...Sao Tome & Principe - 50 Dobras Polymer Commemorative 50th Year of Independence

República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe

Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Banco Central de Sao Tome e Principe

(Central Bank of Sao Tome and Principe, Est'd.1975)

Currency - Dobra (STN)

 

Below is a 50 dobras commemorative polymer note released on 21st August 2026. This note was issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Sao Tome and Principe. Independence was granted by the Portuguese on 12th July 1975, after 505 years of occupation from 1470 to 1975. However, it should be noted that the Dutch briefly also occupied Sao Tome and Principe from 1641 to 1648.

This note is predominantly printed in green and gold colours, and it was reported that only 60,000 pieces have been issued. In addition to the 60,000 notes, folders are also available but I am not sure if the folders are sold with or without the note. Due to the quantity issued, letter 'A' is the only printed, and I do not know if replacement notes are also available for this series.

  

Fifty Dobras Polymer

Front - The theme featuring Fauna and Flora of Sao Tome and Principe. To the far left is printed with a Peregrine Falcon and next to it is an African Grey Parrot. In the background it features tropical ferns, forest foliage and a scene of a waterfall - Cascata Mioba. To the top center right is the bust of Rei Amador, the national hero of Sao Tome and Principe. Rei Amador (Amador Viera) led a major 1595 slave rebellion in Sao Tome and Principe against Portuguese occupation and proclaimed himself the King of the Angolares and liberator of the enslaved. He was captured on January 4, 1596 and was later executed by the Portuguese. Today, January 4 is a public holiday in his honour, first celebrated in 2005.

Signatures

Minister of State for Economy and Finance - Gareth Guadalupe (since 2025)

Governor - Agostinho Quaresma dos Santos Fernandes (since 2025)

Date - Decreto No. 09/2025

Quantity - 60,000 pieces

Watermark - half cut Cocoa fruit with cocoa beans inside

Sizes - 150mm x 67mm

Back - Partial outline maps of South America and Africa and an aerial view of Sao Tome and Principe islands with the equator running across Ilhéu das Rolas (Rolas Islet). The Marco do Equador monument is also featured on the note. The monument marks the path of the equator and features a large tile mosaic map of the world on the ground.

 

Folder Issue

In addition to the 60,000 pieces of notes, the bank also released 1000 sets of this note in a folder with an unique prefix of STP (Sao Tome and Principe), and it comes in two varieties: -

VIP Folders - 100 sets with serial numbers from STP 0001 to 0100; and

Standard Collectors Folders - 900 sets with serial number from STP 0101 to 1000. 

The following text are printed inside the standard collectors folders, 

"Message from the governor

Fifty years after the proclamation of independence on 12 July 1975, Sao Tome and Principe looks back with gratitude and pride on the path travelled by our people, Independence gave us the sovereign right to define our destiny, to build national institutions, to protect our culture and to give voice to the aspirations of the islands of Sao Tome and Principe.

The commemorative banknote is issued in honour of that historic anniversary. It recalls the courage, dignity and unity of those who worked for freedom, and it celebrates the natural and cultural wealth that continues to define our nation. Our history has been shaped by the ocean and surrounds us, by the fertile land that sustains us, by cocoa and agriculture, by education, by faith in progress, and by the resilience of our citizens.

As the Central Bank, we also look to the future. The next fifty years must be guided by stability, confidence, responsible development and greater opportunity for every Santomean. Our islands possess extraordinary biodiversity; a strategic geographic identity services and value-added agriculture.

May this banknote service not only as a collector’s piece, but also as a symbol of national memory and ambition: a tribute to independence, a celebration of identity, and a commitment to a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for Sao Tome and Principe.

Agostinho Quaresma dos Santos Afonso Fernandes

Governor of the Central Bank of Sao Tome and Principe" 

 

Fifty Dobras Folder Note - Prefix STP

Prefix STP

Sizes - 150mm x 67mm

"About the Banknote

The 50 Dobras commemorative banknote has been created to mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of Sao Tome and Principe, celebrated from 1975 to 2025. Its design brings together history, geography, nature and national identity in a single visual narrative.

The front of the note features two emblematic birds of the islands, the falcon and the parrot, presented against a richly layered tropical landscape. Their presence reflects the exceptional biodiversity of the archipelago and the importance of protecting its natural heritage for future generations. The national coat of arms, the official signatures and the anniversary inscription reinforce the solemn character of the issue. Cocoa imagery recalls one of the country’s most important agricultural symbols and a product closely linked to its economic and cultural history.

