...Bermuda - $2 And $5 Polymer Notes 2024 Series

Bermuda

(British Overseas Territory)

Bermuda Monetary Authority (Est.1969)

Currency - Dollar (BMD) 

 

Here are the two polymer notes released during the second week of November 2024. In 2009, Bermuda became the first country to issue a complete set of Hybrid banknotes with denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. These Hybrid notes were printed by De La Rue (DLR). Is DLR abandoning their Hybrid banknote technology? Few countries adopted Hybrid banknotes over the last 10 years or so, and these have since been replaced, mostly with polymer notes. Given that DLR's Hybrid notes were first introduced more than 10 years ago, it appears that they are not that popular and most countries that have issued Hybrid notes are mostly from small countries, mostly from the Pacific nations. Bermuda is now one of the very few countries that have their banknotes printed on paper, hybrid and now polymer substrate material.

 

It is obvious that these two polymer notes replaced the 2009 Hybrid series. The main features of these two polymer notes are the same as those hybrid notes first introduced in 2009 but with advanced security features thus making these more secure. As these are both printed on polymer substrate, they both come with a transparent window as expected for all polymer notes.

 

Like the previous Hybrid series printed with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth, and since the demise of the queen in 2022, the effigy of King Charles III is now used instead and is printed in the bottom left corner. This is the first time King Charles III's bust is printed on a banknote outside the United Kingdom. Unlike a few countries around that world that still have the British monarch as their Head of State, Bermuda continues to print their banknotes with the image of the British monarch, as Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory. A British Overseas Territory is not an independent nation, but it has it's own government. However, it's external affairs, defense and security are the responsibility of the British government.

An interesting fact about Bermuda is that it was named after a Spanish sailor called Juan de Bermudez, who discovered the islands in 1505 while sailing from Spain to the Caribbean on a provisioning voyaging journey. At the time of the discovery, it appears that the islands were uninhabited by any natives. As of 2023, Bermuda has a population of approximately 63,500 people.

If you are a collector and have been following these two notes, you will notice that they are selling quite expensive in the market. The Bermuda dollar is at par with the US dollar and yet they are selling 6 to 9 times the face value. It appears that the authority in Bermuda is discouraging or preventing their currency from exporting and as such there are not that many available in the market. Given that these are polymer notes and the growing demand in this hobby, the demand just simply exceeded the supply and as such the high price tag. Even those circulated polymer notes are also selling at a very high price too. In addition to the polymer series, those current or latest Hybrid series are also commanding a fairly high price too.

 

Whilst these are the two latest polymer notes issued by the bank, it is not sure if the remaining notes will follow suit.

 

Two Dollars 

Chairman - Donald A.M. Scott (since 2021)

Director - Philip Butterfield

Date - 20 February 2024

Dimensions - 69mm x 141mm

Front - The main feature is a Bermuda Bluebird. King Charles III's effigy is printed in the lower left corner, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth in the previous series. The Plumeria rubra flowers are printed in the background. On top of the note is a reflective, mirror-like image of a tuna fish. On the transparent window is a partially see-through window, showing a cloudy sky above water and an underwater scene. The letters of BMA are also printed on the transparent window area. Two sail boats are sailing in the open sea. A triangle raise dots of 14 is added to the note to assist with those visual impairments. 

I personally still find it strange to have the image of the British monarch King Charles III printed in the bottom left of the note instead in the top left or right corner, just like those postage stamps.

Back - Dockyard's Clock tower. I believe this Dockyard's Clock tower is located in the Clock Tower Shopping Mall in Ireland Island. Next to the tower is a statue of Neptune at the Bermuda Maritime Museum. In the background is the Clocktower Mall. On the transparent window area, a hibiscus flower is added to the design. On top of the transparent window is a small butterfly in pink and blue colours.

