...Fiji - 100 Cents Polymer ND2023 Uncut Sheets Of 2 and 3 Commemorative Numismatic Products

Republic of Fiji

 

Reserve Bank of Fiji

(Established 1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

On 04.11.2023, I posted the single note for the Fiji 100 cents polymer commemorative note with the design of a Chinese Dragon. This note was issued in a joint-venture between the Reserve Bank of Fiji and a company in China called China Coin Industrial Co. Limited (CCIC) trading as Shenzhen China Coin Investment Co. Limited. CCIC was granted full license to distribute this note and was first released on 08.08.2023. The intention for this note was to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dragon 2024. Since the release in 2023, it is not sure how successful this issue is and I wonder if they are still selling them or they are all sold out by now. If not, then I do not believe it will ever get all sold out as the note was sold at a pretty high price given the face value is nominal.    

 

Whilst the note printed may be auspicious to the Chinese, only banknote collectors would be interested in this as I believe such note would attract any interest from the normal folks in China. 

 

One Hundred Cents Two Uncut Sheet Polymer

 

Front - Hibiscus flower, Coat of Arms. The design on the front is very similar to the previous 88-cent note, except for the see-through window on the left. Even the colours are similar too.

 

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (tenure since 11.09.2017)

Watermark - N/A

Printer - De La Rue (not printed)

Dimensions - 145.5mm x 140.5mm

 

Back - A Chinese Imperial dragon holding a fireball in its paw. A Chinese word '龍' (Dragon) is also printed in the bottom right. Like the China 100 yuan polymer commemorative note issued in 2000, this note also depicts a Chinese Imperial Dragon, and back in the Chinese Imperial years right up to 1911, only the sitting Emperor of the day was allowed to have such dragon design on their robe. Anyone found to have the same dragon or similar design on their clothing will not live another day to enjoy this. The yellowish background colour also represents the Chinese Imperial colour as well.

 

 

 One Hundred Cents Three Uncut Sheet

Dimensions - 210mm x 145.5mm

...Fiji - 100 Cents ND2023 Numismatic Polymer Banknote

Republic of Fiji

 

Reserve Bank of Fiji

(Established 1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

According to a copy of the Letter of Authorisation dated 03.05.2023 and signed by Mr Esala Masitabua, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the company, China Coin Industrial Co. Limited (CCIC) trading as Shenzhen China Coin Investment Co. Limited was granted the full authority to distribute the 100 cents banknote issued on 08.08.2023. The RBF's Letter of Authority was granted to enable CCIC the rights to promote, advertising, marketing and sales of this note, including any packaging associated with this banknote.

 

Like the previous issue of the 88 cents banknotes released on 08.08.2022, this is also a numismatic product with a face value of 100 cents or one dollar, and was also released on 08.08.2023. Whilst it says on the banknote that this is a legal tender banknote, it was issued as collectible items, and as such sold with the premium above the face value.

 

One Hundred Cents (One Dollar) - Prefix AB

 

Hibiscus flower, Coat of Arms

 

Front - Hibiscus flower, Coat of Arms. The design on the front is very similar to the previous 88-cent note, except for the see-through window on the left. Even the colours are similar too.

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (tenure since 11.09.2017)

Watermark - N/A

Printer - De La Rue (not printed)

Dimensions - 144mm x 69.5mm

 

Back - A Chinese Imperial dragon holding a fireball in its paw. A Chinese word '龍' (Dragon) is also printed in the bottom right. Like the China 100 yuan polymer commemorative note issued in 2000, this note also depicts a Chinese Imperial Dragon, and back in the Chinese Imperial years right up to 1911, only the sitting Emperor of the day was allowed to have such dragon design on their robe. Anyone found to have the same dragon or similar design on their clothing will not live another day to enjoy this. The yellowish background colour also represents the Chinese Imperial colour as well.

 

A Chinese Imperial dragon with a fireball

Footnote: 

It is not sure why the RBF continues to release numismatic products, apart from financial gains. Based on the legal tender value and the high premium over the face value, it would be extremely unlikely that you will ever find this note in general circulation. 

