...Fiji - Polymer Notes Series nd2026 Full Set

Republic of Fiji

 

Reserve Bank of Fiji (Est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

Posted below is a full set of five polymer banknotes released on 02.01.2026. The announcement of this series was made on 02.12.2025. Like the previous full set released in 2013, this nd2026 series also includes numismatic products of uncut sheets for all denominations, single note in full set with matching serial numbers as well as individual notes in a presentation folder.

 

The themes for this new series are national identity, people, resources, and national heritage. The front of the banknotes retains the familiar flora and fauna unique to Fiji, and the reverse sides feature new imagery specific to each denomination.

 

The uncut sheets are 2, 5, 10 and 45-in-one. The 2, 5 and 10-in-one come in a strip form. Those who collect any sheets larger than 2-in-one may have to leave them in a tube that is supplied by the bank as it would be hard to find such a large banknote sleeve to house them flat. Specimen notes for all denominations are also printed and I will be uploading these in full set in a separate post.  

 

As the official release date for this series was 02.01.2026, some dealers already have the notes in stock for sale well before Christmas 2025. So, are these notes considered as series nd2025 or nd2026?

 

As this is a new series, the bank retains the main design features on the front of the previous series but with new designs on the back for all the notes. The last time Fiji released a new series was back in 2012 when the bank replaced the portrait of Queen Elizabeth the Second. This is the first time that Fiji has released a full set of banknotes printed in polymer substrate. 

I believe that Fiji is the 21th nation* that has now fully adopted polymer banknotes and this new series is to circulate together with the previous series issued (polymer and paper). Fiji is also one of the very few countries that have issued banknotes in traditional cotton based paper notes, hybrid and now polymer in full set.

 

Five Dollars

Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet), which is Fiji's smallest member of the parrot family. Predominantly green, the Kulawai is a very rare inhabitant of the mountain forest canopy which feeds on nectar and pollen. The last confirmed sighting was in 1993 and searches in the last few years have failed to find any. So are they extinct now?

A clear window with an image of a Kato ni Masima (salt basket) is featured on the banknote. 

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)

Sizes - 136mm x 68mm

Back - The design features an image of the endangered Vonu Dina (Green Turtle). It is one of the largest sea turtles and the most commonly found ones in Fiji. Of the seven different species found globally, this is the only herbivore feeding turtle and feeds mostly on seagrasses and algae. An image of Vutia seagrass (Syringodium isoetifolium) consumed by the green turtles is also depicted. This note showcases two rare turtle species to the world and also in protecting them for sustainability.

 

Ten Dollars

Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Beli (Lever’s Goby). Beli is one of few true freshwater fish, living all its life in fast-running fresh water as it flows over stones to which they often attach. Their presence in any river is an indicator of good habitat quality and minimal catchment disturbance.

A clear window with an image of i Buburau ni Bete (duck dish) is featured on the banknote. 

Sizes - 140mm x 66.5mm

Back - The design features three children planting mangrove along the coastline. Mangroves are largely threatened due to coastal development. Advocacy on protecting mangroves and restoring damaged ones is vital with mangroves regarded as climate heroes since they extract carbon from the atmosphere helping combat climate change and reduce global warming.

 

Twenty Dollars

Front - The design features the iconic Kacau ni Gau (Fiji Petrel) which is known to nest only on Gau Island in Fiji. For much of its life, the Kacau ni Gau is a true ocean bird and remains at sea probably well outside Fijian waters for months on end. It has a very distinctive flight style which helps to make it stand out.

A clear window with an image of a Foa (Rotuman coconut scraper) is featured on the banknote. 

Sizes - 146mm x 67mm

Back - The design features the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Building located along Pratt Street in Suva. The RBF is the central bank of the Republic of Fiji and was established in 1984 as an independent institution through an Act of Parliament - the RBF Act (1983). 

 

Fifty Dollars

Front - The design features the Tagimoucia (Medinilla waterhousei) flower which is perhaps Fiji’s best known flower. It is the subject of songs, stories and folklore. Tagimoucia is a liana of the upland forest and where it occurs it often flowers profusely in bunches of vivid scarlet petals contrasting with the pure white centres. It also occurs on Mount Seatura in Bua.

A clear window with an image of a Wasekaseka (Whale’s tooth necklace) is featured on the banknote. 

