...Tonga - ND2023 Series Full Set Paper And Polymer Matching Numbers Set Commemorative

Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻO Tonga

(Kingdom of Tonga)

 

Pangike Pule Fakafanua 'O Tonga

(National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Est.1989)

Currency - Pa'anga (TOP)

 

I posted a full set of six notes (nd)2023 on 01.05.2024. Now, I have posted another full set with matching serial numbers. These are specially put together in a limited edition in folders and sold at a premium as Numismatic Collectable items. This set consists of 2 polymer notes and 4 paper banknotes. The denominations for 5 and 10 are both printed on polymer substrate. This is the first time polymer notes have been issued in the Kingdom of Tonga. This set was introduced on 04.12.2023 and is the 9th series of banknotes issued since 1921. This set was issued to commemorate the birthday of the Kingdom's moderniser King Tupou I. King George Tupou I was born on 04.12.1797 and died on 18.02.1893. He was the King of Tonga from 1845 for 48 years until his death at the good old age of 95.

Right now there are about 11 nations in the Pacific region that are issuing their own banknotes, and all have at least one or two notes that are printed on polymer substrate except for the French Pacific Territories and New Caledonia. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have all fully converted their banknotes to polymer notes and now Tonga have issued two of their notes in polymer substrate notes too. The reason for the two notes of 5 and 10 pa'anga printed on SAFEGUARD on polymer substrate is that these are the two most used denominations in the country. These notes are all printed by De La Rue (name not printed on the notes).

 

The theme for this new series is similar to those previous issues with the exception of the 50 pa'anga. I believe the design for the 50 pa'anga is completely new. As expected, the design on the front for all the notes are the same albeit in different colours. The dimensions for all six notes are also basically the same with 1 to 1.5mm in variance, which is normal. These notes are all undated (nd2023).

The serial numbers for this set are all printed with the matching numbers of A 000086. Given a rather small population in Tonga, I believe all notes for all denominations for this series are printed with the letter A prefix only. This folder set comes with a certificate of authenticity printed on the back of the folder and is signed by the bank governor, Tatafu Toma Moeaki.

Two Pa'anga (Paper)

 

Front - The engraved portrait of King of Tonga - Tupou VI (b.1959). He was crowned King of Tonga on 18.03.2012 following the death of his brother, King George Tupou V. Prior to that, he served as the 13th Prime Minister of Tonga from 2000 to 2006. In 2008, he was then appointed as the Chief of mission for Tonga's High Commission in Canberra Australia and in 2010, he was appointed as the Tongan ambassador to Japan. To the far right is the Coat of Arms. The design on the fronts are all the same, albeit different denominations, colour and some security features.

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 150.5mm x 70mm

 

Back - The theme on the back of the note is related to tourism, depicting a Humpback whale doing a water backsplash. Whales watching months in Tonga are from June to October, with August and September being the best months.

Five Pa'anga (Polymer)

 

This is the first of the two polymer notes issued by Tonga. It is not sure why the bank did not include the two pa'anga notes as polymers. Perhaps, the 2 pa'anga is not as heavily circulated in the country, like the 5 and 10 pa'anga.

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT (transparent window)

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 71mm

 

Back - Ha'amonga stone gateway or Ha'amonga 'a Maui is a stone structure with two vertical large stones supporting a third stone on the top. This Ha'amonga 'a Maui is situated on the island of Tongatapu. Standing next to the structure is a man/woman. This gives you some ideas how big this structure is. It is believed that this structure was built by King Tu'itatui in the 13th century in honour of his sons. 

Ten Pa'anga (Polymer)

 

Like the last series issued in 2015, all notes are printed with three signatures. It is not sure how many of these numismatic collectable sets are available as such information is not mentioned in the folder. Based on the set that I have here it would be fair to say that the first 100 numbered notes or more are sold as matching numbered sets. Despite saying this, I have seen matching sets selling on the Internet with notes numbered in 8xxx. However, I am not sure if these are from the official issues or if it just happened that the seller got them with matching numbers. I honestly doubt that such high serial numbered notes are from the Official matching set releases, but I could be wrong. I have a set that is not matching numbers and one of the notes has the serial number of #3327.

 

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since December 2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since October 2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since December 2022)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT (transparent window)

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 70.5mm

 

Back - Tonga ancient and ritual ceremony, depicting Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho (b.1983) performing Kava Ceremony Milolua. The princess is the eldest daughter of King Tupou VI, and the princess is the current Tonga High Commissioner to Australia since 2012.

Twenty Pa'anga (Paper)

 

Front - This note is printed with a PUREIMAGE security feature, a holographic thread in the central right of the note. All notes are printed with the country's Coat of Arms underneath the denomination on the front.