...Fiji - $5 Polymer Note 2-In-One and 5-In-One Uncut Sheets

  Republic of Fiji

 

Reserve Bank of Fiji

(Established 1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

Below are the two five dollars notes of two-In-One and Five-In-One uncut sheet numismatic products issued with the governor's signature of Faizul Ariff Ali.

 

This $5 polymer Flora and Fauna note series was first issued on 02.01.2013. Back then, when it was first released, I believed that only the following uncut sheets were issued - 20, 25 and 45-in-one. As far as I am aware, this is the only time that collectors have the opportunity to add these uncut sheets to their collections that come in Two-In-One and Five-In-One for this series.

 

It is believed these are the only two uncut sheets issued. It is not sure why they are available now and not before, given that this is not a new issue but rather a reprint with new signature.

 

Five Dollars - Two-In-One Uncut Sheet (Polymer)

Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet)

Front - To the left is a Kato ni Masim (native Fijian salt basket), to the center right is a Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet) bird resting on a tree branch. This is a very rare and the smallest member of the parrot family found in Fiji. This is so rare that the last sighting was back in 1993. It appears that the arboreal ship rats called Rattus rattus are the main culprit. I believe the Kulawai is the national bird of Fiji. The country Coat of Arms is printed on the top right-hand corner. The prefix for this series commences with FFB

Dimensions - 137mm x 135.5mm

Watermark (see-through window) - image of an i-Taukei man

Back - on the top left-hand corner is Mount Valili situated on the island of Vanua Levu. In the center left is Fiji's endangered Crested iguana and the Balaka palm. The Masiratu flower is printed on the center right.

Crested iguana and the Balaka palm

Five Dollars - Five-In-One Uncut Sheet (Polymer)

Five-In-One Front

Five-In-One or strip of five. I am not sure if other uncut sheets are also available, or just restricted to just these two.

 

Dimensions - 137mm x 337.5mm*

Watermark (see-through window) - image of an i-Taukei man

Five-In-One Back

...Fiji - $5 ND2023 Polymer Specimen Note

  Republic of Fiji

 

Reserve Bank of Fiji

(Established 1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

Further to my previous posting for the $5 and $100 notes signed by Bank Governor, Faizul Ariff Ali, below is the $5 polymer specimen note. It is not sure when this note was released, but I have a feeling that it was in early 2023. To date, Fiji has only issued a single polymer note for general circulation.

Just like the $7 commemorative 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games issue, the serial number for this specimen note is also printed with all 8s. Maybe the meaning of prosperity of 8888888 has gone into the mind of the authority of the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Whilst the specimen for the initial 2012 issue was printed with the prefix of FFA, this reprint specimen note is also printed with the same prefix, despite the normal prefix for the circulating issue being printed with the prefix letters of FFB.

 

Five Dollars (Polymer)

Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet)

Front - To the left is a Kato ni Masim (native Fijian salt basket), to the center right is a Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet) bird resting on a tree branch. This is a very rare and the smallest member of the parrot family found in Fiji. This is so rare that the last sighting was back in 1993. It appears that the arboreal ship rats called Rattus rattus are the main culprit. I believe the Kulawai is the national bird of Fiji. The country Coat of Arms is printed on the top right-hand corner. The prefix for this series commences with FFB

Signature - Faizul Ariff Ali

Dimensions - 137mm x 67mm

Watermark (see-through window) - image of an i-Taukei man

Back - on the top left-hand corner is Mount Valili situated on the island of Vanua Levu. On the center left is Fiji's endangered Crested iguana and the Balaka palm. The Masiratu flower is printed on the center right.

 

Crested iguana and the Balaka palm

Five Dollars (with a control number)

Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet)

 

Dimensions - 136mm x 67.5mm

Crested iguana and the Balaka palm

 

...Fiji - Flora And Fauna Series Reprints - Governor Faizul Ariff Ali

  Republic of Fiji

 

Reserve Bank of Fiji

(Established 1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

Below are the first two known reprints of the Flora and Fauna series which was first introduced in 2012. Whilst the Reserve Bank had issued banknotes with the current governor signature's Faizul Ariff Ali since he took office on 11.09.2017, this is the first time that his signature appeared on Fijian banknotes that was issued not as commemorative series. These are the only two normal circulating notes known to us that have the current governor's signature, and it is not sure if other denominations have been printed, and are waiting to be released.

