moldova) from 1992 to present. Revised 21 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Liberia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Liberia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Republic of Liberia Treasury Department from 1857 to 1880, the National Bank of Liberia in 1989 and 1991, and the Central Bank of Liberia from 1999 to present. Revised 1 August 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Sudan new 50-pound note confirmed


50 pounds (US$18.70), JUNE 2011. Like P69, but new color schemes, new date, new signature, and 2-mm wide windowed security thread moved to back of note.

Courtesy of Tom A. Adami.

Nigeria new sig/date (2011) 50-naira note confirmed


50 naira (US$0.30), 2011. Like unlisted 50-naira note first issued dated 2009, but new date and new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Muhammad Nda).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

India new date (2011) 10- and 100-rupee notes reported

The Reserve Bank of India will soon issue 10- and 100-rupee banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi series with the signature of Governor Subbarao. The 10-rupee notes will have inset letter B. The 100-rupee notes will have inset letter L.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Iraq new date (2010) 10,000-dinar note confirmed

10,000 dinars (US$8.50), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P95, but new date.

Courtesy of Haider Saffar.

Hong Kong's new 100-dollar note has a design error


According to an article in The Standard dated 25 July 2011, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp has admitted to making a mistake in the design of its new 100-dollar (US$12.85) note which was officially unveiled on 20 July and slated for issuance between November 2011 and January 2012. The back of the note depicts the flag-raising ceremony of the SAR Establishment Day with a marching band playing in front of the Golden Bauhinia Square, where the national flag and regional flag of Hong Kong are flying. The problem is that the bauhinia flower on the regional flag is reversed from the correct orientation shown here:



"HSBC has immediately proceeded to redesign and reprint the faulty banknotes, with a view to putting them into circulation early next year as scheduled," the bank said in a joint statement with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the government's administration wing.

HSBC was responsible for the design of the notes, while the HKMA reviewed the design before revealing it to the public. The administration wing also reviewed the banknotes for approval. "The three parties had not detected the issue," the statement said. "We sincerely apologize for the incident."

HSBC will bear all relevant costs for revising the design, remaking the plates and printing the new notes. The cost of producing each new note is about 60 HK cents (US$0.08).

It will be interesting to see if any of the error notes make in onto the collector market.

Brunei new 1-, 5-, and 10-dollar notes confirmed


AMBD B1 (PNL): 1 dollar (US$0.80)
Blue. Front: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque and ceremonial barge; flower as registration device; bunga simpur (dillenia suffruticosa) flower; Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan; lagoon; Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (Yayasan) building; flower. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan and HB. Printer: (NPA). 141 x 69 mm. Polymer. 2011. Signature 1. Intro: 18.07.2011.


AMBD B1 (PNL): 5 dollars (US$4.05)
Green and yellow. Front: Lapau (Royal Ceremonial Hall); flower as registration device; bunga kunyit (curcuma longa) flower; Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Lapau (Royal Ceremonial Hall) building and fountain; flower. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan and HB. Printer: (NPA). 141 x 69 mm. Polymer. 2011. Signature 1. Intro: 18.07.2011.


AMBD B1 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$8.10)
Red, yellow, and brown. Front: Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque; flower as registration device; rancah rancah (cosmos caudatus) flowers; Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Masjid Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah (Jame’ Asrihassanil Bolkiah mosque); flower. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan and HB. Printer: (NPA). 141 x 69 mm. Polymer. 2011. Signature 1. Intro: 18.07.2011.

According to a press release dated 18 July 2011, the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam has issued new 1-, 5-, and 10-dollar polymer notes which will circulate in parallel with existing notes. The issuance of the new polymer notes is in conjunction with the 65th Birthday of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam but the notes do not bear any commemorative text. The notes have various new security features and new designs.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Alex Klark, Hj Sare, and Noorilham MD. Tahir.

Hong Kong to issue new 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes starting November 2011





















According to a press release dated 20 July 2011, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited) today unveiled the designs of the $100, $50 and $20 of the Hong Kong 2010 Series New Banknotes.

The new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes incorporate the same state-of-the-art security features as the new $1,000 and $500 banknotes (which are already in circulation) and also the design to facilitate the visually impaired to differentiate the denomination.

Mr Norman Chan, the Chief Executive of the HKMA, said “The new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes will be gradually put into circulation starting from this November, after which the entire Hong Kong 2010 Series New Banknotes will be in full circulation in the community. The new $1,000 and $500 banknotes, which have been in circulation since last December and this February respectively, receive very positive response from the public. I am confident that the new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes will be equally well received. ”

The Hong Kong 2010 Series New Banknotes were designed by the respective note-issuing banks and approved by the Financial Secretary. They are printed by Hong Kong Note Printing Limited.

The HKMA will launch an extensive education programme to raise public awareness of the new banknotes. Seminars will be conducted for banks, retailers and money changers; and special outreach seminars for centres for the elderly and people with visual impairments. Exhibitions will be held in different districts in Hong Kong (see schedule of exhibitions at Annex). The interactive online-learning programme on the HKMA website at www.hkma.gov.hk has been updated to include the design and security features of the whole 2010 Series Hong Kong Banknotes. Education leaflets are available to the public at the HKMA office, branches of the note-issuing banks and District Offices.

Mr Benjamin Hung, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited said, “Standard Chartered Bank issued its first Hong Kong banknotes in 1862, and we celebrate a history of 150 years of note issuance in this vibrant financial centre. The new series of banknotes from Standard Chartered Hong Kong represents the continuous evolution of a design theme first commissioned in the 1980s. This latest series incorporates an overarching theme on the reverse side of the notes that pays tribute to the heritage of Chinese inventions whilst contrasting such early breakthroughs with those of modern security technology. Standard Chartered is proud to have played a part in contributing to Hong Kong’s financial sector as one of the SAR’s three note-issuing banks. We look forward to continuing to grow with Hong Kong in the next 150 years – and beyond.”

Mr Peter Wong, Chief Executive of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, said “HSBC’s legacy as Hong Kong’s largest note issuer begins another exciting chapter with the official launch of our new notes. HSBC’s new banknote series strongly reflects on Hong Kong’s culture for inspiration, showcasing local celebrations and festivals, Chinese calligraphy and traditional symbols and patterns within the unique design. As the bills enter circulation, we take great pride in the fact that this new series marks the first time that the Hong Kong community has been featured on HSBC’s banknotes.”

Mr He Guangbei, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “Building a Better Tomorrow is what Bank of China (Hong Kong) is committed to, which also echoes in the designs of our new series of Hong Kong Banknotes. With roots in Hong Kong for more than 94 years, we have encountered ups and downs together with the society. While providing professional financial services to the public, we are also committed to protecting the environment in Hong Kong as a responsible corporate citizen. In designing the new banknotes, we not only honour these natural wonders, but encourage the public to join us to build a green Hong Kong and contribute to the sustainability of the society.”

All existing banknotes continue to be legal tender. They will circulate along with the new banknotes and be gradually withdrawn from circulation when they become physically unfit for circulation.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun, Glen Warren, Wilson Chow, and Thomas Krause.

Qatar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Qatar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Qatar Monetary Agency from 1973 to 1985, and the Qatar Central Bank from 1996 to present. Revised 21 July 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
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Romania new date (2011) 5-leu note (B279e) confirmed


Like B279d, but new date (20)11.

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea.

Mauritania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Mauritania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie (Central Bank of Mauritania) from 1973 to present. Revised 8 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Sudan new note designs unveiled


The International Business Times has posted Reuters images of Sudan’s new notes which are expected to be issued in the coming weeks in response to Monday’s issuance of a new series of notes in the newly independent South Sudan. From the photos, it appears Sudan has simply changed the color schemes of the existing designs for its various denominations.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

New Zealand announces upgrade of banknotes to begin in 2014

On 21 July 2011, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand held a press conference to announce that a project has begun to upgrade the nation’s banknotes, which will include a review of the material of the notes, and anti-counterfeiting features, but the people depicted on the notes are not expected to change, including the retention of Queen Elizabeth on the 20-dollar note despite her portait being the most disliked part of the design of that denomination. Little solid information was given at the press conference, except that the new notes are expected to start being issued one or two denominations at a time in 2014. There are, however, a lot of interesting tidbits in these two survey result reports conducted with retailers and consumers.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Belarus new 500-ruble variety confirmed


500 rubles (US$0.10), 2000. Like P27, but with 2-mm wide windowed thread. Intro: 15.03.2011.

Courtesy of Ivan Bogdanov (http://bonistics.org).

Philippines reveals details about note production

According to a press release issued by the Philippine Information Agency dated 20 July 2011, the new banknotes introduced by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on 16 December 2010 were printed by an undisclosed French firm (most likely Oberthur Technologies), but that upgrades to the Security Plant Complex in Quezon City were under way so that the notes could be printed locally.

Curiously, the press release indicates that BSP is apparently continuing to produce notes of the old design even after it has introduced the new designs. Perhaps this is because the need for currency in the Philippines is so great that the BSP can’t meet demand with only the new notes from France, or that it feels compelled to keep the local printers in business.

The press release indicates that the old designs will be phased out by 2012, and that they will be demonetized in 2013.

Nigeria new date (2011) 200-naira note confirmed


200 naira (US$1.30), 2011. Like P29, but new date and new signatures (Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Muhammad Nda).

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

South Sudan public complains about lack of dates on new banknotes

According to articles in Al Bawaba and Sudan Tribune, members of the public in South Sudan are complaining that the new series of banknotes issued on 18 July 2011 lack printed dates, as have all notes previously issued by Sudan. Apparently the people are unaware that many countries routinely issue notes without dates (much to the consternation of researchers and catalogers such as myself).

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Paraguay new date (2008) 100,000-guaraní note (B854b) confirmed


100,000 guaraníes (US$25.35), 2008. Like P233, but new date and prefix E.