Sizes - 151mm x 67mm

Back - The design features a Girmitiya lady with the Leonidas ship in the backdrop. The Leonidas was the first vessel that transported the Girmitiyas into Fiji on 14 May 1879. Girmitiya commonly refers to the indentured labourers from the then British India who were brought to work on sugarcane plantations in Fiji. These people were also shipped by the British to work in other parts of the world occupied by the British, like British Guiana, the Caribbean, Jamaica, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. These indentured labourers replaced the slave labourers following the abolition of the trade in the early 19th century. Most of these people were deceived, coerced or even kidnapped by the British and according to a British historian, Huge Tinker (b.1921-2000), he classified them as modern slaves. The indenture system was officially abolished on 1 January 1920 whereby the majority of the Girmitiyas eventually settled in Fiji. Today about 38% of the population are Fiji Indians or Fijian with Indian heritage. The Leonidas ship was a labour transport ship and made it's first voyage from Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1879 and arrived in Levuka Fiji. Over the next 37 years, it transported over 61,000 Indians to work in Fiji. This note clearly honouring those who came (willing or unwilling by force) and made contribution to Fiji's economic growth and stability through scarify and harsh labour conditions mostly in the agriculture industry. 

 

One Hundred Dollars

Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Nanai (Cicada). Cicadas are well known for their loud and ignoring calls, some of which resound through Fiji’s forests. Nanai is unique due to its striking appearance and is extremely well known to the inland communities of Viti Levu as it emerges in enormous numbers once every eight years and is not otherwise seen. Imagine the noise it can make as a group. Trust me, even just one can be annoying, not to mention as in a group. 

A clear window with an image of a Buli Kula (Golden Cowrie) is featured on the banknote. 

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)

Sizes - 156mm x 68mm

Back - The design features an i-Taukei man (indigenous Fijian) in traditional attire holding (offering) a bilo (bowl) of kava. Kava is an integral part of the i-Taukei culture and is ritually consumed as part of traditional ceremonies such as welcoming visitors, resolving conflicts and making peace. Kava is also consumed widely in Fiji in casual social gatherings and is regarded as the national drink of Fiji. 

Note * - I believe the following countries/nations have fully adopted polymer banknotes in full. When I say fully adopted, I meant that only polymer notes are issued going forward and not paper banknotes anymore.

Australia, Barbados, Brunei, Canada, East Caribbean, Falkland Islands, England, Fiji, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Northern Ireland, Samoa, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

I have excluded The Philippines as I understand that the Philippines is still releasing paper notes and polymer notes for the same denominations for general circulation.

Officially, there are 195 countries around the world but the exact number can vary based on political recognition and disputed territories such as Taiwan, Transnistria and a few others. Based on 195 countries around the world, and the first introduction of Polymer banknotes in 1988 by Australia, today only approximately 11% of these countries have fully adopted polymer banknotes. Many countries are still taking the cautious approach and adopting a mixture of paper and polymer banknotes, with denominations issued in polymer that are common and popular in demand. 

 

...Mexico - 2024-2025 Full Set Banco de Mexico 100th Years Commemorative 1925-2025

Estados Unidos Mexicanos

(United Mexican States)

Banco de Mexico (est.1925)
(Bank of Mexico)
Currency : Peso (MXN) 

Below is a full set of five notes issued between 2024 and 2025 commemorating the central bank's 100th Anniversary 1925 to 2025.

Banco de Mexico (Bank of Mexico) was established on 1st of September 1925 with its current head office located in the capital city of Mexico. Only five notes have been issued for this commemorative series as the 20 pesos note is not included. The designs for all five notes are the same as all current series in circulation but with commemorative text/logo printed (as above) to celebrate this special occasion. Like the current series, both the 50 and 100 pesos are printed on polymer substrate materials.

Whilst I have posted a full set of five notes, in reality, a complete set consists of 25 notes as in Mexico each denomination issued comes with 5 signature varieties. All banknotes are signed with the bank governor and counters signed by one board member of the central bank and all the five board member's signatures are not the same. This is one of the reasons that collecting Mexico banknotes in full sets is very difficult especially for those not residing in the country. Whilst some dealers may stock them in full sets with all five signature varieties for the lower note denominations, it is hard and expensive to get the 500 and 1000 pesos notes in full sets, and for this reason, I have decided just to have one denomination each. Sadly to say, the signatures on all of my five notes are not the same. It would be better if they were, as it would look nicer. 

Fifty Pesos (Polymer)

Front - Image of the foundation of Tenochtitlan, which is now the capital city of Mexico, Mexico city. This is a historical site and was reported as being first founded in 1325. Underneath is the image of an eagle standing on a cactus plant.