 

The $100 was released in 2022, and I believe the $5 polymer was issued in early or mid January 2023. The $5 note is still the first and only polymer banknote issued in Fiji.

Five Dollars (Polymer)

Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet)

Front - To the left is a Kato ni Masim (native Fijian salt basket), to the center right is a Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet) bird resting on a tree branch. This is a very rare and the smallest member of the parrot family found in Fiji. This is so rare that the last sighting was back in 1993. It appears that the arboreal ship rats called Rattus rattus are the main culprit. I believe the Kulawai is the national bird of Fiji. The country Coat of Arms is printed on the top right-hand corner. The prefix for this series commences with FFB.

Dimensions - 136.5mm x 68mm

Watermark (see-through window - image of an i-Taukei man

Back - on the top left-hand corner is Mount Valili situated on the island of Vanua Leva. On the center left is Fiji's endangered Crested iguana and the Balaka palm. The Masiratu flower is printed on the center right.

Crested iguana and the Balaka palm

One Hundred Dollars (Paper)

Fijian cicada

Front - Buli kula (Golden Cowrie) to the bottom left corner and Nanai (Fiji cicada). Fiji has the richest fauna of cicadas in the southwest Pacific with 19 species. The cicada is a noisy creature that can call out all night thus sometimes can be ignored. The prefix for this series commenced with the letters FFB. Previous issue was printed with FFA.

Dimensions - 157mm x 68mm

Watermark - Image of an i-Taukei man and the value 100

Back - Smiling faces of tourism workers and entertainers showing their friendliness. The map of Fiji Islands with the 180 degrees Meridian Line marking the dawn of a new day. A cruise boat for island hopping on the top right, a couple of tourists snorkeling, and the Reserve bank's Coat of Arms on the bottom left corner.

Tourism workers, map of Fiji, cruise boat

.Fiji - $50 Dated 2020 50th Year of Independence Golden Jubilee 1970-2020 Specimen

 Republic of Fiji

Reserve Bank of Fiji

(Established 1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

In one of my previous posts, I uploaded the $50 commemorative polymer note celebrating Fiji 50th year of independence 1970-2020. Here I have posted the same note but issued as a specimen. It is not sure how many pieces were printed but in general, I would say between 200 to 500 pieces or even more. 

Designs

Front - Flag raising ceremony at Albert Park in Suva at 10 am on 10.10.1970 in the present of Prince Charles, Fiji first Prime Minister Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara (b.1920-2004), the Governor-General Sir Robert Sidney Foster (b.1913-2005) and other VIPs (all not shown), shield-of-arms, a see-through round window with the image of a government building's clock chiming at ten o'clock for the start of the independence ceremony.

Back - Six Fijian children of various ethnic backgrounds all holding a national flag running forward. A see through shield-of-arms and movement parts of a clock on the round window with the numeral 50.

In 2000, Sir Kamisese Mara was honored on a banknote when Fiji issued a $2000 millennium commemorative note. He was the first Prime Minister of Fiji from 1970 to 1992.

Signature

Governor  - Faizul Ariff Ali (appointed 11.09.2017).

Dimensions - 151mm x 67mm

Fifty Dollars

Dated 2020, Independence Flag Raising ceremony 1970

Reverse - Fijian children

Folder Front Cover

This specimen note came in a folder and inside the folder are printed with two messages by the Prime Minister of Fiji Josaia V. Bainimarama and the Bank Governor Ariff Ali.

Message from the Prime Minister;

To mark this half-century milestone of our nation's independence, may the new $50 note both symbolise our rich history and our renewed ambition for a brighter, more prosperous and more inclusive Fijian future.

Signed

Honourable Josaia V. Bainimarama

Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji

*********

Message from the Governor

Dear Collector

It is my privilege to present Fiji's $50 commemorative banknote recognising 50 years of Fiji's independence as a nation. We are proud of this banknote which celebrates Fiji's past and bridge future - featuring the historic first raising of the Fijian flag on 10 October 1970 and the children of Fiji who will inherit the nation we build them today.

Signed

Ariff Ali

Governor

Reserve Bank of Fiji

.Fiji - (nd)2012 Full Set Specimen Notes, s. Barry Whiteside

Republic of Fiji
(since 1987)

Reserve Bank of Fiji

Currency : Dollar (FJD)

Note: Only the $5 is a polymer note. The rest are paper banknotes.

