...Scotland, Bank of Scotland Limited - £20 Polymer Dated 2021 Polymer

Scotland

Bank of Scotland Limited
(Established 17.07.1695, First bank to issue banknote in Scotland)

(part of the Lloyds Banking Group)

Currency : Pound Sterling (GBP)

Here I have the latest 20 pounds polymer note dated 16th August 2021. This series was first issued in early 2020 (dated 1st June 2019). The designs on this note (front and back) are still the same, except for the new date and also the titles of the signatures on the note.

Twenty Pounds

 

Chief Executive Officer - Charles Alan Nunn (since 2021)

Treasurer - Sir Robin Francis Budenbery (since 2021)

Date - 16th August 2021

Dimensions - 140mm x 73.5mm 

 

Front - The face of Sir Walter Scott (b.1771-1832). He was a Scottish novelist, poet and historian. In the center is the Bank of Scotland Headquarters building on The Mound. The building is printed with 9 windows, the front entrance and a dome all with see-through features. These features also act as an anti-counterfeit “window effect”.

 

Back - The main feature is the Forth bridge. In the background you can see Queensferry Crossing bridge. There are three bridges built across the Firth of Forth linking between Edinburgh, at South Queensferry, and Fife, at North Queensferry. The distance between these bridges is about 1 to 1.5 miles. These bridges are Queensferry Crossing bridge (2017), Forth Road bridge (1964) and Forth bridge (1889).

 

 

@71

...Mozambique - 2024 Polymer And Paper New Series Full Set All Dated 2024

República de Moçambique

(Republic of Mozambique)

 

Banco de Moçambique, Est.1975

(Bank of Mozambique)

Currency - Metical (MZD)

 

Here is a full set of six notes all dated and issued on 16.06.2024. This is the fifth series of banknotes issued since gaining independence from the Portuguese in 1975. This series of new notes was first announced on 17.05.2024 by the central bank governor Rogerio Zandamela. 

Just like the 2011 series banknotes, this series employs a mixed substrate strategy. The three lower denominations are all printed on GUARDIAN polymer substrate material and the other three denominations are printed on cotton based paper material. These notes were released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the end of the War of Independence which started on 25.09.1964 and ended on 08.09.1974. Mozambique achieved independence on 25.06.1975, and continued to use the Escudo currency for the next five years issued by the previous occupier but with the words 'BANCO DE MOCAMBIQUE' printed on the front of all the notes.

The currency of 'Meticais' was first introduced on 16.06.1980, five years after gaining independence and replaced the Escudo currency at par. Since then, the Meticais currency went on a roller coaster ride due to severe inflation. In 2005, the Meticais was the least valued currency in the world with an exchange rate of 24,500 meticais against one US dollar. Then came the Zimbabwean dollar to their rescue and snatch the title away from them. The Meticais currency then redenominated in 2006 at a rate of 1000 old meticais for one new meticais. The word 'Meticais' is an Arabic word (Mithqal) meaning Gold Dinar. Today, the exchange rate for one USD is about 65+/- medicals.

Like the last two series, the design on the front for all six notes are all similar in appearance with the portrait of the country's first President Samora Moises Machel (b.1933-1986), except for the colour and the denomination of the notes.

The theme on the back each depicts a unique element of Mozambique, such as the country's history, fauna, education, marine resources and agriculture.

Below are some of the features for this series: -

1) All the new banknotes integrate modern security features but vary according to the substrate used.

2) For the three lower denominations polymer notes, they are all printed with a see-through window, an iridescent stripe, high relift printing (tactile), a shadow image and a clear window.

 

For the remaining notes of 200, 500 and 1000 meticais are all printed with a security thread, color-changing ink, a watermark, a see-through feature, an iridescent stripe and high-relief printing.

 

Twenty Meticais (Polymer)

 

Governor - Rogerio Zandamela (since 2016)

Watermarks - N/A

Dimensions - 142mm x 65.5mm
 

Front - Portrait of Samora Moises Machel. Samora. Moises Machel was born in 1933 and was the first president of the Republic of Mozambique. He got involved in anti-colonial (against the Portuguese rule) at an early age when he experienced discrimination against the native people in the country in terms of job opportunities and pay...