Courtesy of Didier Wiot.

Iraq new date (2010) 25,000-dinar note confirmed


25,000 dinars (US$21.40), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P96, but new date.

Courtesy of Haider Saffar.

The Challenge: Identify objects in Liberia bank seal

Today’s challenge is to identify the crossed objects which appear in the seal of the Central Bank of Liberia (and previously the National Bank of Liberia).

If you can precisely identify the name of these objects—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

This bank seal appears on the back of all of Liberia’s notes since 1989:

IDENTIFIED: Kissi money.

Liberia new date (2008) 10-dollar note confirmed


10 dollars (US$0.15), 2008. Like P27c, but new date.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun.

South Sudan new pound notes (B105 - B110) introduced on 18.07.2011

South_Sudan_BSS_1_pound_2011.07.18_B105a_P5_AC_0779457_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_1_pound_2011.07.18_B105a_P5_AC_0779457_r

South_Sudan_BSS_5_pounds_2011.07.18_B106a_P6_AC_9902574_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_5_pounds_2011.07.18_B106a_P6_AC_9902574_r

South_Sudan_BSS_10_pounds_2011.07.18_B107a_P7_AD_0439185_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_10_pounds_2011.07.18_B107a_P7_AD_0439185_r

South_Sudan_BSS_25_pounds_2011.07.18_B108a_P8_AB_6626330_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_25_pounds_2011.07.18_B108a_P8_AB_6626330_r

South_Sudan_BSS_50_pounds_2011.07.18_B109a_P9_AA_1401659_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_50_pounds_2011.07.18_B109a_P9_AA_1401659_r

South_Sudan_BSS_100_pounds_2011.07.18_B110a_P10_AA_3146507_fSouth_Sudan_BSS_100_pounds_2011.07.18_B110a_P10_AA_3146507_r
According to an Al Jazeera article dated 11 July 2011 as well as a BBC article dated 11 July 2011, South Sudan—which just gained its independence on 9 July—will introduce its own currency next week [update: the notes officially entered circulation on 18 July]. The South Sudan pound notes feature a portrait of rebel leader John Garang on the front, while the backs contain images of the country's culture and wealth. Finance Minister David Deng Athorbei said plane-loads of the South Sudan pound would arrive in the capital, Juba, on 13 July and would be in circulation by 18 July. The new notes, printed by De La Rue, will be exchanged at par for the existing Sudanese pounds. The Bank of South Sudan will issue six denominations – 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 pound – and the notes are signed by Elijah Malok as “Governor” even though he has not been officially appointed to the position.

Meanwhile, Sudan has announced that it will issue new notes of its own. The Central Bank of Sudan issued a new series of pound-denominated notes just four years ago.

Courtesy of Mojmir Cerny, Thomas Krause, David Bonczak, Aidan Work, Murtaza Karimjee, and Thomas Augustsson.

Dominican Republic preparing new notes denominated in pesos Dominicanos

According to a post on the MRI Guide web site dated 15 July 2011, “The Constitution of January 26, 2010 mandated the change of the name of the monetary unit from "peso oro" to "peso Dominicano". To comply with this change the Banco Central de la República Dominicana is preparing a new family of notes. It has been proposed that the national flower, the Rose of Bayahibe and the national tree, The Mahogany should be pictured in the new notes.”

Iran asking citizens to vote on new name for its currency

According to an article in the Washington Post dated 16 July 2011, the Central Bank of Iran is taking a poll to gauge the public's preferences for new names for the country’s currency, including the current rial, as well as historic names such as toman, parsi, and derik. The bank is also asking how many zeros should be removed from the currency if and when the government approves redenomination, a proposal that has been bandied about for years.



Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Rochadi dies in New York


On 10 July 2011, Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Budi Rochadi died at age 60 of unspecified causes in New York, where he was attending a conference on banknotes. Rochadi had served as deputy governor in charge of settlement systems since January 2007. Rochadi’s signature appears on the 2,000-rupiah notes dated 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Indonesia new sig/date (2010) 2,000-rupiah note confirmed



2,000 rupiah (US$0.25), 2010. Like the same denomination introduced 09.07.2009, but with new date (2010 on front instead of 2009) and new signautres (Darmin Nasution and S. Budi Rochadi). This note has also been confirmed with the same new signatures and dated 2011 on front. All three varieties bear the imprint “PERUM PERCETAKAN UANG RI IMP 2009” at lower right on back.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

The Challenge: Identify man in watermark on Mauritania's notes

Today’s challenge is to identify the following man whose face appears as the watermark on all of Mauritania’s notes since 1974.

If you can precisely identify the name of this man—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

This man’s face appears as the watermark on all of Mauritania’s notes since 1974, and is shown here from an unissued specimen design of 1981:

Falkland Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Falkland Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the British Governor in 1842, and the Government of the Falkland Islands from 1899 to present. Revised 20 March 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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French Antilles chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The French Antilles chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 6-page catalog covers notes issued by the Institut d’Emission des Départements d’Outre-Mer from 1960 to 1962, and the Institut d’Emission des Départements d’Outre-Mer République Francaise from 1962 to 1967. Revised 22.06.2017.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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“Sign

Iraq new date (2010) 5,000-dinar note confirmed


5,000 dinars (US$4.25), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P94b, but new date.

Courtesy of Haider Saffar.

Katanga chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Katanga chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by the Gouvernment Katanga (Katanga Government) in 1961, and the Banque Nationale du Katanga (National Bank of Katanga) from 1960 to 1962. Revised 22 November 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Russia to issue modified 500- and 5,000-ruble notes in 2012


The Moscow News has run the above photo of Gennady Luntovsky, deputy chairman of Bank of Russia, holding a modified 5,000-ruble (US$177) note which has enhanced anti-counterfeiting features. According to this Russian-language post, the new 5,000-ruble notes are scheduled for introduction in 2012, along with upgraded 500-ruble notes.

Top 10 world's most beautiful banknotes

China.org.cn has an interesting article on the “Top 10 world's most beautiful banknotes.”

South Africa Reserve Bank's printing presses sit idle since February 2011

According to an article in Times Live dated 9 July 2011, the South African Reserve Bank has outsourced printing of the 100-rand note to Sweden following the discovery of missing security features on notes previously printed by the SA Bank Note Company. Other problems with other denominations have left the SABN presses sitting idle since February. The article also mentions SABN’s printing of notes for Zambia and Namibia.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Cayman Islands new 1- and 50-dollar notes (B218a and B222a) enter circulation

According to a CaymanNewService article dated 7 July 2011, the 1- and 50-dollar notes (B218a and B222a, respectively) in the new D series are now entering circulation. The entire D series was introduced on 4 April 2011, but only the 5- and 25-dollar notes (B219a and B221a) were actually released to the public at that time. No date has yet been set for the issuance of the remaining 10- and 100-dollar notes (B220a and B223a).

Cambodia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Cambodia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 29-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Nationale du Cambodge (National Bank of Cambodia) from 1955 to 1975, the Ministere du Tourisme du Cambodge (Cambodia Ministry of Tourism) in the 1960s, the National Bank of Kampuchea in 1975, the People’s Bank of Kampuchea from 1979 to 1992, the Khmer Rouge in 1993, and the National Bank of Cambodia from 1992 to present. Revised 08.12.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Equatorial Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Equatorial Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Central Bank in 1969, the People’s Bank in 1975, the Bank of Equatorial Guinea from 1979 to 1980, and the Bank of Central African States from 1985 to 1986. Revised 23 November 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Lesotho chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Lesotho chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Lesotho Monetary Authority in 1979, and the Central Bank of Lesotho from 1981 to present. Revised 20 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Mali chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Mali chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 7-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque de la République du Mali (Bank of the Republic of Mali) from 1960 to 1967, and the Banque Centrale du Mali (Central Bank of Mali) from 1970 to 1983. Revised 30 November 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kazakhstan new 10,000-tenge commemorative note (B138a) confirmed

In the second quarter of 2010, the board of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted at its meetings 34 resolutions, including one “On emission of an anniversary banknote of KZT 10,000 (ten thousand) denomination devoted to the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

Kazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2011.00.00_B138a_P39_AA_3612436_fKazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2011.00.00_B138a_P39_AA_3612436_r
B138 (PNL): 10,000 tengé (US$69)
Violet and blue. Front (vertical): National emblem; birds; Kazakh Eli monument in Astana; flag. Back: 20th anniversary logo; outline of Kazakhstan; Akorda Palace (the presidential residence in Astana); birds. Copper stripe. Solid security thread. Optiks security thread. Solid security thread. Watermark: Eagle with spread wings. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 149 x 79 mm. 2011. Signature 5. Intro: 04.07.2011.

Courtesy of Ted Sofos, Vadim Tislenko, and Ömer Yalcinkaya.

Palestine chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Palestine chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Palestine Currency Board from 1927 to 1945. Revised 2 October 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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United States new date (2009) 50-dollar note confirmed


50 dollars (US$50), 2009. Like P527, but new date and signatures (Rosa Gumataotao Rios and Timothy Geithner).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

The Challenge: Identify flora on Lesotho's banknotes

Today’s challenge is to identify the following plants and flowers from Lesotho’s banknotes.

If you can precisely identify the proper name of any of the following—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

This plant appears as the registration device on Lesotho’s 20-loti note dated 1990 (P12):

IDENTIFIED: Agave plant and flowers.

This left and flowers appear as the registration device on Lesotho’s 100-loti note dated 2001 (P19):

IDENTIFIED: Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) leaf and flowers.

This plant appears as the registration device on Lesotho’s 200-loti note dated 1994 (P20):


These flowers appear on the back of Lesotho’s 10-loti note dated 2010 (PNL):

IDENTIFIED: Cosmos flowers.

