On 9 December 2019, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago introduced a new 100-dollar note on polymer substrate with significantly enhanced security. The bank intends to expand the range of polymer notes to the other denominations in 2020. The polymer notes will circulate in parallel with the preceding paper notes.

Tags: Trinidad & Tobago, Polymer

According to a press release dated 27 November 2019, on 4 December 2019 the National Bank of Romania plans to introduce a 100-leu numismatic product to commemorate the anniversary of The Completion of the Great Union. The blue note measures 147 x 82 mm and is printed on polymer. It will be sold in leaflet for 150 lei.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

According to a TélaNón article dated 27 November 2019, the Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe and De La Rue met to discuss replacing the defective 200-dobra note of 2016, which had been removed from circulation due to security flaws. Furthermore, the 5- and 10-dobra notes printed on polymer could not withstand the hot, humid climate and will be replaced with new notes printed on paper with better security features and durability. The new notes are expected to be introduced in the first half of 2020.

Courtesy of Murtaza Karimjee (www.africancollectible.com).

Tags: Sao Tome and Principe, Polymer

Like B343k, but new date (2019).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn (http://www.facebook.com/myriakorea).

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

According to an article in The Sunday Post dated 7 November 2019 and an article on YourMoney.com, the Bank of Scotland has unveiled the designs of two new 20-pound notes dated 1st June 2019, the fronts of which both feature a portrait of poet Sir Walter Scott. The back of the regular issue 20-pound note depicts the Forth Bridge while the back of the commemorative note depicts the Queensferry Crossing. Both notes are printed by De La Rue on polymer (Guardian) substrate and measure 139 x 73 mm, consistent with the new reduced-size notes from the Bank of England and other UK banks also expected to be introduced in early 2020.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

Courtesy of Andrea Bossi.

Tags: Albania, Polymer

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Australia, Polymer

According to a press release dated 10 October 2019, the Bank of England has unveiled the new 20-pound polymer note (B205) due to be introduced on 20 February 2020.

Tags: United Kingdom, Polymer

This note commemorates the 15th anniversary of the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni.



Courtesy of Anthony Rodov and Igor Nosenko (Instagram).

Tags: Cambodia, Polymer

Courtesy of Shibu Paul (Ebanknoteshop).

Tags: East Caribbean States, Polymer

According to a press release dated 21 August 2019, this polymer note commemorates the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of King Mohammed VI, with the back featuring some of the major projects completed under his leadership. It was introduced in September 2019.





Courtesy of Max Keller and Bogdanov Ivan, Богданов Иван (bonistics.org).

Tags: Morocco, Polymer

Like B236k, but new signatures (Emefiele/Eleje) and new date (2019). Prefix VG.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B347i, but new date (2019).

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

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

According to a press release dated 15 July 2019, the Bank of England has revealed that Alan Turing and his work will appear on the back of the new 50-pound polymer note to be introduced by the end of 2021.

Tags: United Kingdom, Polymer

According to a press release dated 24 June 2019, the Banco Central de Nicaragua introduced new 500- and 1,000-córdoba banknotes printed on polymer substrate on 8 July 2019.







The new notes have the following attributes: high durability, which will imply substantial savings in the issuance of tickets; greater difficulty of falsification, since it incorporates state-of-the-art security measures; and kindness to the environment, because once destroyed, the waste material of the tickets will be recyclable. Its dimensions are 156 mm in length and 67 mm in height, with colors and designs similar to those of current circulation. It should be noted that with this new issuance, the BCN completes the entire polymer substrate banknote family started in 2009, with which Nicaragua will be among the first countries to have all of its denominations printed on polymer substrate.

The 500- and 1,000-córdoba banknotes currently in circulation, printed on cotton paper substrate, will retain their value and continue to circulate next to the new banknotes, until they are gradually withdrawn, according to their deterioration.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Nicaragua, Polymer

According to a press release dated 4 June 2019, the Bank of England has awarded the contract for supplying polymer substrate for its new 50-pound note jointly to De La Rue (Safeguard) and CCL Secure (Guardian). No word on when the new notes will be introduced.

Tags: United Kingdom, Polymer

Like B235p, but new date (2019).

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a press release dated 29 May 2019, the new 50-dollar polymer note was to be introduced in June, and preceding paper notes will continue to circulate in parallel. The new notes are printed by De La Rue on Safeguard.



Courtesy of Tristan Williams and KK Lim ().

Tags: East Caribbean States, Polymer

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

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 P123A, but new date (1 AGO. 2017) and new signatures. Series Y.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

Like P122, but new date (16 ENE. 2017) and new signatures. Series AD.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

According to press reports, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan is considering a switch to polymer banknotes in the future said Chairman Elman Rustamov at a press conference in Baku on 26 April 2019.

Tags: Azerbaijan, 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

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

Courtesy of Mauricio Diaz-Chavarro.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

This denomination has not yet been confirmed with prefix beginning with 18.

Courtesy of Catalin Vasilache.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Like B290a, but new date (2019).

Courtesy of Marius Rosca (Pecunia Auctions SRL) and Catalin Vasilache.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Like B234i, but new date (2018). Prefix DP.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org).

Tags: Northern Ireland, Polymer

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Northern Ireland, Polymer

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Northern Ireland, Polymer

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

According to a press release dated 18 February 2019, the Central Bank of Libya has introduced a new polymer 1-dinar note (B550a) to commemorate the 8th anniversary of the revolution. The note is printed by De La Rue on its Safeguard substrate.




Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Tags: Libya, Polymer

Like B346k, but new date (2018).

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk (Nogowczyk).

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

Like B279, but with the new coat of arms and a new date.

Courtesy of Catalin Vasilache.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Like B235m, but new signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Priscilla Ekwueme Eleje). Prefix FH.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B846c, but new signatures and new date (2017). Prefix D.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Tags: Paraguay, Polymer

According to a De La Rue press release dated 6 December 2018, the Bank of Mauritius has introduced a new 2,000-rupee banknote like the preceding paper note, but with upgraded security features, including Safeguard substrate and DLR’s Mask and Illuminate features.



Courtesy of Dennis Zammit and artcoins1983.

Tags: Mauritius, Polymer

According to an article in AhramOnline dated 5 December 2018, the Central Bank of Egypt plans to introduce polymer banknotes by 2020 to ease cash movement, reduce printing costs, and improve the quality of notes.

Courtesy of Aditya Kulkarni.

Tags: Egypt, Polymer

Courtesy of Numisnota (http://numisnota.eu).

Tags: Armenia, Polymer

Like B134, but reduced in size.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

According to a press release dated 29 November 2018, on 1 December the National Bank of Romania introduced a 100-leu polymer note commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Great Union. The front depicts King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria, and the Great National Assembly in Alba Iulia, on 1 December 1918. The back depicts the arrival of the royal cortege in Bucharest, on 1 December 1918, and part of the mace of King Ferdinand I, together with four women in folk costumes typical of each united Romanian province: Bessarabia, Romania, Transylvania and Bukovina. 10,000 notes will be sold with leaflet for 150 lei each.



Courtesy of Daniel Mendea, Mocanu Alexandru, Radu Andron, Hans-Ludwig Besler, Claudio Marana, Mihai Cristian Vulpe, Catalin Vasilache, Ștefan Vasiliță (www.ebancnote.ro).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

According to a BBC News article dated 6 November 2018, both Danske and Bank of Ireland plan to introduce new 5- and 10-pound polymer banknotes in Northern Ireland in February 2019. The new notes will be like the current notes, but the substrate changed from paper to polymer.




Courtesy of Don Ludwig and Ray Allen.

Tags: Northern Ireland, Polymer

According to a post on the Bank of Canada’s web site, the new 10-dollar note will be introduced 19 November 2018.

Courtesy of Gabriel Labrie.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

According to a press release dated 24 October 2018, the Royal Bank of Scotland has unveiled the design of its first 20-pound polymer note which features the historic Scottish entrepreneur Kate Cranston on front, and features red squirrels and blaeberry fruit on back. It also includes extracts from 16th century Scottish poet Mark Alexander Boyd’s work, Cupid and Venus. The 20-pound note printed by De La Rue on Safeguard substrate is the third denomination in the “Fabric of Nature” series, and is planned for introduction in 2020.



Courtesy of Ray Allen, David Hunter, Don Ludwig, and Christopher Nield.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

According to a press release dated 13 October 2018, the Bank of England confirms that it intends to introduce a 50-pound note printed on polymer substrate some time after the new 20-pound note is introduced in 2020.

Courtesy of Christopher Nield, Mark Irwin, and Don Ludwig.

Tags: United Kingdom, 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 P119, but new date (1 ianuarie 2018) and new coat of arms.

Courtesy of (http://ebancnote.ro).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

According to a Prime news report dated 3 October 2018, the National Bank of Moldova plans to introduce polymer banknotes as early as 2019.

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

Tags: Moldova, 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

On 3 May 2017, a resolution authorized the Banco Central del Uruguay to introduce up to 10 million new 50-peso uruguayo polymer notes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bank. When these notes were introduced on 14 September 2018, the bank indicated that it intends to use polymer substrate for other lower denominations in the future, with the physical size of the notes increasing according to their denominations.



Courtesy of Dennis Zammit, Claudio Marana, and Gustavo Fernández Artigas.

Tags: Uruguay, Polymer

On 5 September 2018, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank announced plans to introduce a new family of notes beginning in mid-2019. The new family will retain the same denominations and color schemes as preceding issues, but with vertical orientation and new designs on polymer substrate for improved durability and security. They will feature holographic windows and embossed tactile geometric shapes to allow the visually impaired to distinguish between denominations.













Courtesy of 钞票百科 (Chaopiaobaike).

Tags: East Caribbean States, Polymer

According to a press release, on 3 September 2018 the Maldives Monetary Authority introduced new 10-rufiyaa notes like the preceding issues, but with new signature (Ahmed Naseer) and new date (10 MARCH 2018).




Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Thomas Augustsson.

Tags: Maldives, Polymer

According to a press release dated 31 July 2018, the Bank of Zambia plans to upgrade the security features of its banknotes. Specifically, the 20-, 50-, and 100-kwacha notes will have a SPARK Live feature added at lower right front and a 5-mm wide windowed security thread. The 10-kwacha note has a new windowed security thread, and the 2- and 5-kwacha notes have different images in glossy varnish with blind embossing. All denominations have tactile marks for the visually impaired. The two smallest denominations are expected to be introduced in August 2018, with the remaining denominations issued in a phased manner, and existing notes continuing to circulate in parallel.

Tags: Zambia, Polymer

Like B297c, but new date (2014). Prefix FB.

Courtesy of Artem Shevchenko.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

According to a CCL press release dated 9 July 2018, Marvin Alvarado, treasurer of the Central Bank of Costa Rica, announced the bank's decision to change all denominations currently printed on cotton paper to polymer substrate to combat counterfeiting. No word yet on when the new polymer notes will be introduced into circulation.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Costa Rica, Polymer

Like P120, but new date and new coat of arms.

Courtesy of Marius Rosca (Pecunia Auctions/www.ebancnote.ro).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

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

Like P123A, but new signatures and new date (16 ENE. 2017). Series W.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

Like B236j, but new date (2018).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

This 100-ruble note commemorates the World Cup held in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, and run by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French: International Federation of Association Football, FIFA).


B840 (PNL): 100 рублей (rubles) (US$1.50)
Blue, green, yellow, and red. Front (vertical): Russian text; coat of arms; standing boy holding soccer ball under arm; goalkeeper (Lev Yashin) diving for soccer ball; Quick Recognition Code. Back (vertical): Russian text; stylized Russian flag with silhouettes of athletic fans; stylized globe on soccer ball with Russian Federation map; names of Russian cities hosting playoff games. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): None. Printer: (Goznak). 150 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. 2018. No sig. Prefix AA, AB.
20,400,000 notes printed. Intro: 22.05.2018.

Courtesy of Jérôme Deschamps, Vladimir Buravlev, 钞票百科 (Chaopiaobaike), Sergey Parfenov, Menshikov Anton, Vadim Tislenko, and Михаил Плахов.

Tags: Russia, Polymer

Like B232q, but new date (2018). Prefix EY.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

These notes are like the preceding issues, but printed on polymer substrate, not paper.

Courtesy of James Pickering (e-worldbanknotes.com).

Tags: Macedonia, Polymer

Courtesy of Olin Yap,

Tags: Mauritania, Polymer

Like B208k, but new symbol (three solid stars) below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6GQ.

Courtesy of Thomas Oon.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

According to an article on Sitel.com dated 8 April 2018, the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia plans to replace the existing 10- and 50-denar paper notes with new polymer notes on 15 May 2018.

Courtesy of Martin Grupcev.

Tags: Macedonia, Polymer

On 8 March 2018, International Women’s Day, the Bank of Canada unveiled the design of a new 10-dollar polymer note featuring Viola Desmond, a successful black Nova Scotian businesswoman who challenged racial segregation in 1946. The note is the first regular issue Canadian note to feature an iconic woman, and the first vertically oriented design.
With the issuance of this new 10-dollar note, the Bank of Canada’s approach to issuing bank notes is changing. Rather than issuing all five denominations within a short time frame, a new note will be issued every few years, allowing the integration of the latest security features each time a new note is issued. The next 5-dollar note will also feature a new iconic portrait subject and supporting imagery. Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and first francophone Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, will be honored on higher value banknotes when they are redesigned. These changes mean that former prime ministers William Lyon Mackenzie King and Sir Robert Borden will no longer be portrayed on banknotes. The 20-dollar denomination will continue to feature the reigning monarch.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

Like B301b, but new date (2016). Prefix D/37, D/38.

Courtesy of Marcus Feaver.

Tags: Brunei, Polymer

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

Like B124, but printed on polymer. new date (2018), and new signatures. Prefix AE.
This is Botswana’s first polymer note, and the first note in the world with Gemini Microtext.


Courtesy of .

Tags: Botswana, Polymer

Like B209d, but one diamond on back. Prefix 5AK.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

Like B210l, but with inverted triangle at lower left back.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

Like B345i, but new date.

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

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

Like P122, but new date (20 DE MARZO DE 2013) and new printer imprint (CANADIAN BANK NOTE).

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and .

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

B308 (PNL): 5 dobras (US$0.20)
Purple. Front: Portuguese text; Acraea insularis butterfly; coat of arms; Banco Central headquarters building in São Tomé; Rei Amador embossed on clear window. Back: Portuguese text; stylized cocoa pod; Rei Amador embossed on clear window; butterflies; map of Sao Tome and Principe; Musaranho-fingui (Crocidura thomensis) São Tomé shrew. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): None. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 130 x 67 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 21 de Outubro de 2016. Sig. 7. Prefix AA. Intro: 01.01.2018.