 

A complete set of 5 specimen notes from $5 (polymer) to $100 all issued in 2012. This is the first time in 78 years (since 1934) that no British monarch's portrait is printed on any of the denominations. The $2 note has also been discontinued for this series as it has been replaced by a coin. The $5 is a polymer note and the rest are all paper notes. This is also the first time a polymer note is issued by the central bank.

I believe this is the sixth series of banknotes issued since gaining independence from the British in 1970.

The theme for this series are Flora and Fauna on the front, whilst the design on the backs are the same as those issued in 2007, albeit slightly changed in colours for 3 of the notes. Unlike the 2007 series, the $100 is printed on paper material and not hybrid. All specimen notes are printed with the first prefix FFA. I wonder if the two Fs are representing the theme - Flora and Fauna?

Governor - Barry Whiteside (tenure 2010-2017, including Acting Governor)

Imprinter - De La Rue

Five Dollars Specimen (136mm x 67mm) Polymer

nd2012, Kato ni Masima salt basket, parrot, Coat of Arms, P115s

Reverse - Mount Valili, crested iguana, Balaka palm, Masiratu flower

Ten Dollars Specimen (142mm x 67mm)

nd2012, I Buburau Nibete artefect, Beli fish, Coat of Arms, P116s

Reverse - Joske's Thumb, Grand Pacific Hotel, Coat of Arms

Twenty Dollars Specimen (146mm x 67mm)

nd2012, Fao artefact, Macgillvray storm bird, P117s

Reverse - logging, mining, Mount Uluinabukelevu, Coat of Arms

Fifty Dollars Specimen (151mm x 67mm)

nd2012, Wasekaseka necklace, Tagimoucia flower, Coat of Arms, P118

Reverse - ceremonial presentation of Tabua and Yaqona

One Hundred Dollars Specimen (156mm x 67mm)

nd2012, Buli Kula cowrie shell, Nanai (Fijian cicada), Coat of Arms, P119s

Reverse - Fijians, map of Fiji, scuba divers, atoll island, tourism theme, 180° Meridian line

Footnote ➽;
Between October 1970 to 06/10/1987, Fiji was officially known as the Dominion of Fiji. Fiji's independence was granted by the British on 10.10.1970, and retained the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth the Second as it's head of state. Following the two military coups, on 06.10.1987, Fiji became a republic and replaced the British monarch with a President, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau (b.1918-1993). Despite becoming a republic, the central bank retained the portrait of the queen on all it's banknotes until 2012, when a new series of banknotes issued featuring the flora and fauna theme, thus finally removing the British monarch from it's banknotes after 78 years (1934-2012). Between 1953 to 2007, all banknotes were printed with the queen's portrait on the front except for two notes, the 2000 millennium commemorative notes of $2 and $2000.

.Fiji - $50 Dated 2020 50th Year of Independence Golden Jubilee 1970-2020

 Republic of Fiji

(since 1987)

Reserve Bank of Fiji

Currency : Dollar (FJD)

This is a $50 polymer note, which was released on 08.10.2020 for the celebration of the country's 50th independence anniversary 1970-2020. This note was launched by the Prime Minister Ratu Josala Voreqe Bainimarama on the 07/10/2020. The planning for these commemorative notes and coins commenced in November 2017.

Fiji was once a colony of the United Kingdom from 1874 to 1970. On 10/10/2020, after 96 years of British rule, independence was granted and was then known as the Dominion of Fiji. The independence ceremony in 1970 was attended by Prince Charles who represented Queen Elizabeth the Second. Following gaining independence, the British monarch remained the head of state and her position was represented by a Governor-General based in Fiji. However, after two successful political coups in the 1980s, Fiji became a republic on 06/10/1987. Since becoming a republic, the British monarch was replaced by a President. Despite being a republic, the Reserve Bank of Fiji continued issuing banknotes with the portrait of the British monarch. However this also changed when a new series of banknotes were issued in 2013. The last series of banknotes issued with the portrait of the British Monarch was the 2007 series.

Following gaining independence, Fiji became the 127th member of the United Nations.