United States BEP banknote production falls to modern low in 2010

There’s an interesting article in The New York Times dated 6 July 2011 entitled, “As Plastic Reigns, the Treasury Slows Its Printing Presses,” which discusses the reduced output of banknotes at the BEP in response to the shift to using credit cards for payments, though the death of cash likely remains a long way off.

Courtesy Mark St. Pierre.

Hungary new date (2011) 500-forint note (B581d) confirmed

Hungary_MNB_500_forint_2011.00.00_B581d_P196c_EA_9621091_fHungary_MNB_500_forint_2011.00.00_B581d_P196c_EA_9621091_r
Like B581c, but new date (2011).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

The Challenge: Identify person on Chile's banknotes

Today I’m inaugurating a new feature on BanknoteNews.com: The Challenge.

Anyone who has downloaded chapters of The Banknote Book catalog knows that I take pains to precisely identify all the people, places, and objects depicted on banknotes. However, sometimes precise identifications remain elusive despite all the efforts of myself and various contributors. This frustrates me both as an author and a collector because it’s my belief that if a country has chosen to feature something on one of its notes, it must have some particular historical or cultural significance and it deserves better than a generic description.

So I’m turning to the power of crowdsourcing with The Challenge, an open call for help in identifying certain design elements which have heretofore defied identification.

If you can precisely identify the proper name and location of any of the following—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

Today’s second challenge is to identify the following person from the front of Chile’s 1-peso note dated 1898 (P15 show below, but the same also appears on P1 and P11):

The SCWPM identifies this portrait as “Prat” (presumably naval officer Agustín Arturo Prat Chacón), but this identification is called into question in this document written by collector Raúl Donoso Rosso.

IDENTIFIED: Chilean president, Federico Errázuriz Zañartu.

Courtesy of Art Matz (LANSA) and Raúl Donoso Rosso.

Belarus new 1,000-, 10,000- and 20,000-ruble varieties confirmed






On 15 March 2011, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus introduced new 500-ruble (US$0.15) banknotes, as well as 1,000-, 10,000-, and 20,000-ruble notes dated 2000. The modified notes have the same images, sizes, and colors as preceding issues also dated 2000, but feature a new 2-mm wide windowed security thread.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski, Elena Zoubarik, and Ivan Bogdanov (http://bonistics.org).

Swaziland new 10-, 20-, and 50-lilangeni notes confirmed


10 emalangeni (US$1.45)
Blue. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion and elephant flanking shield topped with crown of feathers (lidlabe); shield (isihlangu), spears (sikhali), and staff (umgobo). Back: Nine princesses taking part in the Ncwala (kingship ceremony); bank seal. Windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 10. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 148 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 9b. Intro: 30.06.2011.


20 emalangeni (US$2.90)
Purple. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion and elephant flanking shield topped with crown of feathers (lidlabe); shield (isihlangu), spears (sikhali), and staff (umgobo). Back: Flower, corn, and pineapple; steer; refinery; bank seal. Windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 20. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 151 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 9b. Intro: 30.06.2011.


50 emalangeni (US$7.25)
Violet. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion and elephant flanking shield topped with crown of feathers (lidlabe); green-to-blue OVI shield (isihlangu), spears (sikhali), and staff (umgobo). Back: Central Bank of Swaziland headquarters Umntsholi building in Mbabane; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 50. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 154 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 9b. Intro: 30.06.2011.

Courtesy of Andre du Toit, Joseph Gerber, and Thomas Krause.

The Challenge: Identify buildings and dams on Mali's banknotes

Today I’m inaugurating a new feature on BanknoteNews.com: The Challenge.

Anyone who has downloaded chapters of The Banknote Book catalog knows that I take pains to precisely identify all the people, places, and objects depicted on banknotes. However, sometimes precise identifications remain elusive despite all the efforts of myself and various contributors. This frustrates me both as an author and a collector because it’s my belief that if a country has chosen to feature something on one of its notes, it must have some particular historical or cultural significance and it deserves better than a generic description.

So I’m turning to the power of crowdsourcing with The Challenge, an open call for help in identifying certain design elements which have heretofore defied identification.

If you can precisely identify the proper name and location of any of the following—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

Today’s challenge is to identify the following items from Mali’s banknotes.

The building on the back of Mali’s 5,000-franc note dated 1960 (P5 shown below, but it also appears on P10):

IDENTIFIED: Le Marché Rose (pink market) building in Bamako.

The dam on the front of Mail’s 50-franc note dated 1960 (P6):

IDENTIFIED: Markala dam on the Niger River.

The dam on the front of Mail’s 1,000-franc note of 1970 (P13):

IDENTIFIED: Sotuba dam hydropower plant on the Niger River.

Philippines new 100-peso commemorative confirmed


100 pesos (US$2.30), 2011.
Purple and blue. Front: Black UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF LAW 1911-2011 overprint; Manuel Acuña Roxas; bank seal; Roxas lowering United States flag and raising Philippines flag on 4 July 1946 in Manila’s Independence Grandstand. Back: Old Central Bank of the Philippines building; new Central Bank of the Philippines headquarters building in Manila. Windowed security thread with demetalized 100 and solid security thread. Watermark: Manuel Roxas. Printer: Unknown. 160 x 66 mm.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Canada new date (2011) 50-dollar note confirmed


50 dollars (US$52.10), 2011. Like P104 (“ISSUE OF 2004”) but new “PRINTED IN” date of 2011 at lower center on back and new signatures (Maclem and M.J. Carney).

Courtesy of David Ryder.

Swaziland announces release of remaining denominations of new series

According to a press release dated 30 June 2011, the Central Bank of Swaziland announced the release into circulation the remaining denominations (10, 20, 50, and 200 emalangeni) of its new series of banknotes. This comes after the official introduction of the 100-lilangeni note on 1 November 2010, and the premature release of a small batch of the 200-lilangeni notes at one bank branch. The other denominations were originally scheduled for a staggered introduction schedule over the course of 2011 and 2012. The press release seems to contradict the notion that all denominations will be available immediately when it quotes Governor Martin G. Dlamini thusly, “We are more likely to see the new E10 dominating in the public domain. Other denominations will also be released in due course, depending on market demand.”

Courtesy of Tod Hunt.

Colombia new sig/date (21.08.2009) 5,000-peso note confirmed


5,000 pesos (US$2.85), 21 DE AGOSTO DE 2009. Like P452, but new date and signatures, and Braille ⠼⠑ (5) at left front near frog.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Israel new sig/date (2010) 200-new sheqalim confirmed


200 new sheqalim (US$59.15), 2010. Like P62, but new date and new signature. Intro: June 2011.

In accordance with Section 42(a) of the Bank of Israel Law, new banknotes printed henceforth shall bear the facsimile signature only of the Governor (hitherto banknotes carried the facsimile signatures of the Governor and of the Chairman of the Advisory Council, which no longer exists under the new Law).

Courtesy of Andrew Quirke.

Muscat and Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Muscat and Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman in 1970. Revised 23 October 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 13-page catalog covers notes issued by the Oman Currency Board in 1972, and the Central Bank of Oman from 1976 to present. Revised 28 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Tanzania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Tanzania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Tanzania from 1966 to present. Revised 13 January 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Trans-Dniester chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Trans-Dniester chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the Trans-Dniester Bank from 1994 to 1998, and the Trans-Dniester Republican Bank from 2000 to present. Revised 28 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Turkmenistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Turkmenistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Central State Bank of Turkmenistan from 1993 to 1995, and the Türkmenistanyñ Merkezi Banky (Central Bank of Turkmenistan) from 1995 to present. Revised 08.12.2017.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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New Zealand planning new note series for 2014

According to a Stuff.co article dated 30 June 2011, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is planning a press conference in the coming weeks to discuss a review of the nation's banknotes. No decision had been made on whether the current series of notes would be redesigned, but that is an option. The new notes will definitely include new security features to prevent counterfeiting, and are scheduled to be introduced in late 2014.

Hungary new date (2011) 1,000-forint note (B582c) confirmed

Hungary_MNB_1000_forint_2011.00.00_B582c_P197c_DC_2420133_fHungary_MNB_1000_forint_2011.00.00_B582c_P197c_DC_2420133_r
Like B582b, but new date (2011) and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

United Arab Emirates collector's article

I recommend reading this interesting article, UAE currency: a history lesson in your wallet, in the 27 June 2011 edition of The National.

Kazakhstan new 1,000-tenge commemorative and specimen confirmed




1,000 tengé (US$6.90), 2011. Ten million banknotes were introduced on 25 May 2011 to commemoratie the Republic of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

Obverse: The images are vertical. The main image in the middle of the banknote: the dome of the mausoleum of Hodja Akhmed Yassavi. On the left is the official logo of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. The face value is placed in the lower part of the banknote. The upper part shows the state symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan: National Emblem and National Flag. The name of the issuing bank, in Kazakh, is placed vertically in the top left, above the name there is an inscription in the Kazakh language stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law.

Reverse: The images are horizontal. The main image is the mausoleum of Hodja Akhmed Yassavi. . The face value is placed in the bottom left, in the middle and the right part. The name of the issuing bank, in the Kazakh language is in the middle of the upper half of the note. At the bottom in the middle of the banknotes, there is an inscription in Russian stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Ömer Yalcinkaya.


China new serial number format 1-yüan note confirmed



1 yüan (US$0.15), 1999. Like P895, but prefix format now A#A# in red followed by 6-digit number (top), versus old format of AA## in red and 6-digit number in black (bottom).

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Iraq planning to delete zeros from dinar

According to an article in Alsumaria, on 23 June 2011 the Central Bank of Iraq announced it is planning to delete zeros from the Iraqi dinar, and add Kurdish to the Arabic text on the notes.