B309 (PNL): 10 dobras (US$0.45)
Red. Front: Portuguese text; Acraea niobe butterfly; coat of arms; Banco Central headquarters building in São Tomé; Rei Amador embossed on clear window. Back: Portuguese text; stylized cocoa pod; Rei Amador embossed on clear window; butterflies; map of Sao Tome and Principe; Tluqui-Sun-Dêçu (Prinia molleri) São Tomé prinia bird perched on branch. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): None. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 135 x 67 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 21 de Outubro de 2016. Sig. 7. Prefix AB. Intro: 01.01.2018.



B310 (PNL): 20 dobras (US$0.90)
Green. Front: Portuguese text; Charaxes barnsi butterfly; coat of arms; Banco Central headquarters building in São Tomé; butterfly as registration device. Back: Portuguese text; stylized cocoa pod; butterfly; map of Sao Tome and Principe; Rã de S. Tomé (Hyperolius thomensis) Sao Tome giant treefrog clutching branch. Red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BCSTP. Watermark: Rei Amador and electrotype butterfly. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 140 x 67 mm.
a. 21 de Outubro de 2016. Sig. 7. Prefix AC. Intro: 01.01.2018.



B311 (PNL): 50 dobras (US$2.20)
Brown. Front: Portuguese text; Charaxes lemosi butterfly; coat of arms; Banco Central headquarters building in São Tomé; butterfly as registration device. Back: Portuguese text; stylized cocoa pod; butterfly; map of Sao Tome and Principe; Tchintchintchólò (Ploceus sanctithomae) São Tomé weaver perched on branch. Red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BCSTP. Watermark: Rei Amador and electrotype butterfly. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 145 x 67 mm.
a. 21 de Outubro de 2016. Sig. 7. Prefix AD. Intro: 01.01.2018.



B312 (PNL): 100 dobras (US$4.40)
Green. Front: Portuguese text; Charaxes odysseus butterfly; coat of arms; Banco Central headquarters building in São Tomé; holographic patch; butterfly as registration device. Back: Portuguese text; stylized cocoa pod; butterfly; map of Sao Tome and Principe; Macaco de S. Tomé (Cercophithecus mona) Mona monkey on branch. Red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BCSTP. Watermark: Rei Amador and electrotype butterfly. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 150 x 67 mm.
a. 21 de Outubro de 2016. Sig. 7. Prefix AE. Intro: 01.01.2018.



B313 (PNL): 200 dobras (US$8.80)
Dark red. Front: Portuguese text; Charaxes defulvata butterfly; coat of arms; Banco Central headquarters building in São Tomé; holographic patch; butterfly as registration device. Back: Portuguese text; stylized cocoa pod; butterfly; map of Sao Tome and Principe; Chibi-ficha (Anabathmis hartlaubii) Príncipe sunbird perched on branch. Red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BCSTP. Watermark: Rei Amador and electrotype butterfly. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 155 x 67 mm.
a. 21 de Outubro de 2016. Sig. 7. Prefix AF. Intro: 01.01.2018.

Courtesy of Manuel Pires Horta Rosa.

Tags: Sao Tome and Principe, Polymer

Courtesy of Numisnota.

Tags: Mauritania, Polymer

On 1 December 2017, Spink concluded an auction of new Bank of Scotland 10-pound notes to raise money for the charity Mental Health UK. There were two notes with special 8-character serial numbers chosen by the winning bidders, plus 36 other notes with prefixes and serial numbers designed to appeal to railroad enthusiasts. 18 notes each with BR (British Railway) and LMS (London Midland Scotland) prefixes were sold with serial numbers corresponding to the number on each of the Stanier Black 5 locomotives in preservation today. The LMS notes also feature an overprinted “totem” sign at upper left back corresponding to a station: Ardlui, Arrochar And Tarbet, Banavie, Bridge Of Orchy, Corrour, Crianlarich Upper, Fort William, Garelochhead, Glenfinnan, Helensburgh-Upper, Lochailort, Locheilside, Morar, Rannoch, Roy Bridge, Spean Bridge, Tulloch, and Tyndrum Upper.






Courtesy of Olin Yeh.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

According to a 14 December 2017 press release, Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement.





The 600-ringgit note is larger than the Philippines 1998 100,000-peso note measuring 355 x 215 mm, which the Guinness Book of World Records heretofore considered to be the physically largest legal tender note ever issued.

60,000 60-ringgit notes were packaged in folders and sold for 120 ringgit each, with a limit of five per buyer.
6,000 uncut sheets of three 60-ringgit notes were also sold for 500 ringgit each, with a limit of one per buyer.
6,000 600-ringgit notes were packaged in folders and sold for 1,700 ringgit each, with a limit of one per buyer.

The public can place their orders online from 5 January 2018. In the event of oversubscription, balloting will take place. Banknotes with special serial numbers will be sold via public auction on 10 March 2018.

Courtesy of Liew Siang Ping, Stane Straus, Dmytry Nevmyvako, Zhao Jiarui, Ajay Rawat, and Thomas Augustsson.

Tags: Malaysia, Polymer

According to an article in The Star dated 8 March 2012 and an article in the Daily Nation dated 7 March 2012, the Central Bank of Kenya “hereby invites individuals, institutions, institutions, organizations and professional bodies to present in writing, proposals on elements/features to be considered for incorporation in the design of the proposed new Kenyan currency banknotes and coins.” Per Article 231(4) of the constitution, the new notes may not bear the portrait of any individual. All notes in Kenya currently feature a portrait of former president Jomo Kenyatta.

The issuance of new notes is at least two years away, and even after their introduction, existing notes will likely circulate in parallel until they wear out. The bank has not ruled out changes to the colors or sizes of the new notes, and has said that “dominant Kenyan physical features, flora and fauna and key economic activities such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, are expected to replace these presidential portraits.”

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Mauritania, Polymer

In response to persistent public concerns regarding the poor quality of the current circulating 10-pula note (B124) printed on paper, the Bank of Botswana plans to introduce a new polymer note on 1 February 2018.



Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Botswana, Polymer

Courtesy of Harry Lin (林琳斌).

Tags: Vanuatu, Polymer

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 Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

Brown, orange, and red. Front: English text; flowers; bank logo in SPARK Orbital; exerpt from Somerville’s “The Connection of the Physical Sciences;” beach of Somerville’s hometown, Burntisland; mathematician and astronomer Mary Somerville. Back: English text; botanicals used in dyeing; two otters; excerpt from Norman MacCaig’s poem, “Moorings.” No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 132 x 69 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 26th December 2016. Prefix AA - AC. Intro: 04.10.2017.

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

This 50-dollar note was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary (golden jubilee) of the accession to the throne by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah. This note circulates normally, but numismatic products are also offered in various combinations and packaging.



Courtesy of Chaopiaobaike (钞票百科) and KK Lim.

Tags: Brunei, Polymer

According to a press release, on 27 September 2017 the Central Bank of The Bahamas introduced a new 1-dollar note in the CRISP Evolution family.



Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Fortumor Banknotes (http://stores.ebay.com/FortuMor).

Tags: Bahamas, Polymer

On 21 September 2017, the Clydesdale Bank introduced a new 10-pound polymer note.




Courtesy of Mihai Cristian Vulpe.

Tags: Scotland, 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

On 14 September 2017, the Bank of England introduced a new 10-pound polymer note. Confirmed prefixes: AA, AE, AH, CA, CB.

Tags: Great Britain, Polymer

Like B232p, but new date (2017). Prefix ED.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B236i, but new date (2017). Prefix TU.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B235k, but new date (2017). Prefix EG.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

On 18 July 2017, the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austin, the Bank of England unveiled a 10-pound note featuring the 19th century novelist. It is the first BOE note with a tactile feature to help the sight impaired. The note will be introduced into circulation on 14 September 2017. It will circulate in parallel with the preceding paper note, which will be withdrawn in the first half of 2018.

Tags: England, Polymer

Like B348l, but new date (2017).

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

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

Like P121, but new date (2017).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Gligor Adrian Borza.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

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

According to a press release dated 5 July 2017, Brunei and Singapore have both issued new 50-dollar polymer notes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Brunei introduced one million notes, and Singapore introduced two million notes, all at face value. Banks in both countries offered sets of notes in complimentary folders. The commemorative notes were jointly designed by Abdul Ajihis Haji Terawih, Eng Siak Loy, and Weng Ziyan. A total of 50,000 sets of Brunei and Singapore notes bearing matching serial numbers and CIA prefixes were sold for S$300 (US$220) each beginning 12 July 2017. Uncut sheets of 3, 8, and 40 notes were also packaged for sale as numismatic products.






Courtesy of KK Lim (http://stores.ebay.com/COLLECTIBLES-ARENA).

Tags: Brunei, Singapore, Polymer

According to a press release dated 29 May 2017, the Bank of Mozambique issued on 16 June 2017 a new note family like the existing issues (B234 - B239), but with new signature (Rogerio Zandamela) and new date (16 DE JUNHO DE 2017). Only the 1,000-metical note has yet to be confirmed.

Courtesy of Don Ludwig, Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org), and Hermann Huber and Ny Andry Ranaivosolo.

Tags: Mozambique, Polymer

B149c: Like B149b, but new signature and text at lower right front filled solid, not filled with diagonal lines.

Courtesy of Tan Shi Chuan.

Tags: Malaysia, Polymer

B377 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$7.70)
Purple. Front: English and French text; Assomption sash underprint pattern; SPARK arch found in the Memorial Chamber on Parliament Hill; John Alexander Macdonald, George-Étienne Cartier, Agnes Campbell Macphail, James Gladstone Akay-na-muka; sylized maple leaf. Back: Capilano Lake and Lions/Twin Sisters mountains (Western Canada); wheat field outside Regina, Saskatchewan (Prairie provinces); Kipawa River and trees of Canadian Shield in Parc national d’Opémican (Central Canada); rocky coast of Cape Bonavista (Eastern Canada); northern lights above Wood Buffalo national park (Northern Canada). Holographic stripe with coat of arms, flag, Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak’s Owl’s Bouquet. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (CBN). 152 x 70 mm. Polymer.
a. 2017. Intro: 01.06.2017. Sig. 17. Prefix CDA - CDF.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

According to an article in Daily Business dated 29 May 2017, the Bank of Scotland plans to introduce a new 10-pound polymer note in the autumn 2017.



Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

According to an article in El Observador dated 23 May 2017, on 3 May 2017 a resolution authorized the Banco Central del Uruguay to introduce up to 10 million new 50-peso uruguayo polymer notes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bank. No word yet on when the notes will be introduced, but the Banco Central del Uruguay was created by law 13594 of 6 July 1967 and decree on 12 September 1967.

Images of the new 50-peso notes appear in a video recently released by the bank.




Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Cleo Phas.

Tags: Uruguay, Polymer

B150b: Like B150a, but new signature. Prefix BL.

Courtesy of Sam Hong and Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Malaysia, Polymer

Like B234h, but new date (2017). Prefix DQ.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a press release, the Maldives Monetary Authority introduced a new 5-rufiyaa polymer banknote in July 2017. This denomination was supposed to be replaced by a coin after the bank introduced its new note family on 26 January 2016, but the bank has reversed its decision and issued a new note instead.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Igor Nosenko, and Hermann Huber.

Tags: Maldives, Polymer

Like B347g, but new date (2016). Prefix KE.

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

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

Like B343i, but new date (2017). Prefix NC.

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

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

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 P120, but new date (2017).

Courtesy of Mihai Cristian Vulpe and Marius Rosca.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Courtesy of Chaopiaobaike.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

B432b: Like B432a, but new date (2016) and new signatures. Prefix PZ.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Owen Griffiths.

Tags: Mauritius, Polymer

Like P117, but new date (2017).

Courtesy of Marius Rosca.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

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

Like B857a, but new date (2016), new signatures (Darío Rolando Arréllaga Yaluk and Carlos Gustavo Fernández Valdovinos). Prefix H.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Tags: Paraguay, 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

According to a press release dated 15 February 2017, the Bank of England acknowledged the concerns of some regarding trace amounts of animal-derived tallow in the production of the polymer substrate used in the 5-pound note introduced on 13 September 2016, as well as the 10-pound note scheduled for September 2017 introduction. However, the bank has decided not to withdraw the notes nor stop their introduction because to do so would incur substantial costs, but changes may be made for the new 20-pound note due for introduction in 2020.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin.

Tags: England, Polymer

According to a TASS article dated 14 February 2017, in the first quarter of 2018, the Bank of Russia will issue a 100-ruble banknote dedicated to 2018 World Cup, and it will be Russia's first polymer banknote. The bank also intends to use polymer when producing either the new 200- or 2,000-ruble notes with symbols of Sevastopol and the Far East.

Tags: Russia, Polymer

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Great Britain, Polymer

Like B345h, but new date (2016). Prefix MZ.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

Like B346i, but new date (2016). Prefix LJ.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

B135 (PNL): 100 pounds (US$142)
Purple. Front: Queen Elizabeth II; crenellated castle tower as registration device; coat of arms of castle with key. Back: Crenellated castle tower; Sir Joshua Hassan. Depth Image holographic stripe. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 163 x 90 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 21st August 2015. Sig. 15. Intro: 23.01.2017.
This is the first note in the world with a holographic foil on the Safeguard substrate.
Replacement notes: Serial number above C 250000.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online) and Arnoldo Efron (Global Numismatic Services).

Tags: Gibraltar, Polymer

B296f: Like B296e, but new date (2015). Prefix DG.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

B208i: Like B208h, but with two stars below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6AA, 6CA.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

Like B234g, but new date (2016). Prefix DE.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B557a, but without yellow on front, and window images outlined in black, new date (11 de setiembre de 2013), new signatures. Serie B.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Max Keller.

Tags: Costa Rica, Polymer

B208j: Like B208h, but with two hollow stars below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6RG.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

B208h: Like B208g, but with one solid star below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6AF.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

B210j: Like B210i, but with two solid houses below SPORTS on back. Prefix 5FZ.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

Like P122, but new date (12 JUL. 2016). Series Y.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

Like B237h, but new date (2016). Prefix SH.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a press release dated 25 July 2016, the Russian security printer Goznak has prepared six different designs for a 100-ruble banknote to commemorate the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, to be held in various locations (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Samara, Saransk, Sochi, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Yekaterinburg) from 14 June to 15 July. The commemorative note is expected to be printed on either polymer or a composite substrate to help distinguish it from regular issue banknotes. Printing is expected to begin in mid-2017 with the note introduced in 2018.

Tags: Russia, Polymer

Like P123A but new signatures, new date (7 DIC. 2015), and series S.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

B851 (PNL): 10 gourdes (US$0.20)
Light blue and purple. Front: Coat of arms with cannon, flags, anchor, bugle, drum, and palm tree; Lieutenant Sanite Belair; soldiers fighting with rifles; coat of arms over clear window. Back: Coat of arms over clear window; Fort Cap-Rouge (Fort Red Cap) in Jacmel. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: Unknown. 132 x 64 mm. Polymer.
a. 2013. Signature 15. Prefix M.

