Like B225a, but new signatures. Prefix A/7.

Courtesy of Ivan Bogdanov (bonistics.org) and Yuri Minkin (yuri111 on eBay).

Tags: Solomon Islands

According to a press release dated 24 May 2019, in June the Central Bank of Samoa planned to introduce a 10-tala note commemorating the XVI Pacific Games hosted in Apia, Samoa from 7 to 20 July 2019. The notes are printed on De La Rue’s Safeguard polymer substrate.



Courtesy of Aidan Work, Andrew Randall, and Don Ludwig.

Tags: Samoa, Polymer

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Australia, Polymer

According to a press release dated 25 April 2019, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands planned to introduce the country’s new 5-dollar polymer note on 2 May 2019 in conjunction with the United Nations World Tuna Day.




Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online) and Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org).

Tags: Solomon Islands, Polymer

According to various sources, the new 50-dollar note (B233a) issued on 18 October 2018 contains a typo in the microprinting. Specifically, the back of the note contains Edith Cowan’s first speech to parliament in microtext above her shoulder, in which the word “responsibility” is repeatedly misspelled as “responsibilty” without the third “i” at the end of the word. The Reserve Bank of Australia has acknowledged the error and plans to fix same in the next print run.



Courtesy of Ron Cruickshank.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Like B228l, but new date (2016) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Mauricio Diaz-Chavarro.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Like B105a, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

This 500-vatu note commemorates the 2017 South Pacific Mini Games hosted by Vanuatu from 4 to 15 December 2017.




Courtesy of Don Ludwig, Jerome Deschamps, and KK Lim ().

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

According to a press release dated 22 February 2019, the Reserve Bank of Australia plans to introduce a new 20-dollar note (B232) in October 2019.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Like B106a, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

Like B134, but reduced in size.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

According to a press release, on 17 November 2018 the Bank of Papua New Guinea introduced a 100-kina banknote to commemorate the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, an inter-governmental forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.




Courtesy of KK Lim (), Andrew Randall, Don Ludwig, and Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

According to a press release, the Reserve Bank of Australia introduced a new 50-dollar note on 18 October 2018.



Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Like B138, but reduced size (145 x 70 mm).

Courtesy of Don Ludwig and Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

Like B216c, but new signatures. Prefix X/1 (replacement).

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Tags: Solomon Islands

According to a Central Bank of the Solomon Islands press release dated 5 July 2018 as well as a De La Rue press release of the same date, on 7 July 2018, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands introduced a new legal tender 40-dollar polymer banknote and 2-dollar colored coin to commemorate the 40th anniversary of independence. 100,000 notes were printed by De La Rue, and the coins were minted by the Royal Australian Mint. The theme of the note is a celebration of independence with the phrase “A call to the nation to come together as one and move forward.”





Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Paul Nahmias, Aidan Work, and www.polymernotes.org.

Tags: Solomon Islands, Polymer

According to an article on SIBC, on 10 May 2018 the Central Bank of Solomon Islands announced plans to introduce a new 40-dollar note and 2-dollar coin to commemorate the country’s 40th anniversary of independence. Both are currently in production and are expected to be received in time for introduction in July.

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias.

Tags: Solomon Islands

According to a 15 February 2018 press release, the Reserve Bank of Australia has unveiled the design of a new 50-dollar polymer note to be introduced in October 2018.





Courtesy of Trevor Wilkin.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

According to a 6 December 2017 press release, the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands has issued a new 10-dollar note, the world’s first legal tender “gold coin note” (0.5 grams of .999 fine gold; worth approximately US$20 at spot price upon introduction). 20,000 pieces were produced in collaboration with the World Coin Association and MDM Group, a company based in Germany.




Courtesy of Petar Blagojevic.

Tags: Solomon Islands

According to an article in the Solomon Star News dated 29 November 2017, the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands has introduced a new 10-dollar note printed by De La Rue.



Courtesy of Igor Tereshkov.

Tags: Solomon Islands

The New Caledonia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 25-page catalog covers notes issued by the Compagnie de la Nouvelle-Calédonie Banque, the Banque de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, the Banque de l'Indo-Chine, and the Trésorerie de Nouméa, and the Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer. Published 15.12.2017.

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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Tags: New Caledonia, French Pacific Territories

According to a press release dated 11 December 2017, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has appointed Adrian Orr to a five-year term as Reserve Bank Governor, effective 27 March 2018. Orr takes over from Grant Spencer, acting governor from 27 September 2017.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Tags: New Zealand

The Keeling-Cocos Island 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 Clunies-Ross family on Keeling-Cocos Islands from 1879 to 1902. Published 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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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Tags: Keeling-Cocos Islands

According to an article in the Vanuatu Daily Post, on 27 October 2017 the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu introduced a new 500-vatu polymer note (B210) that completes the new note family.



Courtesy of Aidan Work and Harry Lin (林琳斌).

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

Courtesy of Harry Lin (林琳斌).

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

According to a press release, the Reserve Bank of Australia has introduced a new 10-dollar note (B231) on 20 September 2017.



Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

The Hawaii 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 Department of Finance from 1879 to 1899. Published 15 September 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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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Tags: Hawaii, United States

According to an article in the Vanuatu Daily Post dated 13 July 2017, the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu planned to introduce a new 5,000-vatu note (B213) on 28 July 2017, followed by a new 500-vatu note (B210) in November or December 2017. Both new notes are printed on polymer substrate by Note Printing Australia.



Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Claudio Marana.

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

B114b: Like B114a, but new signature. Prefix ZZ is replacement.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong (http://paperbanknotes.blogspot.com).

Tags: Samoa

B115c: Like B115b, but new signature. Prefix ZZ is replacement.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong (http://paperbanknotes.blogspot.com).

Tags: Samoa

B133c: Like B133b, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Samoa

According to a press release dated 18 April 2017, the Reserve Bank of Fiji has unveiled a new 7-dollar note and 50-cent coin commemorating Fiji Rugby 7s gold medal win at the 2016 Summer Olympics (XXXI) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 5 August to 21 August 2016.

Despite the odd denomination, the note is legal tender. Two million notes were printed by Oberthur Fiduciaire and one million coins were struck by the Royal Canadian Mint. The notes and coins were introduced into circulation on 21 April 2017.


B531 (PNL): 7 dollars (US$3.40)
Blue. Front (vertical): English text; Fijian flag; Olympic coach Ben Ryan sitting on Sigatoka Sand Dunes; Olympic captain Osea Kolinisau running with ball; gold medal and RBF logo in OVI; coat of arms. Back: English text; Fiji Rugby 7s Gold Olympians with Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and team officials; domodomo; bank logo. 2-mm wide STARsheen windowed security thread with demetalized FIJI 7s GOLD OLYMPIANS. Watermark: Savenaca Rawaca running with ball. Printer: (Oberthur Fiduciaire). 140 x 67 mm.
a. No date. Sig. 4. Prefix AU. Intro: 21.04.2017.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong, Aidan Work, and Aditya Kulkarni.

