Polymer

Trinidad and Tobago new 100-dollar polymer note (B241) reported for 09.12.2019 introduction

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.

Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_100_dollars_2019.00.00_B241a_PNL_AS_359243_f
Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_100_dollars_2019.00.00_B241a_PNL_AS_359243_r

Romania new 100-leu commemorative note (BNP203) reported for 04.12.2019 introduction

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.

Romania_BNR_100_lei_2019.12.04_BNP203a_P124_100B_0030000_fRomania_BNR_100_lei_2019.12.04_BNP203a_P124_100B_0030000_r

Sao Tome and Principe new 5-, 10-, and 200-dobra notes reported for introduction in 2020

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).

Vietnam new date (2019) 10,000-dong note (B343l) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_10000_dong_2019.00.00_B343l_P119_VF_19858412_fVietnam_SBV_10000_dong_2019.00.00_B343l_P119_VF_19858412_r
Like B343k, but new date (2019).

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

Scotland BOS new 20-pound polymer notes unveiled

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.

Scotland_BOS_20_pounds_2019.06.01_BNLas_PNLs_AA_123456_fScotland_BOS_20_pounds_2019.06.01_BNLs_PNLs_AA_123456_rScotland_BOS_20_pounds_2020.00.00_BNL_PNL_r

Albania new 200-lek note (B322) confirmed

Albania_BES_200_leke_2017.00.00_B322as_PNLs_AA_0707902_f
Albania_BES_200_leke_2017.00.00_B322as_PNLs_AA_0707902_r

Courtesy of Andrea Bossi.

Australia new 20-dollar note (B232) confirmed

Australia_RBA_20_dollars_2019.00.00_B232a_PNL_DE_191683604_fAustralia_RBA_20_dollars_2019.00.00_B232a_PNL_DE_191683604_r

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

United Kingdom new 20-pound polymer note (B205) reported for introduction 20.02.2020

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.

United_Kingdom_BOE_20_pounds_2020.02.20_B205a_PNL_AC12_057574_f
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Cambodia new 15,000-rial commemorative note (B434) confirmed introduced 29.10.2019

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

Cambodia_NBC_15000_riels_2019.00.00_B434a_PNL_ក១_15_585495_fCambodia_NBC_15000_riels_2019.00.00_B434a_PNL_ក១_15_585495_r

Courtesy of Anthony Rodov and Igor Nosenko (Instagram).

East Caribbean States new 100-dollar polymer note (B244a) confirmed introduced September 2019

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_100_dollars_2019.09.00_B244a_PNL_WE_033440_f East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_100_dollars_2019.09.00_B244a_PNL_WE_033440_r

Courtesy of Shibu Paul (Ebanknoteshop).

Albania unveils new banknote family (B322 - B327) to be introduced 2019 - 2022

On 12 September 2019, the Bank of Albania unveiled a new series of banknotes that are like the preceding issues, but with refreshed designs and colors, as well as new security features. Although not shown at the unveiling, the new 10,000-lek note is expected to have the theme of the national anthem and its author, poet Aleksandër Stavre Drenova, known by the pen name Asdreni. Existing notes will continue to circulate in parallel as the six denominations are introduced into circulation at staggered intervals from 2019 to 2022.

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Albania_BES_200_leke_2017.00.00_B322as_PNLs_AA_0000000_r

Albania_BES_500_leke_2017.00.00_B323as_PNLs_AA_0000000_f
Albania_BES_500_leke_2017.00.00_B323as_PNLs_AA_0000000_r

Albania_BES_1000_leke_2017.00.00_B324as_PNLs_AA_0000000_f
Albania_BES_1000_leke_2017.00.00_B324as_PNLs_AA_0000000_r

Albania_BES_2000_leke_2017.00.00_B325as_PNLs_AA_0000000_f
Albania_BES_2000_leke_2017.00.00_B325as_PNLs_AA_0000000_r

Albania_BES_5000_leke_2017.00.00_B326as_PNLs_NA_0000000_f
Albania_BES_5000_leke_2017.00.00_B326as_PNLs_NA_0000000_r

Courtesy of Vunhan Vuong, Don Cleveland, and Marco Pache.

Morocco new 20-dirham commemorative note (B519) confirmed

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.

Morocco_BAM_20_dirhams_2019.00.00_B519a_PNL_20_662694_fMorocco_BAM_20_dirhams_2019.00.00_B519a_PNL_20_662694_r



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

Nigeria new sig/date (2019) 50-naira note (B236l) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_50_naira_2019.00.00_B236l_P40_VG_2396801_f
Nigeria_CBN_50_naira_2019.00.00_B236l_P40_VG_2396801_r
Like B236k, but new signatures (Emefiele/Eleje) and new date (2019). Prefix VG.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Vietnam new date (2019) 200,000-dong note (B347j) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_200000_dong_2019.00.00_B347j_P123_MC_19022606_f
Vietnam_SBV_200000_dong_2019.00.00_B347j_P123_MC_19022606_r
Like B347i, but new date (2019).

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

Bank of England new 50-pound polymer note to be introduced 2021

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.

50-concept

Nicaragua new 500- and 1,000-córdoba polymer notes (B514, B515) confirmed introduced 08.07.2019

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.

Nicaragua_BCN_500_cordobas_2017.10.18_B514a_PNL_A_00149641_f
Nicaragua_BCN_500_cordobas_2017.10.18_B514a_PNL_A_00149641_r

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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 ().

United Kingdom new 50-pound note to be printed on 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.

Nigeria new date (2019) 10-naira note (B235o) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2019.00.00_B235o_P39_FB_1627211_f
Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2019.00.00_B235o_P39_FB_1627211_r
Like B235p, but new date (2019).

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

East Caribbean States new 50-dollar polymer note (B243a) confirmed introduced June 2019

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.

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_50_dollars_2019.00.00_B243_PNL_SX_052941_f East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_50_dollars_2019.00.00_B243_PNL_SX_052941_r

Courtesy of Tristan Williams and KK Lim ().

Samoa new 10-tala commemorative polymer note (B121a) confirmed introduced 06.2019

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.

Samoa_CBS_10_tala_2019.00.00_B121a_PNL_PG-XVI_0999990_fSamoa_CBS_10_tala_2019.00.00_B121a_PNL_PG-XVI_0999990_r

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

Australia new 50-dollar note (B233a) contains typo in microprint

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.

Australia_RBA_50_dollars_2018.00.00_B233a_PNL_BK_184156534_r

Courtesy of Ron Cruickshank.

Mexico new sig/date (01.08.2017) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2017.08.01_B712i_P123A_Y_S6359748_f
Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2017.08.01_B712i_P123A_Y_S6359748_r
Like P123A, but new date (1 AGO. 2017) and new signatures. Series Y.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Mexico new sig/date (16.01.2017) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2017.01.16_B704o_P122_AD_W5795727_f
Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2017.01.16_B704o_P122_AD_W5795727_r
Like P122, but new date (16 ENE. 2017) and new signatures. Series AD.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Azerbaijan considering new polymer notes

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.

Solomon Islands new 5-dollar polymer note (B221a) confirmed

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.

Solomon_Islands_CBSI_5_dollars_2019.05.02_B221a_PNL_A-1_351242_f
Solomon_Islands_CBSI_5_dollars_2019.05.02_B221a_PNL_A-1_351242_r

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

Australia new sig/date (2016) 50-dollar note (B228m) confirmed

Australia_RBA_50_dollars_2016.00.00_B228m_P60_AD_16336449_fAustralia_RBA_50_dollars_2016.00.00_B228m_P60_AD_16336449_r
Like B228l, but new date (2016) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Mauricio Diaz-Chavarro.

Romania new date (2019) 1-leu note (B286b) confirmed

Romania_BNR_1_leu_2018.01.01_B286a_P117_197I_9455446_f
Romania_BNR_1_leu_2018.01.01_B286a_P117_197I_9455446_r
This denomination has not yet been confirmed with prefix beginning with 18.

Courtesy of Catalin Vasilache.

Romania new date (2019) 100-leu note (B290b) confirmed

Romania_BNR_100_lei_2018.01.01_B290b_P121_194H_7075485_fRomania_BNR_100_lei_2018.01.01_B290b_P121_194H_7075485_r
Like B290a, but new date (2019).

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

Nigeria new date (2018) 5-naira note (B234j) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2018.00.00_B234j_P38_DP_9102347_f
Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2018.00.00_B234j_P38_DP_9102347_r
Like B234i, but new date (2018). Prefix DP.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Northern Ireland Bank of Ireland new 5-pound note (B136a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2017.05.31_B136a_PNL_AQ_037077_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2017.05.31_B136a_PNL_AQ_037077_r

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

Northern Ireland Danske Bank new 10-pound note (B503a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2017.07.06_B503a_PNL_AB_4529549_f
Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2017.07.06_B503a_PNL_AB_4529549_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new 5-pound note (B939a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_5_pounds_2018.04.12_B939a_PNL_AC_026801_f Northern_Ireland_UBL_5_pounds_2018.04.12_B939a_PNL_AC_026801_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Vanuatu new 500-vatu commemorative note (B214a) confirmed

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

Vanuatu_RBV_500_vatu_2017.00.00_B214a_PNL_AM_17027286_f
Vanuatu_RBV_500_vatu_2017.00.00_B214a_PNL_AM_17027286_r

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

Australia new 20-dollar note (B232) reported for introduction October 2019

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.

Australia_RBA_20_dollars_2019.00.00_B232a_PNL_AB_192346780_fAustralia_RBA_20_dollars_2019.00.00_B232a_PNL_AB_192346780_r

Libya new 1-dinar commemorative note (B550a) confirmed introduced 18.02.2019

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.

Libya_CBL_1_dinar_2019.02.18_B550a_PNL_2_1-5_8913877_f
Libya_CBL_1_dinar_2019.02.18_B550a_PNL_2_1-5_8913877_r

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Vietnam new date (2018) 100,000-dong note (B346l) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_100000_dong_2018.00.00_B346l_P122_KK_18540119_fVietnam_SBV_100000_dong_2018.00.00_B346l_P122_KK_18540119_r
Like B346k, but new date (2018).

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk (Nogowczyk).

Romania new 5-leu note (B287a) confirmed

Romania_BNR_5_lei_2018.01.01_B287a_PNL_182J_0743990_fRomania_BNR_5_lei_2018.01.01_B287a_PNL_182J_0743990_r
Like B279, but with the new coat of arms and a new date.

Courtesy of Catalin Vasilache.

Nigeria new sig. 10-naira note (B235n) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2018.00.00_B235n_P39_FH_1665102_fNigeria_CBN_10_naira_2018.00.00_B235n_P39_FH_1665102_r
Like B235m, but new signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Priscilla Ekwueme Eleje). Prefix FH.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Paraguay new sig/date (2017) 2,000-guaraní note (B846d) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_2000_guaranies_2017.00.00_B846d_P228_D_00334243_f
Paraguay_BCP_2000_guaranies_2017.00.00_B846d_P228_D_00334243_r
Like B846c, but new signatures and new date (2017). Prefix D.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Mauritius new 2,000-rupee polymer note (B436a) confirmed

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.

Egypt reportedly to introduce polymer notes by 2020

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.

Armenia new 10,000-, 20,000-, and 50,000-dram notes (B322 - B324) confirmed










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

Papua New Guinea new 2-kina note (B154) confirmed



Like B134, but reduced in size.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Romania new 100-leu numismatic product (BNP202a) confirmed introduced 01.12.2018

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).

Canada new 10-dollar note confirmed introduced 19.11.2018



Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Northern Ireland's Danske and Bank of Ireland new 5- and 10-pound polymer notes reported for February 2019

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.

Canada new 10-dollar note to be introduced 19.11.2018

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.

Royal Bank of Scotland unveils design of new 20-pound polymer note

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.

Bank of England announces new 50-pound note to be 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.

Australia new 50-dollar note (B233a) confirmed introduced 18.10.2018

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



Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Papua New Guinea new reduced size 50-kina note (B158a) confirmed


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

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

Romania new coat of arms/date (2018) 10-leu note (B288a) confirmed


Like P119, but new date (1 ianuarie 2018) and new coat of arms.

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

Moldova reportedly to introduce polymer notes in 2019

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).

Papua New Guinea new 100-kina commemorative note confirmed

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).

Uruguay new 50-peso uruguayo polymer note (B559) commemorates BCU's 50th anniversary

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.

Uruguay_BCU_50_pesos_uruguayos_2017.00.00_B559a_PNL_A_01336433_fUruguay_BCU_50_pesos_uruguayos_2017.00.00_B559a_PNL_A_01336433_r

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

East Caribbean States new polymer note family (B240 - B244) reported for 2019 introduction

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.



East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_5_dollars_2019.00.00_B240_PNL_AD_000000_fEast_Caribbean_States_ECCB_5_dollars_2019.00.00_B240_PNL_AD_000000_r

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_10_dollars_2019.00.00_B241_PNL_AD_000000_fEast_Caribbean_States_ECCB_10_dollars_2019.00.00_B241_PNL_AD_000000_r

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_20_dollars_2019.00.00_B242_PNL_AD_000000_fEast_Caribbean_States_ECCB_20_dollars_2019.00.00_B242_PNL_AD_000000_r

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_50_dollars_2019.00.00_B243_PNL_AD_000000_fEast_Caribbean_States_ECCB_50_dollars_2019.00.00_B243_PNL_AD_000000_r

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_100_dollars_2019.00.00_B244_PNL_AD_000000_fEast_Caribbean_States_ECCB_100_dollars_2019.00.00_B244_PNL_AD_000000_r

Courtesy of 钞票百科 (Chaopiaobaike).

Maldives new sig/date (10.03.2018) 10-rufiyaa note (B216b) confirmed introduced 03.09.2018

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.

Zambia enhanced security notes reported for August 2018 introduction

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.


Chile new date (2014) 2,000-peso note (B297d) confirmed

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

Courtesy of Artem Shevchenko.

Costa Rica announces plans to switch all denominations to 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.

Romania new coat of arms/date (2018) 50-leu note (B289a) confirmed

Romania_BNR_50_lei_2018.01.01_PNL_184J_2316040_fRomania_BNR_50_lei_2018.01.01_PNL_184J_2316040_r
Like P120, but new date and new coat of arms.

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

Solomon Islands new 40-dollar commemorative polymer note (B226a) confirmed introduced 05.07.2018

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.”

Solomon_Islands_CBSI_40_dollars_2018.07.07_B226a_PNL_SI-40_000008_fSolomon_Islands_CBSI_40_dollars_2018.07.07_B226a_PNL_SI-40_000008_r

Solomon Islands $40 notes

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

Mexico new sig/date (01.16.2017) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2017.01.16_B712h_P123A_W_E4986991_fMexico_BDM_50_pesos_2017.01.16_B712h_P123A_W_E4986991_r
Like P123A, but new signatures and new date (16 ENE. 2017). Series W.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Nigeria new date (2018) 50-naira note (B236k) confirmed

Like B236j, but new date (2018).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Russia new 100-ruble FIFA commemorative note (B840) confirmed introduced 22.05.2018

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).

Russia_CBR_100_rubles_2018.00.00_B840as_PNLs_AA_000000000_fRussia_CBR_100_rubles_2018.00.00_B840as_PNLs_AA_000000000_r
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.

Nigeria new date (2018) 20-naira note (B232r) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2018.00.00_B232r_P34_EY_2422902_fNigeria_CBN_20_naira_2018.00.00_B232r_P34_EY_2422902_r
Like B232q, but new date (2018). Prefix EY.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.