Courtesy of Pieter Liem.

Tags: Haiti, Polymer

5 pounds
Blue, green, and orange. Front: Flower; bank logo in SPARK; Cairngorms mountain range in eastern Highlands of Scotland; quote from Nan Shepherd’s book “The Living Mountain;” poet and novelist Nan Shepherd. Back: Two mackerel fish; excerpt from Sorley MacLean’s poem “The Choice.” No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 125 x 65 mm. Polymer (Safeguard). a. 11th February 2016. Prefix AY. Intro: 26.10.2016.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

Like P122, but new date (2016).

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

On front, like the limited edition commemorative 5-pound banknote featuring Pudsey bear, but intended for general circulation and without the bear on back, which is like P124.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (http://www.banknote.ws).

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

According to an article in the Daily Record dated 27 September 2016, the Clydesdale Bank has begun withdrawing paper 5-pound notes and is now issuing a polymer 5-pound banknote, like the commemorative previously issued, but with new date (13th February 2016) and new signature of CEO David Duffy. The text on the back has also changed rom "UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination" to "Scottish World Heritage Site Inscribed 2015," and a similar change to the front, from "UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination" to "Scottish World Heritage Site."



Courtesy of Zbyszek Warszawski and Quality World Currency.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

Like P122, but new date (2 DE MYAO DE 2012), and new printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. Suffix E.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

On 13 September 2016, the Bank of England introduced the first of 440 million polymer 5-pound notes printed by De La Rue. A new 10-pound polymer note featuring Jane Austen is scheduled to be introduced in mid-2017. A new 20-pound polymer note featuring J.M.W. Turner is expected in 2020. The bank has not yet decided if or when it will introduce a new 50-pound note, nor if it will be paper or polymer.



5 pounds
Blue. Front: Bank seal; Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben); coronation crown; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: Winston Churchill; maze at Blenheim Palace in green foil. Kurz’s Kinegram Colors holographic stripe. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): None. Printer: (TDLR). 125 x 65 mm. Polymer (Innovia’s Guardian).
a. 2015. Signature Victoria Cleland. Intro: 13.09.2016.

Courtesy of Antje Bird.

Tags: Great Britain, Polymer

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 an article on Your Gibraltar TV dated 23 August 2016, this 100-pound banknote will be put into circulation in the second half of 2016. The note is dated 21 August 2015, the centenary of the birth of Sir Joshua Hassan. Nicknamed “Salvador” (Saviour), Sir Joshua was chief minister for a total of 22 years and is credited as being the most important architect of Gibraltar’s move towards self-determination.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Gibraltar, Polymer

B375c: Like B375b, but new signatures. Prefix GJA.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

B297c: Like B297b, but new date (2013). Prefix BJ.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

Like P121, but new date (2016).

Courtesy of Costing Iorgu (http://www.banknotesworldshop.com), Marian Alionte, and Daniel Mendea.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

B232p: Like B232o, but new date (2016). Prefix DB.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

The Bank of England has printed 440 million polymer 5-pound notes it plans to introduce 13 September 2016. A new 10-pound polymer note featuring Jane Austen is scheduled to be introduced in mid-2017. A new 20-pound polymer note featuring J.M.W. Turner is expected in 2020. The bank has not yet decided if or when it will introduce a new 50-pound note, nor if it will be paper or polymer.

Courtesy of Antje Bird.

Tags: Great Britain, Polymer, England

According to a Royal Bank of Scotland press release dated 25 April 2016, Scottish poet and novelist Nan Shepherd will appear on a new batch of polymer £5 notes. The writer joins scientist Mary Somerville, who was chosen for the new £10 note in a public poll, meaning women will feature on RBS main issue notes for the first time. Shepherd was an English lecturer at Aberdeen College of Education but also wrote novels, poetry and non-fiction, with the Scottish landscape and weather a major influence on her work. The back of the new notes have a nature theme with two mackerel displayed on the £5 note and two otters on the £10.

The new 5-pound note will be introduced later in 2016, and the 10-pound note will be introduced in 2017.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

According to a press release dated 22 April 2016, the Bank of England has announced that J.M.W. Turner will appear on the next 20-pound polymer banknote due to be issued by 2020.

Commenting on the decision, Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney said: “I am delighted to announce that J.M.W. Turner has been chosen to appear on the next £20 note. Turner is perhaps the single most influential British artist of all time. His work was transformative, bridging the classical and modern worlds. His influence spanned his lifetime and is still apparent today. Turner bequeathed this painting to the nation, an example of his important contribution to British society."

As shown in the concept image, the design on the reverse of the note will include:

• J.M.W. Turner’s self-portrait, painted c. 1799 and currently on display in the Tate Britain.
• One of Turner’s most eminent paintings The Fighting Temeraire; a tribute to the ship HMS Temeraire which played a distinguished role in Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
• The quote - “Light is therefore colour” from an 1818 lecture by Turner referring to his innovative use of light, shade, colour and tone in his pictures.
• Turner’s signature from his Will, the document with which he bequeathed many of his paintings to the nation.

The full design of the note and its security features will be unveiled closer to it entering circulation.

Courtesy of Antje Bird, James Cadman, and Mark Irwin.

Tags: England, 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

Like P120, but new date (20)16.

Courtesy of Alexandru Mocanu.

Tags: Romania, 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 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

According to a press release dated 6 April 2016, the Swiss National Bank has unveiled the design of the new 50-franc note, the first denomination in a new series of notes inspired by the theme "The many facets of Switzerland." The new family consists of the same denominations as the existing family, but the notes are reduced in size for easier handling. The 50-franc note measuring 70 x 137 mm was introduced on 12 April 2016.





"Each denomination depicts a typically Swiss characteristic, which is then illustrated graphically using a range of elements. The 50-franc note focuses on the wealth of experiences Switzerland has to offer – expressed by the wind, the note’s key motif. Core design elements in the new series are the hand and the globe, which appear on every denomination."

"The new notes were designed by Manuela Pfrunder and printed by Orell Füssli Security Printing Ltd using an innovative, three-layer banknote substrate. The combination of complex security features and sophisticated design provides state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting protection. The new series equips Switzerland with banknotes that are both more modern and more secure than the previous generation.
The next denomination, the 20-franc note, will be issued in spring 2017. The remaining notes in the series will be issued subsequently at half-yearly or yearly intervals. The SNB will announce each new issue date well in advance. Issuance of the entire series is scheduled to be completed by 2019."

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Manfred Wolfensberger, Christof Zellweger, Antje Bird, Marco Pache, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Tags: Switzerland, Polymer

Like PNL, but new date (13 MAY. 2015), new signatures, and series P.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

Like B344f, but new date (2016). Prefix ME.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

B235k: Like B235j, but new date (2016). Prefix CG.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a press release dated 10 March 2016, the Bank of England will unveil the design of the new polymer 5-pound banknote on 2 June 2016. The note will be introduced in September 2016, and the existing paper 5-pound note will be gradually withdrawn thereafter. The polymer 10-pound note featuring Jane Austen will be introduced in late 2017 and a new polymer 20-pound note will be introduced by 2020.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Tags: England, Polymer

B202c: Like B202b, but new date (2013). Prefix D/19.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Tags: Brunei, Polymer

B210k: Like B210j, but with two hollow houses on back below SPORTS. Prefix 5QJ.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

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

According to an article in The Guardian dated 10 February 2016, the new polymer 10-pound note scheduled to issued in 2017 by the Royal Bank of Scotland will feature a portrait of scientist Mary Somerville, making her the first woman other than a royal to appear on an RBS banknote.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin and David Hunter.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

Like P161, but new date (2014). Prefix AC.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

Like B845, but polymer. Printed in 2013 and reportedly stored in the bank's vaults, this polymer note is expected to replace the paper version of this denomination once supplies of the latter are exhausted.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org).

Tags: Haiti, Polymer

B208h: Like B208g, but one star on back below EDUCATION. Intro: 2015.

Courtesy of Bin Hao.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

According to a press release dated 26 January 2016, the Maldives Monetary Authority has introduced its new family of polymer banknotes. Existing notes will circulate in parallel until 1 June 2016, and can be exchanged for new notes for a period of five years.



Courtesy of Paresh Bhandari, Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online), and Rafal Nogowczyk (Nogowczyk).

Tags: Maldives, Polymer

On 22 January 2016, David Duffy, chief executive officer at Clydesdale Bank, unveiled the redesigned polymer 10-pound note featuring a portrait of Robert Burns on the front and views of Edinburgh and its castle on the back. The new note is expected to be introduced in 2017.

Courtesy of David Hunter.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

This note is like the preceding issue (B234), but without novel serial numbering or the commemorative text at upper center front, and with the addition of a circle of embossed dots at lower right front, and a red banner across the tail of the bird on front. Reports are that the bank intends to add embossed symbols to all the other denominations to assist the sight impaired. No word yet on when the new notes will be introduced, nor if they will be all new designs.



B235 (PNL): 50 dollars (US$7.85)
Gold, brown, purple, red, and green. Front: Coat of arms; red hibiscus flower; SPARK Orbital hibiscus; red-capped cardinal bird in flight. Back: Red-capped cardinal in flight; Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port of Spain; female masquerader in Carnival costume. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 152 x 70 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Sig. 9. Prefix CH. Intro: 30.11.2015.

Tags: Trinidad & Tobago, Polymer

Like B278i, but new date (20)15.

Courtesy of Alexandru Mocanu.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

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.


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Tags: Australia, Polymer

Like previous unlisted 50-peso note, but new signatures and new date (27 OCT. 2014). Series M.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

According to an article in the Daily Express dated 29 November 2015, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago introduced a redesigned 50-dollar note similar to B234 which was introduced in December 2014 and subsequently was honored as the IBNS Bank Note of the Year. The redesigned note was introduced in early November 2015 and incorporates an embossed tactile feature for the visually-impaired, and no longer features novel serial numbers.

Tags: Trinidad & Tobago, Polymer

B301b: Like B301a, but new date (2013). Prefix D-24.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Tags: Brunei, Polymer

B372c: Like B372b, but new signature 17 (Wilkins/Poloz). Prefix FTT.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

All five types of the new 10-dollar polymer commemorative note have been confirmed with either one or two diamonds below the unique wording at lower left back.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

According to a press release dated 12 October 2015, the Banco Central de Nicaragua has unveiled the designs of its new note family which it introduced on 26 October 2015. All of the denominations are printed on polymer substrate, except for the 500-córdoba note (B511) which is printed on cotton paper substrate. Existing notes will continue to circulate in parallel and will be withdrawn as they deteriorate.



Courtesy of Francisco Orozco Icaza, Cleo Phas, Claudio Marana, and Miguel Arias.

Tags: Nicaragua, Polymer

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

According to a press release dated 8 October 2015, the Bank of Scotland has unveiled the limited edition commemorative 5-pound banknote to be auctioned in aid of BBC Children in Need in November. The notes feature a picture of the charity’s Pudsey bear in a design produced by 13-year old Kayla Robson who won the Bank of Scotland’s competition to design a banknote. Just 50 of these notes have been produced by De La Rue and the use of the Safeguard substrate has allowed novel use of secure windows in the image of the Bank’s headquarters The Mound in Edinburgh.

The serial numbers on the note will also be unique with the first 40 notes using the serial code PUDSEY01 – PUDSEY40. The remaining 10 banknotes will be available for personalized serial numbers such as initials and date of birth. After the one-off charity auction, most of the rest of the notes will be auctioned by Spinks auction house in December 2015.

Courtesy of Stane Straus, Aidan Work, and Pam West (http://britishnotes.co.uk).

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

Like B348j, but new date (2015).

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

According to a press release dated 9 September 2015, the Bank of Canada reportedly introduced a 20-dollar polymer banknote (B376) to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II on becoming the longest-reigning sovereign in Canada’s modern era.

The commemorative bank note is a variation of the existing $20 polymer bank note (B373) that already features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The new note is identical to the current $20 note, with one distinct difference: its large window contains a range of special design elements, including a portrait of Her Majesty wearing a crown (tiara) for the first time on a Canadian bank note. The portrait is based on a 1951 image by renowned Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh – the same photograph that inspired the portrait engraving of the Queen, without the crown, for the 1954 Canadian Landscape series of bank notes and the 1967 commemorative note celebrating Confederation. Since her accession to the throne in 1952, an image of Her Majesty has appeared on every series of Canadian bank notes.

The Bank of Canada’s Chief of Currency, Richard Wall, unveiled the commemorative note, together with the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.

“This is a unique milestone in the history of the monarchy in our country, and the Bank of Canada is honoured to mark the occasion in this special way. Over Her Majesty’s reign, the technology behind our bank notes has continually evolved – to the state-of-the-art polymer notes we have today. It is therefore fitting that we are commemorating this historic occasion by using one of the most advanced security features of our current notes – the large holographic window,” said Mr. Wall.

The Bank of Canada will issue 40 million commemorative notes, the first of which will start to be available at financial institutions across Canada tomorrow. They will circulate alongside the existing $20 note, which will continue to be issued and will comprise the vast majority of $20 notes in circulation.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

According to a press release dated 7 September 2015, security printer De La Rue announced that the Royal Bank of Scotland's new design 5- and 10-pound banknotes will be issued on DLR's Safeguard polymer substrate. The new notes will be smaller than the existing ones (P352 and P353) and be completely re-designed with new themes and portrait subjects. The designs will be partly revealed in the coming months and, in line with other UK issuing authorities, it is planned that the new 5-pound note will be issued in the second half of 2016 with the 10-pound note to follow in 2017.

Commented David Wheldon, chief marketing officer at the Royal Bank of Scotland, “The move to polymer notes will bring significant benefits to all those who use them. They will be smaller, cleaner and more secure. We are grateful for De La Rue’s assistance with this important project.”

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

According to a press release dated 2 September 2015, the Bank of England announced that the next 20-pound banknote will be printed on polymer, a substrate that is more secure, durable, and cleaner than traditional security paper.

In December 2013, the bank announced that the next 5- and 10-pound banknotes would be printed on polymer following a 10-week public consultation that found 87% of respondent were in favor of the change. The polymer 5-pound note featuring Winston Churchill will be issued in autumn 2016, the 10-pound polymer note featuring Jane Austen entering circulation a year later.

The bank made the decision to move to polymer for the 20-pound note following extensive research into the developments in security features for notes printed on cotton-based paper and polymer since the 2013 decision was made. A competitive tender process for the supply of the polymer for the 20-pound note is expected to start in late 2015.

The note, which will feature a visual artist nominated during the public nominations period held earlier this year, will enter circulation in 3-5 years’ time.