Said the adviser of Iraqi Central Bank governor Mothahhar Mohammed Saleh, “The project of deleting zeroes is complete. It will be submitted to the central bank’s administration in the next session. Then, it will be passed to the ministerial council before presenting it to the Parliament for vote. The mechanisms of changing the currency will be gradual. It will be preceded by awareness campaigns for citizens. The new currency will be printed after deleting the zeros and will include the Kurdish language in addition to the Arabic language. It will bear as well photos of Iraq’s civilizations and patrimony in addition to symbols of Iraqi intellectuals and figures.”

There have been similar reports of revaluing the dinar since 2007, but to date none have come to fruition.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Zambia contemplating changes to currency

According to an article in the Times of Africa dated 21 June 2011, the Bank of Zambia is contemplating replacing the paper 500- and polymer 1,000-kwacha notes with coins, and issuing notes larger than the current highest denomination of 50,000 kwacha. The bank is also considering using polymer for a higher denomination than the 1,000-kwacha note. Nothing is official yet, but the new measures could take effect in 2012.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Honduras new sig/date (17.04.2008) 10-lempira note confirmed


10 lempiras (US$0.50), 17 DE ABRIL DE 2008.
Like P92, but new date, new signatures, and new imprint (DE LA RUE).

Courtesy of Antonio Sansur.

French Afars and Issas chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The French Afars and Issas chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Trésor Public Territorie Français des Afars et des Issas (Public Treasury of the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas) from 1969 to 1975. Revised 8 September 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kenya chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Kenya chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 22-page catalog covers notes issued by the Central Bank of Kenya from 1966 to present. Revised 24 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kuwait chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Kuwait chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the Kuwait Currency Board in 1961, and the Central Bank of Kuwait from 1970 to present. Revised 18 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Solomon Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Solomon Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Solomon Islands Monetary Authority from 1977 to 1981, and the Central Bank of Solomon Islands from 1984 to present. Revised 26 April 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Bahamas new 20-dollar note (B346a) confirmed


20 dollars (US$20), 2009.
This note is like the preceding issues (B341a), but the map of the islands at center front has been altered, the $20 at lower left front is no longer two-tone, and there is a new printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient instead of FCOF) at lower right back.

Courtesy of Monetary Research Institute.

Tajikistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Tajikistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 12-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan in 1994, and the National Bank of Tajikistan from 1999 to present. Revised 31.12.2017.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Costa Rica new 1,000- and 2,000-colon notes (B557, B559) confirmed

Costa_Rica_BCCR_1000_colones_2009.09.02_B557a_P274_A_004640707_fCosta_Rica_BCCR_1000_colones_2009.09.02_B557a_P274_A_004640707_r
1,000-colon (US$2.00), 2 de setiembre de 2009.
Red. Front: Spanish text; Braulio Carrillo Colina; original ESTADO DE COSTA RICA shield; map of Costa Rica on see-through leaf. Back: Spanish text; dry forest (bosque seco) landscape in Guanacaste; pitahaya cactus flowers; tree; white-tailed deer; scorpions. Simulated security thread. Watermark: Leaves. Printer: (Oberthur Technologies). 125 x 67 mm. Polymer.

Costa_Rica_BCCR_2000_colones_2009.09.02_B559a_P275_A_026795336_fCosta_Rica_BCCR_2000_colones_2009.09.02_B559a_P275_A_026795336_r
2,000-colon (US$3.95), 2 de setiembre de 2009.
Blue. Front: Spanish text; open books; Mauro Fernández Acuña; Colegio Superior de Señoritas building in San Jose; map of Costa Rica in OVI. Back: Spanish text; coral reef (arrecife coralino); star fish (Oreaster reticulatus, estrella de mar de la laguna); bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas, Tiburón toro); turtles; and corals (Pseudopterogorgia americana, plumas de mar). Windowed security thread with demetalized BCCR 2000. Watermark: Mauro Fernández Acuña and electrotype 2000. Printer: (Oberthur Technologies). 132 x 67 mm.

Courtesy of Jose Alvarado.

Malawi new sig/date (31.01.2011) 500-kwacha note confirmed


500 kwacha (US$3.30), 31ST JANUARY 2011. Like B148, but new date and signature (Perks M. Ligoya).

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla.

Canada unveils new polymer banknote series



Canada's new polymer bank note series was unveiled on 20 June 2011. The themes for the entire series, as well as designs, images, and security features of the first denominations to be issued—the $100 and $50 notes—were unveiled by James M. Flaherty, Minister of Finance; William J. S. Elliott, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; and Mark J. Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada in a ceremony at the Bank of Canada.

The $100 note is to be issued in November 2011. The $50 note is to be issued in March 2012. The remaining $5, $10, and $20 notes are to be issued by late 2013.





Download the Bank of Canada Review Supplement dated 20 June 2011, Paying with Polymer: Developing Canada’s New Bank Notes.

Watch the unveiling ceremony on the bank’s website.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda and Thomas Krause.

Romania new date (2011) 1-leu note (B278f) confirmed


Like B278e), but new date (20)11.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Daniel Mendea.

IBNS Book of the Year: Standard Catalogue of the Provincial Banknotes of England and Wales


The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) has awarded its 2011 Book of the Year, for a book published in 2010, to The Standard Catalogue of the Provincial Banknotes of England & Wales by Roger Outing. The announcement was made at the Annual General Meeting of the IBNS in Memphis, Tennessee, USA in early June.

Already considered an essential guide for collectors of English and Welsh paper money, Roger Outing’s book covers a wide range of bank note and banking information. While the book carries on the pioneering work of Geoffrey Grant’s The Standard Catalogue of Provincial Banks and Banknotes, there is much more to Mr. Outing’s work. The main section of the new work is an alphabetical listing of issuing banks by town, which also incorporates the multi-branch joint stock banks. This is followed by a full listing of the London private and joint-stock banks; most of which never issued banknotes, but the comprehensive coverage is a boon for bank historians, as well as collectors of cheques and other financial ephemera. A further section lists all non-bank issuers by town of origin – mostly collieries, ironworks and the like, which issued notes in the early years of the nineteenth century. The final section covers Skit Notes, an area not previously researched in detail. Skit Notes were often prepared for advertising, entertainment or political purposes, and quite often were designed to look similar to genuine notes. While only items issued prior to 1900 are included, there are still details of some 63 ‘issues’.

The Standard Catalogue of the Provincial Banknotes of England & Wales is an impressive work – not only is the information of great value, it is very well presented. A large format, hard-back publication of 520 pages, with over 850 colour illustrations, the book has been prepared to a high standard by its publishers – Token Publishing of the United Kingdom. This catalogue and price guide is a wonderful example of the investment of time and effort into the research of paper money and the IBNS congratulates Roger Outing on a valuable achievement and contribution to the world of paper money.

Rhodesia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Rhodesia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia from 1964 to 1979. Revised 2 December 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Saudi Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Saudi Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 11-page catalog covers notes issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency from 1953 to present. Revised 29 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Uganda chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Uganda chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 20-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Uganda from 1966 to present. Revised 15 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Central African Empire chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Central African Empire chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 2-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of the Central Africa States) from 1978 to 1979. Revised 2 October 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Central African Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Central African Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 6-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of the Central Africa States) from 1974 to 1976, and 1980 to 1991. Revised 16 December 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Brunei chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Brunei chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the Brunei Currency Board from 1969 to 1996, the Brunei Currency & Monetary Board from 2004 to 2008, and the Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam from 2011 to present. Revised 19.02.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Bhutan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Bhutan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Royal Government of Bhutan from 1974 to 1978, and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan from 1985 to present. Revised 15.11.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Dominican Republic revised 100-, 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-peso oro notes confirmed



All of these notes are like the preceding issues of the same denominations, but are dated 2010, signed by Héctor Valdez Albizu and Vicente Bengoa, have printer imprint of OBERTHUR technologies, and feature a new screen trap background pattern.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Brunei new date (1992) 1-dollar note confirmed


1 dollar (US$0.80), 1992. Like P13, but new date.

Courtesy of Don Cleveland.

Somaliland burns Somali shillings as part of currency switch

There’s an interesting article on Somalilandpress dated 28 May 2011 which discusses Somaliland’s efforts to replace Somali banknotes in its region.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Malawi new 1,000-kwacha banknote reported

According to an article on Nyasa Times dated 13 June 2011, the Reserve Bank of Malawi will soon introduce a 1,000-kwacha (US$6.60) note, twice as large as the current highest denomination, the 500-kwacha (P56). The new notes are supposedly being printed by De La Rue.


Book review: Moneymakers


Moneymakers: The Wicked Lives and Surprising Adventures of Three Notorious Counterfeiters by Ben Rarnoff (Order from Amazon.com)

This 396-page hardcover was a bit of a disappointment for me, perhaps because I am very interested in the subject of counterfeiting from a technical perspective and this book focuses more on the forgers themselves and the economic state of America during the times in which three “most successful counterfeiters” operated, starting in Colonial times, then the early 1800s, and finally during the Civil War. Also, I found the attempts to draw parallels to the recent Wall Street scandals a bit of stretch, as was the author’s portrayal of these criminals as Robin Hood figures merely helping out the ordinary citizens by producing money the banks couldn’t or wouldn’t supply in sufficient quantities to meet popular demand.

Check out other book reviews and news on the Books page of this site.

6th edition of Standard Catalogue of World Plastic Money now available


Anyone interested in the increasingly popular field of polymer banknote collecting should definitely purchase a copy of the Specialized Catalogue of World Plastic Money, written and compiled by Peter Bauer and Thomas Krause, the expert behind the Polymernotes of the World web site and a frequent contributor to BanknoteNews.com. The 6th edition was published in April 2011 and costs only 20 euros plus S&H for the disc which contains an installer for the PDF-based 406-page catalog.

