...Brunei - 2024 Series Released 09.03.2026 Polymer Dolar Series

 نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

(Negara Brunei Darussalam)

 

Bank Pusat Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (Est.1967)

Currency - Dolar (BND)

 

On 09.03.2026, Brunei Central bank released a new series of 5 notes of $1, $5, $10, $100 and $500 all dated 2024. Like all previous issues, the notes for this series are all printed on polymer substrate materials. This new series of banknotes was unveiled by the central bank in September 2025. The two denominations of $50 and $1,000 are not included in this new series. 

Despite the $1,000 denomination not included in this series, personally I find that the $500 note is still a high value note. The $500 denomination note has been part of the family of banknotes of Brunei since 1997. The first $500 polymer note was issued in 2006 with a reprint dated 2013. Based on these two dates, it would be fair to say that this may not be a popular denomination among the people in Brunei. Judging by the prefixes and serial numbers of the 2006 and 2013 issues, I suspect that maybe a maximum of 2,000,000 pieces were printed.

It has been a while since the last time more than one denomination of banknote was released for circulation. The last time the bank did that with more than one note was the 2013 series, and since then only reprints of $1, and new single commemorative $50 notes were issued.

The designs for this series are basically the same as those notes issued previously. The main features on the front is the portrait of the current sultan with floral patterns, including bunga jambangan, daun lukut, and calak kuya printed in the center, alongside with tactile raised elements that will support inclusive access for the visually impaired. The $500 note features the previous sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien lll (b.1914-1986).

For the first time, the currency name has changed from Brunei Ringgit to Brunei Dolar as the country's official unit of currency. Basically, the words 'Ringgit' and 'Dolar' mean the same, as the word 'Ringgit' also means Dollar and in Brunei they have adopted this word and spelled it in a Malay way. 

The new series of notes also incorporates new security features to prevent counterfeiting. These security features include - two colour-shifting inks, ultraviolet elements and magnetic ink (OVI).  

 

One Dolar (Satu Dolar)

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower called bunga simpur in Malay (Dillenia suffruticosa).

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Sizes - 141mm x 69mm

Back - A bird-eye view of Bandar Sri Begawan, more specifically the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque and the Yayasan Sultan Hassan al-Bolkiah, a charitable foundation established in 1992.

 Five Dolar (lima Dolar)

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower of bunga kunyit (Curuma longa).

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Sizes - 141mm x 69mm

Back - The Brunei Royal Ceremonial Hall (Lapau). This building was completed in August 1968 and is also where the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was crowned two months after it was completed.

 

Ten Dolar (Sepuluh Dolar)

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower of  rancah rancah (Cosmos caudatus)

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Series - 2024 

Sizes - 152mm  x 69mm 

Back - The bird-eye view of Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkaih mosque. This mosque was completed in 1994 and is the largest mosque in Brunei.

One Hundred Dolar (Seratus Dolar)

 

 

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower of kuduk-kuduk (Melastoma Malabathricum).

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Series - 2024 

Sizes - 158mm x 75mm

Back -  Printed in the center is the view of Pulau Chermin. This tiny island is situated at the mouth of the Brunei River within the Kota Baru area. This island once played a crucial role in the kingdom's defense, especially against the Spanish raid during the Castilian War in the late 16th century.

 

 

Five Hundred Dolar (Lima Ratus Dolar)

 

 

Front - Portrait of Omar Ali Saifuddien lll (b.1914-1986) in military uniform. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien lll was Brunei's 28th sultan. He acceded to the throne on 06.06.1950, following the death of his elder brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, who died on 04.06.1950 in Singapore. Omar Ali Saifuddien lll inherited the throne as his eldest brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin died without a male heir. Omar Ali Saifuddien lll reigned as Sultan of Brunei ended on 05.10.1967 when he abdicated in favour of his son, the current Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah.  

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Series - 2024 

Sizes - 175mm x 80mm 

Back - Bird-eye view of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque. This mosque was built in 1958 by the previous Sultan and the description on the note simply stated the image as Pusat Bandar Seri Begawan (Bandar Seri Begawan Center).