A bank committee is considering which character will appear on the new 20-pound note. It received 29,701 nominations from the public after it announced it wanted to celebrate an artist on the note. Some 592 eligible visual artists are being considered for the honor. The final decision will be made by the bank’s governor, Mark Carney. Favorites include the sculptor and artist Barbara Hepworth, the author Beatrix Potter, and fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

Tags: England, Great Britain, Polymer

B213b: Like B213a, but with two diamonds below Opportunities for All on back. Prefix 5AC.


B214b: Like B214a, but with two diamonds below Strong Families on back. Prefix 5BV.

Courtesy of Morten Brumoen.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

According to a transcript of Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo speech, a new 100-pound banknote will be put into circulation in the first half of 2016. The note will be dated 21 August 2015, the centenary of the birth of Sir Joshua Hassan. Nicknamed "Salvador" (Saviour), Sir Joshua was chief minister for a total of 22 years and is credited as being the most important architect of Gibraltar’s move towards self-determination. The design of this, the first 100-pound note ever to be printed on polymer substrate, carries a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and a portrait of Sir Joshua on the other.

Tags: Gibraltar, Polymer

Like B235i, but new date (2015) and signatures. Prefix BV.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a press release dated 18 August 2015, the Monetary Authority of Singapore unveiled a set of six commemorative banknotes celebrating SG50, Singapore’s 50 years of nation-building. The notes comprise a $50 polymer note and five $10 polymer notes.

The note designs drew inspiration from significant milestones and achievements in Singapore’s history, the multiracialism that defines the nation, and the values and aspirations that underpin Singapore’s progress. The front of both the $50 and $10 notes feature the portrait of Mr Yusof Ishak, Singapore’s first President, as in the current Portrait series notes.

The five $10 notes have a common front design and varying back designs depicting the theme ‘Vibrant Nation, Endearing Home’. Each note reflects a value or aspiration that defines this theme:



B212 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$7.70)
Red. Front: Coat of arms; lion head as registration device; gold lion head; brown 10; orchid flower; Yusof bin Ishak. Back: …regardless of race, language or religion…; orchid flower pattern underprint; eight boys and girls wearing tee shirts and shorts; lion head. Security thread shaped like Singapore island. Watermark (shadow image): Outline map of Singapore. Printer: Unknown. 141 x 69 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 3. One diamond below regardless… on back. Prefix 5BG. Intro: 20.08.2015.


B213 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$7.70)
Red. Front: Coat of arms; lion head as registration device; gold lion head; brown 10; orchid flower; Yusof bin Ishak. Back: Opportunities for All; orchid flower pattern underprint; soccer (football) coach and three players; construction worker with blueprint; dancer; scientist with beakers and test tubes; chef wearing toque stirring wok, boy in wheelchair and two seated girls; financial trader with keyboard and stock charts on monitors; teacher pointing to Singapore on globe; lion head. Security thread shaped like Singapore island. Watermark (shadow image): Outline map of Singapore. Printer: Unknown. 141 x 69 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 3. One diamond below Opportunities… on back. Prefix 5BL. Intro: 20.08.2015.


B214 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$7.70)
Red. Front: Coat of arms; lion head as registration device; gold lion head; brown 10; orchid flower; Yusof bin Ishak. Back: Strong Families; orchid flower pattern underprint; man reading book to child sitting in lap; man, woman, and child riding tandom bicycle with building cityscape in background; extended family seated with 50th Anniversary cake; man and woman fixing epaulettes on soldier’s uniform; lion head. Security thread shaped like Singapore island. Watermark (shadow image): Outline map of Singapore. Printer: Unknown. 141 x 69 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 3. One diamond below Strong Families on back. Prefix 5BB. Intro: 20.08.2015.


B215 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$7.70)
Red. Front: Coat of arms; lion head as registration device; gold lion head; brown 10; orchid flower; Yusof bin Ishak. Back: Safe and Secure; orchid flower pattern underprint; Citizens on Patrol consulting brochure with police officers; solider with binoculars; soldier with clenched hand over heart; woman carrying duffle bag; pilot in flight suit; firefighter with walkie talkie; five fighter jets; lion head. Security thread shaped like Singapore island. Watermark (shadow image): Outline map of Singapore. Printer: Unknown. 141 x 69 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 3. One diamond below Safe and Secure on back. Prefix 5BF. Intro: 20.08.2015.


B216 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$7.70)
Red. Front: Coat of arms; lion head as registration device; gold lion head; brown 10; orchid flower; Yusof bin Ishak. Back: Caring Community, Active Citizenry; orchid flower pattern underprint; two women and one man with shovel planting tree sapling; man and woman visiting elderly seated woman; two women with rollers and one man with brush painting walls and window trim; lion head. Security thread shaped like Singapore island. Watermark (shadow image): Outline map of Singapore. Printer: Unknown. 141 x 69 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 3. One diamond below Caring Community on back. Prefix 5AX. Intro: 20.08.2015.

The $50 note highlights Singapore’s history, transformation and future. It shows Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister, shouting “Merdeka!” – the rallying cry of our independence struggle. The note makes distinctive use of the color gold, reflecting Singapore’s Golden Jubilee.


B217 (PNL): 50 dollars (US$38)
Gold, green, and red. Front: Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister, shouting “Merdeka!” – the rallying cry of independence struggle; four children; coat of arms; Yusof bin Ishak. Back: Orchid flower pattern underprint; modern buildings, automobile bridge, and four kayaks in Punggol New Town; soldiers marching past reviewing stand and flag during First National Day Parade 1966. Watermark (shadow image): Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 156 x 74 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 3. One star below First National Day Parade 1966 on back. Prefix 50BH. Intro: 20.08.2015.

Both the $50 and $10 notes have security features that are the first of their kind in the world to be used on a currency note. The security stripe on the $50 note has a unique see-through feature with “image movement effects” that create depth to the image of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The SG50 logo has “color-switching effects”, with the year flipping from ‘1965’ to ‘2015’. The $10 notes have a security stripe with a “switching effect” which features the Singapore Coat of Arms, SG50 logo and the years ‘1965’ and ‘2015’.

The SG50 commemorative notes were designed by four local artists and designers, namely Mr Chua Mia Tee, Mr Eng Siak Loy, Mr Weng Ziyan and Mr Fabian Lim.

The public can exchange the SG50 commemorative notes at face value at branches of nine major retail banks from 20 August 2015 onwards.

The public is advised not to rush to obtain the notes. There will be enough notes for Singaporeans. “There will be enough SG50 notes available for exchange. A total of 20 million pieces of the $50 notes and 75 million pieces of $10 notes - 15 million pieces of each design - are being printed. There is no need to rush.”, said Dr Andrew Khoo, Deputy Managing Director (Corporate Development).

Singaporeans will be given priority to exchange the notes from 20 August 2015 to 30 September 2015. During this period, Singaporeans have to present their National Registration Identification Card (NRIC) at the bank in person as proof of citizenship. From 1 October 2015 onwards, the SG50 notes will be made available to non-Singaporeans as well.

To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to exchange the SG50 commemorative notes, there will be a quota of five sets of notes (each set comprising a $50 note and five $10 notes) per transaction per individual. The public can choose to exchange any number or combination of notes subject to a maximum of five notes per design.

Members of the public can also obtain specially-designed folders to keep the commemorative notes. They can obtain one complimentary folder when they exchange for any of the commemorative currency notes. There is no minimum amount they need to exchange to obtain the folder. An additional folder will be given if two full sets of notes (each set comprising a $50 note and five $10 notes) or more are exchanged. The public can only obtain up to a maximum of two folders per transaction. The folders will be available at the banks on a first-come-first-served basis and while stocks last. The nine major retail banks have sponsored 2.8 million of these specially designed folders.

An exclusive collection of seven limited edition SG50 numismatic currency sets are available for sale. The numismatic sets are sold by Noel Gifts International Ltd (Noel Gifts). Details of the numismatic currency sets are at Annex 2. For enquiries, details on prices and orders, the public can contact Noel Gifts on 6299 1155 or place their order online at http://www.sgnumismatic.com. Sets that are oversubscribed will be subjected to balloting. Pre-orders must reach Noel Gifts by 11 September 2015 and will be available for collection by the public on 18 September 2015.

UPDATE: Apparently the name of president Yusof Ishak is misspelt "Yusok Ishak" in the folders carrying the notes and in an enclosed booklet. The notes themselves, however, feature the correct spelling. The Monetary Authority of Singapore says it will print stickers to cover the mistake with the correct spelling.

Courtesy of Tan Wei Jie and Thomas Augustsson.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

Like P122, but new date (20)13.

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea (www.dani2collection.blogspot.com).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Like P121, but new date (20)15.

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea (www.dani2collection.blogspot.com).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Like P120, but new date (20)09.

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea (www.dani2collection.blogspot.com).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

According to the Maldives Monetary Authority press release dated 26 July 2015, the MMA has introduced a 5,000-rufiyaa note (US$330) commemorating the 50th anniversary of independence. This is the first denomination in a new family of seven banknotes printed on DLR’s Safeguard polymer substrate. The other circulating denominations—10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 rufiyaa—will follow from October 2015 onwards (the existing 5-rufiyaa note will be replaced by a coin).




B222 (PNL): 5,000 rufiyaa (US$330)
Light blue and gold. Front: Combination of people, trees, buildings, and boats symbolizing growth and development of the northern seashore of the capital city of Male’ over 50 years. Back: Large central 50 inside of which is depicted the signing ceremony in which Maldives officially gained independence on 26 July 1965; interwoven background signifying the uniqueness, craftsmanship, heritage, and Islamic customs retained by Maldivians. Printer: (TDLR). 165 x 80 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 2015/AH1436. Signature 4. Prefix MF. Intro: 26.07.2015.

Tags: Maldives, Polymer

B232o
20 naira, 2015. Like B232n, but new date.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

5,000 pesos, 2013. Like P163, but new date. Prefix BC.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (www.polymernotes.de).

Tags: Chile, Polymer

1,000 pesos, 2013. Like P161, but new date. Prefix BH.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

These notes are like the preceding regular issue notes on paper substrate, but now printed on Hybrid substrate, and the serial number at right appears in a wave pattern with the last three digits set against a dark background using LOOK (Laser Originated Optical Key), G&D’s security feature that creates laser-induced effects in the substrate, print color, foil, and varnish.


B250 (P95): 100 dollars (US$0.90)
Brown, green, purple, and orange. Front: Sir Donald Sangster; jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) flowers; map of Jamaica; coat of arms; ackee fruit. Back: Ackee fruit; 11 children from Central Branch Primary School in Kingston. Two security threads; one solid, one windowed with demetalized BOJ 100. Watermark: Donald Sangster, electrotype 100 and flower, and Cornerstones. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 145 x 68 mm. Polymer (Hybrid).
a. 01.01.2014. Signature 12. Prefix AZU - BAG.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Tags: Jamaica, Polymer

Like B284e, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (www.polymernotes.de).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

According to an article on Daily Business dated 1 June 2015, the Bank of Scotland plans to issue new 5- and 10-pound notes on polymer.

In November 2015, fifty 5-pound notes bearing winning designs from a children's competition will be auctioned to benefit the BBC Children in Need charity.

The new circulating 5-pound note won't be introduced until the second half of 2015 and its design will be a modified version of the existing note (P124), which was originally issued in 2007. The new note is printed by De La Rue is said to be 125 x 65 mm, slightly smaller than the current 135 x 70 mm.

A new polymer 10-pound note is to be introduced in 2017.

Courtesy of Alex Alotin.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

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

According to a press release dated 22 July 2015, on 1 August (Army Day) the Banque du Liban will introduce a new 50,000-livre polymer note commemorating 70 years of the Lebanese army.


B540 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, green, brown, and red. Front: Two soldiers in silhouette; coat of arms; soldier carrying Lebanese flag. Back (vertical): Monument to martyrs in Yarze (headquarters of the Lebanese Ministry of Defense); soldier saluting in silhouette; stalk of wheat. Simulated security thread with demetalized BDL. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 12. Intro: 01.08.2015.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (www.dekeneh.com).

Tags: Lebanon, Polymer

According to a press release, "On 9 September 2015, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will become the longest-reigning sovereign in Canadian history, exceeding the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.

To mark this historic reign, the Bank of Canada will issue a special commemorative bank note in 2015. The note will be a variation of the existing $20 polymer bank note (BOC B73) that already features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The variation will incorporate a special mention of Her Majesty’s reign.

This commemorative note will be publicly unveiled and issued this fall. It will have the same level of security as all other notes in the Polymer series. More information will be available at that time."

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

According to a De La Rue press release dated 12 May 2015, the Maldives Monetary Authority will introduce a new family of seven banknotes printed on DLR’s Safeguard polymer substrate. The first denomination—a commemorative 5,000-rufiyaa note—will be launched at the end of July 2015. The other circulating denominations—10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 rufiyaa—will follow from October 2015 onwards (the existing 5-rufiyaa note will be replaced by a coin). The Maldives Monetary Authority held a design competition and selected local artist Abdullah Nashaath to ensure that the new family, called Randhihafaheh, has an authentically Maldivian look.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Maldives, Polymer

The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) announces that its voting membership has for the first time ever selected the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago to receive it prestigious “Bank Note of the Year Award” for 2014. With over 130 new banknotes released worldwide in 2014, nearly 3 dozen were of sufficiently new design to be eligible for nomination. The 50 Dollar polymer Trinidad and Tobago note was followed in voting by the 5000 Franc note from the French Pacific Territories (Tahiti) and the 10 Dinar bill from Kuwait.

Now in its 54th year, the IBNS has over 2000 members worldwide. As a nonprofit educational organization its objectives are to promote, stimulate and advance the study, collection and dissemination of information related to paper money. From all significantly newly designed and widely circulated banknotes released in 2014, the IBNS membership nominated notes from 12 different countries to place on the ballot. Nominees represented three continents (Europe, Asia & Africa), the Middle East, and 4 island nations (2 in the Americas). Past “Bank Note of the Year” winners include Kazakhstan (2013, 2012, 2011), Uganda (2010), Bermuda (2009), Samoa (2008), Scotland (2007), Comoros (2006), Faeroe Islands (2005) and Canada (2004).

The 2014 winning banknote was produced collaboratively by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and De La Rue Currency of England. It is the first Central Bank in the Caribbean to issue polymer currency. While the 50 Dollar award-winning bill fittingly commemorates the Central Bank’s Golden Anniversary, “it is meant to be used for all your purchases, like you would any other money.” The note is virtually identical in size to United States bills with a face value of almost 8 U.S. Dollars, 7 Euros or 5 British Pounds at early May 2015 exchange rates.

The stunning design, predominantly gold in color, interprets an artist’s rendering of a red hibiscus flower and truly striking image of a red capped cardinal bird in flight against the clear transparent polymer plastic window. The back of the note features a young female masquerader in an award-winning Carnival costume along with the Central Bank building. Modern polymer banknotes have enjoyed increasing popularity since their introduction in 1988. They offer durability as well as enhanced security features and have become a favorite of many collectors.

