Republic of Fiji
Reserve Bank of Fiji (Est.1983)
Currency - Dollar (FJD)
As of
17.01.2026, I posted a full set of the new polymer series of five notes, which was officially released on 02.01.2026. Please feel free to visit my previous post to read the descriptions of the notes.
In addition to the official release of this series, the bank also issued numismatic products for the benefits of collectors, and below is one of the many collectibles items made available to the public.
Below is a full set of five notes issued in a single folder with notes all printed with matching series numbers. Unlike the previous two matching series number series issued by the bank back in 2007 and 2013, the set posted below have rather high serial numbers, which is a bit disappointing. In the 2007 issues, I have the sets of #112 and #113, and for the 2013, I have the set for #3200. It is not sure why the bank did not provide these 2026 series with low serial numbers as they have full control of the stocks, and if the bank had informed the manufacturer in advance, they would have set aside such notes for them too.
The official issue price for a full set with matching series number is F$350. Detail of total sets made available is unclear. One can only guess that the bank would have issued, say around 1000 sets or more. In general, this is not a lot but given that they are not provided with low numbers, I do not believe many collectors would be that keen to get them, unless you are an advanced collector. This is just my opinion and I could be wrong. Only the die-hard polymer notes collectors would get them just to satisfy one self ego, like me. Personally, a premium of F$165 against the face value of F$185 is not cheap unless they come with low matching serial numbers.
In addition to the full set in a single folder, the bank also released folders with a single note. I wonder if these are popular among collectors.
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| Folder Front Cover |
The matching serial number set that I have posted here is all printed with the serial number of AA 028016.
Five Dollars (S/# AA 028016)
Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet), which is Fiji's smallest member of the parrot family. Predominantly green, the Kulawai is a very rare inhabitant of the mountain forest canopy which feeds on nectar and pollen. The last
confirmed sighting was in 1993 and searches in the last few years have
failed to find any. So are they extinct now?
A clear window with an image of a Kato ni Masima (salt basket) is featured on the banknote.
Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)
Sizes - 136mm x 66.5mm
Back - The design features an image of the endangered Vonu Dina (Green Turtle). It is one of the largest sea turtles and the most commonly found ones in Fiji. Of the seven different species found globally, this is the only herbivore feeding turtle and feeds mostly on seagrasses and algae. An image of Vutia seagrass (Syringodium isoetifolium) consumed by the green turtles is also depicted. This note showcases two rare turtle species to the world and also in protecting them for sustainability.
Ten Dollars (S/# AA 028016)
Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Beli (Lever’s Goby). Beli is one of few true freshwater fish, living all its life in fast-running fresh water as it flows over stones to which they often attach. Their presence in any river is an indicator of good habitat quality and
minimal catchment disturbance.
A clear window with an image of i Buburau ni Bete (duck dish) is featured on the banknote.
Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)
Sizes - 140mm x 66.5mm
Back - The design features three children planting mangrove along the
coastline. Mangroves are largely threatened due to coastal development. Advocacy on protecting mangroves and restoring damaged ones is vital with mangroves regarded as climate heroes since they extract carbon from
the atmosphere helping combat climate change and reduce global warming.
Twenty Dollars (S/# AA 028016)
Front - The design features the iconic Kacau ni Gau (Fiji Petrel) which is known to nest only on Gau Island in Fiji. For much of its life, the Kacau ni Gau is a true ocean bird and remains at sea probably well outside Fijian waters for months on end. It has a very distinctive flight style which helps to make it stand out.
A clear window with an image of a Foa (Rotuman coconut scraper) is featured on the banknote.
Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)
Sizes - 146mm x 66.5mm
Back - The design features the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Building located along Pratt Street in Suva. The RBF is the central bank of the Republic of Fiji and was established in 1984 as an independent institution through an Act of Parliament - the RBF Act (1983).
Fifty Dollars (S/# AA 028016)
Front - The design features the Tagimoucia (Medinilla waterhousei) flower which is perhaps Fiji’s best known flower. It is the subject of songs, stories and folklore. Tagimoucia is a liana of the upland forest and where it occurs it often flowers profusely in bunches of vivid scarlet petals contrasting with the pure white centres. It also occurs on Mount Seatura in Bua.
A clear window with an image of a Wasekaseka (Whale’s tooth necklace) is featured on the banknote.
Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)
Sizes - 151mm x 67mm
Back - The design features a Girmitiya lady with the Leonidas ship in the backdrop. The Leonidas was the first vessel that transported the
Girmitiyas into Fiji on 14 May 1879. Girmitiya commonly refers to the indentured labourers from the then British India who were brought to work on sugarcane plantations in Fiji. These people were also shipped by the British to work in other parts of the world occupied by the British, like British Guiana, the Caribbean, Jamaica, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. These indentured labourers replaced the slave labourers following the abolition of the trade in the early 19th century. Most of these people were deceived, coerced or even kidnapped by the British and according to a British historian, Huge Tinker (b.1921-2000), he classified them as modern slaves. The indenture system was officially abolished on 1 January 1920 whereby the majority of the Girmitiyas eventually settled in Fiji. Today about 38% of the population are Fiji Indians or Fijian with Indian heritage. The Leonidas ship was a labour transport ship and made it's first voyage from
Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1879 and arrived in Levuka Fiji. Over the next 37 years, it transported over 61,000 Indians to work in Fiji. This note clearly honouring those who came (willing or unwilling by force) and
made contribution to Fiji's economic growth and stability through scarify and harsh labour conditions mostly in the agriculture industry.
One Hundred Dollars (S/# AA 028016)
Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Nanai (Cicada). Cicadas are well known for their loud and ignoring calls, some of which resound through Fiji’s forests. Nanai is unique due to its striking appearance and is extremely well known to the inland communities of Viti Levu as it emerges in enormous numbers once every eight years and is not otherwise seen. Imagine the noise it can make as a group. Trust me, even just one can be annoying, not to mention as in a group.
A clear window with an image of a Buli Kula (Golden Cowrie) is featured on the banknote.
Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)
Sizes - 155mm x 67.5mm
Back - The design features an i-Taukei man (indigenous Fijian) in traditional attire holding (offering) a bilo (bowl) of kava. Kava is an integral part of the i-Taukei culture and is ritually consumed as part
of traditional ceremonies such as welcoming visitors, resolving conflicts and making peace. Kava is also consumed widely in Fiji in casual social gatherings and is regarded as the national drink of Fiji.