Macedonia new 10- and 50-denar polymer notes (B217, B218) confirmed

Macedonia_NBRM_10_denari_2018.03.00_B217a_PNL_AB_844608_f
Macedonia_NBRM_10_denari_2018.03.00_B217a_PNL_AB_844608_r

Macedonia_NBRM_50_denari_2018.03.00_B218a_PNL_БA_419786_f
Macedonia_NBRM_50_denari_2018.03.00_B218a_PNL_БA_419786_r
These notes are like the preceding issues, but printed on polymer substrate, not paper.

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



Mauritania new 1,000-ouguiya note (B130) confirmed

Mauritania_BCM_1000_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B130a_PNL_E_1124141_AA_fMauritania_BCM_1000_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B130a_PNL_E_1124141_AA_r

Courtesy of Olin Yap,

Singapore new symbol 2-dollar note (B208l) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208l_P46_6GQ_519310_fSingapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208l_P46_6GQ_519310_r
Like B208k, but new symbol (three solid stars) below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6GQ.

Courtesy of Thomas Oon.

Macedonia new 10- and 50-denar polymer notes reported for 15.05.2018 introduction

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.

Canada unveils new 10-dollar note (B379) to be introduced late 2018

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.



Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2018.00.00_B379a_PNL_JHS_2912607_fCanada_BOC_10_dollars_2018.00.00_B379a_PNL_JHS_2912607_r




Brunei new date (2016) 1-dollar note (B301c) confirmed

Brunei_AMBD_1_dollar_2016.00.00_B301c_P35_D-38_643915_fBrunei_AMBD_1_dollar_2016.00.00_B301c_P35_D-38_643915_r
Like B301b, but new date (2016). Prefix D/37, D/38.

Courtesy of Marcus Feaver.

Australia new 50-dollar note (B233) reported for October 2018 introduction

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.

Australia_RBA_50_dollars_2018.00.00_B233a_PNL_AB_182346780_fAustralia_RBA_50_dollars_2018.00.00_B233a_PNL_AB_182346780_r



Courtesy of Trevor Wilkin.

Botswana new 10-pula polymer note (B129) confirmed

Botswana_BOB_10_pula_2018.00.00_B129a_PNL_AE_0091111_f
Botswana_BOB_10_pula_2018.00.00_B129a_PNL_AE_0091111_r
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.
Botswana-$10-(2016)-Gemini-UV-detail

Courtesy of .

Singapore new symbol (one diamond) 5-dollar note (B209e) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_5_dollars_2007.05.18_B209e_P47_5AK_345547_fSingapore_MAS_5_dollars_2007.05.18_B209e_P47_5AK_345547_r
Like B209d, but one diamond on back. Prefix 5AK.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().


Singapore new symbol 10-dollar note (B210m) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2008.02.01_B210m_P48_6CN_384740_f
Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2008.02.01_B210m_P48_6CN_384740_r
Like B210l, but with inverted triangle at lower left back.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Vietnam new date (2017) 50,000-dong note (B345i) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_50000_dong_2017.00.00_B345j_P121_XS_17000017_fVietnam_SBV_50000_dong_2017.00.00_B345j_P121_XS_17000017_r
Like B345i, but new date.

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


Guatemala new date (20.03.2013) 5-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_5_quetzales_2013.03.20_B404d_P122_C_95896959_E_f
Guatemala_BDG_5_quetzales_2013.03.20_B404d_P122_C_95896959_E_r
Like P122, but new date (20 DE MARZO DE 2013) and new printer imprint (CANADIAN BANK NOTE).

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and .


Sao Tome and Principe new note family (B308-B313) confirmed introduced 01.01.2018

Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_5_dobras_2016.10.21_B308a_PNL_AA_0337412_f
Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_5_dobras_2016.10.21_B308a_PNL_AA_0337412_r
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.

Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_10_dobras_2016.10.21_B309a_PNL_AB_0494882_f
Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_10_dobras_2016.10.21_B309a_PNL_AB_0494882_r
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.

Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_20_dobras_2016.10.21_B310a_PNL_AC_0707122_f
Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_20_dobras_2016.10.21_B310a_PNL_AC_0707122_r
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.

Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_50_dobras_2016.10.21_B311a_PNL_AD_0038682_f
Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_50_dobras_2016.10.21_B311a_PNL_AD_0038682_r
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.

Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_100_dobras_2016.10.21_B312a_PNL_AE_0465612_f
Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_100_dobras_2016.10.21_B312a_PNL_AE_0465612_r
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.

Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_200_dobras_2016.10.21_B313a_PNL_AF_0065172_f
Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_200_dobras_2016.10.21_B313a_PNL_AF_0065172_r
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.

Mauritania new 50- to 500-ouguiya notes (B126-B129) confirmed

Mauritania_BCM_50_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B126a_PNL_A_0773914_AB_f
Mauritania_BCM_50_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B126a_PNL_A_0773914_AB_r

Mauritania_BCM_100_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B127a_PNL_B_7708181_AA_f
Mauritania_BCM_100_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B127a_PNL_B_7708181_AA_r

Mauritania_BCM_200_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B128a_PNL_C_5506991_AA_f
Mauritania_BCM_200_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B128a_PNL_C_5506991_AA_r

Mauritania_BCM_500_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B129a_PNL_D_3001422_AA_f
Mauritania_BCM_500_ouguiya_2017.11.28_B129a_PNL_D_3001422_AA_r

Courtesy of Numisnota.

Bank of Scotland charity auction 10-pound notes confirmed

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.

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BR_45305_f
Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BR_45305_r

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_LMS_5305_fScotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_LMS_5305_r

Courtesy of Olin Yeh.

Malaysia new 60- and 600-ringgit numismatic products (BNP106, BNP107) reportedly introduced 05.01.2018

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.

Malaysia_BNM_60_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP106a_PNL_MRR_0051672_fMalaysia_BNM_60_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP106a_PNL_MRR_0051672_r

Malaysia_BNM_600_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP107a_PNL_MRR_0001245_f
Malaysia_BNM_600_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP107a_PNL_MRR_0001245_r
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.

Mauritania new polymer note family (B126-B130) scheduled for introduction 01.01.2018

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.

Botswana new 10-pula polymer note (B129) reported for introduction on 01.02.2018

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.

Botswana_BOB_10_pula_2009.00.00_B124a_P30_polymer

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Vanuatu new 5,000-vatu note (B212) confirmed introduced 27.10.2017

Vanuatu_RBV_5000_vatu_0000.00.00_B213a_PNL_AA_17852511_fVanuatu_RBV_5000_vatu_0000.00.00_B213a_PNL_AA_17852511_r

Courtesy of Harry Lin (林琳斌).

Vanuatu new 500-vatu note (B209) confirmed introduced 27.10.2017

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.

Vanuatu_RBV_500_vatu_2017.00.00_B210a_PNL_AA_17674600_fVanuatu_RBV_500_vatu_2017.00.00_B210a_PNL_AA_17674600_r

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

Bank of Scotland new 10-pound polymer note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BB_950750_f
Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BB_950750_r

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Royal Bank of Scotland new 10-pound polymer note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_111111_f
Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_111111_r
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.

Brunei new 50-dollar commemorative polymer note (B305) confirmed

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.

Brunei_AMBD_50_dollars_2017.10.05_B305a_PNL_F-1_947045_fBrunei_AMBD_50_dollars_2017.10.05_B305a_PNL_F-1_947045_r

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

Bahamas new 1-dollar note (B349a) confirmed introduced 27.09.2017

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.

Bahamas_CBB_1_dollar_2017.00.00_B348a_PNL_A_0118471_fBahamas_CBB_1_dollar_2017.00.00_B348a_PNL_A_0118471_r

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


Scotland Clydesdale Bank new 10-pound polymer note confirmed

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

Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2017.01.25_B400a_PNL_W-HS_064725_f
Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2017.01.25_B400a_PNL_W-HS_064725_r

Courtesy of Mihai Cristian Vulpe.

Australia new 10-dollar note (B231) confirmed introduced 20.09.2017

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

Australia_RBA_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B231a_PNL_DK_172807889_fAustralia_RBA_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B231a_PNL_DK_172807889_r

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Great Britain new 10-pound polymer note introduced 14.09.2017

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

Great_Britain_BOE_10_pounds_2016.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA01_000010_fGreat_Britain_BOE_10_pounds_2016.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA01_000010_r

Nigeria new date (2017) 20-naira note (B232q) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2017.00.00_B232q_P34_ED_3577659_fNigeria_CBN_20_naira_2017.00.00_B232q_P34_ED_3577659_r
Like B232p, but new date (2017). Prefix ED.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Nigeria new date (2017) 50-naira note (B236j) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_50_naira_2017.00.00_B236j_P40_TU_0855115_f
Like B236i, but new date (2017). Prefix TU.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Nigeria new date (2017) 10-naira note (B235l) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2017.00.00_B235l_P39_EG_6301098_f
Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2017.00.00_B235l_P39_EG_6301098_r
Like B235k, but new date (2017). Prefix EG.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Great Britain unveils new 10-pound polymer note for 14.09.2017 intro

Great_Britain_BOE_10_pounds_2016.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA10_471840_f
Great_Britain_BOE_10_pounds_2016.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA10_471840_r
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.


Vietnam new date (2017) 500,000-dong note (B348m) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_500000_dong_2017.00.00_B348m_P124_LT_17000001_f
Vietnam_SBV_500000_dong_2017.00.00_B348m_P124_LT_17000001_r
Like B348l, but new date (2017).

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


Romania new date (2017) 100-leu note (B283h) confirmed

Romania_BNR_100_lei_2017.00.00_P121_171H_2735290_fRomania_BNR_100_lei_2017.00.00_P121_171H_2735290_r
Like P121, but new date (2017).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Gligor Adrian Borza.

Vanuatu new 5,000-vatu polymer note (B212) reported for 28.07.2017 introduction

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.

Vanuatu_RBV_5000_vatu_0000.00.00_B213a_PNL_AA_17438552_fVanuatu_RBV_5000_vatu_0000.00.00_B213a_PNL_AA_17438552_r

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Claudio Marana.

Brunei and Singapore new 50-dollar commemorative polymer notes confirmed

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.

Brunei_AMBD_50_dollars_2017.00.00_B304a_PNL_E-2_135320_f
Brunei_AMBD_50_dollars_2017.00.00_B304a_PNL_E-2_135320_r

Singapore_MAS_50_dollars_2017.00.00_B218a_PNL_50AC_168122_fSingapore_MAS_50_dollars_2017.00.00_B218a_PNL_50AC_168122_r

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

Mozambique new sig/date (16.06.2017) notes confirmed

Mozambique_BDM_20_meticais_2017.06.16_B234b_P149_AW_03859322_fMozambique_BDM_20_meticais_2017.06.16_B234b_P149_AW_03859322_r

Mozambique_BDM_50_meticais_2017.06.16_B235b_P150_BA_97310339_fMozambique_BDM_50_meticais_2017.06.16_B235b_P150_BA_97310339_r

Mozambique_BDM_100_meticais_2017.06.16_B236b_P151_CB_87629439_fMozambique_BDM_100_meticais_2017.06.16_B236b_P151_CB_87629439_r

Mozambique_BDM_200_meticais_2017.06.16_B237b_P152_DB_96707631_fMozambique_BDM_200_meticais_2017.06.16_B237b_P152_DB_96707631_r

Mozambique_BDM_500_meticais_2017.06.16_B238b_P153_EB_26691931_fMozambique_BDM_500_meticais_2017.06.16_B238b_P153_EB_26691931_r
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.

Malaysia new signature 1-ringgit note (B149c) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_1_ringgit_2012.07.16_B149c_P51_KB_5425710_f
Malaysia_BNM_1_ringgit_2012.07.16_B149c_P51_KB_5425710_r
B149c: Like B149b, but new signature and text at lower right front filled solid, not filled with diagonal lines.

Courtesy of Tan Shi Chuan.

Canada new 10-dollar polymer commemorative note (B377a) confirmed

Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B377_PNL_CDB_8823824_fCanada_BOC_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B377_PNL_CDB_8823824_r
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.


Bank of Scotland new 10-pound polymer note unveiled

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.

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_fScotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_r

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Uruguay new 50-peso commemorative polymer note unveiled

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.

Uruguay_BCU_50_pesos_uruguayos_2017.00.00_B557a_PNL_A_00000000_f
Uruguay_BCU_50_pesos_uruguayos_2017.00.00_B557a_PNL_A_00000000_r

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Cleo Phas.

Malaysia new signature 5-ringgit note (B150b) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_5_ringgit_2017.00.00_B150b_P52_BL_3991890_f
Malaysia_BNM_5_ringgit_2017.00.00_B150b_P52_BL_3991890_r
B150b: Like B150a, but new signature. Prefix BL.

Courtesy of Sam Hong and Alex Zlotin.

Nigeria new date (2017) 5-naira note (B234i) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2017.00.00_B234i_P38_DQ_9896301_fNigeria_CBN_5_naira_2017.00.00_B234i_P38_DQ_9896301_r
Like B234h, but new date (2017). Prefix DQ.

Courtesy of Felix Ohmberger.

Maldives new 5-rufiyaa note (B223) confirmed

Maldives_MMA_5_rufiyaa_2017.10.05_B223a_PNL_Z_044927_f
Maldives_MMA_5_rufiyaa_2017.10.05_B223a_PNL_Z_044927_r
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.

Vietnam new date (2016) 200,000-dong note (B347h) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_200000_dong_2016.00.00_B347h_P123_KE_16111111_fVietnam_SBV_200000_dong_2016.00.00_B347h_P123_KE_16111111_r
Like B347g, but new date (2016). Prefix KE.

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

Vietnam new date (2017) 10,000-dong note (B343j) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_10000_dong_2017.00.00_B343j_P119_NC_17777777_fVietnam_SBV_10000_dong_2017.00.00_B343j_P119_NC_17777777_r
Like B343i, but new date (2017). Prefix NC.

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

Papua New Guinea new 5-kina note (B155) confirmed

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_5_kina_2016.00.00_B155a_PNL_AA_16_000016_f
Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_5_kina_2016.00.00_B155a_PNL_AA_16_000016_r
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.


Romania new date (2017) 50-leu note (B282g) confirmed

Romania_BNR_50_lei_2005.07.01_P120_1172G_0077147_f
Romania_BNR_50_lei_2005.07.01_P120_1172G_0077147_r
Like P120, but new date (2017).

Courtesy of Mihai Cristian Vulpe and Marius Rosca.

Canada unveils new commemorative 10-dollar note to be introduced 01.06.2017



Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B377_PNL_JHS_2912607_fCanada_BOC_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B377_PNL_JHS_2912607_r

Courtesy of Chaopiaobaike.

Mauritius new sig/date (2016) 500-rupee note (B432b) confirmed

Mauritius_BOM_500_rupees_2016.00.00_B432b_P66_PZ_119257_f
B432b: Like B432a, but new date (2016) and new signatures. Prefix PZ.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin and Owen Griffiths.

Romania new date (2017) 1-leu note (B278k) confirmed

Romania_BNR_1_leu_2014.00.00_P117b_17I_9267549_fRomania_BNR_1_leu_2014.00.00_P117b_17I_9267549_r
Like P117, but new date (2017).

Courtesy of Marius Rosca.

Papua New Guinea new resized 5-kina note reportedly introduced 03.01.2017

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.

Paraguay new sig/date (2016) 5,000-guaraní polymer note (B857b) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_5000_guaranies_2016.00.00_B857b_PNL_H_10247794_f
Paraguay_BCP_5000_guaranies_2016.00.00_B857b_PNL_H_10247794_r
Like B857a, but new date (2016), new signatures (Darío Rolando Arréllaga Yaluk and Carlos Gustavo Fernández Valdovinos). Prefix H.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Australia unveils design for new 10-dollar polymer note (B231) due in September 2017

Australia_RBA_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B231as_PNLs_AB_172346780_f
Australia_RBA_10_dollars_2017.00.00_B231as_PNLs_AB_172346780_r
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.