Tags: Trinidad & Tobago, Polymer

This article was reprinted from SPECIMEN Issue 4 with the permission of Innovia Security, maker of Guardian polymer substrate.

What Does It Take to Design a Banknote?

When it comes to designing a new banknote, aesthetics are just one aspect to be considered. The challenge goes well
beyond the initial concept — —it is to innovate and compose all the visual elements in perfect harmony while incorporating
a selection of complex security features. Banknote designer Carlos Almenar walks us through the process, which at times
can be a maze and requires thinking at multiple levels.


Having worked across the banknote industry, Carlos Almenar knows what makes for a great design.

What is the role of concept design in today’s banknote industry?
A banknote designer is a person capable of interpreting the culture and identity of a nation, to then translate these semantic
concepts into the specic techniques required to build a banknote.

The banknote designer is also an architect who works with a team of specialists in the banknote industry. Their thoughts and reflections must focus on the designs, substrates, security features and printing techniques.

The banknote designer advises central banks regarding the architecture and manufacturing of a banknote – its aesthetics, colours, sizes, security features, substrates, etc. They guarantee that the banknote design will go beyond the aesthetic concept – as a true work of art, the design will be adapted to the complex techniques involved in banknote manufacturing.

In my opinion, today’s banknote designer must adapt and transform the design techniques and concepts to a new dimension of our presentand future.

Should it be a concept or an actual illustration of the fiŸnal note?
A banknote design or concept must be conceptualised with manufacturing in mind. The banknote designer sits between their central bank customer and the manufacturing industry. The design concepts that are created and presented to the central bank must correspond exactly to each step of the manufacturing process. For this reason, there must be fluid and open lines of communication between the banknote designer and all the key groups responsible for the security features.

How much detail should the concept contain?
The banknote designer must consider many di‘erent details, especially since a design cannot just be “beautiful”. The design must go beyond the aesthetic so it can become a truly functional feature that adapts perfectly to the expectations of the central bank. And above all, the banknote design must be fully compatible with the substrate manufacturing and printing techniques.

How much freedom is there to change the concept as the project progresses?
Freedom to introduce changes in a concept design will always be present, although the problem is not its freedom but the time it takes to complete these changes in the design. When a design project is at a late stage in its development and the need to change it arises, time plays a very important role. If the proposed changes are based on subjective reasons, work
can continue for hours on end and it may never reach any conclusions. However, if the reasons are objective and based on sound logic, apositive outcome can be reached in a short time.

How do you cater for the different expectations of various stakeholders?
For me it is important to listen to the div‘ergent views and opinions that participate in the design process towards the creation of a banknote, especially since banknotes are normally made using very complex systems and every note has its own identity and specific security codes. But the most important part is to listen and understand the needs of the central bank. Each country has its own economy and specic needs regarding cash management. It is very important to understand that banknotes are diff‘erent in each nation or issuing authority of circulating currency.


From abstract to concrete: Carlos Almenar’s interpretation of the invisible comes alive.

In your experience, are there many differences between designing a concept banknote in polymer versus designing for paper?
The basics of banknote design are simple; however today there is a diversity of substrate technologies propelling the evolution of design into more complex eff‘ects.

Paper substrates have existed for centuries and evolved, not in the raw materials, but in the development of watermarks, security threads and durability. Today there are other substrates such as polymer, and this specically has made banknote designs a lot more dynamic and complex due to its wide array of alternatives intransparency and opacity integrated in highly detailed security features and printing.

Today polymer has evolved in an incredible manner and the creation of a design has evolved accordingly. The security features and composition of the many design layers that form a polymer substrate inspire the designer to focus their activity in the synchronisation of polymer and the associated security features. But beyond this, all these elements must be adapted to the printing systems and therefore an integrated concept design can be achieved: substrate, design architecture, security features and printing. This enables the design to off‘er a variety of products adapted to new technologies that whilst highly-secure, pose greater challenges for would-be counterfeiters.

How do you deal with these differences yourself?
I have had the privilege of designing banknotes on both paper and polymer, which includes working at the Central Bank of Venezuela Print Works, Oberthur Fiduciaire, and now as Banknote Designer at Innovia Security. These experiences have enabled me to understand and appreciate the di‘fferences between the processes used to create a banknote in paper or polymer.

Currently, my work involves an increased use of technology and therefore I must integrate the concepts developed for the
substrate and interact in more detail with the experts in polymer substrate design, as well as with the scientists behind the complex security features. Personally, I think this harmony enables me to create true works of art using leading-edge technology.

This is my biggest challenge: to achieve distinct dimensions of eff‘ects, transparency and opacity
that can be understood by the central bank and accepted by the public. Users must be able to quickly authenticate the note, and banknote accepting machines must also be able to decode security features immediately.

Tags: World, Polymer

According to reports, the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of the Central African States) has begun printing 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-franc notes (BEAC B6, B7, and B8, respectively) on hybrid substrate. The notes appear identical to the preceding paper issues, except for the new signature combination of Lucas Abaga Nchama and Salomon Francis Meke. To date the 1,000- and 2,000-franc note has been confirmed with country code U for Cameroon.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Central African Empire, Polymer

Like B284f, but new date (2015).

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

According to an article in The Straits Times dated 14 April 2015, Singapore will issue a new commemorative 50-dollar polymer banknote featuring a transparent panel showing the late Lee Kuan Yew (the first Prime Minister of Singapore) with fist raised, leading the crowd with the rallying cry of "Merdeka!" which means "freedom" in Malay.

Courtesy of Stane Straus (www.polymernotes.org).

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

50 naira, 2015. Like B236, but new date and signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Olufemi Fabamwo).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a post on BBC.com dated 23 March 2015, the Clydesdale Bank has begun issuing the first of two million 5-pound polymer banknotes to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge. The polymer note is physically smaller (125 x 65 mm) than the paper note (137 x 70 mm) of the same denomination.

Courtesy of Max Keller, Clea Phas, Claudio Marana, Aidan Work, and James Cadman.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

According to an article on Sun.mv dated 9 March 2015, the Maldives Monetary Authority will replace the 5-rufiyaa note (MMA B10) with a coin in 2016, and will introduce a new denomination, the 1,000-rufiyaa note, in October 2015.

According to another article, the winner of the competition for designing the new series of banknotes is Abdulla Nashath. Javaahirumaage, Baa Kendhoo. The new series of notes will be printed on polymer, not paper. The 10-, 50-, and 1,000-rufiyaa notes will be issued in October 2015, followed by the 100- and 500-rufiyaa in 2016.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Tags: Maldives, Polymer

CBG B30 (PNL): 20 dalasis (US$0.60)
Green. Front: Crocodile; carmine bee eater bird in flight and perched on tree branch; monkeys, trees, and boats in underprint; President Yahya Jammeh. Back: State House. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 144 x 75 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 22nd July 2014. Signature 16. Prefix A. Intro: 02.03.2015.
This note commemorates the 20th anniversary of the revolution of 22 July.

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

Tags: Gambia, Polymer

5 naira, 2014. Like B234e, but new date and new signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Olufemi Fabamwo).

Courtesy of Evgeny Afanasov.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

10,000 dong, (20)15. Like SBV B43, but new date. Prefix KG.

Courtesy of Evgeny Afanasov.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

According to an article in The Point dated 26 February 2015, on 25 February the Central Bank of The Gambia launched a new 20-dalasi polymer note, part of a new family of notes, which now includes a 200-dalasi note, twice the size of the previously largest denomination.

Please note that the D20 note shown in the poster above is incorrectly shown as blue with a windowed security thread, whereas the actual note is green without a security thread.

"All of the redesigned banknotes bear the portrait of President Yahya Jammeh and are smaller in size than the existing paper-based banknotes.

The D20 will replace the existing D25 banknote which will continue to be legal tender and will continue to circulate until it is fully withdrawn over time, the release stated.

The historic event held at State House formed part of activities marking the country`s Golden Jubilee.

In his statement, President Jammeh urged Gambians to take ownership of the new banknotes and handle them with care.

He called on the Gambian populace to familiarize themselves with the new banknotes, and help in ensuring their protection from counterfeiters.

He assured De La Rue, the firm that printed the country`s currency, of the government`s continued partnership."

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Gambia, Polymer

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

20,000 dong, (20)14. Like SBV B44e, but new date.
50,000 dong, (20)14. Like SBV B45g, but new date.
200,000 dong, (20)14. Like SBV B47f, but new date.

Courtesy of Evgeny Afanasov and Claudio Marana.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

10 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2014. Like P401, but new date.

Courtesy of Terence Chan (Toyo Numismatic & Stamp Co).

Tags: Hong Kong, Polymer

2 dollars, no date. Likbe MAS B8f, but with two diamonds below EDUCATION on back.

Courtesy of Bin Hao.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

5 naira, 2015. Like B234e, but new date and new signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Olufemi Fabamwo).

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

10 dollars, no date. Like MAS B10, but with hollow or solid house symbol on back, below SPORTS, and new signature (Tharman Shanmugaratnam).

Courtesy of Lim Kok Keng and Evgeny Afanasov.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

Like B279e, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Mihai Cristian Vulpe.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

20 naira, 2014. Like B232, but new date (signatures: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Mahmoud K. Umar).

This denomination has been confirmed dated 2014 with two different signature combinations (the pair cited above, as well as Godwin Emefiele and Olufemi Fabamwo). Curiously, there appears to be overlapping of the prefixes for the signature varieties, with alphabetically earlier prefixes appearing on notes with the newer signatures than the older signatures.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B281e, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

20 naira, 2014. Like B232l, but new date and new signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Olufemi Fabamwo).

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

500,000 dong, (20)14. Like SBV B48i, but new date.

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

B217 (PNL): 200 escudos (US$2.40)
Red, purple, and yellowish-green. Front: Map of Fogo; bunch of grapes; doctor and writer Henrique Teixeira de Sousa; embossed pen nib. Back: Bunch of grapes; Pico do Fogo stratovolcano. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 124 x 63 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 5 de Julho de 2014. Signature 8. Intro: 23.12.2014.


B219 (PNL): 1,000 escudos (US$12)
Blue, purple, green, yellow, and pink. Front: Holographic patch with musical notes and bird in flight; vine; seashore; composer and musician Codé de Dona (real name Gregório Vaz) playing accordian; embossed bird. Back: Bird in flight; musician holding ferrinho, a musical instrument typical of funaná genre; sun and birds in flight. 4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized BCV 1000 and vine. Watermark: Codé de Dona with electrotype vine, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 136 x 66 mm.
a. 5 de Julho de 2014. Signature 8. Prefix EJ. Intro: 23.12.2014.


B220 (PNL): 2,000 escudos (US$24)
Peach, light blue, brownish-red, and green. Front: Feet as registration device; musical notes on staff; singer Cesária Évora; embossed turtle. Back: Violin; sun over ocean; feet. Holographic stripe with demetalized microphone and musical notes. 4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized BCV 2000 and microphone. Watermark: Cesária Évora with electrotype microphone, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 142 x 71 mm.
a. 5 de Julho de 2014. Signature 8. Prefix GM. Intro: 23.12.2014.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de), Thomas Augustsson, and David Bonczak.

Tags: Cape Verde, Polymer

20 dollars, 2012. Like BOC B73a, but new signatures (Carolyn A. Wilkins and Stephen S. Poloz). Prefix FVP.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

According to an article on OceanPress dated 22 December 2014, on 23 December the Banco de Cabo Verde will introduce new 200-, 1,000- and 2,000-escudo banknotes, the first in a new family honoring Cape Verdean figures in the fields of literature, music, and politics. The 200-escudo note is printed on polymer, whereas the other denominations are on paper substrate.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Tags: Cape Verde, Polymer

According to the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago, this redesigned 50-dollar note printed on polymer substrate reflects “the beauty of our people and the diversity off our flora.” It replaces the preceding 50-dollar paper note issued in 2012, which failed to gain public acceptance because it was similar in color to other denominations and the misperception that it was a commemorative note. Both notes will circulate in parallel, though the paper notes will be slowly withdrawn as they are returned to the central bank. If the polymer note is warmly received, the bank intends to issue other denominations on polymer substrate in the future.




B234 (P50): 50 dollars (US$8)
Gold, brown, purple, red, and green. Front: Coat of arms; red hibiscus flower; SPARK Orbital hibiscus; red-capped cardinal bird in flight. Back: Red-capped cardinal in flight; Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port of Spain; female masquerader in Carnival costume. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 156 x 66 mm. Polymer.
a. 2014. Signature 9. Prefix AA. Intro: 15.12.2014.

Courtesy of Shibu Paul (IBNS LM 208) and Ashley Alexander (www.ebanknoteshop.com).

Tags: Trinidad & Tobago, Polymer

According to an Innovia Security press release dated 4 December 2014, persuant to Décret Nº 2136-2014 the Central Bank of Mauritania has issued a new 1,000-ouguiya banknote printed on Innovia's Guardian polymer substrate. The design is based upon the preceding paper note (B117), but is reduced in size to 140 x 70 mm. Both notes will circulate in parallel.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Thomas Augustsson.

Tags: Mauritania, Polymer

The Bank of Canada is asking the public to submit ideas for a commemorative banknote to be issued on 1 July 2017, marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

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

Tags: Australia, Polymer

2,000 ariary, 2004. Like BFM B27a, but Hybrid substrate. Prefix/suffix B/P, B/Q. Intro: 2014.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de) and Thomas Augustson.

Tags: Madagascar, 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

According to a De La Rue press release dated 18 November 2014, the Central Bank of The Gambia will introduce a 20-dalasi banknote before the end of 2014 to commemorate 20 years in office for President Yahya Jammeh. This note was designed and printed by De La Rue on Safeguard polymer substrate.

This new note is based on the existing paper 25-dalasi note (CBG B24), but is green rather than blue, and features a portrait of the president. The clear window in the polymer note will have an image of a crocodile which currently appears in the watermark of the paper note.

Ruth Euling, Sales Director for De La Rue Currency stated “We are proud to have worked with The Central Bank of The Gambia since its inception and are delighted that they have joined the growing number of banks who have chosen Safeguard for their banknotes. The Gambia is the second country in Africa to issue notes on the Safeguard substrate with a third African country due to issue later this year.”

Tags: Gambia, Polymer

500 ariary, 2004. Like BFM B22b, but Hybrid substrate. Prefix/suffix A/S - A/V.

Courtesy of Hermann Huber.

Tags: Madagascar, Polymer

10 naira, 2014. Like B235, but new date.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

According to a post on the web site of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, a redesigned 50-dollar note will be unveiled on 13 December 2014, and introduced into circulation on 15 December. The note will be printed on polymer substrate, be gold in color, and "reflect the beauty of our people and the diversity off our flora."