In addition to the normal note, the central bank also issued this note in a folder at a small premium. An uncut sheet of 15-in-one was also made available to the public. In addition to the banknote, a fifty cents coloured coin was also minted for this celebration with all primary one to secondary year 13 students receiving one in a presentation pack for free. This coin was selling at F$1 each.  

Designs

Front - Flag raising ceremony at Albert Park in Suva on the day of independence in 1970 witnessed by Prince Charles (not shown) who was representing Queen Elizabeth the Second, shield-of-arms, a see-through round window with the image of a clock chiming at ten o'clock from a government building.

Back - Six children of various ethnicity backgrounds all carrying the national flag running forward. A see through shield-of-arms and movement parts of a clock on the round window with the numeral 50.

Despite becoming a republic in 1987, the country's national flag still retains the image of the Union Jack. Discussions for the removal of the Union Jack and redesign of the flag were made in the past but such calls were later abandoned. It is not sure if this was due to the public losing interest in this topic or some other reasons. Even the shield-of-arms on the flag looks very British too. If the flag had successfully changed then this flag raising ceremony may not have been used for the design of this note. Apart from Australia and New Zealand, Fiji is one of the remaining two pacific nations that still have the Union Jack on its flag. The other nation is Tuvalu (Independence 01.10.1978). Tuvalu is a very tiny nation with a population of less than 12,000. The Tuvaluan issue their own coins but use Australia banknotes instead.

Independent ceremony started at 10.00 am on the 10th of October 1970 and as such the time on the clock is shown. The image of this clock came from a government building in 1970. The design on the independence flag raising ceremony was also previously printed on the $50, first issued in 1996 and then in 2002 series. This was discontinued in the 2007 series. 

The note is also printed with the text - '50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 1970-2020'

Signature

Governor  - Faizul Ariff Ali (appointed 11.09.2017)

Dimensions - 151mm x 67mm

Imprinter - De La Rue (banknotes)

Coins - Royal Canadian Mint

This is the first banknote bearing the signature of Faizul Ariff Ali since he was appointed in 2017 as the Governor of the Bank. The term for the Governor is for 5 years. Faizul Ali was previously the Deputy Bank Governor and then Acting Governor in May 2017, following the expiry of the term of the previous Bank Governor Barry Whiteside.

According to the bank governor, this is a limited issue but it is not sure how many of these are printed. It appears that only one prefix has been issued with the FAI prefix and one replacement prefix ZZA too. In addition to these, specimen notes are also printed too. The letters FAI stand for 'Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence'. I have posted both the notes here.

Fifty Dollars Normal Prefix

Dated 2020, Independence Flag Raising ceremony 1970

Reverse - Fijian children

Fifty Dollars Replacement Prefix ZZA

Dated 2020, Independence Flag Raising ceremony 1970

Reverse - Fijian children

I believe the image of the flag raising ceremony depicted on the note may have been altered from the original photo taken in 1970. I have been looking through the Internet briefly to confirm this and the one that I found has the flag rising behind the flag pole. As for this note, the flag is positioning in front of the pole. I am unable to post an image here due to copyright issues. However, this flag raising ceremony scene was previously printed on the 1996 issue of the $50 issued. Please see the scan below for comparison.

check out the position of the flag and pole

Footnote⇨

Fiji commemorative notes issued:-

2000 $2 Millennium issue;

2000 $2000 Millennium issue;

2017 $7 Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games Gold Medal issue.

Fiji is one of the few countries that have issued banknotes printed on paper, polymer and hybrid materials. Other nations in the Pacific region that have also done this are Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Samoa. This is the second polymer note and the fourth commemorative banknote released in Fiji.

Information sheet

Fiji $5 Polymer Specimen for sale

Hi Collectors

I have a piece of the below note spare which I am selling. If you are interested, please contact me

Thanks

.Fiji - $5 2013 Polymer Note First and Replacement Prefix

Five Dollars (First Prefix)

ND2013, PNL

Five Dollars - Replacement Prefix (Birthday Note)

ND2013, PNL

Reverse

Please click here to view a complete set of 5 notes.

As I mentioned in my other site, uncut sheets were also made available for all denominations, however I have seen some uncut sheets of 2-in-one and 3-in-one on sales. I believe these are not official uncut sheets. I believe these were cut from the larger sheet of 45 or larger.