England to continue using polymer with tallow in 5- and 10-pound banknotes

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.

Russia new 100-ruble polymer World Cup commemorative note reported for 2018

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.

Great Britain new 10-pound polymer note reported

Great_Britain_BOE_10_pounds_2017.00.00_BNL_PNL_f
Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Vietnam new date (2016) 50,000-dong note (B345i) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_50000_dong_2016.00.00_B345i_P121_MZ_16028200_fVietnam_SBV_50000_dong_2016.00.00_B345i_P121_MZ_16028200_r
Like B345h, but new date (2016). Prefix MZ.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Vietnam new date (2016) 100,000-dong note (B346j) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_100000_dong_2016.00.00_B346j_P122_LF_16181928_fVietnam_SBV_100000_dong_2016.00.00_B346j_P122_LF_16181928_r
Like B346i, but new date (2016). Prefix LJ.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Gibraltar new 100-pound polymer commemorative note (B135) confirmed

Gibraltar_GOG_100_pounds_2015.08.21_B135a_PNL_C_008081_f
Gibraltar_GOG_100_pounds_2015.08.21_B135a_PNL_C_008081_r
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).


Chile new date (2015) 1,000-peso note (B296f) confirmed

Chile_BCC_1000_pesos_2015.00.00_B296f_P161_DG_52003221_f
Chile_BCC_1000_pesos_2015.00.00_B296f_P161_DG_52003221_r
B296f: Like B296e, but new date (2015). Prefix DG.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Singapore new symbol (two stars) 2-dollar note (B208i) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208i_P46_6CA_689816_f
Singapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208i_P46_6CA_689816_r
B208i: Like B208h, but with two stars below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6AA, 6CA.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Nigeria new date (2016) 5-naira note (B234h) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2016.00.00_B234h_P38_DE_5345069_f
Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2016.00.00_B234h_P38_DE_5345069_r
Like B234g, but new date (2016). Prefix DE.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Costa Rica new 1,000-colon note (B558) confirmed

Costa_Rica_BCCR_1000_colones_2013.09.11_B557b_P274_B_003898930_f
Costa_Rica_BCCR_1000_colones_2013.09.11_B557b_P274_B_003898930_r
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.

Singapore new symbol (two hollow stars) 2-dollar note (B208j) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208j_P46_6RG_726657_fSingapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208j_P46_6RG_726657_r
B208j: Like B208h, but with two hollow stars below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6RG.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Singapore new symbol (solid star) 2-dollar note (B208h) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208g_P46_6AF_231793_fSingapore_MAS_2_dollars_2006.01.12_B208g_P46_6AF_231793_r
B208h: Like B208g, but with one solid star below EDUCATION on back. Prefix 6AF.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Singapore new symbol (solid houses) 10-dollar note (B210j) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2008.02.01_B210j_P48_5FZ_516531_f
Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2008.02.01_B210j_P48_5FZ_516531_r
B210j: Like B210i, but with two solid houses below SPORTS on back. Prefix 5FZ.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Mexico new date (12.07.2016) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2016.07.12_P122_Y_S4596298_f
Like P122, but new date (12 JUL. 2016). Series Y.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Nigeria new date (2016) 50-naira note (B236i) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_50_naira_2016.00.00_B236i_PNL_SH_5786001_f
Nigeria_CBN_50_naira_2016.00.00_B236i_PNL_SH_5786001_r
Like B237h, but new date (2016). Prefix SH.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.


Russia considering 100-ruble World Cup 2018 commemorative note

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.

Mexico new sig/date (07.12.2015) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2015.12.07_P123A_S_F2317696_f
Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2015.12.07_P123A_S_F2317696_r
Like P123A but new signatures, new date (7 DIC. 2015), and series S.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Haiti new 10-gourde polymer note (B851) confirmed

Haiti_BRH_10_gourdes_2013.00.00_B851a_PNL_M_4777304_f
Haiti_BRH_10_gourdes_2013.00.00_B851a_PNL_M_4777304_r
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.

Scotland's Royal Bank new 5-pound polymer note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AY_673500_fScotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AY_673500_r
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.

Romania new date (2016) 200-leu note (B284h) confirmed

Romania_BNR_200_lei_2016.00.00_P122_164D_3423069_f
Romania_BNR_200_lei_2016.00.00_P122_164D_3423069_r
Like P122, but new date (2016).

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.


Bank of Scotland new 5-pound note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_5_pounds_2016.03.25_BNL_PNL_AD_393200_f
Scotland_BOS_5_pounds_2016.03.25_BNL_PNL_AD_393200_r
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).

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new sig/date (13.02.2016) 5-pound polymer commemorative confirmed

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."

Scotland_CB_5_pounds_2016.02.13_PNL_W-HS_000000_fScotland_CB_5_pounds_2016.02.13_PNL_W-HS_000000_r

Courtesy of Zbyszek Warszawski and Quality World Currency.

Guatemala new date (02.05.2012) 5-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_5_quetzales_2012.05.02_B404c_P122_C_60316398_E_f
Guatemala_BDG_5_quetzales_2012.05.02_B404c_P122_C_60316398_E_r
Like P122, but new date (2 DE MYAO DE 2012), and new printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. Suffix E.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).


Great Britain new polymer 5-pound note confirmed

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.

Great_Britain_BOE_5_pounds_2015.00.00_BNL_PNL_AK47_363200_f
Great_Britain_BOE_5_pounds_2015.00.00_BNL_PNL_AK47_363200_r
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.

Australia new sig/date (2015) 5-dollar note (B225j) confirmed

Australia_RBA_5_dollars_2015.00.00_B225i_P57_BD_15996021_f
Australia_RBA_5_dollars_2015.00.00_B225i_P57_BD_15996021_r
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.

Australia new 5-dollar note (B230) confirmed

Australia_RBA_5_dollars_2016.00.00_B230a_PNLa_DH_160886412_f
Australia_RBA_5_dollars_2016.00.00_B230a_PNLa_DH_160886412_r
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.

Gibraltar new 100-pound polymer commemorative note (B135) unveiled

Gibraltar_GOG_100_pounds_2015.08.21_B135as_PNLs_C_000000_f
Gibraltar_GOG_100_pounds_2015.08.21_B135as_PNLs_C_000000_r
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.

Canada new signature 100-dollar note (B375c) confirmed

Canada_BOC_100_dollars_2011.00.00_B375c_P110_GJA_7754705_f
Canada_BOC_100_dollars_2011.00.00_B375c_P110_GJA_7754705_r
B375c: Like B375b, but new signatures. Prefix GJA.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Chile new date (2013) 2,000-peso note (B297c) confirmed

Chile_BCC_2000_pesos_2013.00.00_B297c_P162_BJ_00924029_f
Chile_BCC_2000_pesos_2013.00.00_B297c_P162_BJ_00924029_r
B297c: Like B297b, but new date (2013). Prefix BJ.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Romania new date (2016) 100-leu note (B283g) confirmed

Romania_BNR_100_lei_2016.00.00_P121_162F_1067041_r
Like P121, but new date (2016).

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

Nigeria new date (2016) 20-naira note (B232p) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2016.00.00_B232p_P34_DB_4603219_f
Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2016.00.00_B232p_P34_DB_4603219_r
B232p: Like B232o, but new date (2016). Prefix DB.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Great Britain new 5-pound polymer note unveiled for 13.09.2016 introduction

Great_Britain_BOE_5_pounds_2015.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA225_665909_f
Great_Britain_BOE_5_pounds_2015.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA225_665909_r
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.


Scotland new 5- and 10-pound polymer note designs unveiled

Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_f
Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_r

Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_f
Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_r
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.



England new 20-pound note reported for 2020 introduction

turner_l
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.

New Zealand 5-dollar note (B137) named IBNS Bank Note of 2015

New_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B137a_PNL_AA_14123123_fNew_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B137a_PNL_AA_14123123_r
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.

Romania new date (2016) 50-leu note (B282f) confirmed

Romania_BNR_50_lei_2005.07.01_P120_166D_8531804_f
Romania_BNR_50_lei_2005.07.01_P120_166D_8531804_r
Like P120, but new date (20)16.

Courtesy of Alexandru Mocanu.

New Zealand new 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes introduced 16.05.2016

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.

New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2016.00.00_B139a_PNL_AL_16668471_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2016.00.00_B139a_PNL_AL_16668471_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_50_dollars_2016.00.00_B140a_PNL_AD_16390758_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_50_dollars_2016.00.00_B140a_PNL_AD_16390758_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_100_dollars_2016.00.00_B141a_PNL_AF_16145450_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_100_dollars_2016.00.00_B141a_PNL_AF_16145450_r

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).


Australia new 5-dollar note reported for 01.09.2016 introduction

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.

Australia_RBA_5_dollars_2016.00.00_B230s_PNLs_AB_162346780_fAustralia_RBA_5_dollars_2016.00.00_B230s_PNLs_AB_162346780_r

"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."



Switzerland new 50-franc note confirmed

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.



Switzerland_SNB_50_francs_2015.00.00_BNL_PNL_15_N_2348502_fSwitzerland_SNB_50_francs_2015.00.00_BNL_PNL_15_N_2348502_r

"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).

Mexico new sig/date (13.05.2015) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2015.05.13_PNL_P_J4853294_f
Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2015.05.13_PNL_P_J4853294_r
Like PNL, but new date (13 MAY. 2015), new signatures, and series P.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Vietnam new date (2016) 20,000-dong note (B344g) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_20000_dong_2016.00.00_B344g_P120_ME_16592935_f
Vietnam_SBV_20000_dong_2016.00.00_B344g_P120_ME_16592935_r
Like B344f, but new date (2016). Prefix ME.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).


Nigeria new date (2016) 10-naira note (B235k) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2016.00.00_B235k_PNL_CG_3463067_f
Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2016.00.00_B235k_PNL_CG_3463067_r
B235k: Like B235j, but new date (2016). Prefix CG.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

England to unveil new polymer 5-pound note design on 02.06.2016

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.

Brunei new date (2013) 100-dollar note (B202c) confirmed

Brunei_BCMB_100_dollars_2013.00.00_B202c_P29_D-19_003065_f
Brunei_BCMB_100_dollars_2013.00.00_B202c_P29_D-19_003065_r
B202c: Like B202b, but new date (2013). Prefix D/19.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Singapore new symbol 10-dollar note (B210k) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2016.02.00_B210k_P48_5QJ_876587_f
Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2016.02.00_B210k_P48_5QJ_876587_r
B210k: Like B210j, but with two hollow houses on back below SPORTS. Prefix 5QJ.

Courtesy of KK Lim ().

Australia new 5-dollar polymer note to be introduced 01.09.2016


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.

Scotland announces scientist Mary Somerville to appear on new 10-pound note

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.

Chile new date (2014) 1,000-peso note (B296e) confirmed

Chile_BCC_1000_pesos_2014.00.00_P161_AC_40027936_fChile_BCC_1000_pesos_2014.00.00_P161_AC_40027936_r
Like P161, but new date (2014). Prefix AC.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Haiti new 10-gourde polymer note reported

Haiti_BRH_10_gourdes_2013.00.00_BNLs_PNLs_A_0000000_f
Haiti_BRH_10_gourdes_2013.00.00_BNLs_PNLs_A_0000000_r
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).


Singapore new symbol (star) 2-dollar note (B208h) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_2_dollars_2011.07.00_B208h_P46_6PH_131992_fSingapore_MAS_2_dollars_2011.07.00_B208h_P46_6PH_131992_r
B208h: Like B208g, but one star on back below EDUCATION. Intro: 2015.

Courtesy of Bin Hao.

Maldives new banknote family confirmed introduced 26.01.2016

7689_71425_447bf7108__news
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.

Maldives_MMA_10_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B216a_PNL_A_167662_fMaldives_MMA_10_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B216a_PNL_A_167662_rMaldives_MMA_20_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B217a_PNL_A_324251_fMaldives_MMA_20_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B217a_PNL_A_324251_rMaldives_MMA_50_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B218a_PNL_A_215859_fMaldives_MMA_50_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B218a_PNL_A_215859_rMaldives_MMA_100_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B219a_PNL_A_629152_fMaldives_MMA_100_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B219a_PNL_A_629152_rMaldives_MMA_500_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B220a_PNL_A_873569_fMaldives_MMA_500_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B220a_PNL_A_873569_rMaldives_MMA_1000_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B221a_PNL_A_072920_fMaldives_MMA_1000_rufiyaa_2015.10.05_B221a_PNL_A_072920_r

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



Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 10-pound polymer note unveiled

Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2017.01.25_BNL_PNL_HS_012345_f
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.


Trinidad and Tobago new 50-dollar note (B235) confirmed

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.

Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2015.00.00_B235a_PNL_CH_332125_f
Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2015.00.00_B235a_PNL_CH_332125_r
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.


Romania new date (2015) 1-leu note (B278j) confirmed

Like B278i, but new date (20)15.

Courtesy of Alexandru Mocanu.

Australia chapter of The Banknote Book is now complete


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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Mexico new sig/date (27.10.2014) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2014.10.27_PNL_M_V6642181_f
Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2014.10.27_PNL_M_V6642181_r
Like previous unlisted 50-peso note, but new signatures and new date (27 OCT. 2014). Series M.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Trinidad & Tobago new 50-dollar note reported

Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2015.00.00_B235a_PNL_CH_185442_f
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.

Brunei new date (2013) 1-dollar note (B301b) confirmed

Brunei_AMBD_1_dollar_2013.00.00_B301b_P35_D-24_607451_f
Brunei_AMBD_1_dollar_2013.00.00_B301b_P35_D-24_607451_r
B301b: Like B301a, but new date (2013). Prefix D-24.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Canada new signature 10-dollar note (B372c) confirmed

Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B372c_P107_FTT_1647100_f
Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B372c_P107_FTT_1647100_r
B372c: Like B372b, but new signature 17 (Wilkins/Poloz). Prefix FTT.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Singapore new 10-dollar notes (B212b - B216b) confirmed with two diamonds on back

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.

Nicaragua new note family (B506 - B511) confirmed

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.

Nicaragua_BCN_10_cordobas_2014.03.26_B506a_PNL_A_00445110_fNicaragua_BCN_10_cordobas_2014.03.26_B506a_PNL_A_00445110_rNicaragua_BCN_20_cordobas_2014.03.26_B507a_PNL_A_00636307_fNicaragua_BCN_20_cordobas_2014.03.26_B507a_PNL_A_00636307_rNicaragua_BCN_50_cordobas_2014.03.26_B508a_PNL_A_00830810_fNicaragua_BCN_50_cordobas_2014.03.26_B508a_PNL_A_00830810_rNicaragua_BCN_100_cordobas_2014.03.26_B509a_PNL_A_02291810_fNicaragua_BCN_100_cordobas_2014.03.26_B509a_PNL_A_02291810_rNicaragua_BCN_200_cordobas_2014.03.26_B510a_PNL_A_01045810_fNicaragua_BCN_200_cordobas_2014.03.26_B510a_PNL_A_01045810_rNicaragua_BCN_500_cordobas_2014.03.26_B511a_PNL_A_01247110_fNicaragua_BCN_500_cordobas_2014.03.26_B511a_PNL_A_01247110_r

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

New Zealand new 5- and 10-dollar notes (B137, B138) confirmed

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).

New_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B137a_PNL_AB_15240433_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B137a_PNL_AB_15240433_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_10_dollars_2015.10.00_B138a_PNL_AB_15329377_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_10_dollars_2015.10.00_B138a_PNL_AB_15329377_r

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

Scotland's Bank of Scotland new 5-pound polymer commemorative note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_5_pounds_2015.07.17_BNL_PNL_PUDSEY_27_fScotland_BOS_5_pounds_2015.07.17_BNL_PNL_PUDSEY_27_r
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).