...Fiji - Polymer Specimen Notes Series ND2026 Full Set

Republic of Fiji

Reserve Bank of Fiji (Est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

On 17.01.2026, I posted a full set of 5 new notes released on 02.01.2026 (nd2026). Please feel free to visit the post to read the descriptions of all the notes. Here, I have now posted another full set all printed with the word 'Specimen' on the front and back in red.

Unlike those previously issued Specimen notes, these Specimen notes are all printed with the serial number of FJ 888888, instead of AA 000000 or ZZ 000000. The first time when the bank used the solid 8s numbers for the specimen note was the nd2022 Tokyo Olympic Games commemorative $7 specimen note, printed with the serial number of GFG 888888.   

 

Five Dollars Specimen  

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)

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 - 139mm x 67mm

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.  

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)

Ten Dollars Specimen

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)

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 - 141.5mm 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.  

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)

Twenty Dollars Specimen

Kacau ni Gau (Fiji Petrel)

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 67mm

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).  

Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Building

 

Fifty Dollars Specimen

Tagimoucia (Medinilla waterhousei) flower

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 - 156mm 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.  

a Girmitiya lady with the Leonidas ship

 

One Hundred Dollars Specimen

Nanai (Cicada)

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 - 156mm x 67mm

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.  

an i-Taukei man (indigenous Fijian)

...Bolivia - No Value 200th Year of Independence 1825-2025

State of Bolivia

Banco Central De Bolivia

(Central Bank of Bolivia

Currency - Boliviano (BOB)

This is a commemorative polymer note (no value) released in early August 2025 celebrating the country's 200 years of independence 1825-2025. Whilst this is a commemorative note issued by Banco Central De Bolivia, it has no value printed on it and as such is not a legal tender banknote. 

The struggle of independence for Bolivia first started in 1809, and since then the country went through many revolutions and were all defeated by the Spanish army, until 1825 when Antonia Jose de Sucre and Simon Bolivar both defeated the Spanish army. Independence was declared on 6 August 1825. 

Whilst this is a commemorative polymer note issued by the central bank, it has no value printed on the note. This note was presented to the public on 4 August 2025 and is sold at 50 bolivianos per note. A total of 1.0 million pieces have been issued. I am not sure what is the purpose of printing this with no actual value on it. At least the central bank could have just printed a nominal value of say 1 or 10 bolivianos and you will not see anyone try to transact this note commercially at a loss. A piece of plastic sheet (banknote) with no face value is less attractive to many collectors, in my opinion.

 

No Value Numismatic product

Front - On the front, the note depicts the following heroes of Latin America.

Front row (L-R)

Alejo Calatayud (b.1705-1731) - A Mestizo silversmith from Oropesa Cochabamba province who led a violent rebellion and became a local hero amongst the plebeian masses of the province. - 

 

Juana Azurduy De Padilla (b.1780-1862) - She was a guerrilla military leader from Chuquisaca, Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. She and her husband, Manuel Ascencio Padilla fought for Bolivian and Argentine independence, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

 

Antonio Jose de Sucre y Alcala (b.1795-1830) - Also known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho", was a Venezuelan general and politician who served as the president of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828. He served as the 2nd President of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828.

Back row (L-R) 

Jose Manuel Baca Canoto (b.1790-1854) - A Bolivian poet, musician. composer, and soldier who played a significant role in the South American wars of independence. His portrait also appears in the Bolivia currency. 

 

Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) - Full name Simon Jose Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar y Palacios. He was a famous freedom fighter in South America and is famous in countries like Colombo, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia, of course.

 

Bartolina Sisi (b.1750-1782) - An Aymara indigenous leader who led a 40,000-strong army alongside her husband, Tupac Katari (below), against Spanish colonial rule in Bolivia. She was a military commander in the 1781 siege of La Paz. She was captured and executed by the Spanish on 05.09.1782. 

 

Tupak Katari (b.1750-1781) - An Aymara who started a major rebellion against Spanish rule in Upper Peru. The rebellion failed and he was executed by the Spanish.

 

Eustaquio Mendez El Moto Mendez (b.1784-1849) - A military commander and guerrilla leader in the South American wars of independence against the Spanish rule. 