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Cleo Phas,

Tags: Trinidad & Tobago, Polymer

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

1 quetzal, 17 DE OCTUBRE DE 2012. Like unlisted notes dated 2 DE MAYO DE 2012, but new date and new imprint (CANADIAN BANK NOTE). Prefix B. Suffix D.

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

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

100 pesos, 24 ABR. 2013. Like P124, but new date and signatures. Series AB.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

20 pesos, 10 JUN. 2013. Like P122, but new date and new signatures. Series X.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

20 pesos, 10 ENE. 2012. Like P122, but new date, new signatures, and series R.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

500 dollars, 2013. Like BCMB B3a, but new date. Prefix D/3.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Brunei, Polymer

According to an article on North Bay Nipissing News dated 28 July 2014, the Bank of Canada has acknowledged that its original description of the back of the new 10-dollar polymer note (BOC B72a) erroneously described it as depicting an image of majestic Mount Edith Cavell, a prominent peak in the Canadian Rockies south of Jasper, Alta. Furthermore, the bank misidentified an image of Mount Zengel as the Palisade and Pyramid mountains.

However, spokesman Alexandre Deslongchamps has acknowledged that the bank has changed the description of the note, claiming, "The documentation error was the result of a misunderstanding about information provided to the Bank of Canada by Canadian Bank Note Co. Ltd."

The new description reads:

"The image of the Canadian Rocky Mountains is a composite based on photographs commissioned by the Bank of Canada. Three regions are depicted on the bank note to highlight the diverse and majestic nature of the Rockies. On the left are the shoulder of Lectern Peak and Aquila Mountain; in the centre are Redan, Esplanade and Gargoyle mountains; and on the right is Mount Zengel, part of the Victoria Cross Ranges."

Tags: Canada, Polymer

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Polish Legions, the National Bank of Poland issued a new 20-złoty polymer note on 5 August 2014. Up to 50,000 notes will be packaged in a folder and sold for a premium. This note was designed by Andrzej Heidrich, based upon the unissued 5-million-zloty note dated 1995 (see NBP BNP11).



NBP BNP17 (PNL): 20 złotych (US$6.55)
Green, brown, yellow, and blue. Front: Belvedere Palace hologram; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Commander Józef Klemens Piłsudski wearing military uniform. Back: Eagle badge of the Polish Legions; Grand Cross (with Star) of the Order of Virtuti Militari; badge of the First Brigade of the Polish Legions; Belvedere Palace hologram. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (PWPW). 147 x 67 mm. Polymer.
a. 16 STYCZNIA 2014. Signature 17. Prefix LP. Intro: 05.08.2014.

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

Tags: Poland, Polymer

Polymer Bank Notes of the World
Stane Straus, Donald Ludwig, Marian Meyer, and Tigerson, 144 pages, soft cover, 297 x 212 mm, color illustrations, English, ISBN 9789619365908, €20 (plus shipping), kin2.orders@gmail.com

Reviewed by Owen W. Linzmayer

Polymer Bank Notes of the World is the definitive guide to one of the hottest numismatic fields: non-paper notes, be they Tyvek, polymer, or hybrid (combinations of paper and polymer). The new 2014 edition uses larger format pages than the preceding 2012 edition, and has expanded from 122 pages to 144 pages, with coverage of an additional 285 entries of both issued and promotional/test notes (created by security printing firms to show off their prowess and new anti-counterfeiting features).

Each note is illustrated in color, front and back. Below the illustrations are descriptions with some historical background about the vignettes on the notes, as well as detailed variety listings, each assigned their own unique Straus number (for example: Australia S1R3a), along with cross-references to Pick and The Banknote Book catalog numbers. Pricing in euros is given for uncirculated notes, and lesser grades in the few cases where pristine notes aren't readily available.

The lines devoted to describing the variations are somewhat dense and deciphering the frequent abbreviations requires a bit of mental gymnastics, but as a fellow cataloger with an interest in collecting these notes, I appreciate the authors' attention to details, accuracy, and specificity. Also well received are all the footnotes below the variety listings which provide additional information about the notes, helping put them into context and enhancing their appeal.

If you're one of the many people with a penchant for polymer, this catalog belongs in your reference library (it's a bargain at only 20 euros), and the accompanying web site (http://www.polymernotes.org) should be a frequent stop as you browse the web for the latest information.

Tags: World, Polymer

According to a press release dated 1 May 2014, Fortress Paper announced that its Landqart mill's Durasafe banknote paper (an innovative new composite paper-polymer-paper banknote substrate) has been confirmed as the substrate of the ninth series of the Swiss franc by the Swiss National Bank. Production problems have caused the delay in the introduction of this new series, which is now scheduled for 2015 at the earliest.

Courtesy of Renzo Zbinden.

Tags: Switzerland, Polymer

Like B278h, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

Like B279f, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Romania, 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

According to an article in Pravda dated 24 June 2014, Goznak does not plan to introduce polymer banknotes in Russia. Goznak General Director Arkady Trachuk said, "From the point of view of duration, price and quality, paper money is usually more effective than plastic money," but admitted that polymer notes have advantages in countries with hot and humid climates.

Tags: Russia, 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

According to a BBC article dated 15 June 2014, the Royal Bank of Scotland has unveiled the design of a new 5-pound note commemorating the Ryder Cup. The notes will be available to ticket-holders of the golf tournament which takes place at Gleneagles in Perthshire from 23 - 28 September 2014. The note is legal tender, though it is being sold as a numismatic product for US$32.

The note is printed by G&D on hybrid substrate with a see-through window in the shape of the Ryder Cup trophy, and is the first to bear the signature of new RBS chief executive Ross McEwan.



Blue, green, orange, red, and yellow. Front: SPARK Ryder Cup trophy; bank headquarters building and equestrian statue with Earl of Hopetoun in St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh; coat of arms; Lord Ilay (Archibald Campbell), first bank governor wearing powdered wig. Back: Ryder Cup 2014 logo; PGA Centenary Course; golf clubs; Ryder Cup trophy; Gleneagles Hotel. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Lord Ilay and electrotype £5. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 135 x 70 mm. Hybrid.
a. 22nd SEPTEMBER 2014. Signature Ross McEwan. Prefix RCE. Intro: July 2014.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Max Keller.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

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 a BBC News article dated 22 May 2014, Clydesdale Bank in Scotland intends to issue two million 5-pound polymer notes featuring the Forth Bridge and a portrait of Sir William Arrol, whose company constructed the bridge. The notes will be issued in March 2015 on the 125th anniversary of the bridge.

Courtesy of Jake Numismatics.

Tags: Scotland, Polymer

50 pesos, 10 JUN. 2013. Like unlisted notes dated 12 JUN. 2012 and 24 ABR. 2013, but new date and new signatures. Series H.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

B539 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, purple, orange, red, and green. Front: Banque du Liban headquarters building in Beirut; cedar tree in blue/green SPARK patch on clear window. Back: Cedar tree in blue/green SPARK patch on clear window; Banque du Liban building. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. 2014. Signature 12. Intro: 15.05.2014.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (http://www.dekeneh.com).

Tags: Lebanon, Polymer

1,000 pesos, 2012. Like P161, but new date and new signatures (Rodrigo Vergara and Alejandro Zurbuchen Silva). Prefix BE - CC.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby) and Thomas Krause (Polymernotes of the World).

Tags: Chile, Polymer

According to an article in Kuwait Times dated 6 May 2014, the Central Bank of Kuwait intends to unveil a new family of banknotes printed by De La Rue on polymer. The notes will be issued on the beginning of Ramadan, 29 June 2014.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (Polymernotes of the World).

Tags: Kuwait, Polymer

5 dollars, no date. Like MAS B9, but one triangle on back. Intro: 2014.

Curiously, this note bears the prefix 4AQ, which falls after the 4AL prefix for a note previously confirmed with two triangles. Apparently the Monetary Authority of Singapore has broken with the symbol system used in the past.

Courtesy of Chris Twining of Page's Coins and Currency.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

According to an article on The Hindu BusinessLine dated 24 April 2014, the Reserve Bank of India has delayed the introduction of polymer-based 10-rupee notes due to the failure of the selected bidders in meeting technical specifications.

Tags: India, Polymer

According to a press release dated 9 April 2014, De La Rue has printed a new 50,000-livre note to commemorate the 50th annivesary of the founding of the Banque du Liban. "With vibrant colours and imagery, the new note uses the latest technology as protection against counterfeiting. The clear ‘window’ area in the banknote shows an image of the Cedar of Lebanon in a bright, eye-catching blue/green ink which changes colour as the note is tilted and which can be seen from both sides of the note. The Banque is proud to be the first issuing authority in the region to use this colour changing ink in the clear window of the banknote. De La Rue’s Sales Director Ruth Euling commented: ‘De La Rue is honoured that the Banque du Liban has selected our Safeguard polymer for their banknotes and included the SPARK ® Orbital TM feature which provides a dynamic, high impact public recognition feature. We congratulate the Banque on being the first issuer in the region to adopt the new technologies."

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Lebanon, Polymer

1 ringgit, no date. Like B149, but text on front filled with diagonal lines.

The text on the front of early issues of the 1-ringgit note is filled solid (BNM B49a, top), but on later issues the text is filled with diagonal lines (B49b, bottom).

Courtesy of Sergey Vostrikov and Alexander Petrov.

Tags: Malaysia, Polymer

The CNN Money clip above discusses the Bank of England's plans to adopt polymer substrates for its banknotes, and there are even several shots of polymer 5- and 10-pound test notes at various points in the video.

Courtesy of Mark St. Pierre.

Tags: England, Polymer

According to a press release dated 17 March 2014, the Bank of Jamaica will issue a 50-dollar note printed on Hybrid substrate on 24 March 2014. The new note is like the preceding regular issue note on paper substrate (B238), but is dated 01.06.2013, signed by Governor Brian Wynter, bears the printer imprint of Giesecke & Devrient, and the serial number at right appears in a "wave pattern with the last three digits set against a blue background." I believe these serial numbers are an example of G&D's LOOK (Laser Originated Optical Key), a security feature that creates laser-induced effects in the substrate. The BOJ first used Hybrid on the 2012 commemorative 100-dollar note.

Courtesy of André Chin and Sean Morrison.

Tags: Jamaica, Polymer

200,000 dong, (20)13. Like SBV B47, but new date.

Courtesy of Virosa.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

20 pesos, 12 JUN. 2012. Like P122, but new date and signatures. Series U. Confirmed only in uncut sheet at this point.

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

10,000 dong, (20)14. Like SBV B43, but new date.

Courtesy of Indochine1931.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

10 dollars, no date. Like MAS B10, but with one star below SPORTS on back. Intro: January 2014.

Courtesy of Bin Hee Jum.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

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

According to a Giesecke & Devrient press release, the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan switched the printer and substrate for its 1- and 10-ngultrum notes dated 2013. These notes (RMA B16b and B18b, respectively) are now printed by G&D, not TDLR, and are printed on Hybrid, not paper, substrate.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (Polymernotes of the World).

Tags: Bhutan, Polymer

50 pesos, 24 ABR. 2013. Like unlisted note dated 12 JUN. 2012, but new date and signatures. Series G.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

According to a press release dated 18 December 2013, the Bank of England intends to print new 5- and 10-pound notes on polymer. The 5-pound note featuring Sir Winston Churchill will be issued in 2016, followed in 2017 by the 10-pound note featuring Jane Austen.

Tags: England, Polymer

According to various news sources dated 26 November 2013, the Central Bank of Nigeria has announced its intention to revert to paper from polymer for its banknote substrate. Nigeria has been issuing low-denomination (5 to 50 naira) notes on polymer since the introduction of the 20-naira note (CBN B32a) on 28 February 2007. In justifying the move, the bank cited the fading of the notes and the bribery scandal surrounding Securency, the substrate supplier. The switch back to paper is expected to begin in 2014 and take place gradually, with the new notes printed by the state-run Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company rather than abroad.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

10 naira, 2013. Like B235, but new date and signatures.

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

Tags: Nigeria, 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

20 naira, 2013. Like B232k, but new date.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

1 quetzal, 2 DE MAYO DE 2012. Like unlisted note dated 23 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2011, but new date, new signature, and portrait added to window.

According to a Prensa Libre article dated 4 November 2013, the 1-quetzal note will be replaced by a coin.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

According to a press release dated 13 November 2013, the Banco Central de Honduras has unveiled revisions to its entire family of banknotes which now include embossed Braille dots and high-relief vertical bars at top and bottom center, both intended to help the sight impaired identify the different denominations by feel. The new notes are all dated 1 DE MARZO DE 2012. Existing notes will continue to circulate in parallel.

Curiously, the 20-lempira note which had previously been issued on polymer (P95) in 2010 has reverted to paper substrate.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Antonio Sansur (filateliadehonduras).

Tags: Honduras, Polymer

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

According to an article on Alanba dated 21 October 2013, Kuwait's central bank intends to issue an entirely new family of notes in 2014 with new colors for the denominations and all to be printed on polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Kuwait, Polymer

5 quetzales, 11 DE MAYO DE 2011. Like unlisted note dated 19 DE MAYO DE 2010, but new date, new signature (Sergio Francisco Recinos), and new font for lower right serial number.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin.

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

This polymer note commemorating 70 years of independence for Lebanon was issued on 22 November 2013 (the anniversary of the end of French colonial rule in 1943), despite the fact that the French-language back spells “independence” as it is written in English, rather than the French “independance.” The Central Bank of Lebanon said it regretted the mistake, which it blamed on the printing company (De La Rue). 50,000 pieces will enter circulation.

B538 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, brown, red, and green. Front: Citadel of Independence in Rashaya; stylized flag of Lebanon. Back: Map of Lebanon; flag of Lebanon with cedar tree. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. ٢٠١٣ (2013). Signature 12. Intro: 22.11.2013.

Courtesy of Claude Akl.

Tags: Lebanon, Polymer

BOM B30 (PNL): 25 rupees (US$0.80)
Violet and brown. Front: Coat of arms; Milin Jean Ah-Chuen; bank building façade; standing Justice with sword and scales; dodo bird. Back: Dodo bird; building façade, Rodrigues island map; man with trap. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): RS. Printer: (OT). 135 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. 2013. Signature 9. Intro: 22.08.2013.


BOM B31 (PNL): 50 rupees (US$1.60)
Blue. Front: Coat of arms; Joseph Maurice Paturau; bank building façade; standing Justice with sword and scales; dodo bird. Back: Dodo bird; Le Caudan waterfront buildings. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): RS. Printer: (OT). 140 x 68 mm. Polymer.
a. 2013. Signature 9. Intro: 22.08.2013.