 

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151mm x 69.5mm

 

Back - The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) building in Nkuk'alofa. The NRBT is a five story building and is the tallest building in Tonga. This building was built in 1994 and this building first featured on the 20 pa'anga 2008 note series. The building also hosts the Embassy of Japan.

Fifty Pa'anga (Paper)

 

Front - On the front it features the NEXUS security thread, a dynamic micro-optic thread with the 'Drive' effect and denominational numeral. The security thread measures about 4.5mm wide and is printed in green colour.

 

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 70mm

 

Back - The St George Government Building was built in May 2017. This is a four-storey building which is occupied by the Prime Minister department, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, and also the office of Trade and Foreign Affairs. The cost for the construction was funded via a grant from China and was built by Shanghai Construction Group. This is the first time this building is featured in a Banknote series.

One Hundred Pa'anga (Paper)

 

Front - With NEXUS security feature which is a 18mm wide embedded micro optic stripe on the central left side of the note. You can find this security feature printed on the Guernsey ₤20 (nd2023), Qatar 500 riyals (2020 and 2022) and Solomon Islands $50 and $100 (nd2023).

 

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151mm x 70mm

 

Back - On the back is the Royal Palace situated in Nuku'Alofa, the capital city of Tonga. This wooden palace was built in 1867 and is located only a short distance from the Pacific ocean. The palace is the official residence of the King of Tonga, and this building has been featured on Tonga's banknotes since the 1967 series.

...Egypt - 10 And 20 Pounds Polymer Notes ND2023 Prints

 جمهورية مصر العربية

 (Arab Republic of Egypt)

البنك المركزي المصري

 (Central Bank of Egypt, est.1898)

Currency - Pound (EGP)

 

Here are the two polymer notes of 10 and 20 pounds both released in (nd)2023. The 10 pounds note was a reprint from the 2022 issue, whilst the 20 pounds note is the first release. To date, only the 10 and 20 pounds notes are printed in polymer substrate material. The rest of the Egyptian banknotes are still printed on paper material.

 

Like the 10 pounds polymer series, the design for this 20 pounds note is also completely new too. Also like the 10 pounds note, the 20 pounds note is also printed with a transparent window, which is one of the unique features of polymer notes.

 

Ten Pounds

 

Governor - Hasan Abdullah (tenure 2022-)

Printer - The Printing House of the Central Bank of Egypt

Dimensions - 133mm x 69.5mm

 

Front - On the front is the Al Fatah al-Aleem mosque located in the new administrative capital in Cairo. This mosque was built in 2019 and has a capacity of almost 17,000 people. This mosque is considered the largest ever built in Egypt.

 

Back - The main feature on the back is the statue of Queen Hatshepsut (b1507-1458 BC) and was the fifth Egyptian Pharaoh from 1478 to until her death in 1458 BC. She was married to Thutmose ll who was her half-brother. Thutmose ll was the fourth Pharaoh from 1493 to 1478 BC. To her right is an image of a pyramid, and below that is the Great Library of Alexandra.

Twenty Pounds

 

Governor - Hassan Abdullah (Tenure 2022-)

Printer - The Printing House of the Central Bank of Egypt

Dimensions - 145.5mm x 70mm

 

Front - The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. The mosque was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha (b.1769-1849) and was completed in 1848. The mosque was built in memory of Tusan Pasha (b.1794-1816), the second son of Muhammad Ali Pasha. This mosque is located in the Citadel of Cairo and is one of the landmarks and tourist attractions in Cairo. During his lifetime, Muhammad Ali Pasha, an Albanian, was a governor and a de facto ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1848. The transparent window features the image of the mosque and also the value of the note in Arabic ٢٠, located on top of the mosque.

 

Back - A statue of Queen Cleopatra. To the left is an image of a chariot with a soldier holding a bow and arrow ready to be fired. In the background is an image of a Great Pyramid.

...Romania - 100 Lei 2024 Polymer Commemorative 185th Anniversary Of The Birth Of King Carol I Folder

România

(Romania)

 

Banca Națională a României 

(National Bank of Romania, Est. 1880)

Currency - Leu (RON)

 

This is one good thing about European Union members that are yet to adopt the European common currency - the Euro, for whatever reasons or restrictions they may be encountering. Since the issue of the Euro currency by The European Central Bank in 2002, the central bank has never issued any commemorative banknote, and this allows countries like Romania (and Poland too) to issue commemorative notes as and when it sees fit. And right now, it seems that Poland is the only EU member that has been non-stop producing commemorative banknotes on an annual basis - Go Polska!