Tags: Fiji

B117b: Like B117a, but new signatures. Prefix RE.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Samoa

B119b: Like B119a, but new signatures. Prefix JD.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Samoa

Like B135, but physically smaller (130 x 70 mm), new date (2016), and new signatures. Prefix AA - AF.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org) and Igor Tereshkov.

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

Like B223a, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Fred Fakarii). Prefix A/5.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Tags: Solomon Islands

According to a press release, on 3 January 2017 the Bank of Papua New Guinea reportedly introduced a new 5-kina note like B135, but smaller than 148 x 73 mm. Also, the bank intends to issue smaller 2-, 50-, and 100-kina notes in 2017 and 2018.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

According to a press release dated 17 February 2017, the Reserve Bank of Australia has unveiled the design of the new 10-dollar polymer note scheduled for introduction in September 2017.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias.

Tags: Solomon Islands

According to a press release dated 12 January 2017, the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands intends to introduce a new 20-dollar note with new features, dimensions (140 x 66 mm), and sophistication in design, durability, and security. The notes, printed by De La Rue, will be launched on 20 January, but won’t enter circulation until 23 January.

Courtesy of Andrew Randall.

Tags: Solomon Islands

B229e: Like B229d, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias.

Tags: Australia

B255j: Like B225h, but new signatures and new date (2015). Prefix BA - EA.

This note dated 2014 is reported by the RBA, but has not yet been confirmed with scans of notes from circulation.

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

The Reserve Bank of Australia introduced a new polymer 5-dollar note on 1 September 2016, the first in a new series.

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias and Andrew Randall.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

According to a press release, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand introduced its new 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes on 16 May 2016. This completes the new family of notes; the 5- and 10-dollar notes were issued on 12 October 2015.










Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

According to an announcement on the IBNS web site, New Zealand's 5-dollar note (B137) has been chosen by the IBNS Membership as the Banknote of 2015.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

According to a press release dated 12 April 2016, the Reserve Bank of Australia has released images of the new 5-dollar banknote that will be introduced on 1 September 2016.



"The images show the basic design artwork of each side of the banknote. As previously announced, key aspects of the existing design – color, size and people portrayed – are retained for ease of recognition and to minimize the disruption to businesses. There is a new ‘tactile’ feature to help the vision-impaired community distinguish between different denominations of banknotes."

Governor Glenn Stevens said, "Innovative new security features have been incorporated to help keep Australia’s banknotes secure from counterfeiting into the future. As can be seen in the images, these include a distinctive top-to-bottom window. Each banknote in the new series will depict a different species of Australian wattle and a native bird within a number of the elements. On the $5 banknote, these are the Prickly Moses wattle and the Eastern Spinebill."

Tags: Australia, Polymer

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

This 42-page catalog covers notes issued by the Kingdom of Fiji Treasury, Fiji Banking & Commercial Company, Government of Fiji, Central Monetary Authority of Fiji, and Reserve Bank of Fiji from 1986 to present. Revised 24.01.2019.

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
• 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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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

Tags: Fiji

500 naira (US$4.30), 2009. Like P30, but new date, new signatures (Lamido Aminu Sanusi, GOVERNOR; Benjamin C. Onyido, DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY AND BRANCH OPERATIONS), and new titles.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

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

This 27-page catalog covers notes issued by the Trésor Colonial from 1890 to 1900, Caisse Agricole de Papeete from 1880, Banque de l’Indo-Chine from 1905 to 1963, Institut d’Emission d’Outre-Mer from 1969 to 1985, Chambre de Commerce from 1919, Banque André Krajewski from 1919 to 1920, Etablissements Français Libres de l’Océanie from 1941 to 1942, and Etablissements Français de l’Océanie from 1943. Published 22 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: French Oceania, Tahiti

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

This 35-page catalog covers notes issued by the Commonwealth of Australia from 1913 to 1954 and the Reserve Bank of Australia from 1960 to present. Revised 18 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

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

This 13-page catalog covers notes notes issued by the Government of Samoa from 1915-1920, Territory of Western Samoa from 1922-1959, Bank of Western Samoa from 1960-1967, and Monetary Board of Western Samoa from 1980-1984. Published 27 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: Western Samoa

According to a press release dated 9 October 2015, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has introduced new 5- and 10-dollar notes (B137 and B138, respectively).







Courtesy of Greg Quinn, Dennis Zammit, and Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

B216b: Like B216, but new signatures. Prefix B, C.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Tags: Tonga

On 29 June 2015, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga introduced an upgraded family of six banknotes all printed by De La Rue. The new notes feature the portrait of the new king, Tupou VI. The notes will be issued in the coming months to commemorate the king's coronation to be held 4 July 2015. Sets with matched serial numbers will be issued in a folder as a numismatic product.



B219 (PNL): 2 pa’anga (US$1)
Light red. Front: King Tupou VI; coat of arms. Back: Whale leaping out of water; medallion. 1.4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou VI, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.
a. No date. Signature 8. Prefix A. Intro: 29.06.2015.



B220 (PNL): 5 pa’anga (US$2.50)
Purple. Front: King Tupou VI; coat of arms. Back: Langi; medallion. 1.4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou VI, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.
a. No date. Signature 8. Prefix A. Intro: 29.06.2015.



B221 (PNL): 10 pa’anga (US$5.05)
Blue. Front: King Tupou VI; coat of arms. Back: Royal tomb; medallion. 2.0-mm red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou VI, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.
a. No date. Signature 8. Prefix A. Intro: 29.06.2015.



B222 (PNL): 20 pa’anga (US$10)
Brown. Front: King Tupou VI; coat of arms. Back: NRBT building; medallion. 2.0-mm red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou VI, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.
a. No date. Signature 8. Prefix A. Intro: 29.06.2015.



B223 (PNL): 50 pa’anga (US$25)
Light green and yellow. Front: King Tupou VI; coat of arms. Back: Royal Palace building; medallion. Optiks security thread. Watermark: King Tupou VI, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.
a. No date. Signature 8. Prefix A. Intro: 29.06.2015.



B224 (PNL): 100 pa’anga (US$50)
Cherry red and white. Front: King Tupou VI; coat of arms. Back: Vava’u Harbor; medallion. Optiks security thread. Watermark: King Tupou VI, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.
a. No date. Signature 8. Prefix A. Intro: 29.06.2015.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Tags: Tonga

James Pickering of e-worldbanknotes.com standing beside new Tongan notes and coins.

On 29 June 2015, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga introduced an upgraded family of six banknotes all printed by De La Rue. The new notes feature the portrait of the new king, Tupou VI. The notes will be issued in the coming months to commemorate the king's coronation to be held 4 July 2015. Sets with matched serial numbers will be issued in a folder as a numismatic product.

Courtesy of James Pickering (e-worldbanknotes.com) and Cleo Phas.

Tags: Tonga

According to a press release, the Bank of Papua New Guinea has issued a new 20-kina note to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the country with a special overprint of the 40th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea Independence and the National Bird of Paradise image above the Parliament House. They are physically smaller (135 x 70 mm) than the preceding issues, but otherwise the designs remain unchanged except for the addition of an Optical Variable Image (OVI) at upper right front that exhibits three transitional colors when the notes are tilted.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun.