 

Signatures

Presidente a.i. BCB - Roger Wdwin Rojas Ulo

Gerente General BCB - Ruben Gonzalo Ticona Chique

Date - 2025

Sizes - 150.5mm x 70mm  

Back - On the back, it depicts the Casa de la Libertad in Sucre and the Toborochi tree. 

 

...Oman - 1 Rial Commemorative 2025 Oman's Accession Day Polymer

   سلطنة عُمان

(Sultanate of Oman)

البنك المركزي العماني

(Central Bank of Oman, Est 1974)

Currency : Rial (OMR)

 

Posted here is a polymer note of one rial reportedly released on 11.01.2026. This note is dated 2025, and was released as a commemorative note celebrating Oman's Accession Day. This is the first time in Omani currency history that a polymer banknote is released for circulation.

The Accession Day in Oman is celebrated on 11th of January to celebrate the anniversary of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said's accession to the Oman throne. The Accession Day is a public holiday in Oman, and it honours his leadership and the continued progress of the nation's 'Renewed Renaissance'. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said became the Sultan of Oman following the death of his brother, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said (b.1940-2020) on 10.01.2020. The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was married in Nawwal bint Tariq in 1976 but divorced in 1979 with no children.

In my opinion, this is a fairly large size note for the face value of one rial. This note measures 145mm x 76mm which is also the same size as the current paper banknotes in circulation.

One Rial

Front - The portrait of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said on the central right. To the left, it features the Oman Botanic Garden with a large transparent window in the shape of the arched windows which occupied a large area of the banknote. Below the arched windows are two Frankincense Trees, with one printed with optically variable ink.

Signature - Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said

Date - 2025 ٢٠٢۵

Sizes - 144mm x 76mm

Back - On the back it depicts Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour Cultural Complex, Duqm Port and Duqm Refinery, which created a wonderful blend of Omani national identity. 

...China - 20 Yuan ⾺/⻢年 Commemorative Year of the Horse 2026

 

  中华人民共和国

(中華人民共和國)

(Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó)

(People's Republic of China)

中国人民银行 (中國人民銀行)

(Zhōngguó Rénmín Yínháng / People's Bank of China)

Currency : Renminbi 人民币 (CNY)

 

⾺/⻢🐎年

17 February 2026 to 05 February 2027 (353 days)

 

新年快樂

Happy New Year 

 

This is the third note of the Chinese New Year zodiac 12 cycle series, first introduced in 2025 with the Year of Dragon. For the year of 2026, it's the Year of the Horse.

 

Traditionally, the celebration for Chinese New Year is for 15 days. In China, the official holidays are for 8 days starting from 15.02.2026. I am not sure if there are any other countries that have such long continuous public holidays for one single celebration? In China, the New Year is also referred to as the 'Golden Week' holidays.

 

The designs and themes of this note are similar to the last two notes issued, featuring a Zodiac animal on the front and children activities on the back celebrating the new year. It is believed a hundred million pieces were issued to the public.

 

The fixed element for the Horse is fire and as such the year 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse in the sexagenarian cycle. The Fire Horse represents dynamic energy, symbolising passion, change, and transformation. Horses also represent strength and freedom. However, it is up to you to agree or not as in the old days, horses (and Oxen) are hard working animals and due to their contain demanded by the owners, these two hard working animals have to work from sunrise to sunset. So, if you are a Horse, and if you were born in the morning, then you may have a hard working life, and if you were born at night, you may have a more relaxed life. Agree?

 

Like those previously issued Zodiac notes, the 20 yuan is also printed in a vertical format on the front and back. 

 

Twenty Yuan

Front - On the front it depicts a galloping horse, predominantly in gold and red colours, the two most auspicious colours to the Chinese. The Coat of Arms is printed on the top left hand corner. An old traditional seal with the word '⾺' (Horse) is printed to the top right corner of the note.

 

Signature - Bank official square seal

Date - 2026年 (year)

Quantity - 100 million pieces

Dimensions - 70mm x 145mm

 

Back - It features three children playing musical instruments of gongs, a flute and a drum. In the background are traditional Mongolian yurts.

 

 

rat  ox  tiger  rabbit  dragon  snake HORSE goat  monkey  rooster  dog  pig