Banco de España publishes Billetaria journal

Since 2007, Banco de España has been publishing Billetaria, a half-yearly publication created and co-ordinated by the Cash and Issue Department in collaboration with its counterparts from the Banco de México and the Banco Central de la República Argentina.

It is aimed at cash management professionals from central banks all around the world, offering opinion-based and technical articles written by experts from central banks or bank note printers.

It comes out in April and October and is circulated in 85 countries. Every two years, moreover, an extra edition is published focusing in depth on an individual topic.

The latest issue focuses on a new breed of substrates and makes for fascinating reading if you’re interested in technological advances as they apply to banknote security and longveity. Click here to download PDF copies of Billetaria.

Uganda 50,000-shilling note wins IBNS Banknote of 2010


The International Bank Note Society’s (IBNS) ‘Banknote of 2010’ is Uganda’s 50,000-shilling note. This year, for the first time, the award was decided by a popular vote by members of the IBNS, rather than by a committee, and the award shows a strong appreciation of the 50,000-shilling note among a large community of banknote enthusiasts. From thirteen nominations, voting indicated a strong preference for the Ugandan note from the time voting was made available to members on the IBNS web site (www.theIBNS.org) in mid February.

The highest denomination in a series of six notes introduced in May 2010, the 50,000-shilling note has strong design elements consistent with the series. These elements include the watermark of the head of a crested crane, an outline of a map of Uganda (highlighting the equator), the profile of man wearing Karimojong head dress, patterns based on indigenous basket work and, at the far right on the back, the Independence Monument. Erected to celebrate Ugandan independence in October 1962, the statue is of a woman wrapped in bonds lifting a child above her head, celebrating the birth of the nation.

On the front of the award-winning note the ‘Stride Monument’ is at the left, the Bwindi tropical rain forest is illustrated at the centre left, a foil strip with the denomination and images of shields at centre right and an area for the watermark at the far right. The Stride Monument was erected to celebrate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Kampala in 2007. Depicting a husband, wife and son stepping forward, the monument symbolizes the countries of the Commonwealth progressing as a family.

The back of the note is dominated by illustrations of silver back mountain gorillas and undoubtedly these amazing animals attract people to the notes and their depiction is one of the reasons the 50,000-shilling note was so popular amongst the IBNS members voting for the award. Apart from the gorillas, there is much which is attractive about the note, such as the good use of colour – particularly the brown, which might have made the note appear dull if used inappropriately, and the golden highlights which capture attention. Strong images, well depicted, add to the quality design of the note and good use of security features for a high-denomination note enhances the overall effect.

Printed by British security printers De La Rue, the note was designed in co-operation with the Bank of Uganda. This successful collaboration has seen an impressive series of banknotes introduced to Uganda and it has produced the award-winning note in the competition for the IBNS Banknote of 2010. The IBNS congratulates the Bank of Uganda and De La Rue for its achievement.

India new 100-rupee variety reported

According to a press release dated 10 June 2011, the Reserve Bank of India will “shortly” issue a 100-rupee (US$2.25) note with L inset letter, 2011 date, and Subbarao’s signature.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

India new 10-rupee variety reported

According to a press release dated 10 June 2011, the Reserve Bank of India will “shortly” issue a 10-rupee (US$0.20) note with B inset letter and Subbarao’s signature.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

Canada new date (2010) 5-dollar note confirmed


5 dollars (US$4.75), 2010. Like P101A (“ISSUE OF 2006”) but new “PRINTED IN” date of 2010 at lower center on back and new signatures (W.P. Jenkins and M.J. Carney).

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla.

Belize chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Belize chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 18-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of Belize from 1974 to 1976, the Monetary Authority of Belize in 1980, and the Central Bank of Belize from 1983 to present. Revised 28.12.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Bohemia and Moravia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Bohemia and Moravia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 7-page catalog covers notes issued by the Protektorat Böhmen und Mähren (Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia) from 1940 to 1944, and the Nationalbank Für Böhmen und Mähren in Prag (National Bank for Bohemia and Moravia in Prague) from 1942 to 1944. Revised 1 October 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Liechtenstein chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Liechtenstein chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download to all.

This 1-page catalog covers notes issued by the Fürstentum Liechtenstein (Principality of Liechtenstein) in 1920. Revised 2 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Malawi chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Malawi chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 21-page catalog covers notes issued by the Reserve Bank of Malawi from 1964 to present. Revised 28 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Namibia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Namibia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 7-page catalog covers notes issued by the Namibia Reserve Bank in 1990, and the Bank of Namibia from 1993 to present. Revised 8 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Swaziland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Swaziland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Monetary Authority of Swaziland from 1974 to 1978, and the Central Bank of Swaziland from 1981 to present. Revised 28 November 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Iceland contemplating 10,000-króna banknote

According to an IceNews article dated 8 June 2011, Mar Gudmundsson, governor of Sedlabanki Islands (Central Bank of Iceland), believes the country needs a 10,000-króna (US$88) banknote following decades of inflation. Currently the 5,000-króna note (B816) is the largest denomination.

Brazil new signature 5-real note confirmed


5 reais (US$3.15), no date. Like P252, but new signatures (Guido Mantega and Alexandre Antonio Tombini). Intro: 2011.

Courtesy of Alexandre Costa.

Barbados new signature 10-dollar note confirmed


10 dollars (US$5), 1 MAY 2007. Like P68, but new signature (DeLisle Worrell).

Courtesy of Monetary Research Institute.

Falkland Islands new sig/date (01.01.2011) 10- and 20-pound notes reported

According to a confidential report dated 19 August 2010, the Commissioners of Currency are preparing new 10- and 20-pound banknotes, to be printed by De La Rue with Cornerstone watermarks, dated 1 January 2011, prefix B, and signatures of K. Padgett, M. C. Eccles, and L. M. Lyse.

Courtesy of Jonathan Callaway.

Barbados 30th anniversary 5-dollar commemorative confirmed


This 5-dollar note bears an overprint “To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Central Bank of Barbados” over the watermark area at left front, as well as a large gold foil 30 at center front. It was issued in a folder with the following text:

$5 Commemorative Banknote
A limited edition of this $5 note is being issued in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Central Bank of Barbados. Established by Act of Parliament on May 2, 1972, the Bank is charged with managing the countly's foreign reserves, regulating the money supply, mntaining the soundness of the financial system and generally implementing policies conducive to economic development.
The Bank issued the first national currency of Barbados during December 1973. It included notes in $1, $5, $10, $20 and $100 denominations and lc, 5c, lOc, and 25c coins. In 1979, the $1 note was replaced by a $1 coin while a $2 note and $50 note were introduced, respectively, in 1980 and 1989.
Over the years, the Bank has had a rich numismatic programme which has been sensitive to domestic culture and history as well as to social and economic trends at the international level. The 30th anniversary note is distinguished by the large print "30" in gold foil on the face of the note and the words "to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Central Bank of Barbados". This note bears the effigy of Sir Frank Worrell, a well-known Barbadian cricketer who died in 1967.

March 20 2002
Marion Williams
Governor

The overprint text on this $5 is similar to that which appears on the $100 note (Pick 53) commemorating the bank’s 25th anniversary, which makes me wonder if that note was issued for circulation, or if it also was issued in a folder, sold at a premium, and therefore rightly classified as a numismatic product. Does anyone have additional information about these two commemorative notes?

Courtesy of Tom Reid.


Albania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Albania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 28-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of Albania from 1926 to 1940, the Albanian State Bank from 1945 to 1992, and the Bank of Albania from 1992 to present. Revised 22 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Rwanda and Burundi chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Rwanda and Burundi chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque d’Emission du Rwanda et du Burundi (Issuing Bank of Rwanda and Burundi) from 1960 to 1963. Revised 3 December 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Slovenia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Slovenia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 16-page catalog covers notes issued by the Hranilnica Ljubljanske Pokrajine in 1944, Republika Slovenija (Republic of Slovenia) from 1990 to 1992, and Banka Slovenije (Bank of Slovenia) from 1992 to present. Revised 15 June 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Somaliland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Somaliland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 7-page catalog covers notes issued by the Baanka Somaliland (Bank of Somaliland) from 1994 to present. Revised 15 January 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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United Arab Emirates chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The United Arab Emirates chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the United Arab Emirates Currency Board from 1973 to 1976, and the United Arab Emirates Central Bank from 1982 to present. Revised 4 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Zaire chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Zaire chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque du Zaïre (Bank of Zaïre) from 1972 to 1996. Revised 12 July 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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LANSA web site has been revamped

The Latin American Paper Money Society was established in 1973 and is popularly known as LANSA. Current president Arthur C. Matz recently sent me this announcement which I am happy to share with visitors to BanknoteNews.com:

“Since 1973, LANSA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of collecting the paper money of Latin America. Please visit our new web site at www.latinamericanpapermoneysociety.org. You will see a totally new look. Thanks to our webmaster, Garry Saint, we now have a web site that will prove enjoyable and worthwhile to visit often. Click the Login link in the upper right corner of the home page, then click the Register link to create a free account which will grant you access to the entire site and all the features offered. There are no membership dues or fees of any kind. Just log in and enjoy!”

Philippines new sig/date (2011) 20-peso note confirmed


20 pesos (US$0.45), 2011. Like P182, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Ukraine new sig/date (2011) 50-hryvnia note (B850c) confirmed


50 гривень (hryven), 2011. Like B850b, but new date and new signature (Serhii Arbuzov). Intro: 1 June 2011.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Mykhaylo Kharytonov.