Tags: Papua New Guinea

According to a press release, these 10-kina notes were issued to commemorate the XV Pacific Games with a special overprint of the XV Pacific Games logo in yellow, red, green, black and blue in color located above the Parliament House. They are physically smaller (135 x 70 mm) than the preceding issues, but otherwise the designs remain unchanged except for the addition of an Optical Variable Image (OVI) at upper right front that exhibits three transitional colors when the notes are tilted.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun.

Tags: Papua New Guinea

According to a press release dated 21 May 2015, the Bank of Papua New Guinea will issue new 10- and 20-kina commemorative banknotes, both resized as part of the reform process undertaken by the bank to standardize the size of Papua New Guinea banknotes. The 10-kina banknote incorporates a special overprint of the XV Pacific Games logo in yellow, red, green, black and blue in color located above the Parliament House, whereas the 20-kina note incorporates a special overprint of the 40th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea Independence and the National Bird of Paradise image above the Parliament House. A 50-toea coin will also be issued 21 May 2015 to commemorate the Pacific Games.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Thomas Krause (www.polymernotes.de).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

Like B220, but revised design. Intro: 10 April 2015.

The following is a press release from De La Rue:

10 April 2015: A new $100 designed and printed in close collaboration with De La Rue has been launched by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands. This is the second denomination of the new family of notes following the $50 launched in September 2013 .
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has today issued their new $100 banknote. In keeping with the new $50, this new note uses strong images and bold colours to reflect the vibrancy of the islands.
The overall theme of the note is rural life, depicting particularly the coconut as a major source of income in the rural Solomon Islands. On the front of the note, the abstract pattern work is based on a geometrical design and represents the swirling movement of shoals of fish whilst images portraying rural livelihood, social and economic activities in rural Solomon Islands are shown on the back.
As on the $50, the most prominent security feature is the Optiks™ super wide security thread with a transparent window. This Optiks technology was recognised in 2013 when De La Rue received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation for the thread and its associated paper making process.
On the occasion of the launch of the new $100, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands Denton Rarawa commented “This beautiful banknote is the result of the continued close collaboration between the Central Bank and De La Rue. We thank them for their contribution to the launch of this new note, the second note of our new banknote series”.
De La Rue’s Sales Director Ruth Euling said ”We are delighted to see the issue of this new note and are proud of our continued association with the Solomon Islands, a relationship that dates back almost a century to 1916”.

Also, read the press release from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn, Paul Nahmias, and Claudio Marana.

Tags: Solomon Islands

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

This 23-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of Tonga from 1921 to 1989, and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga from 1989 to present. Revised 3 Mayl 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: Tonga

According to a press release dated 13 February 2015, Glenn Stevens, governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, "announced that the next generation of Australian banknotes will include a ‘tactile’ feature to assist people with a vision impairment.

As previously announced, existing features to help the vision impaired tell the difference between different denominations of Australian banknotes will be maintained on the new series. These include: bright colours; large and bold numbers; and different sizes for each denomination of banknote. The Bank will also continue to fund the production of the ‘cash test card’. The addition of a ‘tactile’ feature will further assist people with a vision impairment to tell the difference between denominations.

This decision is the culmination of extensive research by the Bank into whether an effective and durable tactile marking could be included on Australian banknotes. This included consultation with the vision impaired community, other stakeholders and overseas central banks.

The testing and trialling process for the next generation of banknotes is ongoing and designs have not yet been finalised. Details about the new designs, the release dates and how they will be issued will be released in a timely way, so that the public can be confident they understand how to recognise and use the new banknotes."

Courtesy of Shane Rivett.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

The Conversation has published an interesting article on the history of polymer banknotes in Australia.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

On 19 November 2014, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand unveiled the designs for a new family of "Brighter Money" banknotes with upgraded security features. The new notes will be released progressively, by denomination. The target release date for the $5 and $10 is October 2015, with the $20, $50 and $100s likely released in April 2016. The new notes have the same themes, colors, and sizes as the existing notes, and will circulate in parallel. The images above are only artistic renditions of the new notes and the actual issued notes may be different. The notes are to be printed by Canadian Bank Note Company in Ottawa, Canada.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

20 dollars, (20)14. Like B133, but new date.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

The German New Guinea 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 Australian Military Administration in 1914. Published 17 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: German New Guinea

50 dollars, (20)14. Like B134, but new date and new signature (Graeme Wheeler). Prefix AA - DA.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

50 tala, no date. Like CBS B16a, but new signatures (Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga and Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari) and new decorative pattern overprinted on the designs at top and bottom borders on front and back.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Max Keller.

Tags: Samoa

The New Hebrides 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 Comptoirs Français des Nouvelles-Hébrides (French Counters of the New Hebrides) in 1921, the Banque de l’Indochine (Bank of Indo-China) from 1941 to 1963, the Services Nationaux Français des Nouvelles Hébrides (French National Administration of the New Hebrides) in 1943, and the Institut d’Émission d’Outre-Mer (Overseas Issuing Institute) from 1968 to 1980. Revised 1 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: New Hebrides, Vanuatu

5 dollars, (20)14. Like B131, but new date and new signature (Wheeler). Prefix AA - DA.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand

5 pa'anga, no date. Like NRBT B14a, but new signatures (Siale ‘Ataongo Kaho, Lord Tu’ivakano and Lisiate ‘Aloveita ‘Akolo).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Tonga

According to a post on the Reserve Bank of Australia web site, all denominations from 5 to 100 dollars have been produced dated (20)13.

Courtesy of Shane McCulloch (www.newcastlecoins.com.au).

Tags: Australia

According to an article in the DailyPost dated 10 June 2014, on 9 June the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu introduced three new notes produced by Oberthur Fiduciare (France) on polymer substrate from Innovia (Australia) to increase longevity and reduce counterfeiting. The notes denominated in 200, 1,000, and 2,000 vatu represent family, agriculture, and flora and fauna, respectively. Notes denominated in 500 and 5,000 vatu are planned for introduction within two to three years.



RBV B9 (PNL): 200 vatu (US$2.10)
Pink, brown, blue, and green. Front: Conch shell; waterway; Melanesian chief standing holding a spear; map of Vanuatu islands. Back: Map of Vanuatu islands; family of five seated outside house with palm trees; conch shell. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. 130 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)14. Signature 6. Prefix AA. Intro: 09.06.2014.



RBV B11 (PNL): 1,000 vatu (US$10)
Brown, purple, blue, and green. Front: Conch shell; waterway; Melanesian chief standing holding a spear; map of Vanuatu islands. Back: Map of Vanuatu islands; flower; four farmers with crops; rancher riding horse among cattle with palm trees; conch shell. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. 140 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)14. Signature 6. Prefix AA. Intro: 09.06.2014.



RBV B12 (PNL): 2,000 vatu (US$21)
Green, blue, orange, and brown. Front: Conch shell; waterway; Melanesian chief standing holding a spear; map of Vanuatu islands. Back: Map of Vanuatu islands; flower; three birds, tree, and waterfall; conch shell. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. 145 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)14. Signature 6. Prefix AA. Intro: 09.06.2014.