Signatures - Victoria Rodriguez Ceja and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024

Sizes - 65mm x 147.5mm 

Back - scene of an axolotl swimming in Xochimilco lake. This is one weird looking creature and can be found in several lakes in Mexico. 

One Hundred Pesos (Polymer)

Front - Juana Inés de la Cruz (b.1648-1695). Her birth name was Dona Ines de Asbaje y Ramirez de Santillana. During her lifetime, she was a nun, a writer, poet and a musician composer too. Image of Patio of the "Antiguo Colegio" San Ildefonso. This building is now used as a museum and cultural center in Mexico City. Originally it was established in 1588 as a Jesuit boarding school. This was dissolved in 1978 and turned it into a museum.  

Signatures - Jonathan Heath Constable and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024

Sizes - 65mm x 132mm 

Back - rain forest with Monarch butterflies flying around persuasively from the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt pine-oak forests ecoregion in central Mexico.

Two Hundred Pesos (Paper)

Front - Campana de Dolores (Bell of Dolores) which was used to call upon the population and start the independence movement in Dolores Hidalgo, Don Miguel Gregorio Antonio Francisco Ignacio Hidalgo-Costilla y Gallaga Mandarte Villaseñor (priest 1753-1811) who started the Mexico's War of Independence in Dolores Hidalgo and José María Teclo Morelos Pérez y Pavón (1765-1815) who assumed the leadership of the independent movement after the death of Hidalgo;

Signatures - Galia Borja Gomez and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024

Watermarks - Bell and electrotype 200

Sizes - 139.5mm x 65mm 

Back - Royal eagle, Biosphere of El Pinacate (desert) and Gran Desierto de Altar in Sonora UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Five Hundred Pesos (Paper)

Front - Portrait of Benito Pablo Juarez Garcia (b.1806-1872) was the 26th president of Mexico. He was appointed to the post from 1858 until his death in 1872. To his left is the sScene of Brnito Jusrez entering Mexico City.

Signatures - Victoria Rodriguez Ceja and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024 

Watermarks - Benito Juarez and electrotype 500

Sizes - 146mm x 65mm 

Back - The main design depicts the view of El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve with a whale swimming with her calf. The Reserve was created in 1988 and is located in Mulege Municipality in northern Baja California Sur (peninsula).

 

One Thousand Pesos (Paper)

Front - Portraits of Maria del Carmen Serdan Alatriste (b.1875-1948, was a Mexican revolutionary), Hermila Galinda Acosta (b.1886-1954, was a Mexican ferminist and writer) and Francisco Ignacio Madero Gnzalez (b.1873-1913, was a Mexican businessman, revolutionary, writer, politician and statesman and was the 37th president of Mexico from 1911 to 1913). A steam locomotive is printed in the background on the left next to the portrait of Carmen Serdan, 

Signatures - Jonathan Heath Constable and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Watermarks - Portrait of Francisco Ignacio Madero and electrotype 1000

Date - Ciudad de México, 12 Mar. 2025

Sizes - 153mm x 65mm 

Back - The main design on the back depicts a jaguar presumably hunting in the jungle. To the right is the ruins of the Mayan temple Calakmul.

...Papua New Guinea - 50 Kina 2025 Commemorative 50th Year of Independence

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Bank of Papua New Guinea (Est.1973)

Currency - Kina (PGK)

 

Here, I have posted the 50 kina polymer note issued commemorating the country's 50th year of gaining independence from Australia. This note was reportedly released on 28.08.2025 to the public for circulation.

 

Papua New Guinea achieved independence on 16.09.1975 after almost 57 years of under the Australian administration. Papua New Guinea was given to Australia's rule after the end of World War I. Prior to that, the country was divided into two, with the German occupying the top half of present-day Papua New Guinea and the British occupying the bottom half. In 1902, the British ceded their control to Australia and after the defeat of the German in the First World War, the part that was occupied by the German prior the war was then handed over to the Australia control. 

 

Since gaining independence, numerous banknotes have been released to celebrate the country's independence: -  

 

1995 - 2 kina 20th Anniversary of Independence

2000 - Full set 25th Anniversary of Independence 

2010 - Full set 35th Anniversary of Independence

2015 - 20 kina 40th Anniversary of Independence

 

The design for this 50 kina commemorative note is very similar to the current 50 kina normal circulating note but with added commemorative features mainly on the front.

 

Fifty Kina

 

Front - Coat of Arms, a flying Bird of Paradise, with Papua New Guinea's parliament in the background. The independence logo of 50 is printed next to the parliament building. Below are two butterflies flying.