The reverse side highlights Sao Tome and Principe’s remarkable position on the Equator. A world map, equatorial markings and the reference to the geodesic and astronomical work of Gago Coutinho, carried out between 1916 and 1918, connect the banknote to science, navigation and the country’s unique place on the globe. The Equator Monument on Ilheu das Rolas appears as a central symbol of this geographic identity.

The green and gold colour palette evokes the islands’ lush vegetation, sunlight and natural abundance, while transparent and decorative elements give the note a modern commemorative character. Together, these motifs honour the past fifty years and look forward to a future built on heritage, knowledge, sustainability and national pride."

195mm x 109mm

...Malaysia - ND2024 Governor Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abduk Ghaffour (2023-) Polymer And Paper

Malaysia

 

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

Currency - Ringgit (MYR)

 

Below is a full set of six notes all bearing the central bank governor's signature, Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour. Rasheed Ghaffour was appointed to the role on 1 July 2023, replacing the previous governor, Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus. Rasheed Ghaffour is the 10th bank governor appointed since 1959. The fixed term for the central bank governor is for 5 years and this can be extended by the elected government of the day.  

The designs of the notes below are the same as those previously issued and circulating banknotes in Malaysia are generally undated. Most serious collectors in Malaysia would collect the three main prefixes such as the First, Last and Replacement. No doubt, collecting prefixes is not just tough but can be also expensive too. It is believed that no replacement notes have been printed or sighted so far.

 

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) in the state 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 Rulers of independent Malaya which comprises all the nine 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 of Malaya on 02.09.1957.

Governor - Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abduk Ghaffour

Dimensions - 120mm x 65mm 

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

 

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.

Governor - Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abduk Ghaffour

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. 

Sepuluh Ringgit / Ten Ringgit Paper 

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. 

Governor - Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abduk Ghaffour 

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.

 

 

Dua Puluh Ringgit / Twenty Ringgit Paper

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.

Governor - Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abduk Ghaffour 

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 20

Dimensions - 147mm x 66mm

First Prefix - DJ

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.

Lima Puluh Ringgit / Fifty Ringgit Paper

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).

Governor - Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abduk Ghaffour 

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 146mm x 69mm

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.

First Prefix - TH

Seratus Ringgit / One Hundred Ringgit Paper 

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.  

Governor - Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abduk Ghaffour 

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. 

First Prefix - EZ

...Great Britain - 20 Pounds (nd)2025 s. Chief Cashier Ms Victoria Mary Florence Cleland

Great Britain

(United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)

 

Bank of England (Est. 1694)

Currency - Pound Sterling (GBP)

 

Here, I have the ₤20 polymer note with the portrait of King Charles the Third first issued on 05.06.2024. The note that I have here is the reprint of the nd2024 series, but with the Chief Cashier signature of Victoria Mary Florence Cleland. It is believed that this reprint note was issued in (nd)2025.

It is interesting to know that this is Victoria Cleland second time appointment to the Bank of England as the Chief Cashier role. She replaced Sarah John, who is now the bank's Chief Operating Officer. Victoria Cleland first served as the Chief Cashier from March 2014 to June 2018. During that time, her signature appeared on the ₤10, ₤20 and ₤50 paper banknotes and then the ₤5 and ₤10 polymer notes first series. All these notes carried the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth the Second (b.1926-2022). Now she is back again as the bank's Chief Cashier and she was reappointed in March 2025. There is no fixed term for the Bank of England Chief Cashier position. The Chief Cashier position was first established by the bank in 1694, and since then, I believe that Victoria Cleland is the only person that has been appointed to this role more than once.

This is the only note issued with the signature of Victoria Cleland for this King Charles polymer series, and hopefully more to come when reprints for the other denominations to be issued at a later date, if required.

  

Twenty Pounds

 

Front - Portrait of King Charles III who became the King of the United Kingdom following the death of mother, Queen Elizabeth II on 08.09.2022. Coronation was held on 06.05.2023. The last series of polymer notes bearing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II were released between 2016 to 2021. There are three transparent windows on the note. The one to the left has the face of King Charles. Next to it is the Margate Lighthouse (Kent) in gold foil alongside the Turner Contemporary gallery. To the far right is a window from the ruins of Tintern Abbey. Printed in the center of the note is the Bank of England headquarters which is located on Threadneedle Street in London. Above this are the four shields representing the United Kingdom (L-R) - England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Signature - Victoria Mary Florence Cleland (Chief Cashier since March 2025)

Watermark - King Charles III on the see-through window

Dimensions - 139.5mm x 73mm

Back - An image of Joseph Mallord William Turner (b.1775-1851) with a backdrop of one of his famous paintings, the Fighting Temeraire. This oil painting was completed in 1838. The portrait William Turner printed on this note came from a self-portrait oil painting completed in around 1799. William Turner was a romantic painter, printmaker and watercolourist. He was born and lived in London all his life.