Courtesy of Aidan Work, Stane Štraus (http://www.polymernotes.org), and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

According to an article on Bloomberg dated 26 June 2014, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand plans to introduce its seventh series of notes in 2015. "The new banknotes, which aim to improve design and security features, were originally intended to enter circulation" in 2014.

According to a press release dated 5 July 2014, the new notes will be designed and printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, which currently prints Canada's notes. New Zealand's new notes will remain printed on polymer substrate, and they will retain the same denomination structure and sizes of the current series, as well as the same themes, with the same people and other elements, although in revised designs. The "near final" designs are expected to be unveiled publicly in November 2014, and the finished notes are expected to enter circulation in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Aidan Work.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

100 kina, (20)14. Like BPNG B39, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (Polymer Bank Notes of the World).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

2 kina, (20)14. Like BPNG B34, but new date.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (Polymer Bank Notes of the World).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

The Reserve Bank of Australia has published a PDF paper on the Next Generation Banknote Project, RBA's efforts to deter counterfeiting by enhancing the security of Australia's banknotes. One interesting finding is that the Australian public greatly exagerates the likelihood of receiving a counterfeit in circulation even though polymer fakes were virtually non-existent prior to 2010. Since then, rather convincing $50 fakes have been passed, and Mexico's 50-peso note was successfully counterfeited in 2012.

The "NGB" series will maintain the current serie's color schemes and people portrayed, and will also be printed on polymer, but with more complex designs, intaglio and offset printing, multiple see-through windows.

Tags: Australia

IEOM B5 (PNL): 500 francs (US$5.65)
Green and red. Front: Papaya leaf and fruit as registration device; tapa cloth patterns (Wallis); kava leaves; bird of paradise flowers. Back: Plumeria (Frangipani) and Gardenia taitensis (Tahitian Gardenia or Tiaré Flower); siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); papaya leaf and fruit. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 500. Printer: (BDF). 120 x 66 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.



IEOM B6 (PNL): 1,000 francs (US$11)
Brown and orange. Front: Parakeet as registration device; sting ray; tortoise. Back: Horned parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus) on branch; Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) bird in flight; white terns; siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); parakeet. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 1000. Printer: (BDF). 126 x 66 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.



IEOM B7 (PNL): 5,000 francs (US$57)
Blue and green. Front: Fish hooks as registration device; tapa cloth patterns (Wallis); volute and 7-finger shells; nautilus; pennant coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus) and coral. Back: Coral and open oyster with pearl; fish as SPARK patch; humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) fish; seashells in border; siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); fish hooks. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM logo and INSTITUT D’ÉMISSION D’OUTRE-MER. Green-to-blue color-changing windowed security thread. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 5000. Printer: (BDF). 132 x 73 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.



IEOM B8 (PNL): 10,000 francs (US$113)
Red and yellow. Front: Stone pestle as registration device; tapa cloth patterns (Wallis); two oars; faré (thatched hut) and palm trees. Back: Round houses; flèche faîtière (Kanak house finial) SPARK patch; Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa, New Caledonia; siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); stone pestle. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM logo and INSTITUT D’ÉMISSION D’OUTRE-MER. Green-to-blue color-changing windowed security thread. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 10000. Printer: (BDF). 138 x 73 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Tags: French Pacific Territories

The Institut d’Emission d’Outre-Mer now has a video on its site showing the security features of the new banknotes for the French Pacific Territories (New Caledonia, Polynesia, Wallis & Futuna) which will be issued on 20 January 2014.

Courtesy of Jake Read (https://www.facebook.com/jake.numismatics).

Tags: French Pacific Territories

10 dollars, (20)13. Like B132f, but new date and signature (Graeme Wheeler, who took over as governor from Alan Bollard on 26.09.2012).


20 dollars, (20)13. Like B133f, but new date and signature (Graeme Wheeler, who took over as governor from Alan Bollard on 26.09.2012).

Courtesy of Garry Craig and Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

BPNG B50 (PNL): 2 kina (US$0.85)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise perched on Kundu drum and ceremonial spear; National Parliament building in Port Moresby; 40th anniversary logo. Back: Mount Hagan axe; Kula arm band from Milne Bay Province; engraved dogs’ tooth necklace from Bougainville; Sepik clay pot; tapa cloth patterns. No security thread. Watermark: Bank logo. Printer: (NPA). 140 x 70 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)13. Signature 11. Intro: 04.11.2013.



BPNG B51 (PNL): 100 kina (US$42)
Green and gold. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise perched on Kundu drum and ceremonial spear; National Parliament building in Port Moresby; 40th anniversary logo. Back: Coffee beans; cardamom seeds; coconut palm tree; fish; timber; cargo ship; oil rig; bird; jumbo jet; dump truck; microwave tower. No security thread. Watermark: Bank logo. Printer: (NPA). 150 x 75 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)13. Signature 11. Intro: 04.11.2013.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

5,000 francs, no date. Like IEOM B3, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Olivier Galand.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

According to an article on EMTV.com, on 4 November 2013 the Bank of Papua New Guinea will issue commemorative 2- and 100-kina polymer notes like the existing regular issues (BPNG B34 and B49, respectively), but with 40th anniversary logos overprinted on front.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

There is now an official website for the new banknotes of the French Pacific Territories (New Caledonia, Polynesia, Wallis & Futuna) which shows all the final conceptual designs as well as some interesting videos. On 6 January 2014, the final designs will be shown to the public with all security features, and the notes are to be issued on 20 January 2014. The existing notes will circulate in parallel until 30 September 2014, after which time they will no longer be legal tender, but can be exchanged indefinitely at Institut d’Emission d’Outre-Mer offices.

Courtesy of Jake Read (https://www.facebook.com/jake.numismatics) and Jinesj Reins Joseph (https://www.facebook.com/jineshreins).

Tags: French Pacific Territories

1,000 francs, no date. Like IEOM B2, but new signature (Directeur Philippe La Cognata, who replaced Patrick Besse on 10 September 2012).

10,000 francs, no date. Like IEOM B4, but new signature (Philippe La Cognata as Directeur).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Thomas Reisser.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

10 kina, no date. Like BPNG B10d, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Don Ludwig.

Tags: Papua New Guinea

According to an article on the Solomn Islands Broadcasting Corporation dated 27 September 2013, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands introduced a brand new 50-dollar note on 26 September 2013. This is the first denomination in a new family to be issued over the course of the next few years. While an image of the note is not yet available, the following has been reported:

"On the front of the note, local basket weave designs are intended to represent the swirling movement of shoals of fish whilst indigenous fauna and flora - including an iguana, lizard and snake - are shown on the back. The most prominent security feature is [De La Rue's] Optiks super wide security thread with a transparent window."

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias, Cleo Phas, and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Solomon Islands

50 dollars, (20)12. Like RBNZ B34, but new date.

Courtesy of Peter Eccles.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

According to a post on World Coin News, "The Royal Australian Mint has released this uncirculated three coin set. The coin designs within are inspired by banknote designs originally issued 100 years ago; they feature iconic images of Australia's primary industries of the era. The ten shillings, one pound, and five pounds designs are all celebrated on the coins within this set."

Courtesy of Matt.