 

Governor - Elizabeth W Genia (tenure 2023-)

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Andrew F Oaeke (tenure 2021-)

Sizes - 145.5mm x 70mm

 

Back - Portrait of Sir Michael Somare (b.1936-2021); spears from Sepik; shield and mask from New Ireland; leaf and pointed Tubuan face mask from New Britain; headdress from the Highlands; mask and costume from Sepik River. No security thread. 

 

 

...Libya - 5 and 20 Dinars Polymer ND2025 Issues

ليبيا

Libya

 

 مصرف ليبيا المركزي

(Central Bank of Libya)

Currency - Dinar (LYD)

Here are the two polymer notes of 5 and 20 dinars reportedly issued in 2025. These are the second and third polymer notes issued since the 1 dinar polymer note was first introduced in 2019. Whilst these two notes were issued in 2025, no year dates are printed on either of the notes.

Based on what the notes have been issued, it is fair to say that the central bank is embracing polymer note series going forward, perhaps for the remainder of the series. At the moment, only the 10 and 50 dinars are yet to be issued for this polymer series. The 50 dinars is still the largest denomination circulating in the economy.

Five Dinars (Polymer)

Front - Image of the Ottoman Clock Tower in Tripoli. Situated in the city of Ottoman, it is believed that this clock tower was built in 1870 during the occupation by the Ottoman empire. The Ottoman empire ruled Libya from 1551 to 1912, and then took over by the Italian, after the defeat of the Italo-Turkish War (1911-1912). I believe the tower is painted in white colour or perhaps in creamy colour.the tower is located in the Tarabulus district in Tripoli.

Governor - Naji Mohamed Issa Belqasem (since 2024)

Watermark - Omar Mukhtar (clear window)

Sizes - 136mm x 88.5mm

Back - Temple of Zeus in Cyrene is a historical site, first built by the Romans in the 6th century BC. The temple was then rebuilt again in the 2nd century AD after it was destroyed by a revolt in 115 AD. In the 4th century AD, again it was destroyed, but this time by an earthquake and since then, no attempt has been carried out to either repair or rebuild the temple again. Cyrene is just an archeological ruins site situated near the village of Shahhat, northeast of Libya. In 2017, this site was listed as a World Heritage in Danger by UNESCO. 

Twenty Dinars (Polymer)

Front - Image of Al-Atiq mosque in Awjila. This is a Sunni Islam mosque situated in the oasis village of Awjila, north-east of Libya. The mosque is located in the o;d city area of Awjila and it is dated from the 12th century. This mosque was made mainly from mud and limestone with unusual conical domes.

Governor - Naji Mohamed Issa Belqasem (since 2024)

Watermark - Omar Mukhtar (clear window)

Sizes - 149mm x 74.5mm

Back - A girl school in Ghadames. Ghasames is a historical oasis city in northwestern Libya. It is not sure which school this is related to. This image looks like the White-washed former Italian and Koranic school in Ghadames. The school is situated in the old town of Ghadames. This school was built centuries ago and was originally an Italian school, and later served as a Koranic school. The school is a historical landmark in the old city of Ghadames.

...The Falkland Islands - 2025 Polymer New Series Full Set Dated 14 August 2025

Falkland Islands

(British Overseas Territory)

 

Falkland Islands Commissioners of Currency

Currency - Pound (FKP) 

Here is a set of three notes all printed with the date of 14 August 2025. These three notes are all printed in polymer substrates and these are new series replacing the previous paper series first introduced in 1983 (£5 commemorative). The £50 denomination is not included in this new series as I believe this note is rarely used on the island and according to a local online news outlet, there is plenty of stock available for the £50 to last the demand for a long time before reprints are required.

All notes were released on 14.08.2025. This day is also the Falklands day where the people in the Falkland Islands celebrate the first sighting of the Falkland Islands on that day in 1592 by the English explorer, Captain John Davis. It should be noted that, and I believe, that this is not a public holiday for the Falklanders.

The Falkland Islands pound is pegged to the British sterling at par and as such the English pounds are widely accepted on the island, just like in Saint Helena, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands. However, I cannot say the same in the United Kingdom where the Falkland Islands pounds are widely acceptable. The Falkland Islands pound was first introduced in 1833.

