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looking for; - new issues only

some of the notes posted here are available for exchange. please contact me for a chat.
no borrowed scans used here unless otherwise stated.

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28 March, 2025

...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.


01 March, 2025

...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

14 February, 2025

...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.
 
 

08 February, 2025

...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).

01 February, 2025

...Samoa - 5, 10 & 20 Tala ND2023/2024 Polymer Series Specimen

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa
(Independent State of Samoa)

Central Bank of Samoa (est.1984)
Currency : Tala (WST)

The announcement for the new polymer series was first made in early 2023. with the first note of 5 tala issued for circulation on 18.12.2023. On 23.01.2024, the central bank released the remaining two notes of 10 and 20 tala. Please feel free to visit my original post posted dated 19.07.2024.
 
Here, I have posted a set of 3 polymer specimen notes. According to my standard, this set of specimen notes is a bit pricey to me. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to buy a set to satisfy my ego. This set of notes were sold to me and was personally delivered to me by the overseas seller.
 
Below are the three notes all printed with the word 'Specimen' on the front and back on each of the notes.

Five Tala Specimen
 
Signatures
Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)
Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 11.08.2011)
Date - ND2023
Dimensions - 141mm x 73mm
 
Front - Tourism team. A beautiful pristine view of a sandy beach in Samoa. Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of Samoa. This note is printed with a Specimen control number of 080.

Back - Robert Louis Stevenson's former residence in Samoa. He is known as Tusitala (Teller of Tales) to the locals in Samoa. Robert Louis Stevenson (b.1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist and a travel writer. He settled in Samoa in 1890 and died of a stroke in 1894 at the age of 44 years old. He died in a village called Vailima (Villa Vailima) which is about four miles south of Apia, the capital of Samoa. His former residence is now a museum.

Five Tala Specimen
 
Signatures
Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)
Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 11.08.2011)
Date - ND2024
Dimensions - 141mm x 73mm

Front - Sport theme. It features Samoa's rugby sevens team triumphant victory, crowned champions at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Hong Kong Sevens in 2007. This tournament was founded in 1976 and is a 3 days event held annually in Hong Kong. Since then, Samoa have won three times, in 1993, 2007 and 2010. This note is printed with the Specimen control number of 082.
 
Back - Happy Samoan children on their way to school.
 

Twenty Tala Specimen
 
Signatures
Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)
Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 11.08.2011)
Date - ND2024
Dimensions - 141mm x 73mm

Front - Image of Sopoaga falls in Samoa. This waterfall is situated on the island of Upolu and is the largest waterfall in Samoa. entrance to this falls cost 10 tala per person. This note is printed with the Specimen control number of 080.
 
Back - Featuring the national bird of Samoa, the Manumea, and Samoa's national flower, the Teuila.