Vietnam new date (2015) 500,000-dong note (B348k) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_500000_dong_2015.00.00_B348k_P124_SO_1505136_fVietnam_SBV_500000_dong_2015.00.00_B348k_P124_SO_1505136_r
Like B348j, but new date (2015).

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).


Canada new 20-dollar commemorative polymer note (B376) confirmed issued 09.09.2015

Canada_BOC_20_dollars_2015.00.00_B376a_PNL_FWT_0361300_fCanada_BOC_20_dollars_2015.00.00_B376a_PNL_FWT_0361300_r
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.

Royal Bank of Scotland's new 5- and 10-pound notes to use DLR's Safegaurd polymer substrate

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.

Bank of England announces new 20-pound note to be polymer in 2018-2020

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.

Singapore two-diamond 10-dollar notes (B213b/B214b) confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B213b_PNL_5AC_313040_f
Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B213b_PNL_5AC_313040_r
B213b: Like B213a, but with two diamonds below Opportunities for All on back. Prefix 5AC.

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B214b_PNL_5BV_228866_fSingapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B214b_PNL_5BV_228866_r
B214b: Like B214a, but with two diamonds below Strong Families on back. Prefix 5BV.

Courtesy of Morten Brumoen.


Gibraltar new 100-pound polymer commemorative note to be issued in 2016

sirjosh1
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.

Nigeria new sig/date (2015) 10-naira note (B235j) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2015.00.00_B235j_PNL_BV_9386001_f
Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2015.00.00_B235j_PNL_BV_9386001_r
Like B235i, but new date (2015) and signatures. Prefix BV.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.


Singapore new 10- and one 50-dollar commemorative notes (B212 - B217) confirmed

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:

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B212a_PNL_5BG_084489_f
Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B212a_PNL_5BG_084489_r
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.

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B213a_PNL_5BL_144048_r
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.

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B214a_PNL_5BB_067226_r
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.

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B215a_PNL_5BF_055993_r
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.

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2015.00.00_B216a_PNL_5AX_114190_r
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.

Singapore_MAS_50_dollars_2015.00.00_B217a_PNL_50BH_275591_fSingapore_MAS_50_dollars_2015.00.00_B217a_PNL_50BH_275591_r
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.

Romania new date (2013) 200-leu note (B284e) confirmed

Romania_BNR_200_lei_2013.00.00_P122_134D_1927486_fRomania_BNR_200_lei_2013.00.00_P122_134D_1927486_r
Like P122, but new date (20)13.

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

Romania new date (2015) 100-leu note (B283f) confirmed

Romania_BNR_100_lei_2015.00.00_P121_153C_6658777_fRomania_BNR_100_lei_2015.00.00_P121_153C_6658777_r
Like P121, but new date (20)15.

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

Romania new date (2009) 50-leu note (B282e) confirmed

Romania_BNR_50_lei_2009.00.00_P120_096B_6436642_fRomania_BNR_50_lei_2009.00.00_P120_096B_6436642_r
Like P120, but new date (20)09.

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

Maldives new 5,000-rufiyaa commemorative polymer note (B222) confirmed

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).


Maldives_MMA_5000_rufiyaa_2015.07.26_B222a_PNL_MF_029012_f
Maldives_MMA_5000_rufiyaa_2015.07.26_B222a_PNL_MF_029012_r
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.


Nigeria new date (2015) 20-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2015.00.00_B232o_P34_CX_7323901_fNigeria_CBN_20_naira_2015.00.00_B232o_P34_CX_7323901_r
B232o
20 naira, 2015. Like B232n, but new date.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Chile new date (2013) 5,000-peso polymer note (B298d) confirmed

Chile_BCC_5000_pesos_2013.00.00_P163_BC_01683431_f
5,000 pesos, 2013. Like P163, but new date. Prefix BC.

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

Chile new date (2013) 1,000-peso polymer note (B296d) confirmed

Chile_BCC_1000_pesos_2013.00.00_P161_BH_02052825_f
1,000 pesos, 2013. Like P161, but new date. Prefix BH.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Jamaica new 100-dollar Hybrid note (B250a) confirmed

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.

Jamaica_BOJ_100_dollars_2014.01.01_B50a_PNL_AZU_729140_fJamaica_BOJ_100_dollars_2014.01.01_B50a_PNL_AZU_729140_r
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.

Romania new date (2014) 200-leu note (B284f) confirmed

Like B284e, but new date (2014).

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

Scotland's Bank of Scotland new 5- and 10-pound notes to be polymer issues

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.

Papua New Guinea new 10- and 20-kina polymer commemorative notes reported issued 21.05.2015

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_10_kina_2015.00.00_B52a_PNL_AA_15_000001_f
Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_20_kina_2015.00.00_B53a_PNL_AA_15000001_f
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).

Lebanon new 50,000-pound polymer commemorative note (B540) confirmed

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.

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2015.08.01_B540a_PNL_D-00_0002000_fLebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2015.08.01_B540a_PNL_D-00_0002000_r
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).

Canada new 20-dollar QEII polymer commemorative to be introduced in 2015

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.

Maldives new note family to be issued beginning July 2015

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.

Trinidad and Tobago 50-dollar note named IBNS Banknote of 2014

Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2014.00.00_B34a_PNL_CB_700450_fTrinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2014.00.00_B34a_PNL_CB_700450_r
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.

What Does It Take to Design a Banknote?

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.

Carlos Almenar
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.

TheWind
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.

Central African States new 1,000- and 2,000-franc hybrid notes confirmed

Central_African_States_BEAC_1000_francs_2002.00.00_B7Ud_P207U_U_416208004_r
Central_African_States_BEAC_2000_francs_2002.00.00_B8Ud_P208U_U_312619142_r
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.

Romania new date (2015) 200-leu note (B284g) confirmed

Like B284f, but new date (2015).

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Singapore new 50-dollar commemorative polymer note reported

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).

Nigeria new sig/date (2015) 50-naira note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 5-pound polymer commemorative confirmed

Scotland_CB_5_pounds_2015.02.13_PNL_FB-1_435488_f
Scotland_CB_5_pounds_2015.02.13_PNL_FB-1_435488_r
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.

Maldives new 1,000-rufiyaa note to be introduced in October 2015

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.

Gambia new 20-dalasi note confirmed

Gambia_CBG_20_dalasis_2014.07.22_B30a_PNL_A_0038448_f
Gambia_CBG_20_dalasis_2014.07.22_B30a_PNL_A_0038448_r

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).

Nigeria new sig/date (2014) 5-naira note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Evgeny Afanasov.

Vietnam new date (2015) 10,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Evgeny Afanasov.

Gambia unveils new note family including 20- and 200-dalasi denominations

Posters - DLR - Gambia A2 Poster - New family of Banknotes_Page_1
Gambia_CBG_20_dalasis_2015.00.00_B30a_PNL_A_0033713_f
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.

Australia's next notes to have features for the vision impaired

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.

Vietnam new date (2014) 20,000-, 50,000-, and 200,0000-dong notes confirmed

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.

Hong Kong new date (2014) 10-dollar note confirmed

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

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

Singapore new symbol 2-dollar note confirmed

Singapore_MAS_2_dollars_2011.07.00_B8g_P46_5KB_21003_detail
2 dollars, no date. Likbe MAS B8f, but with two diamonds below EDUCATION on back.

Courtesy of Bin Hao.

Nigeria new sig/date (2015) 5-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2015.00.00_B34f_PNL_BN_3088601_sig
5 naira, 2015. Like B234e, but new date and new signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Olufemi Fabamwo).

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Singapore new sig/symbol 10-dollar note confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2014.01.00_B10i_P48_5EQ_464415_symbols
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.

Romania new date (2013) 5-leu note (B279f) confirmed

Like B279e, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Mihai Cristian Vulpe.

Nigeria new date (2014) 20-naira note confirmed

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.

Romania new date (2013) 10-leu note (B281f) confirmed

Like B281e, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Nigeria new sig/date (2014) 20-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2014.00.00_B32m_P34_BT_0978466_sig
20 naira, 2014. Like B232l, but new date and new signatures (Godwin Emefiele and Olufemi Fabamwo).

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Vietnam new date (2014) 500,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Cape Verde new 200-, 1,000- and 2,000-escudo notes confirmed

Cape_Verde_BCV_200_escudos_2014.06.05_B17a_PNL_AA_022603_f
Cape_Verde_BCV_200_escudos_2014.06.05_B17a_PNL_AA_022603_r
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.

Cape_Verde_BCV_1000_escudos_2014.07.05_B19a_PNL_EJ_818711_fCape_Verde_BCV_1000_escudos_2014.07.05_B19a_PNL_EJ_818711_r
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.

Cape_Verde_BCV_2000_escudos_2014.07.05_B20a_PNL_GM_736940_fCape_Verde_BCV_2000_escudos_2014.07.05_B20a_PNL_GM_736940_r
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.

Canada new signature 20-dollar note confirmed

Canada_BOC_20_dollars_2014.00.00_B73b_PNL_FVR_8237013_sig
20 dollars, 2012. Like BOC B73a, but new signatures (Carolyn A. Wilkins and Stephen S. Poloz). Prefix FVP.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Cape Verde new 200-, 1,000-, and 2,000-escudo notes introduced 23.12.2014



Cape_Verde_BCV_200_escudos_2014.06.05_B17as_PNLs_AA_000000_f
Cape_Verde_BCV_200_escudos_2014.06.05_B17as_PNLs_AA_000000_r

Cape_Verde_BCV_1000_escudos_2014.07.07_B19as_PNLs_EA_000000_f
Cape_Verde_BCV_1000_escudos_2014.07.07_B19as_PNLs_EA_000000_r

Cape_Verde_BCV_2000_escudos_2014.07.07_B20as_PNLs_GA_000000_f
Cape_Verde_BCV_2000_escudos_2014.07.07_B20as_PNLs_GA_000000_r
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.

Trinidad & Tobago new 50-dollar polymer note (B234) confirmed

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.


Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2014.00.00_B34a_PNL_CB_700450_f
Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2014.00.00_B34a_PNL_CB_700450_r
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).

Mauritania new 1,000-ouguiya note (B123) confirmed

Mauritania_BCM_1000_ouguiya_2014.11.28_B25a_PNL_DA_1271188_A_fMauritania_BCM_1000_ouguiya_2014.11.28_B25a_PNL_DA_1271188_A_r
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.

Canada calls for commemorative note design ideas

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.

History of polymer banknotes in Australia

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

Madagascar new Hybrid substrate 2,000-ariary note confirmed

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.

New Zealand unveils new "Brighter Money" polymer notes for intro in October 2015

New_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B37a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B37a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_10_dollars_2015.10.00_B38a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_10_dollars_2015.10.00_B38a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2016.04.00_B39a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2016.04.00_B39a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_50_dollars_2016.04.00_B40a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_50_dollars_2016.04.00_B40a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_100_dollars_2016.04.00_B41a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_100_dollars_2016.04.00_B41a_PNL_AA_14123123_r
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.



Gambia new 20-dalasi commemorative polymer note to be introduced at end of 2014

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.”

Madagascar new Hybrid substrate 500-ariary note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Hermann Huber.

Nigeria new date (2014) 10-naira note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

New Zealand new date (2014) 20-dollar note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Trinidad and Tobago new 50-dollar polymer note to be issued 15.12.2014

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,

New Zealand new sig/date (2014) 50-dollar note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Guatemala new date (17.10.2012) 1-quetzal note confirmed

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).

Mexico new sig/date (24.04.2013) 100-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_100_pesos_2013.04.24_P124_AB_F5520672_sig
100 pesos, 24 ABR. 2013. Like P124, but new date and signatures. Series AB.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Mexico new sig/date (10.06.2013) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2013.06.10_P122_X_L4925284_sig
20 pesos, 10 JUN. 2013. Like P122, but new date and new signatures. Series X.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Mexico new sig/date (10.01.2012) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2012.01.10_P122_R_Z1456507_sig
20 pesos, 10 ENE. 2012. Like P122, but new date, new signatures, and series R.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Brunei new date (2013) 500-dollar note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Canada corrects description of back of 10-dollar note

Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTC_4485652_r
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."

Poland new 20-zlotych polymer commemorative confirmed

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).

Poland_NBP_20_zlotych_2014.01.16_BNP17a_PNL_LP_00000000_f
Poland_NBP_20_zlotych_2014.01.16_BNP17a_PNL_LP_00000000_r
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).

Polymer Bank Notes of the World

Polymer Bank Notes of the World
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.

Switzerland's new franc series to be printed on Durasafe substrate

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.

Romania new date (2014) 1-leu note (B278i) confirmed

Like B278h, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Romania new date (2014) 5-leu note (B279g) confirmed

Like B279f, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

New Zealand new note family to be issued in Q4 2015

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.

Russia not planning polymer banknotes

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.

Papua New Guinea new sig/date (2014) 100-kina notes confirmed

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_100_kina_2014.00.00_B39c_P33_AC_14_223998_sig
100 kina, (20)14. Like BPNG B39, but new date and new signatures.

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

Papua New Guinea new date (2014) 2-kina notes confirmed

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

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

Scotland's Royal Bank of Scotland new 5-pound Ryder Cup commemorative Hybrid note confirmed

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.

Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2014.09.22_BTK_PNL_RCE_001766_f
Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2014.09.22_BTK_PNL_RCE_001766_r
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.

Vanuatu new 200-, 1,000-, and 2,000-vatu polymer notes confirmed

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.

Vanuatu_RBV_200_vatu_2014.00.00_B9a_PNL_AA_14228901_f
Vanuatu_RBV_200_vatu_2014.00.00_B9a_PNL_AA_14228901_r
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.

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Vanuatu_RBV_1000_vatu_2014.00.00_B11a_PNL_AA_14829345_r
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.

Vanuatu_RBV_2000_vatu_2014.00.00_B12a_PNL_AA_14287836_f
Vanuatu_RBV_2000_vatu_2014.00.00_B12a_PNL_AA_14287836_r
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).

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank to issue new 5-pound polymer commemorative in 2015

_75025357_fiverforth
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.

Mexico new sig/date (10.06.2013) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2013.06.10_PNL_H_Y3529962_sig
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.


Lebanon new 50,000-pound polymer commemorative note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2014.00.00_B39a_PNL_D-99_0001340_f
Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2014.00.00_B39a_PNL_D-99_0001340_r
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).

Chile new sig/date (2012) 1,000-peso note (B296c) confirmed

Chile_BCC_1000_pesos_2012.00.00_P161_BE_00760775_sig
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).

Kuwait to introduce new polymer notes on 29 June 2014

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).

Singapore new symbol (one triangle) 5-dollar note confirmed

Singapore_MAS_5_dollars_2010.11.00_B9d_PNL_4AQ_096610_detail
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.

India delays introduction of 10-rupee polymer notes

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.

Lebanon new 50,000-pound commemorative note reported

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.

Malaysia new 1-ringgit variety confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_1_ringgit_2012.07.16_B49b_PNL_DX_4189617_detail
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.

England polymer 5- and 10-pound notes in video


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.

Jamaica new 50-dollar Hybrid note (B249a) confirmed as issued 24.03.2014

Jamaica_BOJ_50_dollars_2013.06.01_B49a_PNL_TQ_178084_f
Jamaica_BOJ_50_dollars_2013.06.01_B49a_PNL_TQ_178084_r
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.

Vietnam new date (2013) 200,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Virosa.

Mexico new sig/date (12.06.2012) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2012.06.24_P122_U_N1198282_sig
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.