Tags: Australia

According to an article on NumisMaster dated 15 May 2013, Fiji has recently withdrawn its old 2-dollar note, and plans to withdraw the old, brown 5-dollar notes as of 30 June 2013.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Tags: Fiji

According to an undated article on Islands Business, "all paper banknotes in circulation in the country will be withdrawn by the Bank of Papua New Guinea by June 2013, after which they will not be accepted as legal tender." Polymer notes remain legal tender.

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

500 francs, no date. Like IEOM B1 (P1), but new signatures.

Courtesy of Olivier Galand.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

According to a BBC News article dated 11 February 2013, the Reserve Bank of Australia has agreed to sell its 50% stake in Securency International for A$65m ($67m; £40m) to UK-based Innovia Films, which already owns the remaining 50%. Securency is the developer of polymer-based Guardian banknote substrate.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Fiji announces the 2012 flora and fauna series of notes and coins on 12 December 2012 in this video. The notes begin circulating 2 Janauary 2013, with the exception of the 5-dollar note, the introduction of which is being delayed until April for undisclosed reasons.


Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de), Alex Zlotin, Aidan Work and Yves Courtemanche.

Tags: Fiji

According to an article on Radio New Zealand dated 16 January 2013, it will take the Reserve Bank of New Zealand until late 2014 before it runs out of stock of banknotes bearing the signature of former governor, Alan Bollard, and begins issuing notes with the signature of the new governor, Graeme Wheeler.

Tags: New Zealand

100-tala notes (CBS B19) have been confirmed with signatures of Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga and Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari. Additionally, there is a new decorative pattern overprinted on the designs at top and bottom borders on front and back.

Courtesy of Gaetano Trabattoni (Delcampe store), Claudio Marana, Martin Burger, and Kai Hwong.

Tags: Samoa

5- and 20-tala notes (CBS B13b and B15b, respectively) have been confirmed with signatures of Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga and Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari. Both issued in 2012.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Martin Burger, and Kai Hwong.

Tags: Samoa

According to a Fiji Broadcasting Corporation article dated 29 November 2012, the Reserve Bank of Fiji intends to unveil a new series of banknotes and coins on 12 December 2012, and to issue same beginning 2 January 2013. The new designs of Fijian flora and fauna will replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on all denominations. The existing 2-dollar note will be replaced by a coin.

Courtesy of David Surette.

Tags: Fiji

According to an article on Tahiti News dated 26 October 2012, the Institut d'Emission d'Outre-Mer will issue new notes denominated 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 francs CFP in early 2014. The designs have not yet been revealed, but they will be smaller in size than the current notes, and the colors will be green for 500, yellow for 1000, blue for 5000, red for 10000, and purple for 20000 francs CFP.

Tags: New Caledonia, Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna

1,000 francs (US$12), no date. Like IEOM B2 (P2), but new signatures (Nicolas de Seze, Christian Noyer, and Patrick Besse).

Courtesy of Jean-Michel Engels and Olivier Galand.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

The Gilbert and Ellice Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download.

This 2-page catalog covers notes issued by the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony Government in 1942. Revised 25 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: Gilbert and Ellice Islands

The Oceania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download.

This 2-page catalog covers notes issued by the Japanese Government in 1942. 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: Oceania

Radio National has an interesting 10-minute interview with David Solomon, an Australian scientist who worked with the Reserve Bank of Australia to create polymer banknotes.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

According to an article in The Australian dated 27 September 2012, the Reserve Bank of Australia has been working on a top-secret project, dubbed Next Generation Bank Note, for the past five years, the goal of which is to issue a new series of polymer banknotes, breathing new life into the currency, helping it capture "characteristics of Australia" with "youthful" and "energetic design qualities" while giving the bank the opportunity to enhance security features.

The following concept banknotes from Melbourne designer Garry Emery were approved for further development in 2010, and show that Queen Elizabeth II had been removed from the 5-dollar note in favor of the father of Federation, Henry Parkes, and Australia's first female political candidate, Catherine Helen Spence. The RBA ultimately decided to keep QEII on this denomination, although final designs have not been chosen, and it will be several years before any new notes are introduced to the public.

The Australian article made such a fuss about the amount of money spent on this project (said to be AU$9.3 million by News Limited), much of it paid to non-Australian designers, that the RBA was forced to issue an official response.


The design brief for the Reserve Bank’s new generation $5 bank note did not initially include the Queen. Instead Father of Federation Sir Henry Parkes was to be the star.


Australia’s first female political candidate Catherine Helen Spence featured on a special commemorative $5 note back in 2001 and was set to return with a new portrait in Gerry Emery’s NGB design.


RBA research shows most Australians cannot name the faces on our money. The lyrics to Waltzing Matilda help identify AB 'Banjo' Paterson instantly.


Poets and writers feature heavily on Australian bank notes. The typewritten verse of poet and journalist Dame Mary Gilmore brings a haunting sense of authenticity to Garry Emery's NGB design for the tenner.


Englishwoman Mary Reibey was transported to Australia as a convict but went on to become a successful businesswoman in Sydney. The RBA removed biography captions early on in the NGB project to avoid lecturing the public.


The NGB design brief called for the expression of 'Australian characteristics'. The Reverend John Flynn, who founded what became the Royal Flying Doctor Service, is rendered before a dramatic outback scene.


Allan 'Chirpy' Campbell the great-nephew of Aboriginal inventor and author David Unaipon has vowed to sue the Reserve Bank for $30 million over the 'unauthorised' use of Unaipon in the present $50 note. But he loves this new image.


The new portrait of teacher Edith Cowan with outback kids captured a youthful spirit the design brief called for before the Reserve Bank returned to safer territory in later versions.


Legendary diva Dame Nellie Melba was set for a spectacular return to her heyday in the new portrait commissioned but we're staying with the older stodgy image of today's $100 note.


Sir John Monash, Australia's greatest general, knocked polar explorer Douglas Mawson off the $100 when our biggest note changed from paper to plastic in 1996.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Trevor Wilkin, Yves Courtemanche. Neale Vickery, Allan Tilley, and Aidan Work.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

50 kina (US$25), (20)12. Like BPNG B38 (P32), but new date and new signatures (Loi Martin Bakani and Simon Tosali).

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (Polymer Bank Notes of the World).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

10 dollars (US$10), (20)12. Like P58, but new date and new signatures (Glenn Robert Stevens and Martin Parkinson).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

50 dollars (US$53), (20)11. Like P60, but new date.

100 dollars (US$106), (20)11. Like P61, but new date.

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

Tags: Australia, Polymer

According to the Reserve Bank of Fiji's Annual Report 2011, "The Currency Review, that commenced a year earlier, progressed well in 2011. The objectives of the review comprised an upgrade of existing security features and the inclusion of Fiji’s flora and fauna on banknotes and coins. In March 2011, Cabinet approved the coining of the $2
denomination and the selected flora and fauna designs. Banknote and coin tenders were invited and awarded to De La Rue Currency and the Royal Canadian Mint, respectively. All banknote and coin designs were finalised and
approved in November 2011. In this regard, the RBF extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the Currency Design Committee for their commitment and guidance in selecting the flora and fauna designs for the new banknotes and coins family. The new flora and fauna designed currency, including the new $2 coin, will be officially unveiled and launched in December 2012."