According to an official press release, on 22 August 2013, the Bank of Mauritius issued new 25-, 50-, and 500-rupee banknotes printed on polymer. The 25- and 50-rupee notes were printed by Oberthur Technologies on Innovia Security's Guardian substrate, whereas the 500-rupee note was printed on De La Rue’s Safeguard substrate (formerly called Flexycoin). The new polymer notes will circulate in parallel with the preceding paper banknotes upon which their designs are based. The notes contain numerous new security features such as transparent windows showing the image of the dodo, numbers printed with magnetic ink which become fluorescent under ultra violet light, and swing features printed in iridescent ink, which change to a different color when observed in transparency or when tilted.

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

Tags: Mauritius, Polymer

20 naira, 2012. Like B232j, but new date and signatures.

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

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a press release dated 10 September 2013, the Bank of England has revealed that it has been studying a switch from paper to polymer substrates over the past three years and found that the latter is cleaner, more secure, more durable, and more environmentally friendly. However, before finalizing on the decision to switch to polymer for its banknotes, the bank is undergoinh a two-month-long public consultation program ending on 15 November 2013. The bank’s final decision, in the light of feedback, will be announced in December 2013. If a decision is taken to proceed with printing on polymer, this will initially only be for the new-style £5 and £10 banknote. Polymer banknotes would be introduced one denomination at a time, with the Churchill £5 in 2016 at the earliest. The new polymer notes would also be smaller than existing paper notes.

Tags: England, Polymer

BOM B32 (PNL): 500 rupees (US$16)
Orange. Front: Coat of arms; Sookdeo Bissoondoyal; bank building façade; standing Justice with sword and scales; blue-to-green OVI patch. Back: Blue-to-green OVI patch; University of Mauritius building and palm trees in Reduit. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): None. Printer: (TDLR). 155 x 74 mm. Polymer.
a. 2013. Signature 9. Intro: 22.08.2013.

According to an official press release, on 22 August 2013, the Bank of Mauritius issued new 25-, 50-, and 500-rupee banknotes printed on polymer. The 25- and 50-rupee notes were printed by Oberthur Technologies on Innovia Security's Guardian substrate, whereas the 500-rupee note was printed on De La Rue’s Safeguard substrate (formerly called Flexycoin). The new polymer notes will circulate in parallel with the preceding paper banknotes upon which their designs are based. The notes contain numerous new security features such as transparent windows showing the image of the dodo, numbers printed with magnetic ink which become fluorescent under ultra violet light, and swing features printed in iridescent ink, which change to a different color when observed in transparency or when tilted.

Courtesy of Mike Jackson, Thomas Krause, Alex Tobert, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Tags: Mauritius, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Peter Eccles.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

According to an article on Terra, in August the Banco Central de Chile issued 2,000- and 5,000-peso notes like P162 and P163, respectively, but with a new signature for the bank president, Rodrigo Vergara, who took office in December 2011, replacing José De Gregorio Rebeco. The new notes are dated 2012.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

According to a Polish-language press release dated 29 July 2013, Narodowy Bank Polski plans to issue its first polymer banknote in 2014 on the 100th anniversary of the Polish Legions. 30,000 notes will be sold as numismatic products featuring the portrait of Jozef Pilsudski designed by Andrzej Heidrich.

Courtesy of Jacek Tylicki.

Tags: Poland, Polymer

20 pesos, 24 JUN. 2011. Like P122, but new date and new signatures. Series P.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

5 naira, 2013. Like B234, but new date and new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Mahmoud K. Umar).

Courtesy of Mohammed Elarabi.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

500,000 dong, (20)12. Like P124, but new date.

Courtesy of Zbyněk Sobotka.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

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

This 25-page catalog covers notes issued by Banque du Canada (Bank of Canada) from 1935 to present. Revised 15 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

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

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


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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: Canada, Polymer

50 naira, 2013. Like B236, but new date and new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Mahmoud K. Umar).

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to many different news outlets, including the Mail Online, some members of the public have reported that Canada's new polymer banknotes smell of maple syrup. Bank of Canada denies that any scent has been added to any of its notes, so now people can return to searching for Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

An article on BusinessMega dated 26 May 2013 states that the Bank of Mauritius will soon issue polymer banknotes, according to the Facebook page of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Xavier-Luc Duval. Polymer will be used for 25-, 50-, and 500-rupee notes "in the coming months" and will circulate in parallel with the existing paper notes of the same denominations.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (http://www.polymernotes.de).

Tags: Mauritius, Polymer

On 6 May 2013, Banco de México issued a revised polymer 50-peso note like the preceding issue (P123), but with more advanced anti-counterfeiting features, including a color-shifting butterfly printed on the transparent window, tactile intaglio printing, microprinting, novel serial numbering, and a larger transparent window with hidden image which can be revealed using a laser pointer. Existing notes will circulate in parallel with the new note. Serie A-F confirmed.

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch, Beto Rios, and Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

$5 – 2013, Polymer series
Design Features:
Portrait: Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister from 1896 to 1911
Signatures: Left – T. Macklem, Right – Stephen Poloz
Size: 152.4 x 69.85 mm (6.0 x 2.75 inches)
Issue Date: 7 November 2013


$10 – 2013, Polymer series
Design Features:
Portrait: Sir John A. Macdonald, Prime Minister from 1867–1873 and 1878–1891
Signatures: Left – T. Macklem, Right – M. J. Carney
Size: 152.4 x 69.85 mm (6.0 x 2.75 inches)
Issue Date: 7 November 2013



Courtesy of Gabriel Labrie and Nikolajs Cerps.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

1,000 pesos, 2011. Like P161, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin (http://stores.ebay.com/yuri111).

Tags: Chile, Polymer

According to an article on CNN México dated 22 April 2013, Banco de México will present changes to the polymer 50-peso note (P123) on 6 May 2013.

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

According to an article in ThisDayLive dated 24 April 2012, Tunde Lemo, the deputy governor of operations for the Central Bank of Nigeria, defended the bank's plans to stop the printing of lower denominations of the naira in polymer and revert to paper currency because the former reportedly fades too much, making the notes unsuitable for circulation. “By the middle of the year, we will start producing the lower denomination notes in paper not in polymer. My plea is that Nigerians should be patient with us. It wasn’t the fault of the CBN; it is just because we have to go back to the drawing board. We will correct that in the course of the year. Polymer certainly will be phased out. In fact, no new note is being printed in polymer now,” said Lemo.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

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

50,000 dong, (20)12. Like P121, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

20,000 dong, (20)12. Like P120, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

According to an article in DailyBhaskar.com dated 13 March 2013, the minister of state for finance, Namo Narain Meena, has announced that the Reserve Bank of India will issue one billion 10-rupee notes printed on polymer on field trial basis in five cities— Bhubhaneswar, Jaipur, Kochi, Mysore, and Shimla—with varied geographical locations and climactic conditions. The move is designed to extend the lifespan of this denomination, as well as reduce counterfeiting.

No word yet on when the new notes will be issued. The bank has made similar statements over the past four years and nothing has come of it yet.

Tags: India, Polymer

According to an artilce in PM News dated 11 March 2013, the Central Bank of Nigeria will cease printing polymer notes because of complaints that the notes fade and shrink over time, and environmental concerns regarding their disposal when unfit.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B278g, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

10 dollars, no date. Like MAS B10 (P48), but with two diamonds on the back below the word SPORTS.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

10 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2012. Like P401, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Hong Kong, Polymer

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

According to a Reuters article dated 18 January 2013, a botanist claims the leaf around the secondary window at left front of the new polymer 20-dollar note is from a Norway maple, not a sugar maple. The Bank of Canada refutes this claim, asserting "the image on the new bills was purposefully designed not to represent any specific species but rather to be a combination of various kinds."

Courtesy of David Surette.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

According to a press release dated 18 December 2012, Fortress Paper has announced the launch of the world's first banknote printed on its new Durasafe substrate, an innovative paper-polymer-paper composite substrate produced at its Landqart mill. The new Swiss 50-franc note had been expected to be the first in the world to use Durasafe, but its introduction has been delayed until 2015 at the earliest due to technical difficulties encountered in the note's production.

With the issuance of the new Moroccan 25-dirham (US$3) note in December 2012, Bank al Maghrib, Morocco's central bank, became the first in the world to issue a banknote printed on Durasafe. The front of the banknote features an intaglio vignette and a watermark of King Mohammed VI, and a magenta/green color-shift security thread developed by Fortress Optical Features. The thread, like the watermark, is embedded inside the banknote yet visible behind a one-sided Viewsafe polymer window. It also has a fully transparent polymer window embossed with the King's royal crest. The back of the note carries a print vignette commemorating 25 years of banknote printing at the Moroccan State Printing Works, Dar As-Sikkah.

The windows in Durasafe are formed by die cutting each side of the three layer composite substrate separately. One-sided Viewsafe windows give a clear view inside the substrate where the thread and the watermark of King Mohammed VI are protected, but fully visible behind the polymer core. The transparent Thrusafe window is created by die-cutting both the outer paperlayers to reveal only the transparent polymer core.

Chadwick Wasilenkoff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortress Paper, commented: "After a decade in development, we are pleased to see the fruits of our labour in the launch of the Moroccan 25 Dirhams. We have designed Durasafe to offer the ideal characteristics of polymer and traditional paper notes to create a new standard for high security banknote substrates. Fortress Paper would like to congratulate the Bank al Maghrib on the launch of their new 25 Dirham banknote and being the first in the world to produce and launch a Durasafe banknote."

Courtesy of Phil Martin and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Tags: Morocco, Polymer

According to a PrintWeek article dated 10 December 2012, De La Rue's contract to print the UK's banknotes could come to an end as the Bank of England (BoE) has issued a tender notice asking up to five operators to bid for the £1bn contract.

It is only the second time that the contract has been outsourced since De La Rue took over banknote printing for BoE in 2003.

The contract, which could potentially run for up to 14 years, will see alternative suppliers bidding to print up to 12bn banknotes at BoE’s Debden, Essex facility.

BoE expects that the 200 staff at the Debden plant will be transferred to the new supplier should the contract be awarded away from De La Rue.

The new supplier would be responsible for the maintenance of Debden’s printing machinery, which is expected to be refurbished or replaced with the payment of capital costs coming from BoE.

The tender also states that the new supplier would need to accomodate changes in the features or substrates included in banknote production in line with security reviews by the governing body.

Bidding operators must have at least three years of experience in commercial banknote printing and have printed at least 500m banknotes over a 12-month period at one site in the past three years as payment will depend on the volumes of accepted banknotes produced.

The deadline for bids is 31 January 2013, and BoE expects that banknote production will commence from April 2015 following a six to twelve month transition period between suppliers. The successful participant will have the option to extend the contract by a further 36 months.

One provision in the tender that has gotten the attention of banknote collectors is the requirement that the printers be able to handle printing on polymer, not just the paper substrate traditionally used on Bank of England notes. To be clear, however, the bank hasn't committed to printing new notes on polymer; it's simply ensuring that polymer is an option regardless of who it chooses as its new printer.

Tags: England, Polymer

The Mauritius 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 Special Finance Committee in 1842, Currency Commissioners of Mauritius from 1848 to 1849, Government of Mauritius from 1860 to 1965, and Bank of Mauritius from 1967 to present. Revised 1 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

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

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


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: Mauritius, Polymer

1 quetzal (US$0.15), 23 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2011. Like Pick 115, but new date, new signatures (Sergio Francisco Recinos Rivera and Edgar Baltazar Barquín Durán), and flag added to front and back. Polymer.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

200 córdobas (US$8.40), 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2007. Like P205, but instead of embossed 200 on see-through window, 200 is opaque white.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Tags: Nicaragua, Polymer

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 on The Voice of Vietnam dated 29 September 2012, the State Bank of Vietnam has announced that 10,000- and 20,000-dong (US$0.50 and $1, respectively) notes printed on cotton (Pick 109/115 and Pick 110) will no longer be legal tender as of 1 January 2013, but may exchange them at SBV branches and other institutions. These denominations have been replaced by polymer notes (Pick 119 and Pick 120).

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

In 2011 it was reported that the Banco Central del Paraguay was contemplating issuing polymer notes. According to this post on UltimaHora.com, the 5,000-guarani (US$1.10) note was issued as a polymer note on 14 January 2013. The note is dated 2011, and has reportedly been printed without imprint by Canadian Bank Note Company.


Courtesy of Raihan Numista and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Paraguay, 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

Like B146h, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Tags: Zambia, Polymer

2,000 guaraníes (US$0.45), 2011. Like the same denomination issued 18.12.2009, but new date, prefix C, new printer imprint (CANADIAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, LIMITED), and minor changes to guilloche patterns.

Courtesy of Yuri111.

Tags: Paraguay, Polymer

According to an article in allAfrica dated 12 September 2012, the Central Bank of Nigeria plans to no longer print banknotes on polymer due to higher costs (a result of Australia-based Securency's monopoly on the substrate) and environmental issues. Currently the bank issues polymer notes in its lowest denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 naira. All but the 50-naira denomination will be replaced by coins when the bank restructures the currency as expected in 2013.

Tags: Nigeria, 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

Like B281c, but new date (20)11.

Courtesy of Christoph Thomas.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

20 córdobas (US$0.80), 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2007. Like P202, but instead of embossed 20 on see-through window, 20 is opaque white.

Courtesy of luiszuniga.

Tags: Nicaragua, Polymer

According to several newspaper articles including one in the Winnipeg Free Press dated 18 August 2012, the back of the Bank of Canada's new 100-dollar note design originally depicted an Asian woman scientist, but the image was revised to show a Caucasian woman prior to issuance of the note. The change was made in response to concerns from focus group participants about the stereotyping of Asians as excelling in technology.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

50 pesos (US$3.80), 10 ENE. 2012. Like P123, but new date and new signatures (Manuel Sánchez González & Alejandro Alegre Rabiela). Series V.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

Tags: Mexico, 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

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

According to an article in The Asian Age dated 21 July 2012, the government will conduct a field trial with one billion polymer 10-rupee banknotes to check the possibility of introducing polymer notes in India. The trials will be conducted in five cities—Mysore, Kochi, Shimla, Jaipur and Bhubaneshwar—selected on the basis of their varied geographical location and climatic conditions.

The tests are to be conducted to determine if polymer notes last longer, thereby reducing replacement and disposal costs.
In another effort to increase the lifespan of banknotes, banks are asked to do away with the practices of stapling fresh note packets and writing on the watermark areas.

Tags: India, Polymer

10 córdobas (US$0.40), 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2007. Like P201, but instead of embossed 10 on see-through window, 10 is opaque white.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Nicaragua, Polymer

According to an article in IndiaWest dated 9 July 2012, the Reserve Bank of India said it is working on launching polymer banknotes and will soon start a pilot project. "Counterfeiting of plastic notes is very difficult. So we are planning to launch some plastic money on pilot basis in 4-5 centers like Jaipur, Shimla and Bhubaneshwar. We are working on it," RBI Deputy Governor H.R. Khan told reporters. The bank has made similar statements over the past three years and nothing has come of it yet.