Vietnam new date (2014) 10,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Indochine1931.

Singapore new 10-dollar note variety confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2012.01.00_B10h_P48_4GM_989473_r
10 dollars, no date. Like MAS B10, but with one star below SPORTS on back. Intro: January 2014.

Courtesy of Bin Hee Jum.

New Zealand new sig/date (2013) 10- and 20-dollar notes confirmed

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).

New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2013.00.00_B33g_P187b_DA_13_271509_sig
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.

Bhutan new 1- and 10-ngultrum notes printed on Hybrid substrate

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).

Mexico new sig/date (24.04.2013) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2013.04.24_PNL_G_T9409383_sig
50 pesos, 24 ABR. 2013. Like unlisted note dated 12 JUN. 2012, but new date and signatures. Series G.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

England announces new 5- and 10-pound notes to be printed on 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.

Nigeria may dump polymer for paper in 2014

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.

Nigeria new sig/date (2013) 10-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2013.00.00_B35h_PNL_BQ_3617658_sig
10 naira, 2013. Like B235, but new date and signatures.

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

Papua New Guinea new 2- and 100-kina commemorative notes confirmed

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_2_kina_2013.00.00_B50a_PNL_CO_40294654_f
Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_2_kina_2013.00.00_B50a_PNL_CO_40294654_r
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.

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_100_kina_2013.00.00_B51a_PNL_CC_40106138_f
Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_100_kina_2013.00.00_B51a_PNL_CC_40106138_r
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).

Nigeria new date (2013) 20-naira note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Guatemala new sig/date (02.05.2012) 1-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_1_quetzal_2012.05.02_PNL_B_62008690_C_f
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.

Honduras new notes with Braille and raised bars confirmed

Honduras_BCH_1_lempira_2012.03.01_PNL_EM_4845001_f
Honduras_BCH_1_lempira_2012.03.01_PNL_EM_4845001_r

Honduras_BCH_2_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_Y_1596001_f
Honduras_BCH_2_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_Y_1596001_r

Honduras_BCH_5_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BG_1646501_f
Honduras_BCH_5_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BG_1646501_r

Honduras_BCH_10_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BP_1646131_f
Honduras_BCH_10_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BP_1646131_r

Honduras_BCH_20_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BV_1081111_f
Honduras_BCH_20_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BV_1081111_r

Honduras_BCH_50_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_AQ_1596021_f
Honduras_BCH_50_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_AQ_1596021_r

Honduras_BCH_100_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_CB_2626010_f
Honduras_BCH_100_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_CB_2626010_r

Honduras_BCH_500_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_X_0631913_f
Honduras_BCH_500_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_X_0631913_r

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).

Papua New Guinea new 2- and 100-kina commemorative notes reported


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.

Kuwait to issue polymer notes in 2014

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.

Guatemala new sig/date (11.05.2011) 5-quetzale note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_5_quetzales_2010.05.19_PNL_C_49778703_D_f
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.

Lebanon new 50,000-pound commemorative note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2013.11.22_B38a_PNL_D-00_0034034_rLebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2013.11.22_B38a_PNL_D-00_0034034_f
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.

Mauritius new 25- and 50-rupee polymer notes confirmed

Mauritius_BOM_25_rupees_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_HA_113601_fMauritius_BOM_25_rupees_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_HA_113601_r
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.

Mauritius_BOM_50_rupees_2013.00.00_B31a_PNL_JA_059301_fMauritius_BOM_50_rupees_2013.00.00_B31a_PNL_JA_059301_r
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).

Nigeria new sig/date (2012) 20-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2011.00.00_B32k_P34_AH_1703906_sig
20 naira, 2012. Like B232j, but new date and signatures.

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

Bank of England asks for public input before switching to polymer notes

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.

Mauritius new 500-rupee polymer notes confirmed

Mauritius_BOM_500_rupees_2013.00.00_B32a_PNL_PA_132807_f
Mauritius_BOM_500_rupees_2013.00.00_B32a_PNL_PA_132807_r
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).

New Zealand new date (2012) 50-dollar note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Peter Eccles.

Chile new sig/date (2012) 2,000- and 5,000-peso notes confirmed

Chile_BCC_5000_pesos_2013.08.00_P163_sig
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.

Poland to issue polymer numismatic product in 2014

20130723_plan_2014_ah
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.

Mexico new sig/date (24.06.2011) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2011.06.24_P122_P_M9778520_sig
20 pesos, 24 JUN. 2011. Like P122, but new date and new signatures. Series P.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Nigeria new sig/date (2013) 5-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2013.00.00_B34e_PNL_AB_4183002_sig
5 naira, 2013. Like B234, but new date and new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Mahmoud K. Umar).

Courtesy of Mohammed Elarabi.

Vietnam new date (2012) 500,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Zbyněk Sobotka.

Canada chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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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Nigeria new sig/date (2013) 50-naira note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Canada denies adding maple syrup smell to polymer banknote

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.

Mauritius to issue polymer banknotes

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).

Mexico new 50-peso polymer note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2012.06.12_PNL_B_M5153295_f
Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2012.06.12_PNL_B_M5153295_r
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.

Canada new 5- and 10-dollar notes confirmed

Canada_BOC_5_dollars_2013.00.00_B71a_PNL_HBG_7970940_fCanada_BOC_5_dollars_2013.00.00_B71a_PNL_HBG_7970940_rCanada_BOC_5_dollars_2013.00.00_B71a_PNL_HBG_7970940_sig
$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

Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTB_2909430_fCanada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTB_2909430_rCanada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTB_2909430_sig
$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.

Chile new date (2011) 1,000-peso note (B296b) confirmed

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

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

Mexico to present changes to 50-peso note on 06.05.2013

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.

Nigeria to switch lower denominations from polymer to paper mid-year

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.

Papua New Guinea demonetizes paper notes as of 30.06.2013

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.

Vietnam new date (2012) 50,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Vietnam new date (2012) 20,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

India reportedly considering 10-rupee polymer note

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.

Nigeria reported to be eliminating polymer notes

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.

Romania new date (2013) 1-leu note (B278h) confirmed

Like B278g, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea.

Singapore new 10-dollar symbol variety confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2012.01.00_B10g_P48_4DJ_670594_symbol
10 dollars, no date. Like MAS B10 (P48), but with two diamonds on the back below the word SPORTS.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Hong Kong new sig/date (01.01.2012) 10-dollar note confirmed

Hong_Kong_SAR_10_dollars_2012.01.01_P401_PN_190041_sig
10 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2012. Like P401, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Reserve Bank of Australia to sell Securency to Innovia Film

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.

Canada 20-dollar note said to feature non-native maple leaf

Canada_BOC_20_D_2012.00.00_PNL_BIK_2953218_f
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.

Morocco new 25-dirham commemorative world's first printed on Durasafe substrate

Morocco_BAM_25_dirhams_2012.00.00_B14a_PNL_87_064668_fMorocco_BAM_25_dirhams_2012.00.00_B14a_PNL_87_064668_rr
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).


Bank of England puts note printing out to tender

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.

Mauritius chapter of The Banknote Book is now complete


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

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Guatemala new 1-quetzal note dated 23.11.2011 confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_1_Q_2011.11.23_P115_B_36413380_C_fGuatemala_BDG_1_Q_2011.11.23_P115_B_36413380_C_rGuatemala_BDG_1_Q_2011.11.23_P115_B_36413380_C_sig
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.

Nicaragua new 200-córdoba note confirmed

Nicaragua_BCN_200_C_2007.09.12_P205_A-1_10141966_f
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.

Australia polymer banknote scientist audio interview available online

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.

Vietnam 10,000- and 20,000-dong notes on cotton to be withdrawn 01.01.2013

Vietnam_SBV_10000_D_1990.00.00_P109a_BD_3880805_fVietnam_SBV_20000_D_1991.00.00_P110a_BU_3369850_f
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).

Paraguay new 5,000-guarani polymer note (B857a) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_5000_guarani_2011.00.00_PNL_G_00130505_Leguizamon-Mendoza_fParaguay_BCP_5000_guarani_2011.00.00_PNL_G_00130505_Leguizamon-Mendoza_rParaguay_BCP_5000_guarani_2011.00.00_PNL_G_00130505_Leguizamon-Mendoza_sig
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.

Australia new polymer note concepts cause controversy

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.

Australia_RBA_5_D_2012.00.00_PNL_f
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_RBA_5_D_2012.00.00_PNL_r
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.

Australia_RBA_10_D_2012.00.00_PNL_f
RBA research shows most Australians cannot name the faces on our money. The lyrics to Waltzing Matilda help identify AB 'Banjo' Paterson instantly.

Australia_RBA_10_D_2012.00.00_PNL_r
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.

Australia_RBA_20_D_2012.00.00_PNL_f
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.

Australia_RBA_20_D_2012.00.00_PNL_r
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.

Australia_RBA_50_D_2012.00.00_PNL_f
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.

Australia_RBA_50_D_2012.00.00_PNL_r
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.

Australia_RBA_100_D_2012.00.00_PNL_f
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.

Australia_RBA_100_D_2012.00.00_PNL_r
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.


Zambia new date (2012) 1,000-kwacha note (B146i) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_1000_kwacha_2012.00.00_B146i_P44_EV-03_3994100_fZambia_BOZ_1000_kwacha_2012.00.00_B146i_P44_EV-03_3994100_r
Like B146h, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Paraguay new date (2011) 2,000-guaraní note (B846c) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_2000_G_2011.00.00_PNL_C_02399302_Leguizamon-Mendoza_sig
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.

Nigeria to abandon polymer banknotes

Nigeria_CBN_50_N_2010.00.00_B37a_PNL_MP_7595804_f
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.

Papua New Guinea new sig/date (2012) 50-kina note confirmed

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_50_K_2012.00.00_B38b_P32_AA_12_000001_sig
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).

Australia new sig/date (2012) 10-dollar note confirmed

Australia_RBA_10_D_2008.00.00_P58_BL_12323306_f
10 dollars (US$10), (20)12. Like P58, but new date and new signatures (Glenn Robert Stevens and Martin Parkinson).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Romania new date (2011) 10-leu note (B281d) confirmed

Like B281c, but new date (20)11.

Courtesy of Christoph Thomas.

Nicaragua new 20-córdoba note confirmed

Nicaragua_BCN_20_C_2007.09.12_P202_A-1_20853982_fNicaragua_BCN_20_C_2007.09.12_P202_A-1_20853982_r
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.

Canada replaced Asian on back of new 100-dollar note

4309089
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.

Mexico new sig/date (10.01.2012) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_P_2012.01.10_P123_V_W_2899090_f
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.

Australia new date (2011) 50- and 100-dollar notes confirmed

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).

Australia new sig/date (2012) 50-dollar note confirmed

Australia_RBA_50_D_2012.00.00_fAustralia_RBA_50_D_2012.00.00_r
50 dollars (US$52), (20)12. Like P60, but new date and signatures (Glenn Robert Stevens and Martin Parkinson).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Australia new sig/date (2012) 5-dollar note confirmed

stevens-parkinson
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.

India to test 10-rupee polymer notes

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.

Nicaragua new 10-córdoba note confirmed

Nicaragua_BCN_10_C_2007.09.12_P201_A_1_36035295_fNicaragua_BCN_10_C_2007.09.12_P201_A_1_36035295_r
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.

India considering 10-rupee polymer note

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.

New Zealand new bank governor announced

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.

Romania new date (2012) 1-leu note (B278g) confirmed

Romania_BNR_1_L_2012.00.00_P117b_122F_2160901_date
Like B278f, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Just World Banknotes.

Mexico new sig/date (24.06.2011) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_P_2011.06.24_P123_T_M_3296951_sig
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.

Mexico new sig/date (03.05.2010) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_P_2010.05.03_P123_S_E_2841465_sig
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.

Book Review: World Paper & Polymer Uncut Banknote

World Paper & Polymer Uncut Banknote
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.

Hybrid Term Misused

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

Nigeria new date (2011) 5-naira note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Canada new 20-dollar polymer note confirmed

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."

Canada_BOC_20_D_2012.00.00_PNL_BIK_2953218_fCanada_BOC_20_D_2012.00.00_PNL_BIK_2953218_r
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.

Honduras new signature 20-lempira note confirmed

Honduras_BCH_20_L_2008.07.31_P95_BP_3006942_sigHonduras_BCH_20_L_2008.07.31_P95_BR_0069966_sig
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.

England considering polymer notes

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.

Canada new 50-dollar polymer note confirmed

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

Canada_BOC_50_D_2012.00.00_PNL_AME_8851727_f
Canada_BOC_50_D_2012.00.00_PNL_AME_8851727_r
Canada_BOC_50_D_2012.00.00_PNL_AME_8851727_sig
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.

Papua New Guinea new sig/date 100-kina note confirmed


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.

Vietnam new date (2011) 200,000- and 500,000-dong notes confirmed

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.

Vietnam new date (2011) 10,000-, 50,000-, and 100,000-dong notes confirmed

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.

Chile new date (2011) 5,000-peso polymer note (B298b) confirmed

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

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Nigeria new date (2011) 50-naira variety confirmed


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.

New Zealand offering 2007 and 2008 banknote sets


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.

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


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

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

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

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Interesting article on polymer notes

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

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Romania new 130-ani commemorative note confirmed


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.

Guatemala new 5-quetzal polymer note confirmed


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.

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


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

Courtesy of Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez and Mark Fox.

Canada new 100-dollar polymer note confirmed


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

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

Courtesy of Arthur Boyko and Nicholas Cheung.

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

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

Courtesy of Mohammed el-Arabi.

Mexico new sig/date (03.05.2010) 50-peso note confirmed


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.

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


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


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

Courtesy of Mohammed el-Arabi.

Romania new coat of arms/date (2018) 100-leu note (B290a) confirmed

Romania_BNR_100_lei_2018.01.01_PNL_182F_4703955_fRomania_BNR_100_lei_2018.01.01_PNL_182F_4703955_r
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).

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

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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

India to issue polymer 10-rupee notes

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

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

Courtesy of Anil Bohora.


Brunei's new notes contain Braille blunder


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

Singapore new 2-dollar variety confirmed

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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

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


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

All three denominations have the same signature combination shown above.

Courtesy of Kai.

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


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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Romania new date (2011) 5-leu note (B279e) confirmed


Like B279d, but new date (20)11.

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea.

New Zealand announces upgrade of banknotes to begin in 2014

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

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

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


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


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


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

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

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

New Zealand planning new note series for 2014

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

Zambia contemplating changes to currency

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

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Canada unveils new polymer banknote series



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

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





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

Watch the unveiling ceremony on the bank’s website.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda and Thomas Krause.

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






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

Courtesy of Carlos Pinto and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

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


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

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


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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Daniel Mendea.

Singapore new 10-dollar variety confirmed


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

Courtesy of Tan Wei Jie.

Nigeria new sig 20-naira note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Chile new 1,000-peso polymer note (B296) confirmed

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



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

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Monetary Research Institute.



Canada first polymer notes scheduled for November 2011

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.

Vietnam new date (2010) 10,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Duong Do Hoang.

Paraguay new date (2009) 2,000-guaraní note (B846b) confirmed


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

Courtesy of Banknotes LT.

Mexico new sig/date (08.03.2010) 50-peso note confirmed


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.

New Zealand new date (2007) 10-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Vietnam new date (2010) 200,000-dong note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Duong Do Hoang.

Mexico new date (2009.04.23) 50-peso note confirmed


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.

Mexico new sig/date (23.04.2009) 20-peso note confirmed


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.

Mexico new sig/date (20.11.2007) 20-peso note confirmed


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.

Guatemala new 5-quetzal polymer to be printed in Canada

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.