  

Five Dollars

 

Chairman - Donald A.M. Scott (since 2021)

Director - Karel Van-Hulle

Date - 20 February 2024

Dimensions - 69mm x 141mm

 

Front - The main feature is a Blue marlin leaping out of the water. King Charles III's effigy is printed in the lower left corner, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth in the previous series. In the background are the Easter Lily flowers. On top of the note is a reflective, mirror-like image of a tuna fish. On the transparent window is a partially see-through window, showing a cloudy sky above water and an underwater scene. The letters of BMA are also printed on the transparent window area. Three dolphins leaping out of an open sea. A circular raised dot of 12 is added to the note to assist with those visual impairments.

 

Back - Somerset bridge, connecting the islands of Somerset Island and the Main Islands (Great Bermuda). This is a hand drawn bridge and is the smallest in the world. When the bridge is opened, it creates a gap of 32-inch to allow the passage of a sailboat's mast. Above that is a view of Horseshoe bay beach. On the transparent window area, a hibiscus flower is added to the design. On top of the transparent window is a dolphin added to the design as a registration feature.

 

...Brunei - 50 Ringgit Commemorative Reprint Dated 2022

 نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

(Negara Brunei Darussalam)

 

Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam

Currency : Ringgit (BND)

 

Here I have added the 50 ringgit polymer note printed with the year date of 2022. This is a reprint of the 2017 commemorative series which celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the accession to the throne of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah became the Sultan of Brunei on 05.10.1967, following the abdication of his father the late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (b.1914-1986).

At the time of the accession of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, he was only 21 years old, and today (2025), he has been the sultan for 58 years. As an absolute monarch, he also held the positions of Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

The design of this note is the same as the one that was first released in 2017, except for a new year date printed on the back - 2022.

 

At this moment, only the F/5 2022 has been sighted. It is not sure if F/6 is also part of the 2022 series.

 

Fifty Ringgit (Prefix F/5)

Front - Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll. He is the 29th Sultan of Brunei and accessed to the throne on 05.10.1967. He was born in Istana Darussalam,  (Palace) in the capital city of Bandar Seri Bagawan. He is also the eldest son of the late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The portrait on the note depicted him in full military uniform. To the center left is the scene of the Sultan's coronation ceremony that took place on 01.08.1968, where his father, Omar Ali Saifuddien III placed the Mahkota (Crown of Brunei) onto the Sultan's head. In the background is the Jame' Ars Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. This mosque was constructed in 1994 and is the largest mosque in Brunei.

 

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (signed in Jawi language)

Dimensions - 159.5mm x 75.5mm 

 

Back - The sultan surrounded his subjects and was accompanied by his eldest son Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah bin Hassanal Bolkiah. Below the image is printed with the following words :- 

 

50th Anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. 

 

The date 05.10.2017 is also printed on the top left hand corner of the note.

 

...Malaysia - ND2019 Signed By Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus Tenure 2018-2023

Malaysia

 

Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia Est.1959)

Currency - Ringgit

 

Here is a full set of six notes from 1 to 100 ringgit all bearing the bank's governor's signature of Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus. This series was first introduced on 05.07.2009 with the 50 ringgit.

 

According to the central bank's website, this is Malaysia's fourth series of banknotes since 1967. Prior to 1967, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore all shared a common currency issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency Malaya and British Borneo. This arrangement ended and in 1967 and Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore all went their separate ways and thus issued their own currency.

 

As Malaysia has a federal constitutional monarchy system, all banknotes issued since 1967, featured a portrait of the first elected King (Agong), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960) of Negeri Sembilan. Since then, his portrait has been printed on all banknotes issued, including the 2017 commemorative series of 60 and 600 ringgit.

 

This series of notes all bear the signature of the Governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus. Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus was the second woman appointed as the Central Bank governor and she only served one term of 5 years, from 2018 to 2023. She was the 9th central bank governor appointed since 1959. She has been an employee of the central bank since 1987. She was succeeded by Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour, who was then her deputy. 