Tags: Fiji

50 dollars (US$52), (20)12. Like P60, but new date and signatures (Glenn Robert Stevens and Martin Parkinson).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

5 dollars (US$5.20), (20)12. Like P57, but new date and signatures (Glenn Robert Stevens and Martin Parkinson).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Glenn Warren.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

The British Solomon Islands 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 Government of the British Solomon Islands from 1916 to 1933. Revised 28 March 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.


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 by clicking the button below.

Tags: British Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands

According to a Central Bank of Samoa press release, the bank has issued two commemorative collectible coins and a limited edition 50-tala (US$22) banknote for circulation to mark Samoa’s 50th Independence Day on 1 June 2012. This note is like the preceding issues, but with 50th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE below the country’s name at upper center on front, darker geometric patterns along the top and bottom edges on both sides, and a new signature combination (Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga and Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari).

Courtesy of Jay Mollindo and and Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Tags: Samoa

Like B216b, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Shadrach Fanega).

Courtesy of Andrew Randall.

Tags: Solomon Islands

On 26 June 2012, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand announced that Graeme Wheeler has been appointed the new governor, effective after current governor Alan Bollard’s second five-year term expires on 25 September 2012. This will likely result in new signature varieties for New Zealand's polymer banknotes.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

According to a press release dated 31 May 2012, the supervisory board of the Institut d'Emission d'Outre-Mer met in Paris, chaired by Mr. Didier Bruneel, representing the Governor of the Banque de France, and with Mr Nicolas de Seze, CEO. The Council made the three following decisions:

• Renewal of the current family of notes denominated 500, 1000, 5000, and 10000 francs CFP.
• Creating a new note of 20,000 francs CFP (US$210).
• Fixing the release of the new notes towards the end of 2012 (subsequently set for 2014)

Courtesy of Jérôme Deschamps (www.banknoteslinks.com).

Tags: New Caledonia, Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna

The New Zealand 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 Reserve Bank of New Zealand from 1934 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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Tags: New Zealand

According to an article on CaledoSphere dated 24 April 2012, under the chairmanship of Harold Martin, the government of New Caledonia has validated final designs for 500-, 1,000-, 5,000-, and 10,000-franc banknotes, though for security reasons the images have not been made public. The final designs are based upon drawings by Sophie Eugene, winner of the competition held in New Caledonia in 2008, under the previous Martin government. If the Banque de France approves, the new notes will enter circulation in 2013.



Courtesy of Jérome Deschamps.

Tags: New Caledonia

According to a New Zealand Reserve Bank press release dated 30 January 2012, Alan Bollard will not be seeking another term as governor when his current term ends on 25 September this year. Appointed in September 2002, Dr Bollard is in his second five-year term.

Dr Bollard said that he will be fully focused in his remaining eight months on the serious economic and financial challenges facing New Zealand.

“As I noted last week, the Bank is ready to respond to ongoing developments overseas, especially in Europe, the US and China, as well as domestically, particularly the Canterbury earthquakes. In addition, the Bank’s expanded prudential regulatory responsibilities mean we will continue to introduce new prudential requirements this year, especially in the insurance and non-bank sectors.”

The Chair of the Reserve Bank Board, Dr Arthur Grimes, said the Board will search in New Zealand and abroad to identify a successor to Dr Bollard. The Governor is appointed by the Minister of Finance on the recommendation of the Board.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: New Zealand

Like B220b, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Shadrach Fanega).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Solomon Islands

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has recently begun offering 1,000 sets of 2007 and 2008 notes of all six denominations with matching serial numbers, reversing its previous decision to offer such numismatic products only when there is a design change such as a new signature variety. The last sets offered for sale included notes dated (20)03.

Courtesy of Evan Shukan and David Jones.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

Like B217b, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Shadrach Fanega).

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Tags: Solomon Islands

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).

Tags: Fiji

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

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

Tags: Vanuatu

Like B216a, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Shadrach Fanega).

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.

Tags: Solomon Islands

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.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

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.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

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.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

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.


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.

Tags: Solomon Islands

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.


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.

Tags: Samoa

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.


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.

Tags: Cook Islands

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.


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.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

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.


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.

Tags: Vanuatu

According to a Radio New Zealand International posting on 5 April 2011, the Central Bank of Samoa plans to replace the polymer 2-tala (P31) note with a coin, and also plans to reduce the size of its coinange, all in an effort to save money in the face of rising commodities prices.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Tags: Samoa

According to a Radio Fiji article dated 1 March 2011, Fiji's prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has announced that the country will replace the 2-dollar (US$1.10) banknote with a coin, the color of the current 5-dollar (US$2.75) note will be changed from brown to green, and there will be new designs on all the other denominations, scheduled for introduction in June 2012. The new note designs replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with native flora and fauna.

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias, Wilson Chow, and David Liu.

Tags: Fiji

10 dollars (US$7.60), (20)07. Like P186, but new date.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

5,000 vatu (US$52.40), no date. Like P7, but new signature combination (Odo Tevi and Sela Molisa). Prefix BB.

Courtesy of Krassy Dimitrov.

Tags: Vanuatu

1,000 vatu (US$10.60), no date. Like P10, but new signature combination (Odo Tevi and Sela Molisa). Prefix JJ.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Tags: Vanuatu

I’ve recently received scans of polymer notes from Australia which differ from the regular issues in that these actually bear full dates overprinted on the notes, rather than just having serial numbers which start with the trailing two digits of the year.

I assume these dates correspond to the dates of introduction for each of these denominations and that the notes were issued as numismatic products, perhaps in a folder or as part of a matched serial number set. Does anyone have any additional information on these notes? If they were in fact issued in folders, please send scans of the folders, inside and out.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

500 francs (US$5.89), no date. Like P1, but new signatures. Intro: 2010.

Courtesy of Jerome Deschamps.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

5,000 francs (US$58.60), no date. Like P3, but new signatures. Intro: 2010.

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

According to an article in the Fiji Times Online, late on Friday 3 September 2010 a container arrived at Suva Kings Wharf in Fiji. Inside was supposed to be a special vault containing $1 million (US$519,100) in brand new 20-dollar notes, fresh from De La Rue's security printing plant in the United Kingdom, destined for delivery to the Reserve Bank of Fiji when it opened for business on Monday. However, thieves apparently stole the notes sometime in transit. At first the bank indicated that the stolen notes bearing the serial numbers EB450,001 to 500,000 are not legal tender and should not be accepted, but in the past week has reversed itself and has instructed the public to accept the notes. Given the serial number range, it's likely that these notes are from the same new series introduced in 2007. For your information, 50,000 notes weighs approximately 110 pounds and could easily fit in a large piece of luggage.