Brunei new date (2008) 100-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Guatemala to issue 5-quetzal polymer note in 2011

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.

Singapore new 5-dollar variety confirmed


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.

Singapore new 10-dollar variety confirmed


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.

Nigeria new sig/date (2010) 10-naira note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Nigeria new date (2010) 10-naira note confirmed


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.

Romania new date (2009) 200-leu note (B284c) confirmed


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.

Australian dated notes confirmed






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.

Brunei new date (2008) 1-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Chile new 2,000-peso note (B297) confirmed



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.

Papua New Guinea new 35th anniversary commemoratives confirmed


All notes are dated (20)10 and signed by Leonard Wilson Kamit and Simon Tosali.


On 15 September 2010 the Bank of Papua New Guinea introduced new polymer notes to commemorate the nation’s 35th anniversary of independence from Australia. All six denominations (2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 kina) have been issued and are like the preceding issues but they have a logo with the text “35th Anniversary 1975 – 2010.” In addition to the notes issued for circulation, the bank is also selling a numismatic product consisting of an album with all the notes with low and matching serial numbers.

Courtesy of Andrew Quirke, Sean Rooney, Manfred Krüger, and Thomas Krause.

Nicaragua new 50-cordoba commemorative confirmed



On 16 September 2010, Banco Central de Nicaragua (BCN) issued a new 50-cordoba (US$2.30) polymer banknote to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bank. The note measures 141 x 67 mm and is the first vertically-oriented note in the bank's history. The front of the note features the first headquarters of the bank and the back depicts Somoto Canyon. Preceding notes of the same denomination will circulate in parallel with this commemorative, of which 6 million notes will be issued.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin, Thomas Augustsson, and Ricardo Castedos.

Chile new date (2008) 2,000-peso note (B292c) confirmed


2,000 pesos (US$4.05), 2008. Like P160, but new date and new signatures: José De Gregorio Rebeco and Alejandro Zurbuchen Silva.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Mexico new sig/date (28.10.2008) 20-peso note confirmed


20 pesos (US$1.55), 28 OCT. 2008. Like P122, but new date and signatures (Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib and Raul Valdes Ramos). Series H.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Mexico new sig/date (28.04.2008) 20-peso note confirmed


20 pesos (US$1.55), 28 ABR. 2008. Like P122, but new date and signatures (Guillermo Guemez Garcia and Raul Valdes Ramos). Series G.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Mexico new sig/date (28.04.2008) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$3.85), 28 ABR. 2008. Like P123, but new date and signatures (Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib and Raul Valdes Ramos). Series J.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Nigeria new 50-naira commemorative polymer note confirmed



The Central Bank of Nigeria commemorated the nation's 50th anniversary of independence by issuing a redesigned 50-naira (US$0.35) note on 29 September 2010. The polymer note is adorned with a 50th anniversary logo and circulates in parallel with existing notes of the same denomination. The redesigned note has the anniversary logo, a strip of gold band, and a varnished message that reads “1960-2010, 50th Independence,” which can be seen when the note is tilted.

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla, Mohammed Elarabi, Thomas Krause, and Mohammed Elarabi.

Vanuatu new 10,000-vatu polymer commemorative note confirmed


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

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

New holographic technology has designs on banknote security

Technology continues to push the boundaries for banknote security holograms. Here, Dr Glenn Wood of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association looks at some of the latest developments.

Today, holographic technology remains very much to the fore as part of an array of overt features which make it quick and easy for people to recognise whether or not a banknote is bonafide. But new substrate technology, particularly the introduction of transparent ‘windows’ is being incorporated on banknotes to provide new levels of anti-counterfeiting complexity.

The commemorative 1,000 Tenge note produced by Papierfabrik Louisenthal for Kazakhstan and launched earlier this year takes optical sophistication to a new level. Not only does it feature a hologram showing typical rainbow colours but a small microlenticular patch viewed by transmission. The system is called Varifeye® and combines the best features of paper and polymer.


The optically variable feature on the new 1000 Tenge note of Kazakhstan showing microlenticular feature in the window and demetallised hologram below.

Previously, a deckle-edge window was created in the paper substrate during the process of cylinder-mould web formation as the stock fibers collect against the deckle, leading to the characteristic feather look. Latterly, the window has been cut into the paper after laminating to a polymeric layer. Then a clear stripe of film is laminated over it running from top to bottom of the note. The clear stripe contains the microlenticular image of a camel interchanging with the letter ‘K’ when tilted.

This feature can be viewed by transmission through the window. There is also a demetallised holographic image of the Astana Baiterek monument above the text ‘Organisation for Security & Co-operation in Europe’, interchanging with the date 2010 which are viewed by reflection where it falls over the paper. (This technology was first used on the Bulgarian lev banknotes in 2005, becoming the world’s first paper notes with see through window).

For polymeric substrates, the Bank of Australia has developed its Non-diffractive Switching Image (NSI). This appears like a dynamic watermark in the clear window of a polymer-based note. Being non-diffractive, the images are seen in varying shades of grey rather than rainbow colours and switching of the image elements occurs by rotation rather than tilting.

Mexico has also embraced new technology – the country’s 100 peso note has an ingenious feature which outwardly looks holographic but is in fact transparent optically variable inks (they are usually opaque) printed on the clear window of a polymer note. The viewer can look at the feature either by transmission or reflection. The inks change colour in both modes but the colours seen by transmission are the complementary colours of those seen by reflection.

The latest innovation in holographic technology which makes use of traditional (though modified) embossing technology is the Asterium feature from Toppan printing in Japan. Viewed in normal direct light this feature appears black but when inclined at an extreme angle, the rainbow colours of an embossed hologram appear. The important feature here is the optical black which gives a new aesthetic to documents and only reveals the colourful security feature as and when required.


Asterium from Toppan uses optical black in conjunction with a hologram.

Another innovator, Kurz, has developed a revolutionary wafer thin security photopolymer which can record a volume holographic image for banknotes produced for Swiss National Bank. Kurz’s success has been to develop the material thin enough for use on a banknote, especially given that the reason this is called a ‘volume’ hologram is that the interference fringes are recorded within the depth of the photo-sensitive material. Similar developments are taking place in Japan where Dai Nippon Printing is leading the way.

OVD Kinegram, a division of Leonhard Kurz, continues to push the boundaries with its Kinegram reColor®. This has been developed for use as a laminate in conjunction with a window or aperture in the banknote substrate, and provides fundamentally different, and unexpected, effects depending on whether the note is viewed from the front or reverse. On the front the viewer sees a normal metallised reflective, diffractive image, while the reverse view shows a patterned coloured foil also displaying the diffractive features. The trick is performed using different coloured resist lacquers in the demetallization process. More remarkable still is Kinegram reView® which appears the same, metallic color on both sides of the image although the images seen on the two faces can be different and unrelated to each other.


ReView from L. Kurz displays different holographic images when viewed from opposite side of a window.

One way or another, it seems that the window technology now becoming available to printers of banknotes is here to stay. Formerly, the opaque nature of security printing paper only allowed a watermark to be seen by transmission but most holograms are, by nature, transmissive and are rendered reflective by applying a metal coating. Once the opportunity is presented to allow them to be seen by transmission, as in a window, the opportunities for an optical tour de force are increased. This renders the note more visually attractive to inspectors and consumers and more difficult to simulate by counterfeiters.

However, here’s a cautionary word. Any trend towards simplification must be seen as a move in the right direction and run hand in hand with artists and graphic designers’ abilities to make good use of the media or of the public’s ability to appreciate and evaluate the security benefits offered by the latest technology. After all, it’s not as though holograms represent the only security feature on a banknote.

They are often one of many - for example, the 1000 Tenge note for Kazakhstan has at least 16 features including one to help the blind or partially sighted. So, it isn’t necessary to fill the hologram with every conceivable feature rather remember why the hologram was originally introduced: it provided a feature that could not be photocopied. Photopolymers provide this, so there’s no reason to suppose that holographic technology will not continue to be an integral security feature on future generations of banknotes.

END

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) is made up of 90 of the world's leading hologram companies. IHMA members are the leading producers and converters of holograms for banknote security, anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, packaging, graphics and other commercial applications around the world. IHMA member companies actively cooperate to maintain the highest professional, security and quality standards.

Issued on behalf of the IHMA by Mitchell Halton Watson Ltd. For further details contact Andy Bruce on +44 (0) 191 233 1300 or email andy@mhwpr.co.uk

Vietnam new date (2010) 500,000-dong note confirmed


500,000-dong (US$26.20), (20)10. Like P124, but new date.

Courtesy of Duong Do Hoang and Jean-Michel Engels.

Dominican Republic new 20-peso oro polymer note confirmed



According to a press release, on 1 July 2010 the Dominican Republic's Central Bank issued a new 20-peso oro (US$0.55) note that is like P169, but now printed on polymer. Signatures: Gobernador del Banco Central, Héctor Valdez Albizu; Ministro de Hacienda, Vicente Bengoa. More info can be found here.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Art Matz, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Australia new date (2009) 50-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Documentary on Reserve Bank of Australia's bribery scandal

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

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Zambia new date (2009) 500-kwacha note (B145g) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_500_kwacha_2008.00.00_B145f_P43f_DL-03_4271010_fZambia_BOZ_500_kwacha_2008.00.00_B145f_P43f_DL-03_4271010_r
Like B145f, but new date (2009).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Papua New Guinea new date (2009) 5-kina note confirmed


5 kina (US$1.80), (20)09. Like Pick 29, but new date.

Courtesy of Leszek Porowski.

Nigeria new date (2010) 50-naira note confirmed


50 naira (US$0.35), 2010. Like unlisted 50-naira note, but new date and new signatures (Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Benjamin C. Onyido).

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Nigeria new date (2010) 20-naira note confirmed


20 naira (US$0.15), 2010. Like Pick 34, but new date and new signatures (Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Benjamin C. Onyido).

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Costa Rica unveils new note designs







On 27 April 2010, Banco Central de Costa Rica unveiled a new family of banknotes that will replace the existing issues. The first denomination to be issued (possibly by August 2010) will be the 20,000 colones (US$39.10) depicting writer Carmen Lyra. This will be followed by the 2,000 colones in September or October, with the remaining denominations to come by year’s end, except for the 50,000 colones.

The front of each note depicts a portrait of a famous Costa Rican, and the back features flora and fauna from the six ecosystems that exist in the country. The notes are printed by Oberthur Technologies, and it appears all but the 1,000-colon denomination are protected by Crane’s windowed security thread, Motion. From the looks of it, the lowest denomination note may be printed on polymer.



Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Vietnam new date (2008) notes confirmed


All denominations of notes from Viet Nam have been confirmed dated (20)08, except the 50,000- and 200,000-dong notes.

Courtesy of Ryan Vuong.

Vietnam 100,000-dong note error confirmed


An error has been confirmed on Viet Nam’s 100,000-dong (US$5.25) polymer note (Pick 122). In the microprinting at lower left on the front of the note the denomination is spelled out in numerals, however there is a zero missing from the second full set of numerals (see circled area above). This error has been confirmed on all dates (2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008).

Courtesy of Ryan Vuong.

Canada to issue polymer notes in 2011

According to an article in The Globe and Mail dated 4 March 2010, Canada has announced that beginning in late 2011 it intends to replace paper-cotton banknotes with polymer notes which are reported to last “two to three times longer. The changes are intended save on the cost of printing bills – and create a currency that’s much harder to counterfeit.” Canada will rely upon Austarlia’s Securency as the sole supplier for the polymer substrate. Though there is no mention of who will print the notes, it will probably continue to be Bank of Canada and Canadian Bank Note Company. Furthermore, it appears the 10- and 20-dollar denominations will be the first to be printed on polymer.

Courtesy of Dharshan Mahalingam and Mark Allen.

Nigeria extends circulation of low-denomination paper notes


In a press release dated 3 March 2010, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) indefinitely extended the terminal date for the circulation of the existing 5-, 10-, and 50-naira paper banknotes as legal tender, allowing them to circulate in parallel with polymer notes of the same denominations. “The Bank also wishes to reassure Nigerians that the N50 polymer banknotes, whether with 6-digits or 7-digits serial numbers were issued by the CBN and therefore genuine banknotes. The numbers on the notes are consistent with the numbering system adopted by the Bank. Both sets of banknotes are fortified with adequate security features which make counterfeiting difficult.”

Singapore 2-dollar note with two squares confirmed


2 dollars (US$1.40), no date. Like Pick 46, but with two squares below EDUCATION on back.

Courtesy of Vincent Tan.

Vanuatu to issue polymer 10,000-vatu note in July 2010

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

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

Courtesy of Leszek Porowski.

Vietnam new date (2009) notes confirmed










10,000 to 500,000 dong. Like Pick 119-124, but new date (20)09.

Courtesy of Torsten Fuhlendorf.

Mexico new sig/date (15.05.2007) 200-peso note confirmed


200 pesos (US$15.45), 15 MAY. 2007. New date, new signatures (Jesús Marcos Yacamán and Raúl Valdés Ramos), and series D.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Nigeria new 10- and 50-naira note varieties confirmed


10 naira (US$0.06), 2009. Signed by Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Benjamin C. Onyido, with 6-digit serial number.


50 naira (US$0.30), 2009. Signed by Chukwuma “Charles” Soludo and Benjamin C. Onyido, with 7-digit serial number.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Honduras new polymer 20-lempira note confirmed


According to a press release, the Banco Central de Honduras introduced a new polymer 20-lempira (US$1.05) note on 12 January 2010. A total of 60 million banknotes have been printed and will circulate in parallel with the paper version of the same denomination.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Claudio Marana, and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Mexico new date (14.05.2007) 20-peso note confirmed


20 pesos (US$1.55), 14 MAY. 2007. New date, series E, and new signatures (Jesus Marcos Yacaman and Raul Valdes Ramons).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Richard Miranda.

Nigeria new date (2009) 5-, 10-, and 50-naira notes confirmed


5 naira (US$0.05), 2009. This denomination has now been confirmed dated 2009 with two different GOVERNOR signatures (Chukwuma “Charles” Soludo and Lamido Aminu Sanusi), both paired with Benjamin C. Onyido as DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY AND BRANCH OPERATIONS.


10 naira (US$0.05), 2009. This denomination has now been confirmed dated 2009 with two different GOVERNOR signatures (Chukwuma “Charles” Soludo and Lamido Aminu Sanusi), both paired with Benjamin C. Onyido as DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY AND BRANCH OPERATIONS.


50 naira (US$0.35), 2009. This is the second note of this denomination dated 2009 with the signature combination of Lamido Aminu Sanusi and Benjamin C. Onyido. There appear to be varieties with six-digit serial numbers (as shown above) as well as seven-digit serial numbers, perhaps from different printers.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo, Thomas Krause, and Andrew Roberts.

Mexico new date (28.10.2008) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$3.85), 28 OCT. 2008. Series K with signatures of Jesús Marcos Yacaman (JUNTA DE GOBIERNO/Sub-Governor) and Raúl Valdés Ramos (CAJERO PRINCIPAL/Chief Cashier). Introduced December 2009. Polymer.


50 pesos (US$3.85), 28 OCT. 2008. Series L with signatures of unknown (JUNTA DE GOBIERNO/Sub-Governor) and Raúl Valdés Ramos (CAJERO PRINCIPAL/Chief Cashier). Polymer.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez and Thomas Krause.

Vietnam denies rumor of million-dong note


According to a VNBusinessNews.com article dated 02.12.2009, Nguyen Ngoc Bao, the director of the Monetary Policy Department, has denied rumors that the State Bank of Vietnam plans to issue 1,000,000-dong (US$54) banknotes. At present the largest denomination in Vietnam is the polymer 500,000-dong note (Pick 124, shown above).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Nigeria new date/sig (2009) 5-naira note confirmed


5 naira (US$0.03), 2009. Like Pick 32, 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.