...Malaysia - (ND)2019 Replacement Notes Signed By Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus Tenure 2018-2023 Polymer And Paper

Malaysia

 

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

Currency - Ringgit (MYR)

 

Note: Only the one ringgit is printed on polymer substrate. The other two notes (50 and 100 ringgit are printed on paper material)

 

On 13.04.2025 I posted 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. You can click onto the link above to view my original post. 

It has come to my attention that whilst in all previous issues, replacement notes are usually printed for all denominations of banknotes that are issued for general circulation. However, for this series, only the denominations of RM1, RM50 and RM100 were printed with replacement prefixes but not for the RM5, RM10 and RM20. I find this a bit strange as to why some have replacement prefixes and some do not have. Perhaps, they have improved the printing process and instead of printing replacement prefixes, the printer just prints some extras to cover those rejected notes.  

In Malaysia, the tenure for the central bank governor role is fixed for 5 years. Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus was appointed as the bank's governor from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023. She succeeded the previous bank governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim, who only served for two years from May 2016 to June 2018. He resigned from the post shortly after the previous government lost the general election, which is not unexpected in that part of the world. Prior to her appointment, Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus was the bank's deputy governor from 2010 to 2016. It is not clear as to why her position as bank governor was not renewed when her 5 years term expired in 2023. All I can say is that such an appointment has something to do with who the Federal government of the day when the appointment is made. 

 

Satu Ringgit Polimer / One Ringgit Polymer 

Front - Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960).

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 fun at the beach. The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based on the design of this kite. 

Replacement Prefix ZF

  

Fifty Ringgit Paper / Lima Puluh Ringgit

 

Front Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960).  

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

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 146mm x 69mm

 

Back - Oil palm trees. Tunku Abdul Rahman (b.1903-1990), the first Prime Minister of Malaysia (1957-1990), proclaiming independence on 31.08.1957. 

 

Replacement Prefix - ZH

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

 

Replacement prefix - ZJ

 

One Hundred Ringgit / Seratus Ringgit

 

Front Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960). 

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.  

Replacement Prefix ZF

...Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - $10 Polymer issue Dated 1st January 2024

 中華人民共和國香港特別行政區

(Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

 

香港金融管理局

(Hong Kong Monetary Authority - HKMA)

Currency - Dollar (HKD)

 

This is the latest Hong Kong $10 polymer note issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. This note is dated 1st January 2024 and was only reported among collectors last year. This is still the only banknote issued in Hong Kong that is printed on polymer substrate material.

The last issue for this $10 polymer note was dated 01.07.2018. Neither of the three issuing banknote commercial banks have printed the $10 denomination since 1995. When the Bank of China first issued Hong Kong banknotes in 1994, the lowest denomination was the $20. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) last print for the $10 was dated 01.01.1992, and the Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) $10 was dated 01.01.1995. Obviously the government feels that there is still a need for this low denomination value note and the government has been issuing this $10 since 2002. This is also due to public demand as the people of Hong Kong find it impractical to have a $10 coin instead of a banknote, especially during festivity seasons when auspicious red packets are required, like new year and weddings and so on.

The designs for this note have not changed since it was first introduced in 2002 except that the material was changed from paper to polymer substrate material in 2005. Honestly, I have no idea how you can describe the design for this note. It looked like mostly ribbon wiggling on the front and back. On the front, the design on those triangle shapes may appear to be representing water waves. In the top center is a hexagon shaped perfect register with the image of a rearing horse. Next to this is printed with the issuing authority - Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Both Chinese and English text are printed on the front and back of this note. I personally believe that it would be much better if they promote the beauty of Hong Kong with the skyline view of the city, which Hong Kong is famous for, to the outside world.

This is a cheap note and it is fun to collect them. 

 

Ten Dollars 

Dated 1st January 2024

Signatures 

Financial Secretary - Paul Chan Mo-po* 陳茂波 (tenure since 2017)

Monetary Authority (Chief Executive) - Eddie Yue Wai-man* 余偉文 (tenure since 2019)

Sizes - 133mm x 66mm 

Note* - It appears that they both have more than one signature (in Chinese as shown on this banknote, and in English as well).