30% off select chapters of The Banknote Book in print

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In response to customer demand, 26 of the largest chapters of The Banknote Book are now available in print.

The following chapters can now be ordered in print directly from Lulu.com or Amazon:

Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Ceylon
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Fiji
Germany
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Italy
Japan
Lebanon
Macau
Northern Ireland
Philippines
Romania
Syria
Thailand
Turkey
Venezuela

Prices range from US$24.99 to US$39.99, depending upon length, and all are professionally printed in full color on 80-pound glossy paper as perfect-bound paperback books.

Anyone purchasing from Lulu.com is entitled to a coupon code good for a free download of the PDF version of the chapter (US$9.99 value).

Use coupon code CYBERMONDAY30 when ordering on Lulu to get 15% off the list price for orders placed before midnight 3 December 2019.

Check Lulu's home page for discount codes on books and shipping.

Wanted: Images of missing Oceania notes

As we prepare the first regional edition of The Banknote Book, we're making a renewed effort to obtain images of the following banknotes heretofore unillustrated. If you have any of the following notes in any condition, please share 300-dpi scans of same, or send links if you know where to find images online.

Cook Islands BNP101 (PCS1): 3, 10, and 20 dollars w/ matching s/n in booklet.
Fiji B306 (P30): 20 pounds 1914 - 1926.
French Oceania B305 (Tahiti P5): 20 francs 01.05.1920
French Oceania B601 (PNL): 25 centimes ND (1919)
French Oceania B602 (PNL): 50 centimes ND (1919)
French Oceania B603 (PNL): 1 franc ND (1919)
Gilbert and Ellice Islands B101 (P1): 1 shilling 01.01.1942
Gilbert and Ellice Islands B102 (P2): 10 shillings 01.01.1942
Keeling-Cocos Islands B103 (PS103): 1 rupee copper 03.10.1879
Keeling-Cocos Islands B108 (PS114): 2 rupees copper 24.07.1888 - 29.07.1888
Keeling-Cocos Islands B109 (PS115): 5 rupees copper 10.01.1888
Keeling-Cocos Islands B111 (PS117): 1/4 rupee 1897
Keeling-Cocos Islands B112 (PS118): 1/2 rupee 1897
Keeling-Cocos Islands B114 (PS120): 2 rupees 1897
Keeling-Cocos Islands B115 (PS121): 3 rupees 1897
Netherlands New Guinea B207 (P17): 500 gulden 08.12.1954
New Caledonia B203 (P9): 500 francs 1875
New Caledonia B204 (PNL): 5 francs 1875
New Caledonia B207 (PNL): 500 francs 187_
New Caledonia B304 (P14): 20 francs 03.03.1902
Papua New Guinea B154 (PNL): 2 kina
Tonga B108 (P8): 5 pounds 19.05.1939

Fiji new 7-dollar commemorative note (B531) confirmed

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.

Fiji_RBF_7_dollars_2017.04.21_B531a_PNL_AU_0325799_fFiji_RBF_7_dollars_2017.04.21_B531a_PNL_AU_0325799_r
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.

Fiji 2-dollar note replaced by coin, 5-dollar note to be withdrawn

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.

Fiji new 2012 flora and fauna series confirmed

Fiji_RBF_5_dollars_2012.00.00_B26a_PNL_FFA_0056001_fFiji_RBF_5_dollars_2012.00.00_B26a_PNL_FFA_0056001_rFiji_RBF_10_dollars_2012.00.00_B27a_PNL_FFA_0613004_fFiji_RBF_10_dollars_2012.00.00_B27a_PNL_FFA_0613004_rFiji_RBF_20_dollars_2012.00.00_B28a_PNL_FFA_0130902_fFiji_RBF_20_dollars_2012.00.00_B28a_PNL_FFA_0130902_rFiji_RBF_50_dollars_2012.00.00_B29a_PNL_FFA_0476321_fFiji_RBF_50_dollars_2012.00.00_B29a_PNL_FFA_0476321_rFiji_RBF_100_dollars_2012.00.00_B30a_PNL_FFA_0340109_fFiji_RBF_100_dollars_2012.00.00_B30a_PNL_FFA_0340109_r
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.

Fiji to unveil new notes 12.12.2012, to issue 02.01.2013

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.

Fiji to unveil new notes due in December 2012

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."

Fiji chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

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


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

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

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

Fiji to issue notes without QEII in June 2012

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.

Fiji 20-dollar notes stolen upon delivery from DLR


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.

Fiji issues new note family


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.