Israel announces new notes to be issued 2010-2012

According to an article on Haaretz.com, over the next two years the Bank of Israel will issue new banknotes featuring portraits of Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl and three former prime ministers: David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, and Yitzhak Rabin. The bank has decided against issuing a proposed NIS 500 (US$132) denomination.

The bank’s experiment with a NIS 20 (US$5.25) note printed on polymer is considered a success, so it’s possible the new notes will also be printed on polymer, though a decision on the substrate has not been announced. "With the new set of bills, the bank will be at the forefront of the technological stage on all matters related to the war against counterfeiting," the Bank of Israel said. "The security measures will be friendly to the public so that it will be possible, with relative ease, to spot counterfeit money."

Zambia new date (2009) 1,000-kwacha note (B146g) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_1000_kwacha_2009.00.00_B146g_P44g_EN-03_2270576_fZambia_BOZ_1000_kwacha_2009.00.00_B146g_P44g_EN-03_2270576_r
Like B146f, but new date (2009).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Mexico 100-peso commemorative has error


On 23 September 2009, the Bank of Mexico introduced two commemorative banknotes: a paper one to celebrate the bicentennial of independence, and a polymer one to celebrate the centennial of the Mexican Revolution.

The 100-peso commemorative with series A/A-A/E has an error in the microprinted text. On the front, the text appears correctly as “SUFRAGIO EFECTIVO Y NO REELECCION.” However, on the back the second word is misspelled as “ELECTIVO.” Apparently a corrected note will appear in 2010, and the error notes will remain in circulation.

Courtesy of Rickey Stein and Thomas Krause.

Brunei issues new date (2008) 10-dollar note


10 ringgit (US$7.20), 2008. Like Pick 24, but new date. Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Australia new date (2008) 10-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.


Australia new date (2008) 5-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of TDS.


Singapore new 2- and 10-dollar note varieties confirmed


Collectors in Singapore have recently discovered that some of the polymer notes in circulation have small squares beneath the titles on the back vignette. Specifically, the 2-dollar note (Pick 46) has been confirmed both with and without a single square beneath the word EDUCATION, and the 10-dollar note (not listed in SCWPM; shown above) has been confirmed with none, one, and two squares beneath the word SPORTS.

Courtesy of Vincent Tan.

Nigeria considering polymer for 500- and 1,000-naira notes

During the 30 September 2009 introduction of the new 5-, 10-, and 50-naira polymer banknotes, the Central Bank of Nigeria said it may eventually issue 500- and 1,000-naira notes printed on polymer, although the focus is now on the lower denominations since they are more widely used than the higher denominations.

Mexico introduces two new commemorative notes

In a press release dated 23 September 2009, the Bank of Mexico announced the immediate introduction of two new commemorative banknotes: a paper one to celebrate the bicentennial of independence, and a polymer one to celebrate the centennial of the Mexican Revolution. Each will be limited to 50 million pieces and these notes will not replace the currently circulating notes of the same denominations.

20,000 sets of notes with matching serial numbers were sold in a special folder. Anyone with information on the original cost of a set or the ability to scan the folder is encouraged to share that info and the images.


100 pesos (US$7.50)
Commemorates the Mexcian Revolution. Front: Ear of corn; camp follower (Adelita); locomotive that carried revolutionary troops in 1910; corn field; map. Back: Corn field; soldiers in David Alfaro Siqueiros' mural "Del Porfirismo a la Revolución;" ear of corn. Watermark: Adelita. Series A. Dated 20 NOV. 2007. 134 x 66 mm. Polymer.

  • Prefix A Signatures: Guillermo Ortiz Martinez and Raul Valdes Ramons
  • Prefix B Signatures: Roberto Del Cueto Legaspi and Raul Valdes Ramons:

  • Prefix C Signatures: Everardo Elizondo Almaguer and Raul Valdes Ramons
  • Prefix D Signatures: Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib and Raul Valdes Ramons
  • Prefix E Signatures: Jesus Marcos Yacaman and Raul Valdes Ramons:



200 pesos (US$15)
Commemorates Mexican Independence. Front (vertical): Church bell in OVI; map; Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla with a banner, from Jesus Enrique Emilio de la Helguera Evans' painting "Don Miguel Hidalgo." Back (vertical): Angel of Independence, on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City; stylized bright red cap (symbol of freedom). Windowed security thread. Watermark: Angel of Independence with electrotype 200. 141 x 66 mm.

Signature information courtesy of Thomas Krause.

New Zealand new date (2007) 50-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Nigeria three new polymer notes confirmed

On 16 September 2009, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced plans to issue 1.9 billion new polymer notes in 5, 10, and 50 naira denominations, worth US$0.03, 0.06, and 0.32, respectively. President Umaru Yar’Adua launched the new notes on 30 September. 1.3 billion note were printed abroad, while the remaining 615 million were printed by the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting.

Governor Lamido Aminu Sanusi said, “The existing denominations of N5, N10, and N50 paper notes remain legal tender and will circulate side by side with the new polymer notes for the next six months. The new N5, N10, and N50 polymer notes have retained their current sizes, designs and other key elements. Only the watermark has been replaced with the transparent window and G-switch which turns from green to gold when the note is tilted."

The move to polymer is intended as a cost-savings measure since polymer notes last longer than paper notes, even though they are initially more expensive to produce.

The 5- and 10-naira notes are signed by the former governor, Chukwuma “Charles” Soludo, while the 50-naira note is signed by the present governor, Sanusi. Both are also signed by Benjamin C. Onyido as DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY AND BRANCH OPERATIONS.







Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Mexico new date (28.04.2008) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$4.55), 28 ABR. 2008. Like Pick 122b, but Series J, new date, and new signatures (Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib and Raul Valdes Ramons). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Chile new 5,000-peso polymer note (B298) confirmed


On 18 August 2009, El Banco Central de Chile unveiled a new 5,000-peso (US$9.15) note, the first in a new family of five notes to commemorate 200 years of independence. Other denominations will follow over the course of the next two years. Three of the denominations will be printed on polymer and the other two will be printed on paper. All of the notes were designed by the Swedish company Crane AB, which will also print the paper notes. The polymer notes are printed by Note Printing Australia.

The new polymer 5,000-peso note was introduced on 24 September 2009. Existing 5,000-peso notes remain legal tender, but will be slowly withdrawn from circulation.

The front of this note features a portrait of Gabriela Mistral, images of the heart of Copihue, Antu, and the national flower, the symbol mapuche representing the sun and fertility. The back depicts La Campana National Park, located on the Cordillera de la Costa de la V Region of Valparaiso, which contains one of the few native forests of Chilean Palm. It also contains the image of a Tucúquere, a bird of prey.

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle, Marcus Jansson, Bill Stubkjaer, and Kai Hwong.

Philippines planning to issue polymer notes

According to a BuinessMirror report dated 8 July 2009, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is planning to replace its existing abaca-and-cotton banknotes with polymer notes. Deputy BSP governor and officer in charge, Armando Suratos, provided no details on the timing of such a move, but stated that it would result in savings over the long term as polymer notes outlast paper notes in circulation even though they are initially more costly to produce. No further details are available at this time.

Australia new date (2008) 20-dollar note confirmed


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

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

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Guatemala new date (12.03.2008) 1-quetzal note confirmed


1 quetzal (US$0.15), 12 DE MARZO DE 2008. Like Pick 109, but new date, new signatures, and new printer imprint (OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

India considering polymer notes

According to a Business Standard article dated 3 June 2009, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering a pilot project to introduce polymer notes in an effort to increase the longevity of its banknotes, said H R Khan, executive director, RBI. The timing of the project has not yet been announced.

Nicaragua issues 100- and 200-córdoba notes

On 1 June 2009, the Central Bank of Nicaragua introduced new 100- and 200-córdoba banknotes, the former printed on paper and the latter printed on polymer.


100 cordobas (US$4.95). L. 12 SEPTIEMBRE DE 2007. Introduced 01.06.2009. Front: Monument to Rubén Darío. Back: Cathedral of Leon. Windowed security thread with demetalized BCN 100. Watermark: Tomb of Rubén Darío in the Cathedral of Leon, electrotype 100, and Cornerstones. 146 x 67 mm. Signature: Antenor Rosales Bolaños, PRESIDENTE.


200 cordobas (US$9.85). L. 12 SEPTIEMBRE DE 2007. Introduced 01.06.2009. Front: Folk dancers. Back: Guardabarranco bird and Isla de Ometepe. 151 x 67 mm. Polymer. Signature: Antenor Rosales Bolaños, PRESIDENTE. Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Thomas Krause, and Gustavo Rios.

New Zealand new date (2006) 100-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Nicaragua issues 10- and 20-córdoba polymer notes

On 15 May 2009, the Central Bank of Nicaragua introduced new 10- and 20-córdoba banknotes. Printed on polymer, the new notes cost 30 percent more to manufacture than paper notes, but the president of the BCN, Antenor Rosales Bolaños, assured the public that they are impermeable, hygienic, and last up to four times as long.


10 córdoba (US$0.50), L. 12 SEPTIEMBRE DE 2007. Introduced 15.05.2009. Front: Castillo Inmaculada Concepción (Castle of the Immaculate Conception) in Rio San Juan. Back: Coat of arms; Hacienda San Jacinto in Managua. Signature: Antenor Rosales Bolaños, PRESIDENTE. 131 x 67 mm. Polymer.


20 córdobas (US$1), L. 12 SEPTIEMBRE DE 2007. Introduced 15.05.2009. Front: Girl pounding grain; typical house on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Back: Coat of arms; five women dancing the palo de Mayo (Maypole). Signature: Antenor Rosales Bolaños, PRESIDENTE. 136 x 67 mm. Polymer.

Denominations of 100 and 200 córdobas will be issued shortly, with 50- and 500-córdoba notes to follow. Of these, the 200-córdoba note will also be polymer, with the other denominations printed on paper.

Courtesy of Oscar Fonseca, Thomas Krause, and Gustavo Rios.

Australia new date (2008) 100-dollar note confirmed

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

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Nigeria 20-naira note dated 2007 with 6-digit SN confirmed


Like Pick 34, but dated 2007 with 6-digit serial number. Previously reported 2007-dated N20 has 7-digit serial number.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

New Zealand new date (2006) 20-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Paraguay new 2,000-guaraní polymer note (B846a) confirmed


On 18 December 2009, the Central Bank of Paraguay introduced a new 2,000-guaraní (US$0.45) polymer note dated 2008, featuring portraits of educators Adela and Celsa Speratti on front, and a parade with flag-waving marchers on back. Printer: OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Claudio Marana, Roman Boroznjak, and Rui Manuel Palhares.

5th edition of World Plastic Money catalog published


Thomas Krause and Peter Bauer have today released the fifth edition of their book, the Specialized Catalogue of World Plastic Money. Ordering information and a free PDF download can be obtained by visiting www.swschwedt.de/kunden/polymernotes.

Romania new 10-leu note (B281a) confirmed


2005-dated note (B280)


2008-dated note (B281)

This note was originally reported as a new date variety only, but it has recently been determined that there are sufficient changes to this note to qualify it as a new type.

10 lei (US$3.50), 1 decembrie 2008. Like B280, but new date, paint brushes replace 10 on see-through window, new colors for various text elements and bank logo, and two-tone numerals 10 now monochrome. Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Andrew Quirke.

Mauritius to introduce polymer notes

According to an African Press Agency report dated 10 December 2008, the Bank of Mauritius plans to introduce polymer banknotes as a cost-cutting measure. The press release from the bank in Port Louis indicates that even though it costs US$0.50 to manufacture a polymer note versus US$0.05 for a paper note, the polymer notes have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, which makes them more cost-effective in the long term. The Bank of Mauritius will invite tenders for the manufacture of polymer 25-, 50-, and 100-rupee notes in early 2009.

Please note that the above information is based upon the APA report. I have not been able to locate the bank press release which the report cites, and strongly suspect the report is in error. Polymer banknotes certainly do last longer than paper notes, but a 20-25 year lifespan is unheard of (polymer notes haven’t even been around that long). According to Securency, the Australian supplier of polymer substrate, polymer notes can last up to four times longer than paper, which can start to wear out in as little as one year of circulation.

Portrait on Australian $50 used without permission?


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


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

Papua New Guinea issues new 2- and 50-kina notes



2 kina
Green. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise with drum and spear; Parliament building in Port Moresby; BPNG 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: BPNG logo. Printer: NPA (w/o imprint). 140 x 70 mm. Polymer. (20)08. Signature unknown. Introduced 31.10.2008.



50 kina
Orange. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise with drum and spear; Parliament building in Port Moresby. Back: Prime Minister Michael Somare; spears from Sepik; shield and mask from New Ireland; leaf and pointed Tubuan face mas from New Briton; headdress from the Highlands; mask and costume from Sepik River. No security thread. Watermark: BPNG logo. Printer: NPA (w/o imprint). 150 x 75 mm. Polymer. (20)08. Signature unknown. Introduced 31.10.2008.

Courtesy of Kee Hong Boon (Tigerson) and Kai Hwong.

Australia new date (2008) 50-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Papua New Guinea issues new 5-kina polymer note



5 kina (US$1.80), (20)08. Introduced 18.04.2008. National Parliament and national crest on front. Hombuli mask from Sepik, kina shell necklace, and shell necklace from New Ireland Province on back. Intaglio printing, clear window with 5 embossed, shadow image of bank logo, G-Switch, iridescent bird of paradise, signatures (Leonard Wilson Kamit, GOVERNOR; Simon Tossali, SECRETARY) and serial number fluoresce yellow/green under UV light. Polymer. Printer: Note Printing Australia (w/o imprint).

Mexico new date (22.11.2006) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$4.80), 22 NOV. 2006. Like MXN50 issued November 21, 2006, but new date, series G, and new signatures (unknown, JUNTA DE GOBIERNO; Raul Valdas Ramons, CAJERO PRINCIPAL). Polymer.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Zambia new date (2008) 1,000-kwacha note (B146f) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_1000_kwacha_2008.00.00_B146f_P44f_EJ-03_4537404_fZambia_BOZ_1000_kwacha_2008.00.00_B146f_P44f_EJ-03_4537404_r
Like B146e, but new date (2008) and new printer imprint. Printer: SABN (South African Bank Note). Polymer.

Courtesy of Bwananick.

Singapore new signature 10-dollar note confirmed


10 dollars (US$7.10), ND (2007). Issued February 1, 2008. Like P48, but new signature (Goh Chok Tong, CHAIRMAN). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Hong Kong new date (2007) 10-dollar note confirmed


10 dollars (US$1.30), 1st OCTOBER 2007. Like the HKD10 issued July 9, 2007, but new date and new signatures (John Tsang Chun-wah, FINANCIAL SECRETARY; Joseph Yam Chi-kwong, MONETARY AUTHORITY). Polymer. 133 x 66 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

New Zealand new date varieties confirmed


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


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

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

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Australia new date (2007) 20-dollar note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Frank Robinson.

Vietnam issues two new polymer notes

On August 15, 2006, the State Bank of Vietnam announced it would issue two new polymer notes. The 200,000-dong note is the first of that denomination in the nation’s history. The current paper 10,000-dong note (Pick 115) remains legal tender; all smaller bank notes are being replaced by coins. SBV has announced that it will eventually convert all its denominations to polymer.


10,000 dongs, (20)06. Issued August 30, 2006. Purple, light green, and light blue. President Ho Chi Minh. “Treehouse” wmk, curved security thread, registration device, microprinting, and “VN” latent image. Off-shore oil rigs on back. Polymer. 132 x 60 mm.