Nigeria new sig/date (2011) 100-naira note confirmed


100 naira (US$0.65), 2011. Like P28, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Congo Democratic Republic new 200-franc note confirmed


200 francs (US$0.45), 31.07.2007. Like Pick 95, but instead of the bank initials embossed on the silvery round patch at lower center on the front, the initials are printed; and the note is lithographed front and back. Furthermore, new date and new printer imprint (GIESECKE & DEVRIENT MUNICH). Imprint is in lower right corner on the back, below the denomination. It’s hard to read without a magnifying glass. Available in varieites with 1- or 2-character prefixes.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

United States new date (2006 A) 100-dollar note confirmed


100 dollars, 2006 A. Like P528, but new date (2006 A).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

United States new date (2009) 1-, 10-, and 20-dollar notes confirmed


All three above denominations are like preceding issues (P523, P525, and P526, respectively), but with new date (2009) and new signatures of Rosa Gumataotao Rios and Timothy Geithner.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Dollar ReDe$ign Project


In the same spirit as the Make your Franklin art project I wrote about recently, take a look at the Dollar ReDe$ign Project where artists offer their own new designs for the banknotes of the United States.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Denmark new 1,000-krone note confirmed


Dansmark National Bank unveiled the design of the new 1,000 krone (US$189) note issued 24 May 2011.

Confirmed with A0 prefix and the following signature combination (Hugo Frey Jensen and Lars Gerrild Sørensen):


Confirmed with A2 prefix and the following signature combinations:


The Great Belt Bridge
The Great Belt Bridge, consisting of the Eastern and Western sections was opened in 1998. The Eastern section links the island of Sprogø to Zealand and is 6,790 metres long. The Great Belt's Eastern Channel, spanned by the suspension bridge, has the status of international waters. The maximum vertical clearance is 65 metres. At 254 metres, the pylons are two of the highest points in Denmark.

The Sun Chariot
The Sun Chariot was found in September 1902 when Trundholm Bog in north-western Zealand was ploughed for the first time. It was made in the early Bronze Age in approximately 1400 BC. The elegant spiral ornamentation adorning the golden sun disc reveals its Nordic origins. The Sun Chariot demonstrates the belief that the sun was drawn on its eternal journey by a divine horse. However, the chariot is not intrinsic to this belief. Both the sun disc and horse are mounted on wheels to show the movement of the sun.

Courtesy of Jan Stuller, Sami Kiuru, Jens Luettschwager, and Haris Numismatik.

Argentina new 100-peso variety confirmed


100 pesos, no date. Like P357, but with both serial numbers printed horizontally in black, and without novel numbering (increasing in size). Series S. Signatures: Mercedes Marcó del Pont and Julio Cobos. Read the press release (in Spanish). Intro: December 2010.

Courtesy of William N. Keijzers.

Gambia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Gambia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by The Gambia Currency Board in 1964 and the Central Bank of The Gambia from 1971 to present. Revised 21 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Georgia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Georgia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 19-page catalog covers notes issued by the Republic of Georgia from 1919 to 1921, and the National Bank of Georgia from 1993 to present. Revised 29 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Guinea-Bissau chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Guinea-Bissau chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of Guinea-Bissau from 1975 to 1984, and the Central Bank of Guinea-Bissau from 1990 to 1993. Revised 9 July 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kyrgyzstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Kyrgyzstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Kyrgyz Republic in 1993 and the Kyrgyzstan Bank from 1993 to present. Revised 22.12.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Maldives chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Maldives chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 12-page catalog covers notes issued by the The Government of the Maldives from 1947 to 1980, and the Maldives Monetary Authority from 1983 to present. Revised 15.11.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Myanmar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Myanmar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers every note (26 types and varieties, including 7 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar from 1990 to present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Georgia 500-lari note information sought



While working on the Georgian chapter of The Banknote Book catalog, the authenticity of the above pictured 500-lari note dated 1995 came into question. The SCWPM lists this as Pick 60, without image, and indicates the note was unissued. The National Bank of Georgia makes no mention of this note on its site, although this denomination is listed in the annual report of 1998, which shows zero such notes in circulation, so it appears the denomination was anticipated but unissued for some reason. I’ve also been told that the note may have been issued for intrabank transactions only.

UPDATE: The National Bank of Georgia has confirmed that the 500-lari banknote was never in circulation nor sold for numismatics and that it is used only for souvenir purposes.

Palestine and Israel currency issues

There’s an interesting article on Hudson New York dated 25 May 2011 discussing the implications of Palestine attempting to declare independence from Israel and issue its own currency.

Indonesia passes bill to add finance minister's signature to banknotes

According to an article in The Jakarta Post dated 25 May 2011, the government and the House of Representatives agreed to pass a currency bill for final approval at the House plenary session on 31 May, despite the opposition of officials at Bank Indonesia. The bill would add the finance minister’s signature to banknotes beginning with the 69th anniversary of Independence Day on 17 August 2014.

Denmark new 500-krone note confirmed


500-krone (US$91.65), (20)10 and (20)11.
Blue and brown. Front: Urn holographic patch; Dronning Alexandrines Bro, bridge across Ulvsund, connecting Kalvehave on South Zealand with island of Møn. Back: 4th-centrury bronze pail from Keldby on island of Møn; map. Solid security thread and windowed Motion security thread. Watermark: Unknown and electrotype 500. Printer: Unknown. 155 x 72 mm. Intro: 15.02.2011.

Oddly enough, the (20)10 dated note has been confirmed with prefix A2, and the (20)11 dated notes have been confirmed with prefixes A0 and A1.

Confirmed with the following signature pairs:

Torben Nielsen, Governor; Lars Gerrild Sørensen, Head of Banking Services
Nils Bernstein, Governor; Lars Gerrild Sørensen, Head of Banking Services
Jens Thomesen, Governor; Lars Gerrild Sørensen, Head of Banking Services

Dronning Alexandrines Bro
The bridge Dronning Alexandrines Bro, also called the Møn Bridge, was opened in 1943. The bridge across Ulvsund connects Kalvehave on South Zealand with the island of Møn. Dronning Alexandrines Bro is 746 metres long and has a maximum vertical clearance of 26 metres.

The bronze pail
The bronze pail from Keldby on the island of Møn was unearthed by a plough near Trehøje in the period before 1826. It was probably made in the 4th or early 3rd century BC. Other pails closely resembling this pail have been found in the Thracian area of the Black Sea in Southern Ukraine. Judging by the clearly Greek inspired ornamentation and shape, the pail could have been made in Macedonia or the Greek Black Sea colonies.

Courtesy of Mark Pedersen, Jan Stuller, and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Chile new 1,000-peso polymer note (B296) confirmed

On 16 March 2011, the Central Bank of Chile unveiled the design of the new 1,000-peso note, of which a total of 34 million notes were issued on 11 May 2011, while the existing 140 million older notes of the same denomination currently in circulation will gradually be withdrawn. This note, the last denomination to be issued in the new series, is printed on polymer.



1,000 pesos (US$2.05)
Green. Front: Stylized sun in red-to-gold OVI; stylized corazón del copihue (heart of Chilean bellflower); Ignacio Carrera Pinto. Back: Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Simulated solid security thread with demetalized 1000 PESOS. Watermark: None. Printer: (NPA). 120 x 70 mm. Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Monetary Research Institute.



Uruguay new 100-peso uruguayo note signed by a woman confirmed


According to a Banco Central del Uruguay (BCU) press release dated 11 January 2011, Presidente Mario Bergara presented a new set of coins with designs based on native animals, and announced that a new series of notes began circulating. The notes are unique for Uruguay in that they are the first to carry the signature of a woman, Secretaria General Elizabeth Sonia Oria.

The only note depicted in the press release is the 100-pesos uruguayos (US$5) denomination, which is like P88, but dated 2011, series F, and printed by De La Rue instead of G&D, which printed the 2006 and 2008 dated notes from series D and E, respectively. However, MRI has reported that the following denominations will be issued when stocks of the current series are depleted:

20 pesos uruguayos Serie F 2011 Printed by De la Rue
50 pesos uruguayos Serie E 2011 Printed by De la Rue
500 pesos uruguayos Serie D 2009 Printed by Oberthur
1,000 pesos uruguayos Serie D 2011 Printed by Oberthur

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Venezuela new sig/date (03.09.2009) 100-bolívar note confirmed


100 bolívares (US$23), 3 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2009. Like P93, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Paraguay stolen 50,000-guaraní note (B850a) confirmed


The Central Bank of Paraguay reported that six boxes containing 250,000 new 50,000-guaranies notes were stolen during shipment by sea between France (where they were printed by François-Charles Oberthur) and Uruguay. The notes carry a “C” serial number prefix, have “50 MIL” in the upper left-hand corner, feature an intaglio-printed star below the watermark area, and are dated 2005 between the signatures or Ramon Arréllaga, Gerente General and Monica Perez, Presidenta. They were intended to enter circulation in early December 2006, but in response to the theft the Central Bank has canceled the emission of the “C” series in this denomination. The total value of the theft exceeds US$2.3 million.

UPDATE:
Some of these notes entered circulation before the theft was made public and are beginning to surface in the collectors’ market at prices up to US$200. Krause assigned this note Pick 231, but the listing in the current SCWPM shows the wrong image and has the date incorrect as 2007. Furthermore, the SCWPM is also wrong indicating that P232 is dated 2008 (it’s really 2007), and that it was not released.

Courtesy of Central Bank of Paraguay.

Uruguay new sig/date (2011) D series 1,000-peso uruguayo note confirmed



1,000 pesos uruguayos (US$53), 2011. Like P91, but new date, serie D, new signatures, new printer imprint (OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES), and new screen trap background pattern (compare details at right of serial number from C and D series).

Courtesy of Shibu Paul (www.ebanknoteshop.com).