Back - The theme on the back for the 20 meticais, I believe, is related to fauna or the beautiful nature of this country. The main designs are plants, trees and a mountain view in the background. A bird is resting on a tree branch and is printed as a security registrar security feature.

 

Fifty Meticais (Polymer)

 

Governor - Rogerio Zandamela (since 2016)

Watermarks - N/A

Dimensions - 146mm x 65.5mm 

Front - Samora Moises Machel joined the political party, called FRELIMO, a national fighting party fighting for the self-determination and independence of Mozambique. FRELIMO (Mozambique Liberation Front) was founded in 1962 and he became their leader in 1970... 

Back - Wild lives theme, with images of antelope with caves. Each note is also printed with images of stick people dancing on the bottom left and right. 

One Hundred Meticais (Polymer)

 

Governor - Rogerio Zandamela (since 2016)

Watermarks - N/A

Dimensions - 148mm x 65.5mm

Front - Independence for Mozambique was then achieved on 25.06.1975. Despite gaining independence in 1975, civil war erupted in 1977 between the ruling government FRELIMO and the anti-communist insurgent forces, the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) and a few other smaller groups. The war ended in 1992 following the breakup of the Soviet Union and South Africa withdrew their support for RENAMO...

 

Back - Agriculture theme. Two baskets of fruit - pineapple, baobab fruit, annona senegalensis, coconut and a few others. I am sure there are more fruits showing on the note that I am unable to identify.

 

 

Two Hundred Meticais (Paper)

 

Governor - Rogerio Zandamela (since 2016)

Watermarks - Samora Moises Machel and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 151mm x 66mm

Front - Samora Moises Machel died on 19.10.1986 following a plane crash that killed 34 people. Nine people survived the plane crash. Samora Moises Machel was traveling on a Russian made Tupolev Tu-134 and was on his way back from Zambia back to the capital city of Mozambique, Maputo after meeting the African leaders in Mbala, Zambia. The crash was later blamed on pilot error.

 

Back - A standing lion and a lioness resting with two cubs playing around. To the right of all notes are printed with a quill or feather pen standing on the circular design. Above that is a diamond shaped pattern with a bullseye in the middle. Again this design is also printed on all denominations for this series.

Five Hundred Meticais (Paper)

 

Governor - Rogerio Zandamela (since 2016)

Watermarks - Samora Moises Machel and electrotype 500

Dimensions - Dimensions - 154mm x 65mm

 

Front - Portrait of Samora Moises Machel. SPARK Flow® feature on the top left with the image of two sailboats and the value of 500 printed on top. Image of a fish at the bottom as a registration security feature. 

Back - Theme marine resources with fishermen on three sailboats. All notes are printed with the outline map of Mozambique on the center right of the notes.

One Thousand Meticais (Paper)

 

Governor - Rogerio Zandamela (since 2016)

Watermarks - Samora Moises Machel and electrotype 1000

Dimensions - 157.5mm x 66mm

 

Front - Portrait of Samora Moises Machel. SPARK Flow® feature on the top left with the image of an elephant and the denomination of 1000.

Back - Theme wild life. An elephant on the left and a family of four elephants in the center.

...Philippines - 1000 Piso Polymer Reprint Dated 2023

Republika ng Pilipinas

(Republic of The Philippines)

Bango Sentral ng Pilipinas

(Central Bank of The Philippines, Est.1949)

Currency - Piso (PHP)

This is a reprint of the 1000 piso polymer note. This note was first introduced on 18.04.2022, and the note was dated 2022. The note posted here is dated 2023.

The design of this 2023 note is the same including the signatures except for the year date.

One Thousand Piso

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.

 

Signatures

Pangulo ng Pilipinas (President) - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr (tenure 30.06.2022-30.06.2028)

Tagapangasiwa ng Bangko Sentral (Governor) - Felipe Manguiat Medalla (tenure 2022-2023)

Date - 2023

Dimensions - 161mm x 66mm

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).