Tags: Fiji

The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu began issuing a new series of banknotes beginning with a polymer 10,000-vatu (US$100) note introduced on 28 July 2010, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of independence. This is the largest denomination in the country. Governor Odo Tevi stated, “The existing note series has come under a lot of pressure over the years, particularly with regard to the lifespan and counterfeiting challenges. It is apparent that in recent years most countries in our region have modernized their currency, therefore it is considered appropriate that in athe 30th year of independence, the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu takes steps to introduce a new modernized series of vatu banknotes.” The new note carries the theme of telecommunication to reflect the recent liberalization of Vanuatu’s telecoms market. The new note was produced by Note Printing Australia.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong, Aidan Work, and Szilard Szemere.

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

According to an article on Forex.fr, on 18 August 2010 the congress of New Caledonia approved, under the Noumea Accords, designs for new banknotes, a new currency, and a new anthem.

Additional information and images are requested.

Tags: New Caledonia

1,000 francs (US$10.30), no date. Like P2, but new signatures (Yves Barroux, Christian Noyer, and Patrick Besse).

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

50 dollars (US$42.35), (20)09. Like P60, but new date.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Four Corners has produced a documentary, Dirty Money, that explores how the central pillar of Australia’s financial system, the Reserve Bank, became ensnared in an international bribery scandal related to its polymer substrate subsidiary’s attempts to gain contracts around the world.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Tags: Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Polymer

20 pa’anga (US$10.15), 5th July, 1985. Like Pike 23, but new date.

Courtesy of TDS.

Tags: Tonga

10,000 francs (US$113), no date. Intro: 2010. Like P4, but new signatures (Christian Noyer, Yves Barroux, and Patrick Besse).

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

Like B219a, but new signatures (Rick N. Houenipwela and Luma Darcy).

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias.

Tags: Solomon Islands

According to a press release dated 13 January 2010, the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu plans to issue a new series of banknotes beginning with a polymer 10,000-vatu (US$100) note to be introduced in July 2010, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of independence. This will be the largest denomination in the country.

Governor Odo Tevi stated, “The existing note series has come under a lot of pressure over the years, particularly with regard to the lifespan and counterfeiting challenges. It is apparent that in recent years most countries in our region have modernized their currency, therefore it is considered appropriate that in the 30th year of independence, the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu takes steps to introduce a new modernized series of vatu banknotes.”

Courtesy of Leszek Porowski.

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

10 dollars (US$9). Like Pick 58, but new date (20)08 and new signatures.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

5 dollars (US$4.50). Like Pick 57, but new date (20)08 and new signatures.

Courtesy of TDS.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Like B218a, but new signatures (Denton Hehenoro Rarawa, Governor; Shadrach Fanega, Secretary, Finance). Issued 2009.

Courtesy Claudio Marana.

Tags: Solomon Islands

50 dollars (US$36)
Like Pick 188, but new date (2007).

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

500 francs. Like Pick 19, but new signature variety of Yves Roland-Billecart and Marcel Theron, which would seem to come between signatures 3 and 4. This combo has also been confirmed for the 1,000-franc note. If anyone has it on the 100-franc note, please send scans.

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.

Tags: New Hebrides

500 francs (US$6.20), ND (2003-). Like Pick 1, but new signatures as follows:

Le Directeur Général - Alain Vienney
Le Présidente du Conseil de Surveillance - Jean-Pierre Landau
Le Directeur - Patrick Besse

The 5,000- and 10,000-franc notes have also been confirmed with this new signature combo.

Furthermore, in late 2008 the 1,000-franc note was issued with the same signatories, except that Le Directeur Général was still Jean-Michel Severino:

Courtesy of Krassimir Dimitrov and Rui Palhares.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

20 dollars (US$16.10), (20)08. Like Pick 59, but new date and new signatures (Glenn R. Stevens, Governor; Dr. Ken Henry, Secretary to the Treasury).

The Reserve Bank of Australia has apparently printed all denominations dated 2008, so all will eventually appear in circulation, though only the 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes have been confirmed to date.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

100 dollars (US$61.90), (20)06. Like P189b, but new date with Alan Bollard signature.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

100 dollars (US$73), (20)08. Like Pick 55, but new date and new signatures (Glenn R. Stevens, Governor; Dr. Ken Henry, Secretary To The Treasury).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

Like P187, but new date (2006) with Alan Bollard signature.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

On 21 January 2009, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga issued newly designed banknotes in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pa’anga. The new notes replace the image of King Taufa’ahau Tupou V with that of the reigning King George Tupou V. The watermark is of King Tupou V with electrotype NRBT. On the $1-$5 notes, the 1.4-mm wide windowed security thread is demetalized NRBT. Larger denominations have a 2.0-mm wide red-to-green thread with demetalized NRBT. Older notes will remain legal tender, but will be phased out over time.


1 pa’anga (US$0.50)
Green. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: Whale leaping out of water. 1.4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.


2 pa’anga (US$1)
Light red. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: Children studying outside school building; two men playing rugby. 1.4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.


5 pa’anga (US$2.40)
Purple. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: Langi. 1.4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.


10 pa’anga (US$4.85)
Blue. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: Royal tomb. 2.0-mm red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.


20 pa’anga (US$9.70)
Brown. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: NRBT building. 2.0-mm red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.


50 pa’anga (US$24.30
Light green and yellow. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: Royal Palace building. 2.0-mm red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized NRBT. Watermark: King Tupou, electrotype NRBT, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle, and Sejin Ahn.

Tags: Tonga

According to a Telegraph article dated 28 November 2008, Allan "Chirpy" Campbell claims the Reserve Bank of Australia gained permission to use the image of celebrated indigenous author and inventor David Unaipon from a woman who was posing as his daughter, and did not obtain authorisation from a genuine family member.
"They jacked this woman up and proclaimed that she is the daughter of my uncle, and when we found out they blocked us and they chucked all the barricades there," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
"We are the family, I had to produce my genealogy, I had to produce my documents and documentation, they don't have to, they just say it, and they accepted it."
Mr Campbell, 61, travelled to Sydney this week to make his case for compensation to the Reserve Bank.
The bank, which has so far denied Mr Campbell's demands, refused to comment on the three-hour meeting, but made it known that it believes the appropriate advances to Mr Unaipon's family were made at the time the note was designed.
However, it is understood that those agreements were verbal and no official document of permission exists.
Mr Campbell, a lifelong campaigner for Aboriginal rights, has said he is willing to take the matter to court to obtain a "fair dinkum settlement". If successful, he plans to use the $30 million to start a charity for mentally ill children.
"They've got to renegotiate this time a proper settlement, not a tea leaf, sugar and flour syndrome, you know," he said.
"They've got no proof, no papers to show she is his daughter."
David Unaipon was Australia's first published indigenous author, an inventor and preacher from the Ngarrindjeri people of South Australia.
He held a patent for a sheep shearing mechanism that is depicted beside him on the $50 note.
In his work as a preacher, Mr Unaipon travelled widely and became well-known throughout Australia.
He lectured on Aboriginal legends and customs and also spoke of the need for "sympathetic co-operation" between whites and blacks, and for equal rights for all Australians.
He died in 1967. His image appeared on the $50 note from 1995 when the polymer bill was introduced.


The Unaipon case echoes the use, in 1966, of a bark painting by Arnhem Land artist David Malangi on the $1 note. It later emerged the artwork was reproduced without permission. Mr Malangi was compensated $1,000, a fishing kit and a silver medal.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

50 dollars (US$47.95), (20)08. Like P60, but new date and new signatures (Glenn R. Stevens, Governor; Dr. Ken Henry, Secretary To The Treasury).