United States 100-dollar note gets remade as part of Make your Franklin art project


The US BEP is having trouble producing the next generation of 100-dollar notes, but that hasn’t stopped artists around the world from creating their own interesting designs as part of the Make your Franklin art project. Most are pretty whimsical, but some designs are actually rather intriguing. Take a look and have fun finding your favorite.

Courtesy of Wilson Chow.

India to enhance security features of banknotes soon

According to a Financial Chronicle article dated 23 May 2011, the Reserve Bank of India will soon issue new banknotes of all denominations with enhanced security features and the new currency symbol for the rupee. Although the date of intro of the notes hasn’t been revealed, newly designed coins with the new symbol are expected in July.

Malaysia to issue new banknotes in 2012

According to a press release dated 23 May 2011, “Bank Negara Malaysia is pleased to announce that a new series design of Malaysian banknotes and coins will be issued for circulation in early 2012, an exercise that is undertaken periodically every twelve years. The theme of the design of the new currency series will include features that are distinctively Malaysia. It will also have enhanced security elements in line with the latest advancements in technology for currency notes.

The new fourth series design of banknotes will be featured in the denomination of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20 and RM100. The current design of the RM50 banknote already in circulation since December 2007 to commemorate Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary of Independence will continue to remain in circulation. The new design coins are the third in the series for the denominations of 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. This new series of banknotes and coins will co-circulate with the existing series until the latter are gradually withdrawn from circulation.

In preparation for the issuance of the new currency series, Bank Negara Malaysia will be working closely with financial institutions, businesses and cash handling vendors to ensure a smooth transition to the new series. Vendors of cash handling machines will be given six months to calibrate their machines to ensure public convenience for the use of the new currency.

As part of the effort to increase public awareness on the new currency series, Bank Negara Malaysia will issue the commemorative coins for the third series and unveil the new fourth series banknotes design in the third quarter of 2011.“

Courtesy of Wilson Chow.

Haiti new date (2008 and 2010) varieties confirmed


10 gourdes (US$0.25), 2010. Like P272, but new date and signatures: Charles Castel, Philippe W. Lahens, and Marc Hébert Ignace.


50 gourdes (US$1.25), 2010. Like P274b, but new date.


250 gourdes (US$6.20), 2008. Like P276, but new date and signatures.

All three denominations also have Cornerstone watermarks, indicating they were printed by DLR without imprint.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Thomas Krause.

Icelandic banknote curator accused of stealing museum's notes

According to an IceNews article dated 21 May 2011, the curator of Islandsbanki’s old banknotes was arrested and accused of stealing notes from the bank’s museum and attempting to sell them to collectors.

Philippines new date (2011) 1,000-peso note confirmed


1,000 pesos (US$23.20), 2011. Like P197, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Samoa chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Samoa chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Central Bank of Samoa from 1985 to present. Revised 26 June 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kazakhstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Kazakhstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 20-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of Kazakhstan from 1993 to present. Revised 25.10.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Jersey chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Jersey chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the States of Jersey from 1941 to present. Revised 22 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 16-page catalog covers notes issued by the Gouvernement Général de l’A.O.F. - Colonie de la Guinée Française (Government General of French West Africa - Colony of French Guinea) from 1917 to 1920, the Banque de la République de Guinée (Bank of the Republic of Guinea) in 1958, and the Banque Centrale de la République de Guinée (Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea) from 1960 to present. Revised 22 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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German Democratic Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The German Democratic Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 13-page catalog covers notes issued by the Deutsche Rentenbank (German Treasury) in 1948, the Deutsche Notenbank (German Note-Issuing Bank) from 1948 to 1955, the Deutsche Notenbank DDR in 1964, and the Staatsbank der DDR (State Bank of the German Democratic Republic) from 1964 to 1999. Revised 25 November 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Federal Republic of Germany chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Federal Republic of Germany chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank deutscher Länder (Bank of the German States) from 1948 to 1949, and the Deutsche Bundesbank (German Central Bank) from 1960 to 1998. Revised 4 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Bahrain chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Bahrain chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 9-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bahrain Currency Board in 1964, the Bahrain Monetary Agency from 1973 to 2001, and the Central Bank of Bahrain from 2006 to present. Revised 24 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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European Monetary Union 50-euro note oddity reported



Does anyone have any information about this 50-euro (Pick 4) note which appears to have CC3 printed near the 50 denomination in the lower right rear? The person reporting this note says it appears the CC3 was printed at the same time as the rest of the note, not as an overprint, but it’s hard to confirm based upon the scans provided. In any event, if you’ve seen other such notes or have any ideas on how/why it was created and what it’s worth, please post a comment.

UPDATE: Thomas Krause recommends this web site which shows hundreds of different stamps applied to euro notes.

Switzerland new sig/date (2008) 10-franc varieties confirmed


10 francs (US$11.35), (20)08. Like P67, but new date and member signatures (Roth and Jordan).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Gibraltar new note family now complete

With the introduction of the £5, £20 and £100 denominations on 11 May 2011, Gibraltar’s new family of banknotes is now complete.



B30 (PNL): 5 pounds (US$7.20)
Green. Front: Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms of castle with key. Back: Upper Ward and Tower of Homage of the Moorish castle. Windowed security thread with demetalized 5. Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II, electrotype £5, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). Unknown dimensions. 1st JANUARY 2011. Signature 14. Intro: 11.05.2011.



B31 (PNL): 10 pounds (US$14.45)
Blue. Front: Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms of castle with key. Back: Artist John Trumbull’s “The Sortie Made by the Garrison of Gibraltar” depicting Spanish and English troops fighting and General George Eliott with officers attending to the dying Don José de Barboza during The Great Siege, 1779-83; General Eliot; rifles. Windowed security thread with demetalized 10. Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II, electrotype £10, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 141 x 75 mm. 1st JANUARY 2010. Sig. 14. Intro: 08.07.2010.



B32 (PNL): 20 pounds (US$28.90)
Orange and purple. Front: Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms of castle with key. Back: HMS VICTORY RETURNING TO GIBRALTAR being towed by HMS Neptune after the Battle of Trafalgar. Windowed security thread with demetalized 20. Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II, electrotype £20, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). Unknown dimensions. 1st JANUARY 2011. Signature 14. Intro: 11.05.2011.


B33 (PNL): 50 pounds (US$72.25)
Red and brown. Front: Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms of castle with key. Back: Casemates Square buildings. Windowed security thread with demetalized 50. Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II, electrotype £50, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). Unknown dimensions. 1st JANUARY 2010. Sig. 14. Intro: 08.07.2010.



B34 (PNL): 100 pounds (US$144.50)
Purple. Front: Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms of castle with key. Back: King’s Bastion. Optiks security thread. Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II, electrotype £100, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). Unknown dimensions.
1st JANUARY 2011. Signature 14. Intro: 11.05.2011.


The above images come from the official Know Your New Gibraltar Banknotes PDF which contains additional information. The notes were released into circulation in two phases, the £10 and £50 on 08.07.2010 and the £5, £20 and £100 on 11.05.2011.

Courtesy of Marcus Jansson, Antje Ryberg, Ömer Yalcinkaya, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Euro notes contain rare earth elements for luminescence

According to an article on SmarterScience, euro banknotes use a rare earth element known as europium to enhance the luminescence of anti-counterfeiting features.

Courtesy of Richard Bonkowski.

Justine Smith uses banknotes to create art


Check out “The Money Sculptures of Justine Smith” on OddityCentral for a fascinating look at how artist Justine Smith is using real banknotes to create interesting art. Did you recognize the banknotes of Myanmar on the pistol above?

Switzerland new sig/date (2008) 20-franc varieties confirmed


20 francs (US$22.70), (20)08. Like P69, but new date and member signatures (Jordan and Hildebrand).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Biafra chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Biafra chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Biafra from 1968 to 1969. Revised 10 January 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Cook Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Cook Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for free.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of Cook Islands from 1894 to present. Revised 6 February 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Eritrea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Eritrea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 6-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Eritrea from 1997 to present. Revised 22 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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French Pacific Territories chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The French Pacific Territories chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by the Institut d’Emission d’Outre-Mer (Overseas Issuing Institute) from 1986 to present. Revised 25 February 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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French Sudan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The French Sudan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download to all.

This 1-page catalog covers notes issued by the Gouvernement Général de l’A.O.F. - Soudan Français (Government General of French West Africa - French Sudan) in 1917. Revised 16 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Gabon chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Gabon chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Centrale (Central Bank) from 1971, and Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) from 1974. Revised 2 August 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Malaya and British Borneo chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Malaya and British Borneo chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 5-page catalog covers every note (25 types and varieties) issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency from 1953 until 1967. Revised 4 September 2011.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Panama chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Panama chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Republic of Panama in 1933 and the Banco Central de Emision de la Republica de Panama (Central Bank of Issue of the Republic of Panama) in 1941. Revised 09.09.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Qatar & Dubai chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Qatar & Dubai chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for free.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Qatar & Dubai Currency Board from 1966 to 1973. Revised 25 January 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Saint Helena chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Saint Helena chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of St. Helena from 1976 to present. Revised 4 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Upper Senegal and Niger chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Upper Senegal and Niger chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download to all.