Falkland Islands is a disputed territory as it is also claimed by the Argentinian government. It is believed that the Falkland Islands were uninhabited before the arrival of the Europeans in 1764. The British took over the islands in 1833 but Argentina maintains its claim to the islands. In 1982, a brief war was fought between the British and the Argentinians, after Argentina invaded the island on 02.04.1982 (and South Georgia on 03.04.1982). The war ended on 14.06.1982, after the Argentinian army surrendered. To the Argentinians, they called this territory as Islas Malvinas. Until today, this dispute is still unresolved. In 2013, a sovereignty referendum was held on the island and over 99+% of the residents wanted to remain with the British. This is not a surprise, after all, the majority of the people, if not all, are descendants of British subjects. Only 1,516 people voted with 1,513 voted for and 3 against, and 1 invalid vote and 1 blank vote. Falkland Islands is considered as one of the most remote places you can find in the world. However, it is not as bad as the Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific.

As this is a new series, the designs for all three notes are the same, except for the colours, and denomination values. Just like those previous series, the designs for all three notes on the front are all the same, and the same goes for the reverse too. I am not sure if this has anything to do with the cost of designing and manufacturing or simply just going for simplicity with the same design on all the notes. As expected, the notes are all printed with the portrait of the current British monarch, King Charles the III in military uniform. These are the first series of banknotes printed with King Charles III's portrait. 'However, Bermuda was the first nation outside the United Kingdom to issue banknotes with King's Charles portrait. A few other countries are going to follow suit, and one would expect territories like Jersey, Gibraltar and Guernsey to do the same when new banknotes are required. 

All notes are printed with tactile features in a shape to assist with those partially impaired.

£5 - Inverted triangle shape (14 dots); 

£10 - Square shape (16 dots); and 

£20 - Circular shape (12 dots) 

To a local news media in the Falkland Islands, this new series is known as - The two Kings, with King Charles printed on the front and King Penguins on the back. 

Just like the last issues of the £10 and £20 Series B dated 1 January 2011, all notes are also printed with the three signatures of the Commissioners of Currency. They are:- 

Rebecca Ross (Exchequer Supervisor)

Pat Clunie (Finance Secretary)

Stephen Cannon (Head of Finance)

 

Given a rather small population (3,788 people - 2023 estimated), I believe only one prefix has been printed for this series. However, I do not have any information as to how many pieces were printed, and given that this new series is printed on polymer substrates, I can only predict that between 100,000 or 200,000 pieces are printed, with the higher denomination printed less. I have not sighted and replacement prefix has been printed, but I am sure they are available.

Five Pounds 

Front - The portrait of King Charles the III, replacing the last Queen Elizabeth the II. King Charles III became the King of the United Kingdom following the death of his mother on 08.09.2022. Coronation for King Charles was held on 06.05.2023. In the middle background is the image of the map of the Falkland Island, and in the top left are five black-browed albatrosses flying. To the top right corner is the see-through window printed with the image of a King Penguin.

Date - 14 August 2025

Sizes - 135.5mm x 65mm

Back - Pale Maiden (flower) or Olsynium filifolium is the only species of the iris family native to the Falkland Islands.

Steeple Jason Island is a small island west of Grand Jason Island. This island is situated on the northwest of the Falkland Islands. The Steeple Jason Island was used for sheep grazing until the 1980s. Today, it is home to the largest colony of black-browed albatrosses in the world. Today, 70% of the global population of these birds breed in the Falkland Islands. Below the Pale Maiden are the five species of penguin.

Five penguins are printed in the bottom left. 

Below the wordings - The Government of the Falkland Islands, the following slogan is also added to the note - "Desire The Right" to the bottom right corner on all the three notes.

Ten Pounds 

Sizes - 135mm x 65mm 

Twenty Pounds

Sizes - 136mm x 65mm

Some interesting facts about the Falkland Islands

1) It has a rather small population of  3,788+/-;

2) All citizens are also considered as British subjects with the right to British residency;

3) No McDonalds, Tescos or Starbucks, nor any chain shops or restaurants;

4) Visitors have visa free visit for up to 30 days;

5) Flying into the island is via Chile;

6) Averaging detached houses costing £350,000+/- each;

7) Minimum wages £9.19 at at 01.01.2025, average income is £20,100; 

8) Only one pub, called The Rose Bar (corner of Rose Road - Dean Street);

9) Foreigners retirement is possible if financially independent; 

10) Most common food is mutton, a staple diet to the locals; 

11) No trees can be grown due to the weather and the unsuitable soil; 

12) Car speed limit in Stanley (capital) is 25mph and 40mph in other area; 

13) Temperature - Winter -5C and Summer 24C;

14) Main economy are tourism, commercial fishing and servicing the fishing industry.