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga issued a new 100-pa’anga banknote on July 30, 2008. The bank intends to issue newly designed banknotes in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pa’anga in early 2009. Older notes will remain legal tender, but will be phased out over time.



100 pa’anga (US$55.10)
Cherry red and white. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: Vava’u Harbor. Optiks security thread. Watermark: King Tupou with electrotype NRBT. Printer: De La Rue (w/o imprint). 150 x 70 mm. No date. Signatures: Dr. Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele, PALEMIA O TONGA; ‘Otenifi Afu’alo Matoto, MINISITA PA’ANGA. Introduced 30.07.2008.

Courtesy of Mirsad Delic.

Tags: Tonga

5 tala (US$1.95)
Red. Front: Beach. Back: Robert Louis Stevenson’s former house (current residence of head of state) in Vailima. Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS. Watermark: Male head in profile, electrotype CBS, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 152.4 x 69.85 mm.



10 tala (US$3.95)
Blue. Front: Rugby team being crowned champions at the IRB Hong Kong Sevens in 2007. Back: Samoan school children on their way to school. Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS. Watermark: Male head in profile, electrotype CBS, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 152.4 x 69.85 mm.



20 tala (US$7.90)
Yellow. Front: Cascading waterfall. Back: Manumea (national bird) and Teuila (national flower). Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS. Watermark: Male head in profile, electrotype CBS plus Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 152.4 x 69.85 mm.



50 tala (US$19.75)
Purple. Front: Government building at Matagialalua. Back: Central Bank of Samoa building. Optiks security thread. Watermark: Male head in profile, electrotype CBS. Printer: (TDLR). 152.4 x 69.85 mm.



100 tala (US$39.50)
Green. Front: Malietoa Tanumafili II. Back: Mulivai Catholic Cathedral. Optiks security thread. Watermark: Male head in profile, electrotype CBS. Printer: (TDLR). 152.4 x 69.85 mm.
Replacement notes: Prefix ZZ.

Tags: Samoa

1,000 francs (US$12.40), ND (2002-). Like P2, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; Teyssere, LE DIRECTEUR).


5,000 francs (US$62), ND (2002-). Like P3, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; Teyssere, LE DIRECTEUR).


10,000 francs (US$124), ND (2003-). Like P4, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; T. Cornaille, LE DIRECTEUR).

Courtesy of Frank van Tiel.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

500 francs (US$6.20), ND (2003-). Like P1, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; T. Cornaille, LE DIRECTEUR).


1,000 francs (US$12.35), ND (2003-). Like P2, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; T. Cornaille, LE DIRECTEUR).

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

10 dollars (US$7.65), (20)06. Like P186b, but new date.


50 dollars (US$38.15), (20)04 and (20)05. Like P188b, but new dates with Alan Bollard signature.

100 dollars (US$76.35), (20)05. Like P189b, but new date with Alan Bollard signature.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

20 dollars (US$17.85), (20)07. Like SCWPM 59, but new date and new signatures (Glenn R. Stevens, Governor; Dr. Ken Henry, Secretary to the Treasury).

Courtesy of Frank Robinson.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

200 vatu (US$2.10), ND (2007). Like P8, but BB serial number prefix, new signatures (Odo Tevi, GOVERNOR; Willie Jimmy Tapagararua, MINISTER OF FINANCE), windowed security thread, and shortened printer imprint: De La Rue.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick and Kai Hwong.

Tags: Vanuatu

Australia’s Reserve Bank annual report findings Read More...

Tags: Australia, Polymer

2 dollars (US$1.25), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Green. Front: Mohar (sovereign locket); domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms. Back: Grandstands and track; schoolchildren in Korobasabasaga; mountains; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 2, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 131 x 67 mm.


5 dollars (US$3.10), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Brown. Front: Katoni Masima; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms. Back: Crested iguana; balaka palm tree; masiratu flower; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 5, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 136 x 67 mm.


10 dollars (US$6.20), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Purple. Front: i Buburau ni Bete; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; Kaleidoscope foil star; coat of arms. Back: Joske’s Thumb mountain; palm trees; Grand Pacific Hotel building and cars; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 10, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 141 x 67 mm.


20 dollars (US$12.40), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Blue. Front: Foa; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; holographic fan; coat of arms Back: Fish processing; cutting lumber; mining; train; Mount Uluinabukelevu; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 20, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 146 x 67 mm.


50 dollars (US$31.05), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Orange. Front: Wasekaseka; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; holographic turtle; coat of arms Back: Nine men; Tubetube; Yaqona Vakaturaga; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 50, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 151 x 67 mm.


100 dollars (US$62.10), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Yellow. Front: Buli Kula; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms. Back: Two women singers and man with guitar; map of 180° meridian; two snorklers, sailing ship, and fish; domodomo; bank logo. 18-mm Optiks security thread. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 100, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 67 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Ömer Yalcinkaya., and Morris Lawing.

Tags: Fiji

500 vatu, ND (2006). Like Pick 5, but new signatures (Governor, Odo Tevi; Minister of Finance, Moana Carcasses Kalosil) windowed security thread, BB prefix, and De La Rue printer imprint.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Kai Hwong.

Tags: Vanuatu

5 dollars (US$3.95), (20)05. Like Pick 57, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial DD. Polymer.

10 dollars (US$7.90), (20)06. Like Pick 58, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial BH. Polymer.

20 dollars (US$15.80), (20)05. Like Pick 59, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial CJ. Polymer.

50 dollars (US$39.45), (20)05. Like Pick 60, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial HE. Polymer.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

1,000 vatu, ND (2006). Like Pick 10, but without overprint of seal for 25th anniversary of independence. Arms with Melanesian chief standing with spear, flanked by “VT” as latent image. Signatures: Odo Tevi, Governor; Moana Carcasse Kalosil, Minister of Finance. Melanesian male head as wmk, “FF” serial number prefix, solid security thread, spiral registration device, and “BANQUE DE RESERVE DE VANUATU” in microprinting. 3 carvings at left, map of islands, and 3 men in outrigger sailboat at center on back. Printer: De La Rue (with imprint). 150 x 75 mm.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Tags: Vanuatu

On 2 September 2006, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands issued the nation’s first ever $100 note, as well as a revised $2 note. The $100 note honors the country’s rural sector, according to a speech given by CBSI governor Rick Hou. The $2 note is like B213, but is now printed on paper, polymer having proven to be disappointing in regards to color retention.


B220a: 100 dollars (US$13.10), ND (2006). Issued September 2, 2006. Light brown, red, and peach. Falcon head wmk, flag, windowed security thread, coat of arms, holographic security emblem, and registration device. Coconut harvesting, palms, ray on back. 160 x 72 mm.


B215: 2 dollars (US$0.25), ND (2006). Issued September 2, 2006. Like Pick 23, but printed on paper, no commemorative seal, flag and pole added to left of center, and novel serial numbers. 140 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Morris Lawing.

Tags: Solomon Islands, Polymer