This 2-page catalog covers notes issued by the Gouvernement Général de l’A.O.F. - Haut-Sénégal - Niger (Government General of French West Africa - Upper Senegal and Niger) in 1917. Revised 23 October 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Botswana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Botswana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Botswana from 1976 to present. Revised 24 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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British Caribbean Territories chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The British Caribbean Territories chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 7-page catalog covers notes issued by the British Caribbean Currency Board from 1950 to 1964. Revised 28.12.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Comoros chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Comoros chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Republique Française Colonies Postes (French Republic Colonial Post) in 1920, the Banque de Madagascar et des Comores (Bank of Madagascar and Comoros) from 1960 to 1963, the Institut d’Émission des Comores from 1975 to 1976, and the Banque Centrale des Comores (Central Bank of Comoros) from 1986 to present. Revised 2 August 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Gibraltar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Gibraltar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 11-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of Gibraltar from 1914 to present. Revised 2 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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Papua New Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Papua New Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 18-page catalog covers every note (114 types and varieties, including 34 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Bank of Papua New Guinea from 1975 to present day. Revised 4 September 2012.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Sri Lanka chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Sri Lanka chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka from 1987 to present. Revised 15.11.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Vanuatu chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Vanuatu chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Centrale de Vanuatu (Central Bank of Vanuatu) from 1982 to 1989, and the Banque de Reserve de Vanuatu (Reserve Bank of Vanuatu) from 1993 to present. Revised 21 July 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Zimbabwe's inflationary notes selling well to curious collectors

There’s an excellent article in The Wall Street Journal about how Zimbabwe’s large-denomination banknotes are selling well to collectors as well as the general public curious about the huge number of zeros on these inflationary issues. Be sure to read it soon as I seem to recall that the WSJ blocks access to articles after a few days.

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Malaysia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Malaysia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 16-page catalog covers every note (102 types and varieties, including 17 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) from 1967 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Zambia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Zambia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 21-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Zambia from 1963 to present. Revised 19 February 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

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Zimbabwe chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Zimbabwe chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 28-page catalog covers notes issued by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe from 1980, and the Cargill Cotton Group from 2003 to present. Revised 6 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

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Israel chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Israel chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 25-page catalog covers notes issued by Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited from 1948, the State of Israel from 1948, Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. (Israel National Bank Ltd.) from 1952, and the Bank of Israel from 1955 to present. Revised 8 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Aruba chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Aruba chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Centrale Bank van Aruba from 1986 to present. Revised 09.09.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

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Belarus chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Belarus chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus from 1992 to present. Revised 26 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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Cayman Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Cayman Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Cayman Islands Currency Board from 1971, and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority from 1998 to present. Revised 01.01.2019.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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Chad chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Chad chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 6-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Centrale from 1971, and the Banque de États de l'Afrique Centrale from 1974 until 1992. Revised 12 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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“Sign

Croatia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Croatia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 13-page catalog covers notes issued by the Independent State of Croatia from 1941, Croatian National Bank from 1943, Republic of Croatia from 1991, National Bank of Croatia from 1993, and Croatian National Bank from 2001. Revised 19 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Guyana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Guyana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Guyana from 1965 to present. Revised 21 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Singapore new 10-dollar variety confirmed


10 dollars (US$7.70), no date. Like P48, but new signature and now with two triangles below SPORTS on back. This denomination has been previously confirmed with no symbol, one or two squares, or one triangle in the same location.

Courtesy of Tan Wei Jie.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2009) 1-riyal note (B130b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2009.00.00_B130b_P31_492_323420_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2009.00.00_B130b_P31_492_323420_r
Like B130a, but new date (١٤٣٠/2009) and new signatures (Muhammad Al-Jaser and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Algeria new 2,000-dinar note confirmed



PNL 2,000 dinars (US$27.55)
Greenish-blue and brown. Front: University professor lecturing students in amphitheater; satellite; double-helix DNA strand; three researchers in scientific laboratory with microscope and beakers. Back: Wheat; palm tree; body of water; urban high-rise buildings; olive tree. 13-mm wide LEAD holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text. Watermark: Emir Abdelkader pattern. Printer: Unknown. 160 x 70 mm. 2011-03-24. Signature Unknown. Intro: 28.04.2011.

Read the Magharebia story dated 4 May 2011, “Algeria issues 2,000-dinar banknote.”

Courtesy of Yves Courtemanche and Jean-Michel Engels.

Suriname new date (01.05.2009) 20-dollar note confirmed

20 dollars (US$6.05), 1 MEI 2009 (01.05.2009). Like P159, but new date and the translucent band has been moved to the back.

If anyone has the 50- or 100-dollar denominations in this series with the new date, please send scans of same.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

India new date (2011) 20-rupee note without inset letter confirmed

20 rupees (US$0.45), 2011. Like P96, but new date and signature (Subba Rao).

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Sri Lanka new series numismatic product confirmed


The Central bank of Sri Lanka issued a set of all six notes from the new 2010 series with matching serial numbers in a special folder with descriptive text.

Courtesy of Dilminidu Samarasekara.

Mongolia new 10- and 20-tögrög notes (B430a, B431a) confirmed

Mongolia_MB_10_togrog_2009.00.00_B430a_P62e_AF_7353045_fMongolia_MB_10_togrog_2009.00.00_B430a_P62e_AF_7353045_r
Like B418b, but new date (2009), new signature (L. Purevdorj), and script to left of signature. Intro: March 2011.

Mongolia_MB_20_togrog_2009.00.00_B431a_P63e_AF_4922635_fMongolia_MB_20_togrog_2009.00.00_B431a_P63e_AF_4922635_r
Like B420b, but new date (2009), new signature (L. Purevdorj), and script to left of signature. Intro: March 2011.

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.


Belarus new 50- and 50,000-ruble notes confirmed

On 29 December 2010, the National Bank of Belarus introduced new 50- and 50,000-ruble banknotes to bring the inscriptions on the notes into compliance with the new rules of Belarusian spelling and punctuation. The images, colors, and sizes of the notes remain consistent with the preceding issues of the same denominations dated 2000 (P25 and P32, respectively) which circulate in parallel.

The modified 50-ruble notes have the following differences: no security thread and the spelling of the word ПЯЦДЗЯСЯТ instead of ПЯЦДЗЕСЯТ.



The modified 50,000-ruble notes have replaced the solid security thread for a 2-mm wide windowed security thread. In addition, it has the changed spelling of ПЯЦДЗЯСЯТ instead of ПЯЦДЗЕСЯТ.



Courtesy of Vitali Khaletsk, Rui Manuel Palhares, and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Nigeria new sig 20-naira note confirmed


20 naira (US$0.12), 2010. Like P34, but new signatures (Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Muhammad Nda).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Suriname new date (01.05.2009) 5-dollar note confirmed

5 dollars (US$1.50), 1 MEI 2009 (01.05.2009). Like P157, but new date and the translucent band has been moved to the back.

If anyone has the 50- or 100-dollar denominations in this series with the new date, please send scans of same.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

India new date (2011) 100-rupee note without inset letter confirmed


100 rupees (US$2), 2011. Like P98, but new date and no inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Suriname new date (01.11.2004) varieties confirmed

New date (1 NOVEMBER 2004) varieties have been confirmed for the 10-, 20-, and 50-dollar notes from the Centrale Bank Van Suriname (Pick 157-159, respectively). All of these have the same signature of André E. Telting as the notes dated 1 JANUARI 2004. If anyone has the 5- or 100-dollar note with the new date, please send scans so it too can be confirmed.

Please note that I am currently working on the Suriname chapter of my catalog and seeking assistance from anyone with a strong collection of notes issued before the creation of the central bank. If you want to help, click the Contact button in the left-hand menu.

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla.

India new date (2011) 10-rupee note with A inset letter confirmed


10 rupees (US$0.20), 2011. Like P95, but new date and A inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Indonesia new sig/date (2011) 2,000-rupiah note confirmed


2,000 rupiah (US$0.25), 2011. Like note of same denomination dated 2009 (unlisted in 17th edition of SCWPM), but new date and signatures (Darmin Nasution, Gubernur; S. Budi Rochadi, Deputi Gubernur).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Charles Hunt.

Swaziland new 100- and 200-lilangeni confirmed


B36 (PNL): 100 emalangeni (US$14.70)
Brown. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; green-to-blue OVI shield and spears. Back: Elephant, rhinoceros, lion, flowers, and bird; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 100. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 157 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 10b. Intro: 01.11.2010.


B37 (PNL): 200 emalangeni (US$29.40)
Green. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; green-to-blue OVI shield and spears. Back: Straw huts; two goats; warrior; rock formation; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 200. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 160 x 70 mm.
6.9.2010. Signature 10b. Intro: 2011.

Central Bank of Swaziland Governor, Mr. Martin G. Dlamini has announced that the new series of banknotes with upgraded security features will be released to the public on the 1st November 2010.

The Governor stated that although all the banknotes have been upgraded (E10, E20, E50, E100 and E200), the denominations will be released at intervals of six months, starting with the E100 (One Hundred Emalangeni).

“It is important to clarify from the onset that the new banknotes will be used together with the old notes,” he said.

The Governor further explained that banknote security technology had advanced significantly since the issuing of the current series of notes in 1999. “In addition to ensuring that these banknotes are produced with the best technology in line with the highest international standards, we have also ensured that the new notes are a creative expression of our heritage as a nation,” he said. “We gave a lot of thought to making our new printed currency one that we can all identify with as a reflection of our own lives.”

The Governor appealed to the public to familiarize themselves with the new notes by paying close attention to the security features. “We encourage you to know and understand your money so that you can trust it,” he said.

Click here to download the bank’s official brochure describing these two new notes.

Courtesy of Ny Andry Ranaivosolo, Hermann Huber, and Leszek Porowski.

Colombia new 2,000-peso note with Braille confirmed


On 28 December 2010, the Banco de la República Colombia introduced a new 2,000-peso (US$1.10) note which is like P457, but with the number 2 expressed in Braille over the watermark on the front left, to facilitate the use of the notes by the sight impaired. The 50,000-peso note (P455) has had the number 50 embossed in Braille to the left of the serial number ever since it was first introduced in 2001. The bank intends to add Braille to all the other denominations over time.

Courtesy of David F. Cieniewicz.