200,000 dongs, (20)06. Issued August 30, 2006. Red, green, and peach. President Ho Chi Minh as portrait and wkm. Curved security thread, registration device, OVI, and microprinting. Junk in Ha Long Bay on back. Polymer. 148 x 65 mm.

Solomon Islands new $100 and revised $2 notes (B215a, B220a) confirmed

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


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


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

Courtesy of Morris Lawing.

Mexico to release new family of notes starting in November 2006


In September 2006, the Bank of Mexico outlined its plans to issue a new family of banknotes designed primarily to improve security and ease identification by the blind through the use of different tactile marks and varying sizes for each denomination. The colors and overall designs of the current series of notes will remain unchanged to avoid confusion. The lone exception is the new $500, which will feature Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo.

All of the new notes will be 66 mm tall. However, the 20-peso note will be 120 mm in length, and each larger denomination will be 7 mm longer, culminating in a 1,000-peso note measuring 155 x 66 mm, the same size as the current series of notes (Pick 116 - 121).

The first note of the new series will be the $50, to be released in November 2006, followed by the $20 in 2007. Both of these denominations will be printed on polymer, which — in the bank's experience with the current polymer $20 (Pick 116) — lasts three times longer than paper.

The remaining denominations will be printed on paper, with the $200 and $1,000 appearing in 2008, and the $100 and $500 slated for 2009. The current notes will remain legal tender and will be gradually removed from circulation.

Mexico to issue new polymer 50-peso note

The Bank of Mexico plans to issue a new family of banknotes designed primarily to improve security and ease identification by the blind through the use of different tactile marks and varying sizes for each denomination. The first note of this new series is the $50 (US$4.60), details of which were revealed today as follows.



50 peso, 5 Nov. 2004. Issued November 21, 2006. Series A. Signatures: Guillermo Ortiz Martinez, Junta de Gobierno; Maria Elvira Herendira Hernandez Barba, Cajero Principal.
José María Morelos as portrait and watermark, color-shifting butterfly, microtext, security thread, map of Mexico as registration device, and see-through window with embossed denomination. Aqueduct in Morelia, Michoacán on back, along with orange Monarch butterflies that fluoresce yellow under UV light. Polymer. 127 x 66 mm.



50 peso, 7 Sept. 2005. Issued November 21, 2006. Like above, but series B, new date, and new signatures (Guillermo Güemez Garcia, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal). Polymer.



50 peso, 7 Sept. 2005. Series C. Signatures: Everardo Elizondo Almaguer, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal.



50 peso, 7 Sept. 2005. Issued November 21, 2006. Like above, but series D, new date, and new signatures (Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal). Polymer.


Faux watermark that appears on all notes to right of portrait.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Romania new 200-leu polymer note (B284) confirmed


Pick 122: 200 lei, 1 decembrie 2006. Orange. Lucian Blaga (1895-1961) as portrait and wmk, poppies, open book with page from poems Self-portrait and 9 May 1895, coat of arms, NBR logo, signatures (Mugur Isarescu, Governor; unknown, Head Cashier), transparent window with pen and 200 embossed, denomination in gold-to-green OVI, registration device, security thread, and microperforations. Neolithic statue of the Thinker of Hamangia, rainbow, water mill with NBR latent image, sessile oak, NBR logo, vertical serial number in black, horizontal novel serial number in red, and iridescent stripe on back. Polymer. 150 x 82 mm.

Australia new dates (2005 and 2006) confirmed

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

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

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

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

Brunei issues new 500- and 10,000-dollar polymer notes


BCMB B3 (P31): 500 dollars (US$404)
Orange. Front: Misai kucing (orthosiphon aristatus) java tea flowers; Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan; lagoon; Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (Yayasan) building. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan. Printer: (NPA). 175 x 80 mm. Polymer. 2006. Signature 1. Intro: 28.12.2006.


BCMB B5 (P33): 10,000 dollars (US$8,100)
Green and brown. Front: Pangarut timun dendang (passiflora foetida) flower; Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Legislative Council (Parliament) building in Bandar Seri Begawan. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan. Printer: (NPA). 181 x 90 mm. Polymer. 2006. Signature 1. Intro: 28.12.2006.
This note is tied with the 10,000-dollar note from Singapore for the circulating note with the highest face value in the world.

Courtesy of Stane Straus.

Nigeria issues redesigned naira notes dated 2006

On February 28, 2007, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued redesigned notes for the denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 naira.


5 naira (US$0.05), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Purple. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa portrait, coat of arms, arms and CBN as wmk, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Three male drummers; denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. 130 x 72 mm.


10 naira (US$0.10), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Red. Alvan Ikoku portrait, coat of arms, arms and CBN as wmk, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Two women carrying bowls on their heads; denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. 130 x 72 mm.


20 naira (US$0.15), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Green. General Murtala R. Muhammed portrait, coat of arms, arms in clear window, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Ladi kwali (pottery works); denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. Polymer. 130 x 72 mm.


50 naira (US$0.40), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Blue. Faces of woman and three men, coat of arms, arms and CBN as wmk, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Three men cleaning fish; denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. 130 x 72 mm.
 
Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Mexico new date (19.06.2006) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$4.55), 19 Jun. 2006. Like Pick 122b, but Series E, new date, and new signatures (Jesus Marcos Yacaman, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Papua New Guinea issues revised 20-kina note polymer


20 kina (US$6.60), ND (2006). Like Pick 27, but without commemorative logo at left, and new signatures (Leonard Wilson Kamit, Governor; Simon Tossali, Secretary). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Singapore issues new 5-dollar polymer note



The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will issue new $5 polymer notes from 18 May 2007. This is the third denomination in the Portrait Series to be converted from paper into polymer. The $5 polymer notes will circulate alongside the $5 paper notes, both of which will remain legal tender.

As with the $2 and $10 polymer notes, MAS has retained the portrait series design for the $5 polymer notes as it is familiar to the public. The $5 polymer and paper notes have the following similarities:
• Portrait of Singapore’s first President, the late Encik Yusof bin Ishak, on the front, and images of the Garden City theme at the back. • Same colour (predominantly green). • Same size (133 mm x 66 mm).

The $5 polymer notes also include security features unique to polymer technology which are similarly found in $2 and $10 polymer notes. They are:
• Two see-through windows – one on the top-left hand side, and the other at the bottom-right corner. • A stylised gold Singapore Lion symbol with a hidden image, beside the top-left hand window.  An image of the Singapore Arms will appear at varying angles. • The security thread in the shape of the Singapore island.

Papua New Guinea issues new 2-kina polymer note


2 kina (US$0.68), (20)07. Green, yellow, and light blue. National Parliament building, two see-through windows, and signatures (L. Wilson Kamit, GOVERNOR; Simon Tosali, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY). Back like Pick 21, though slightly redesigned. Polymer.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Hong Kong issues new 10-dollar polymer note


10 dollars (US$1.30), 1st April 2007. Issued July 2007. Like Pick 400, but new date, new signatures (Henry Tang Ying-yen, FINANCIAL SECRETARY; Joseph Yam Chi-kwong, MONETARY AUTHORITY), larger tactile denomination in corners, see-through window with numeral 10, watermark-like image of bauhinia flower in clear window, watermark-like image of numeral 10, ribbon printed in pink-to-purple OVI, irridescent band with bauhinia flower and HK10 moved to center of note. Rearing horse as registration device, denomination as latent image. Polymer. 133 x 66 mm.

Courtesy of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Brunei issues new 1,000-dollar polymer note


BCMB B4 (P32): 1,000 dollars (US$810)
Light green, brown, deep pink. Front: Akar bilaran (merremia borneensis) flower; Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Ministry of Finance building in Bandar Seri Begawan. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan. Printer: (NPA). 166 x 76 mm. Polymer. 2006. Signature 1. Intro: 21.06.2007.

Courtesy of Noorilham MD. Tahir.

Brunei issues new 20-dollar polymer commemorative note


The above note commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between both Brunei and Singapore. The note is available individually, in uncut sheets of three or 24 notes (200 and 25 sheets produced, respectively), and in a limited edition of 2,000 sets with similar Singapore notes bearing matching serial numbers. 

20 ringgit (US$13.10), 2007. Issued 27 June 2007. Orange. Novel serial numbers, A prefix, see-through window with red crest, and gold OVD with HB as latent image. Portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at right, Ipomoea Pes-capre (plant that symbolises the treaty) at center. On back: Singapore’s splanade and buildings along the city’s waterfront at left; the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, Royal Barge, and water village at right. Polymer. 149 x 72 mm.

20 ringgit (US$13.10), 2007. As above, but paired in folder with Singapore note with matching serial number, BND prefix, and 40TH ANNIVERSARY CURRENCY INTERCHANGEABILITY AGREEMENT overprint in brown.

Courtesy of Noorilham MD. Tahir.

Singapore issues new 20-dollar polymer commemorative note


The above note commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between both Brunei and Singapore. The Monetary Authority of Singapore will issue a total of 3 million individual notes, and is also selling 10,000 limited edition sets with similar Brunei notes bearing matching serial numbers for S$88. 

20 dollars (US$13.10), 2007. Issued June 27, 2007. Orange. Novel serial numbers, A prefix, two embossed see-through windows, gold lion with latent image of arms, security thread shaped like Singapore isalnd, and red-to-gold OVD. Portrait of Encik Yusof bin Ishak at right, Dendrobium Puan Noor Aishah orchids at center, Ishak wmk at left. On back: Singapore’s splanade and buildings along the city’s waterfront at left; the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, Royal Barge, and water village at right. Polymer. 149 x 72 mm.

20 dollars (US$13.10), 2007. As above, but paired in folder with Brunei note with matching serial number, SGD prefix, and 40th Anniversary Currency Interchangeability Agreement overprint in red.

Courtesy of Noorilham MD. Tahir.

Israel to issue new polymer 20-new sheqalim note in 2008


According to the Bank of Israel’s annual report released on October 7, 2007, “To improve the life of the NIS 20 [US$4.95] banknote, the Currency Department released an improved banknote in 2006 printed on higher quality paper with additional coating. As part of this improved quality, the Currency Department will be issuing the next issue of NIS 20 notes based on polypropylene, a polymer which is becoming more popular in many countries due to its durability.” On September 23, 2007, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the bank is planning a trial run of 20 million NIS in polymer notes beginning in February 2008.

The bank’s annual report also stated, “In 2006 the Currency Department began planning a new banknote issue series, which includes many aspects, including changing the banknote design, improved security features and quality of banknote paper. The new series is planned to be issued in the next 4-5 years.”

Nigeria issues new date (2007) 20- and 50-naira notes


The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued new date varieties for the two highest denominations of its new family introduced on February 28, 2007, but which previously bore the date of 2006.

20 naira (US$0.15), 2007. Like the 2006 NGN20 reported in IBNS Journal 46.1 p23, but new date.

50 naira (US$0.40), 2007. Like the 2006 NGN50 reported in IBNS Journal 46.1 p23, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Mexico new 20-peso polymer note confirmed


20 pesos (US$1.85), 19 JUN. 2006. Issued August 20, 2007. Blue, green, and brown. Series A. Don Benito Juárez García as portrait and wmk, scales of justice and open book (las Leyes de Reforma en 1859) above signatures (Guillermo Ortiz Martinez, JUNTA DE GOBIERNO; Raul Valdes Ramons, CAJERO PRINCIPAL), 20 embossed on see-through window, 20 PESOS repeated on security band, color-changing bird, microtext, map as registration device, Omron rings, and UV inks. Monte Albán pre-Columbian archaeological ruins in Oaxaca, a pendent, and Dios del Rayo mask of Zapotec deity Cocijo on back. Printer: BANCO DE MEXICO. Polymer. 120 x 66 mm.

20 pesos (US$1.85), 19 JUN. 2006. Issued August 20, 2007. Like above, but Series B and signatures (Guillermo Güemez Garcia, JUNTA DE GOBIERNO; Raul Valdes Ramons, CAJERO PRINCIPAL).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Guatemala issues new polymer 1-quetzal note


1 quetzal (US$0.15), 20 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2006. Introduced 20.08.2007. Green. Like Pick 99, but polymer with transparent window embossed with bank logo, new date, and new signatures (unknown, GERENTE GENERAL; Maria Antonieta Del Cid Navas de Bonilla, PRESIDENTA). General José María Orellana portrait on front, Banco de Guatelmala building on back. Printer: Canadian Bank Note (with imprint). Polymer. 60 million notes to be introduced over the next two years.

Courtesy of Dagoberto Robles, Tuyet Nhung Le, and Thomas Krause.

Australia’s Reserve Bank annual report findings

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

Vietnam new date (2018) 10,000-dong note (B343k) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_10000_dong_2018.00.00_B343k_P119_II_18888805_fVietnam_SBV_10000_dong_2018.00.00_B343k_P119_II_18888805_r
Like B343j, but new date.

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


Vietnam new date (2017) 100,000-dong note (B346k) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_100000_dong_2017.00.00_B346k_P122_IQ_17000001_fVietnam_SBV_100000_dong_2017.00.00_B346k_P122_IQ_17000001_r
Like B346j, but new date.

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


Vietnam new date (2017) 20,000-dong note (B344h) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_20000_dong_2017.00.00_B344h_P120_WM_17777777_fVietnam_SBV_20000_dong_2017.00.00_B344h_P120_WM_17777777_r
Like B344g, but new date.

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


Maldives new sig/date (10.03.2018) 100-rufiyaa note (B219b) confirmed introduced 03.09.2018

According to a press release, on 3 September 2018 the Maldives Monetary Authority introduced new 100-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.

Romania new coat of arms/date (2018) 200-leu note (B291a) confirmed


Like P122, but new date (1 ianuarie 2018) and new coat of arms.

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

Paraguay new sig/date (2017) 5,000-guaraní note (B857c) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_5000_guaranies_2017.00.00_B857c_P234_I_00709464_f
Paraguay_BCP_5000_guaranies_2017.00.00_B857c_P234_I_00709464_r
Like B857b, but new signatures and new date (2017). Prefix I.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Vietnam new date (2018) 20,000-dong note (B344i) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_20000_dong_2018.00.00_B344i_P120_DZ_18690694_f
Vietnam_SBV_20000_dong_2018.00.00_B344i_P120_DZ_18690694_r
Like B344h, but new date (2018).

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk (Nogowczyk).

Nigeria new signature 20-naira note (B232s) confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2018.00.00_B232s_P34_EW_6211402_f
Like B232r, but new signatures. Prefix EW.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new 10-pound note (B940a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2018.04.12_B940a_PNL_AH_809191_f Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2018.04.12_B940a_PNL_AH_809191_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland Bank of Ireland new 10-pound note (B137a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2017.05.31_B137a_PNL_AV_299777_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2017.05.31_B137a_PNL_AV_299777_r

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

Vietnam new date (2019) 500,000-dong note (B348o) confirmed

Vietnam_SBV_500000_dong_2019.00.00_B348o_P124_EJ_19000001_fVietnam_SBV_500000_dong_2019.00.00_B348o_P124_EJ_19000001_r
Like B348n, but new date (2019).

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

Albania new 5,000-lek note (B326) confirmed

Albania_BES_5000_leke_2017.00.00_B326as_PNLs_NB_6990097_f
Albania_BES_5000_leke_2017.00.00_B326as_PNLs_NB_6990097_r

Courtesy of Andrea Bossi.

East Caribbean States new 10-dollar polymer note (B241a) confirmed introduced September 2019

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_10_dollars_2019.00.00_B241_PNL_GR_004242_f East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_10_dollars_2019.00.00_B241_PNL_GR_004242_r

Courtesy of Shibu Paul (Ebanknoteshop on eBay).