...Northern Ireland, Danske Bank - £20 Dated 2022 Polymer

Tuaisceart Éireann

(Northern Ireland)

Danske Bank Limited (since 15.11.2012)
Currency : Pound Sterling (GBP)

This is a reprint of the £20 Danske Bank polymer banknote, first introduced on 20.07.2020. This series of polymer notes retains the same designs of the previous paper note issued. 

 

All three commercial banks in Northern Ireland have adopted polymer banknotes series since 2019. Unlike the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, Danske Bank is the only bank that did not issue a £5 polymer note. So far the bank has only introduced the £10 and £20 notes, and it is very unlikely that the £50 or the £100 polymer notes will be introduced either. 

 

Twenty Pounds

Signature - Victoria (Vicky) Davies (tenure 2021-)

Date - Belfast, 25th July 2022

Dimensions - 140mm x 74mm

 

Front - On the front, it features the portrait of Harry Ferguson (b.1884-1960) and a Ferguson tractor. Harry Ferguson was a mechanic and a famous inventor, who is well known for his role in the development of agricultural tractors. 

 

Back - On the back, it depicts the fascia of City Hall in Belfast. The Belfast City Hall is situated in Donegall Square. The Belfast City hall was built in 1906. In 2006, it celebrated its centenary with an exhibition. It is interesting to note that the City Hall in Durban South Africa also has the same city hall also identical to the one in Belfast. The designer for the Durban City Hall was inspired and influenced by the Belfast City Hall design.

...East Caribbean - $50 Polymer 2024 - Grenada 50th Year Of Independence 1974-2024

Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
(Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe and Martinique)

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (Est. 1983)      
Currency : Dollar (CXD)

 

This is a commemorative polymer note of $50 issued in August 2024 for the celebration of Grenada's 50th Year of Independence anniversary from the British. Despite gaining full independence, the country adopted a unitary parliamentary system with King Charles III as the Head of State (King of Grenada) and has been represented by a Governor-General, Dame Cecile Ellen Fleurette La Grenade since 2013. Grenada was one of the founding members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States when it was first established on 18.06.1981. Prior to this, Grenada was a member of the West Indies Associated States (together with Antigua, Dominica, Saint Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent). Grenada's association ended in 1974 when it became independent.

 

The British officially invaded Grenada on 10.02.1763 under the Treaty of Paris. On 03.03.1967, the country was granted full autonomy and on 07.02.1974, it became fully independent with Eric Gairy (b.1922-1997) becoming the first Prime Minister, serving from 1974 to 1979.

 

Grenada is situated north of Trinidad and Tobago and consists of one main island and a few other smaller islands to the north. It has a small population of around 125,000+/-. Grenada briefly became world famous in the early 1980s. If you have followed world news then, you will remember that this tiny nation was invaded by the USA during the administration of President Ronald Reagan in 1983. The invasion was carried out due to differences in political ideological ideas and policies among the ruling party and the USA. At that time, the Grenada government was very friendly to Cuba (and to the Soviet Union) and because of this the USA was not too happy to have a pro Cuban nation so close to home that may pose a security threat to them. I believe this is the only USA's invasion of a foreign power that ended successfully since the end of the Second World War in 1945. The invasion was brief and only lasted for 8 days (25.10.1983-02.11.1983). Despite having a much superior firing power against the Grenadian forces (and the Cubans), the USA lost 19 of its soldiers in this conflict.

This commemorative banknote honours famous people of Grenada for their pivotal roles in shaping Grenada's history. The designs for this note incorporates Grenada's culture and landmarks and it's achievements since gaining independence.

 

This note is printed in vertical format, both front and back on SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate. It is believed that more commemorative banknotes will be issued when other members of the Eastern Caribbean States celebrate their 50th Anniversary of Independence at a later date. Grenada was the first country to gain independence and as such the first member to issue this commemorative note. Out of the eleven members, Anguila is still a member of the British Overseas Territory and has not chosen to become an independent state yet. The Guadeloupe and Martinique are colonies of France and I believe they have been using the Euro currency since 2002. The British Virgin Islands is using the United States dollar, despite the name 'British'.