This is the fourth commemorative note issued by Romania since becoming an EU member in 2007. This note is printed on a polymer substrate and issued in a folder with an envelope. Like those three previous issues, this 100 lei commemorative note is also issued as a numismatic product in limited edition and sold at a premium. A total of 30,000 sets in folders were released on 02.12.2024, at a price of 150 lei per set plus tax. In my opinion, 30,000 sets is quite a lot and should be sufficient to meet overseas demands as well.

 

This note celebrates King Carol I's 185th birthday 1839-2024. Romania became a republic since the last King of Romania, King Michael I (b.1921-2017) was forced to abdicate by the occupying Russian forces during the end of the Second World War. The country then went on and was ruled by the communist regime until the Romanian revolution in 1989 when the President of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu (b.1918-1989) was captured by the army and executed. He died (together with his wife Elena Ceausescu b, 1916-1989) on Christmas day in 1989 by a firing squad after a quick trial conducted by the National Salvation Front (the provisional government during the revolution). Since then Romania has been governed by a unitary semi-presidential republic system. However, despite being a republic, it seems that many of the citizens are still very much fond of their past monarchs and talks were mentioned in the past whether to have a referendum to see if they want to bring them back as King/Queen. Perhaps this commemorative note and the one issued in 2018 would give you some ideas of what they are thinking right now, as I do not see any good reasons for issuing such commemorative banknotes, apart from generating income for the bank. I am sure the government would have also considered the current positive public sentiment regarding the monarchy.

One Hundred Lei

 

Governor - Mugur Constantin Isarescu

Chief Cashier - Ionel Nitu

Date - 1 decembrie 2024 (01.12.2024)

Issue Price - 150 lei plus tax

Dimensions - 147mm x 82mm

Front - The image of King Carol I. King Carol I or Charles I of Romania was born in 1839 and died in 1914, aged 75. He was the first King of Romania and he ascended to the Romanian throne on 15.03.1881 until his death in 1914. He was succeeded by his nephew Ferdinand I (b.1865-1927). In the middle is the Order of the Star of Romania, which is a decoration which was awarded to anyone that is recognised for his/her meritorious service to the country. This award was introduced by Carol I in 1877 when he was a Prince. At that time, this was the highest civil order and second highest state award. In 1940, this decoration award was then abolished by King Michael I of Romania and replaced by the Order of St George. The Star of Romania was then reintroduced in 1998 and since then is awarded by the President of Romania. In the background is a battle scene of the War of Independence. The War of Independence was referred to as the Russia-Turkish War which was fought from 1877 to 1878. Romania was fighting on the Russian side against Turkey and gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

 

Back - In the middle is the statue of King Carol I. To the left is the image of Peles Castle. I believe Carol I's statue is situated in the garden in front of Peles Castle. The construction for Peles Castle was ordered by King Carol I in 1873 and was not finished until 1914. It is not sure if this castle was completed before or after the death of the King. This castle is located near Sinaia (central Romania), about 120 kilometers north of Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. 

Folder Front Cover 210mm x 148mm

...Papua New Guines - ND2023 Prints Of 2, 10 and 100 Kina

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Bank of Papua New Guinea (Est.1973)

Currency - Kina (PGK)

 

Below are three notes all printed with the year nd2023. At present, only these notes have been reported and we are not sure if the five, twenty and fifty kina have been released as well, as the last print for these notes were all dated nd2021. Time will tell if more than 3 notes have been issued for the nd2023 series.  

 

 

Two Kina

 

Governor - Elizabeth Genia (tenure 2023-)

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

Dimensions - 126mm x 70.5mm

 

Front - Papua New Guinea's Parliament located in Waigani in the capital city of Port Moresby. The parliament house was officially opened on 08.08.1984 by Prince Charles (now King Charles The lll). The parliament house was formerly known as the House of Assembly Building of Papua New Guinea from 1964 to 1975. On the top left is the Bird of Paradise, the national emblem of Papua New Guinea, perched on a Kundu Drum and Ceremonial spear.Coat of Arms and on the far left is a see-through image of the bank's logo. 

 

Back - The main design on the back are a Mt Hagen axe, Kula Arm band from Milne Bay, engraved dog teeth from Bouganville, and a clay pot from the Sepik regions.

 

   

Ten Kina

 

Governor - Elizabeth Genia (tenure 2023-)

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

Dimensions - 136mm x 70.5mm

 

Front - The main design elements on the front are the Parliament House and the National Crest of Papua New Guinea, which is a stylised Bird of Paradise sitting on a Kundu (drum) and a spear.

 

Back - The main design elements on the back are a Tami Bowl, Bird of Paradise feathers, a Boar’sTusk from the Highlands and Tambu Shell Money from East New Britain, which is also the complex window design

 

 

 

One Hundred Kina

 

Governor - Elizabeth Genia (tenure 2023-)

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

Dimensions - 151mm x 70mm

Front - The front of the Banknote contains an Intaglio portrait of the Parliament House and the National Crest symbolising National Unity. 