Satu Ringgit

One Ringgit Polymer

 

Front - Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960). Tuanku Abdul Rahman was the Yang di-Pertuan Besar (He Who Is Made Chief Ruler) of Negeri Sembilan. He was the Ruler of the State from 1933 to until his death in 1960. Tuanku Abdul Rahman was elected as the King of Malaya on 31.08.1957 following Malaya gaining independence from the British. The selection for the position of King of Malaya (now Malaysia) was decided by the Paramount Ruler of independent Malaya which comprises all the nine Rulers (Sultan/Raja) of Malaya. He won the votes by 8 to 1, beating the more senior Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Abu Bakar. He was installed as King on 02.09.1957.

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Dimensions - 120mm x 65mm 

 

Back - Traditional Kelantanese kite flying. The kite in Malay is called Wau Bulan. Family having fund at the beach. The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based on the design of this kite.

 

Replacement Prefix ZF

 

Lima Ringgit

Five Ringgit Polymer

 

Front - The term for Malaysia King is for five years and unfortunately Tuanku Abdul Rahman did not serve his full term and died on 01.04.1960. He was succeeded by Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj (b.1898-1960) from the State of Selangor. Well, he didn't last long either as he too did not manage to serve his full term either and died on 01.09.1960, barely 5 months into the role.

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Dimensions - 135.5mm x 65mm 

 

Back - A pair of Rhinoceros Hornbill. These are native birds of Borneo (Malaysia and Indonesia) as well as Thailand. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is also the state bird of Sarawak.

 

 

Ten Ringgit Paper

 Sepuluh Ringgit

 

Front - Tuanku Abdul Rahman was the second son of Tuanku Muhammad and Tunku Puan Chik. He had an elder brother, Tunku Abdul Aziz but he died in 1917, and since then he had been groomed as heir to the Negeri Sembilan's throne. 

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 10

Dimensions - 141mm x 65.5mm

 

Back - A giant Rafflesia flower. The Rafflesia can be found growing in the States of Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Terengganu and in Borneo. The Rafflesia is known to be the largest flower and is a native to Southeast Asia's rainforests. The Rafflesia is a popular tourist attraction due to the size of the flower.

 

Twenty Ringgit Paper

Dua Puluh Ringgit

 

Front - In 1925, Tuanku Abdul Rahman went to England to read Laws and three years later he qualified as a barrister from Inner Temple. In late 1928, he returned to Malaya and worked in various departments in the government. He succeeded to the Negeri Sembilan throne following the death of his father in 1933.

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 20

Dimensions - 147mm x 66mm

 

Last Prefix - DH

Back - Hawksbill and leatherback turtles swimming in a coral reef. The hawksbill turtles are found mainly resting along the State of Melaka, whilst the leatherback turtles can be found on Turtle Islands in the east coast of Sabah.

 

Fifty Ringgit Paper

Lima Puluh Ringgit

 

Front - Tuanku Abdul Rahman died in his sleep in the early morning of 01.04.1960. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Tuanku Munawir (b.1922-1967).

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 146mm x 69mm

 

First Prefix PC

Back - Oil palm trees. Malaysia and Indonesia grow around 85-90% of the world's oil palm trees. To the center right is the image of Tunku Abdul Rahman (b.1903-1990), the first Prime Minister of Malaysia (1957-1990). The image is taken from him proclaiming independence on 31.08.1957. The design for this note was first introduced on 26.12.2007, when a commemorative note was released, celebrating the country's 50th Independence anniversary. The commemorative note was printed with the Independence logo on the back, above the watermark area. The above note was then reprinted for general circulation and was first introduced on 15.07.2009 without the commemorative logo.

 

Replacement Prefix - ZH

Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960)

 

Replacement prefix - ZJ

 

Normal prefix

One Hundred Ringgit

Seratus Ringgit

 

Front - Tuanku Abdul Rahman married four times. The first two marriages ended in divorce and the third and fourth wives were related - cousins. In all he produced three sons and five daughters. Two of his sons succeeded him as the Chief Ruler of Negeri Sembilan.  

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 150.5mm x 69.5mm

Back - Image of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, and pinnacles rock formation of Gunung Api valley. Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia, whilst Gunung (mountain) Api is located at the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak.

 

...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.