This note is undated (nd2024). So far, only two prefixes have been signed - AA and AB. According to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's website, this is a limited edition and the notes are only made available in Grenada only. However, this commemorative note is valid for legal tender in any of the member countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. In addition to single note, special $50 notepacks are also sold for those who wish to keep this commemorative note as a souvenir and the issue prices are as follows; -

$50 Commemorative Bank Note Pack - US$30 per set;

$50 Golden Jubilee Commemorative Magazine - US$30 per set; and

$50 Commemorative Bundle Package $50 Note and Magazine - US$50 per set.

(Courtesy of De La Rue)

  

Fifty Dollars

Governor - Timothy N.J. Antoine (since 2016-)

Printer - De La Rue 

Prefix - AA

Dimensions - 69.5mm x 146mm

 

Front - Portrait of Sir Eric Matthew Gairy (b.1922-1997), the first Prime Minister of Grenada from 1974 to 1979. Whilst Eric Gairy was out of the country in 1979, Maurice Rupert Bishop staged a coup d'état and installed himself as the second Prime Minister. Prior to that, Eric Gairy was the Premier of Grenada from 1967 to 1974, and before that was the Chief Minister from 1961 to 1962. Next to him is the Grenadian famous Olympian 400 meters runner champion Kirani James who won a gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics, a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. I believe he was not involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Below Eric Gairy is a silhouette of three people (family of three) appearing to be celebrating. To the right are the islands (map) of Grenada. The smaller maps are printed over a waterfall. There are at least seven waterfalls in Grenada but I am not sure which one this waterfall is related to. At the bottom is the silhouette of Maurice Bishop International Airport with a commercial airplane taxiing on the tarmac.

Back - Portrait of Maurice Rupert Bishop (b.1944-1983). He was the second Prime Minister of Grenada from 1976 to 1983. He was overthrown by his deputy Winston Bernard Coard (b.1944) on 13.10.1983 and executed on 19.10.1983 by Winston Bernard Coard's followers. He died at the age of 39 years old. Winston Bernard Coard then went on and ruled the country from 13.10.1983 to 19.10.1983 before he too was removed by General Hudson Austin (b.1938-2022). General Hudson Austin only ruled Grenada for 6 days before the USA's invasion. After the invasion, both Winston Bernard Coard and General Hudson Austin were put on trial and both were sentenced to death in 1986. In 1991, their sentences were then commuted to life and in 2007 both were released as free men. Whilst General Hudson Austin died in 2022, Winston Bernard Coard is still alive today. He has given up politics since he was freed in 2007. Below the portrait of Maurice Rupert Bishop is a woman dancing and supported by a musician team of three men playing drums.

 

Fifty Dollars

Governor - Timothy N.J. Antoine (since 2016-)

Printer - De La Rue 

Prefix - AB

Dimensions - 70mm x 145mm

 

Front - Fourteen tactile dots in the shape of a triangle are featured in the top left corner where the denomination of "50" is situated. To the right and below the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's name, the commemorative text of "50 Years Grenada's Independence" is printed and over the image of Kirani James running, the following text is printed - "The difficult we do right away. The impossible will take time". At the bottom below the commercial plan, the following text is repeatedly printed in two rows in two different colours - One People One Journey One Future.

 

Back - Next to the portrait of Maurice Rupert Bishop are the two large digits of "50" representing 50 years of independence. The following text is printed over the two digits - Forward ever; backward never. At the bottom of the note is the bird-eye view of Grenada's capital city - Saint Georg's.

I personally find it interesting to see this note honouring both Eric Gairy and Maurice Rupert Bishop. Eric Gairy was allegedly reported to be very autocratic and corrupt during his term in office, and Maurice Rupert Bishop removed Eric Gairy, who was then the elected Prime Minister not via a democratic means but by force. I suppose they are still considered as national heroes in Grenada. I wonder what Winston Bernard Coard's opinion on the designs of this note is?