 

Back - The main feature on the back of the note depicts the transition from the traditional primary economy towards the modern economy encompassing mining, petroleum, tourism, transportation and technology.
 

 

...Philippines - Polymer Series 2024 - 2025 Smarter, Cleaner And Stronger Series

Republika ng Pilipinas

(Republic of The Philippines)

Bango Sentral ng Pilipinas

(Central Bank of The Philippines, Est.1949)

Currency - Piso (PHP)

 

On 19.12.2024, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines, Eli M. Remolona launched the three new polymer notes of 50, 100 and 500 piso. These three notes were complete the polymer series, since the first denomination of 1000 piso was introduced in 2022. For the three notes posted here, the 50 piso note is dated 2025, and the remaining two are dated 2024. For the purpose of this post, I have also included the 1000 piso issued earlier with the year date of 2024.

 

The message to the people for introducing polymer banknotes is that they are Smarter, Cleaner and Stronger: -

Smarter - It incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting features and also a smaller carbon footprint;

Cleaner - Virus and bacteria do not survive as long on polymer note that those paper banknotes; and

Stronger - In general, polymer can last 2.5 times longer that paper banknotes.

 

This series of polymer notes were released on 23.12.2024 but only available mainly in the Greater Manila area, and fully released to the public for circulation in the first quarter of 2025.

 

The central bank also announced that the 20 piso is not part of this new polymer series as it has since been replaced by a coin, and the 200 piso is also not included as this note is unpopular in the country since it was first introduced in 2010. The last 20 piso paper banknote was issued in 2023.

 

For this new polymer series, it features the country's biodiversity, and it showcase various aspects of the country's national pride. The features on the notes also help promoting the country;s identity.

 

Fifty Piso

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2025 

Dimensions - 160mm x 66mm

 

Front - The 50-piso polymer banknote highlights the endemic subspecies and vulnerable Visayan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis rabori), found in the islands of Panay, Negros, and Cebu. This elusive cat embodies strength, agility, curiosity, self-reliance, and independence. The banknote also features Vidal’s lanutan (Hibiscus campylosiphon), a large endemic flower with a red center, found across the country.

 

Back - The reverse side shows the Taal Lake and the native maliputo fish (Caranx ignobilis), highlighting our rich aquatic biodiversity. It also features an intricate embroidery design handcrafted in Batangas.

 

 

One Hundred Piso

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2024

Dimensions - 160mm x 66mm

Front - The 100-piso polymer banknote features the endemic and endangered Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis) or tandikan. Representing strength, beauty, and grace, it is a strong flier with iridescent tail feathers. The banknote also shows the Ceratocentron fesselii, an endemic and critically endangered orchid with beautiful orange blooms, found in Luzon and Negros. 

Back - The reverse side features the iconic Mayon Volcano and the native and endangered whale shark (Rhincodon typus), celebrating the country’s natural grandeur. It also highlights an indigenous weave design from the Bicol Region.  

Five Hundred Piso 

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2024

Dimensions -160mm x 66mm

 

Front - The 500-piso polymer banknote features the endemic and critically endangered Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi), which is found in the lush rainforests of Panay and Negros. Known for keen senses, it symbolizes clarity and sharpness. Also showcased is the Acanthephippium mantinianum, an endemic orchid with red-striped, yellow flowers, found across Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Negros, and Leyte. It is believed that the Visayan deer is an endangered species of deer and with a popular of less than 3,000.

 

Back - The reverse side highlights the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the native and critically endangered blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), symbols of the country’s rich biodiversity, and an indigenous weave design from southern Philippines.

 

One Thousand Piso

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2024

Dimensions - 161mm x 66.5mm

 

Front - The front features two main national symbols of the country. Firstly, is the Philippines Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). This is one of the rarest birds in the world, and it is believed that there are less than 500 birds in the country. The Philippines eagle represents the country's uniqueness, strength, power, and love for freedom, as well as a sharp vision for the future. The other symbol is the Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac flower) in the form of a see-through window. The Sampaguita symbolises purity, simplicity, humility, and strength. On the right is another see-through window, and on the window, it features the National Coat of Arms, and beneath that is the new logo of the Central Bank of The Philippines.

 

Back - The design on the back is basically the same as the last paper banknote issued. On the left is the outline map of the Philippines. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Site, is printed on the background, with a turtle swimming and below that is a South Sea Pearl oyster. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is situated between the main island of Mindanao and the island of Palawan. A colourful Lion fish is also depicted swimming in the reef. On the right is the strip weaver design called T'nalak. This feature was first introduced on the 1000 piso paper note issued in 2020 as the Windowed Security Thread (WST).