Courtesy of Phil Martin.

Tags: India, Polymer

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

Like B278f, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Just World Banknotes.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

50 pesos (US$3.60), 24 JUN. 2011. Like P123, but new date and new signatures (Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib and Alejandro Alegre Rabiela). Series T (U also confirmed).

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

50 pesos (US$3.60), 3 MAY. 2010. Like P123, but new date and new signatures (Agustin Guillermo Carstens and Raul Valdes Ramos). Serie S.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

World Paper & Polymer Uncut Banknote
K. N. Boon, 154 pages, soft cover, 297 x 210 mm, color illustrations, Chinese and English, ISBN 978-983-43313-4-4, US$15, www.3833.com

K. N. Boon's recently published book, World Paper & Polymer Uncut Banknote, is the first catalog devoted entirely to collectors of uncut sheets of notes, and as such it fills an interesting gap in the numismatic field of knowledge.

I had hoped to learn more about how and why uncut sheets are sold to collectors, mailing/storage/display options, deciphering plate and block nubmers, etc. Unfortunately, aside from a few pages of introductory text, there's not much prose in this book, the bulk of which is devoted to depictions of the banknote sheets along with brief descriptions and variety listings. The text is written primarily in English, with some material also in Chinese. For the most part, the English is serviceable, in spite of some typos and awkward phrases.

The banknote listings are segregated by substrate, with paper-based notes appearing first, followed by polymer-based notes at the end of the catalog. I would prefer to see all of the notes of a particular country listed together, but collectors who specialize in polymer issues may appreciate having these notes broken out into their own section.

Within the paper and polymer sections, the listings are organized alphabetically by country, then grouped by denominations (smallest to largest), each in chronological order. Unique note types are assigned their own KNB numbers, with lowercase variety letters appended to distinguish between sheets with different attributes. For example, KNB4a may refer to an uncut block of 4 notes, whereas KNB4b refers to a full uncut sheet of 45 notes. Alas, there are no cross-references to other catalog numbers of the underlying notes.

In most cases, blocks (mini-sheets) or full sheets of notes are illustrated, except when the author wasn't able to obtain such images. In those cases, an individual note is shown instead. I actually prefer this latter presentation because the note's design details can be seen, which is not the case when the sheets are reproduced greatly reduced in size. I hope the second edition of this book will include larger illustrations of the front and back of individual notes to each listing for the best of both worlds. Another improvement would be expanded descriptions of the notes. Many notes lack any descriptions at all, and for those that are described, the text is terse and typically applies only to the front; usually the backs are ignored altogether.

Each listing has columns for Date of Issue, Quantity Issued, Issued Price, and Market Price, with the last two values shown in Chinese yuan (RMB). Market prices are given for almost all listings, but in many cases the other columns are left blank. Hopefully further research will result in this information being added in future editions.

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous sellers cut notes from sheets in an attempt to create "errors" or rare prefix varieties which are then foisted upon unsuspecting buyers. To the author's credit, some listings include warnings about this practice, and some listings also indicate the prefixes found on the sheets, but it's unclear if these prefixes are exclusive to sheets. More detailed prefix information might allow for the easy identification of such doctored notes.

World Paper & Polymer Uncut Banknote is an excellent first attempt to systematically document an area of collecting that has heretofore been largely ignored by other catalogs. Collectors of banknote sheets will most definitely appreciate having this handsome, professionally printed, full-color volume in their reference library.

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

Tags: World, Polymer

The following is a letter that I recently wrote to the editor of the International Bank Note Society's Journal. I do not know if it will be published in an upcoming issue, but I thought visitors to this site might find it interesting nonetheless.—OWL

Dear Editor,

I enjoyed reading Marc Riquier's article, "The History of Plastic Banknotes: It All Started in Belgium!" in Vol. 51:1 about the role Union Chimique Belge played in the development of the Guardian substrate popularized by Securency International. However, I have practical and technical objections to the use of the term "hybrid" to describe notes employing Giesecke & Devrient's varifeye or De La Rue’s Optiks.

As a practical matter, Hybrid (with a capital H) is G&D's term for its patented substrate comprised of cotton fibers sandwiched between layers of plastic. To use hybrid (with a lower-case H) in conjunction with different, competing products only invites confusion.

From a technical standpoint, both varifeye and Optiks create see-through windows by applying thin transparent films over apertures in paper substrates (see my articles in Vol. 47:1 and 47:4, respectively). While it's true that the films are polymers and appear on paper notes, the mere addition of a disparate material to the substrate doesn't change the classification of the substrate. If it did, any banknote with a security thread, foil patch, or holographic stripe would be a hybrid.

Collectors should adopt the terminology used by the security printing industry, in which the term hybrid is applied only to banknotes with substrates that are a combination of paper and polymer. G&D's Hybrid substrate certainly qualifies and has already been used on notes such as Swaziland's 100- and 200-lilangeni commemoratives dated 2008. Landqart's Durasafe takes the opposite approach, placing paper on the outside and a polymer core at center. The Swiss National Bank is using Durasafe for its new series of notes expected to be issued in 2013.

Owen W. Linzmayer 7962

Tags: Polymer

5 naira (US$0.05), 2011. Like B234 (PNL), but new date.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

According to a press release, the Bank of Canada's new 20-dollar (US$20) note was issued on 7 November 2012. The new note is printed on polymer (specifically, Guardian, a biaxialoriented polypropylene substrate manufactured by Securency International of Australia). "As with the previously issued $50 and $100 polymer bank notes, the main reason for issuing a new $20 is to stay ahead of counterfeiting threats. The new polymer notes are also more economical and have a smaller environmental footprint."


Green. Front: Maple leaf; Queen Elizabeth II. Back: Flowers; Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Vimy, France; flowers. Holographic stripe with Queen Elizabeth II and tower. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: Unknown. 152 x 70 mm. Polymer.



Courtesy of Aidan Work, Thomas Krause, Will Mitchell, Claudio Marana, Phil Martin, and Marcus Jansson.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

20 lempiras (US$1.05), 31 DE JULIO DE 2008. Like P95, but new signature. Shown above are the two confirmed signature varieties for this note. If others exist, please send scans.

Courtesy of Antonio Sansur.

Tags: Honduras, Polymer

CentralBanking.com has an interesting video on its web site interviewing Chris Salmon, the chief cashier at the Bank of England, discussing various matters related to the new 50-pound (US$78) note, as well as confirming that the BoE is examining polymer substrates for possible use in the future.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: England, Polymer

The Bank of Canada held a press event on 26 March 2012 to officially introduce the new polymer 50-dollar note.




50 dollars (US$50). Red. Front: Maple leaf; William Lyon Mackenzie King. Back: Canadian Coast Guard Ship Amundsen, an Arctic research icebreaker; map of Canada; map leaf. Holographic stripe. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: Unknown. 152 x 70 mm. Polymer.

Courtesy of Arthur John Boyko and Jens Luettschwager.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

100 kina (US$42), (20)12. Like BPNG B48, but without the 35th anniversary overprint, plus new date and signatures (Loi Martin Bakani and Simon Tosali).

Courtesy of Stane Štraus.

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

200,000 dong (US$9.50), (20)11. Like P123, but new date.

500,000 dong (US$23.85), (20)11. Like P124, but new date.

Courtesy of Duong Do Hoang.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

10,000 (US$0.50), 50,000 (US$2.40), and 100,000 (US$4.75) dong, (20)11. Like P119, P121, and P122, respectively, but new date. Polymer.

Courtesy of Duong Do Hoang.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

5,000 pesos (US$9.80), 2011. Like P163, but dated 2011 instead of 2009 at lower right on back.

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

50 naira (US$0.35), 2011. Like B236 (PNL), but new date, signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Muhammad Nda), and 7-digit serial numbers. Printer: (G&D). Polymer.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Tags: Zambia, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Tags: Polymer, Canada, England

On 26 November 2011, gandul.info posted the above photo. Apparently the Banca Naţională a României created 500 banknote-like numismatic products to commemorate the bank’s 130th anniversary. If you examine the images below, you’ll see these are not banknotes. They aren’t denominated in Romanian leu, and the “serial numbers” on back simply indicate the 130 A (ani = year) span between 1881 and 2011.



Courtesy of Alex Klark and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

On 21 November 2011, Banco de Guatemala issued a new 5-quetzal (US$0.65) banknote printed on polymer substrate by the Canadian Bank Note Company. The new note is dated 19 DE MAYO DE 2010.

Courtesy of Evgeny Afanasov and Thomas Augustsson.

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez and Mark Fox.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

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

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

Courtesy of Arthur Boyko and Nicholas Cheung.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Mohammed el-Arabi.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

50 pesos (US$3.75), 3 MAY. 2010. Like P123, but new date and signatures (Roberto del Cueto Legaspi and Raul Valdes Ramos). Serie Q.


50 pesos (US$3.75), 3 MAY. 2010. Like P123, but new date and signatures Manuel Sanchez Gonzalez and Raul Valdes Ramos). Serie R.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

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


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

Courtesy of Mohammed el-Arabi.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like P121, but new date: 1 ianuarie 2018 / (20)18; and new coat of arms with crowned eagle.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Marius Rosca (Pecunia Auctions/www.ebancnote.ro).

Tags: Romania, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Paraguay, Polymer

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

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

Courtesy of Anil Bohora.

Tags: India, Polymer

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

Tags: Brunei, Polymer, Error

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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

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

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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

Like B279d, but new date (20)11.

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea.

Tags: Romania, 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

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


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


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

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

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

Tags: Brunei, 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

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

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Tags: Zambia, Polymer

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

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





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

Watch the unveiling ceremony on the bank’s website.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Carlos Pinto and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Mozambique, Polymer

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

Tags: Polymer

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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Daniel Mendea.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

10 dollars (US$7.70), no date. Like P48, but new signature and now with two triangles below SPORTS on back. This denomination has been previously confirmed with no symbol, one or two squares, or one triangle in the same location.

Courtesy of Tan Wei Jie.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

20 naira (US$0.12), 2010. Like P34, but new signatures (Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Muhammad Nda).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

On 16 March 2011, the Central Bank of Chile unveiled the design of the new 1,000-peso note, of which a total of 34 million notes were issued on 11 May 2011, while the existing 140 million older notes of the same denomination currently in circulation will gradually be withdrawn. This note, the last denomination to be issued in the new series, is printed on polymer.



1,000 pesos (US$2.05)
Green. Front: Stylized sun in red-to-gold OVI; stylized corazón del copihue (heart of Chilean bellflower); Ignacio Carrera Pinto. Back: Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Simulated solid security thread with demetalized 1000 PESOS. Watermark: None. Printer: (NPA). 120 x 70 mm. Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Monetary Research Institute.

Tags: Chile, Polymer

According to a Bank of Canada press release dated 10 March 2011, new 100-dollar (US$103) polymer banknote will be issued in November 2011, with a polymer 50-dollar note to follow in March 2012. The bank also provided further technical and background information about the new notes. Additional details regarding security features, themes, and designs of these denominations will be unveiled in the spring of 2011. The remaining 5-, 10-, and 20-dollar notes will be unveiled and issued by the end of 2013.

The bank has issued "Backgrounder on Canada’s new polymer bank note series" as a free PDF.

Courtesy of Brian Frame, Jay Mollindo, and Thomas Krause.

Tags: Canada, Polymer

10,000 dong (US$0.50), (20)10. Like P119, but new date.

Courtesy of Duong Do Hoang.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

2,000 guaraníes (US$0.45), 2009. Like B846a, but new date, prefix B, and printer(Giesecke & Devrient).

Courtesy of Banknotes LT.

Tags: Paraguay, Polymer

50 pesos (US$4.15), 8 MAR. 2010. Like P123, but new date and signatures (Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib and Raul Valdes Ramos).

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

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

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Tags: New Zealand, Polymer

200,000 dong (US$9.60), (20)10. Like P123, but new date.

Courtesy of Duong Do Hoang.

Tags: Vietnam, Polymer

50 pesos (US$4.10), 23 ABR. 2009. Like P123, but new date and new signature (Guillermo Ortiz Martinez and Raul Valdes Ramos). Serie M.

Courtesy of Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

20 pesos (US$1.60), 23 ABR. 2009. Like P122, but new date and signatures (Roberto del Cueto Legaspi and Raul Valdes Ramos). Series J.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

20 pesos (US$1.60), 20 NOV. 2007. Like P122, but new date and signatures (Guillermo Ortiz Martinez and Raul Valdes Ramos). Series F.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

According to an article on Panorama Numismático, the printing of Guatemla’s new 5-quetzal (US$0.60) note has been awarded to the Canadian Bank Note Company, with the new polymer notes expected to be issued in the second half of 2011.

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

100 dollars (US$76.70), 2008. Like P29, but new date in lower right corner on back.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Tags: Brunei, Polymer

According to an article on elGrapfoscopio dated 18 November 2010, the Banco de Guatemala is preparing to issue 5-quetzal (US$0.60) polymer banknotes in 2011.

Additional information and images are requested.

Tags: Guatemala, Polymer

5 dollars (US$3.30), no date. Like the $5 note issued 18.05.2007, but now with one square below GARDEN CITY on back. Signature remains CHAIRMAN Goh Chok Tong.

Courtesy of Tan Wei Jie.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

10 dollars (US$7.70), no date. Like P48, but new signature and now with triangle below SPORTS on back. This denomination has been previously confirmed with no symbol as well as either one or two squares in the same location.

Courtesy of Tan Wei Jie.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

10 naira (US$0.05), 2010. 6-digit serial number, signatures Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Benjamin C. Onyido.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

10 naira (US$0.07), 2010. Like 10-naira note originally dated 2009, but new date and new signatures (Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Muhammad Nda). 6-digit serial number.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Tags: Nigeria, Polymer

200 lei (US$65), (20)09. Like P122, but new date. Last two digits of year of issue as first two digits of serial number. Signature remains the same.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Tags: Romania, Polymer

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

1 ringgit (US$0.75), 2008. Like P22, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Brunei, Polymer

On 6 October 2010 the Central Bank of Chile unveiled its new 2,000-peso (US$4.15) banknote. This polymer note was issued 17 November 2010. On front it features a portrait of lawyer and guerrilla leader, Manuel Rodríguez Erdoíza, as well as a stylized corazón del copihue (heart of Chilean bellflower). The back of the note depicts Reserva Nacional Nalcas in the Araucania region, with a volcanoe and a choroy parrot. The 2,000-peso notes is the fourth member of the new family of notes which started with the 24 September 2009 introduction of the 5,000-peso note, and will be complete with the 2011 introduction of the 1,000-peso note.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Chile, Polymer