...Fiji - ND2026 Polymer Series Replacement Prefix ZZ Full Set

Republic of Fiji

Reserve Bank of Fiji (Est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

Here is a full set of five notes all printed with the replacement prefix of ZZ. This serial was issued on 02.01.2026. For this series, the bank also released this new series in a booklet with all five notes as well as a single note in a folder. The bank has also made uncut sheets available in 2-in-1, 5-in-1, 10-in-one and 45-in-one.

Personally, I find this set quite expensive. As my ego continues to grow daily when it comes to this hobby, I do not feel I have any option but to get one full set for my collection just to satisfy myself. For this series, I now have one full set of individual notes, one full set in a single folder, one set of specimens and to complete this with the replacement set.

I was a bit surprised when I saw the low serial number for the $10 note - ZZ 000005. This is the lowest replacement note number I have in my entire replacement notes collection. Most of my replacement notes serial numbers are in thousands and to get one such a low number is a bonus to my collection. I do not usually chase after such notes as they can be very expensive, not to mention, hard to find too. Since I got this out of the blue, it does give me the satisfactory feeling to have one in my collection. Of course, the number 1 note would be the best, but hoping for such a note is just a dream that may never be fulfilled. One can only continue to dream as it is still free to dream about it.

This series of banknotes is designed by Svetlana Nekrasova and printed by Crane Currency on CCL Secure's GUARDIAN™ polymer substrate.   

Five Dollars

Front - Features Fiji’s endemic Kulawai (red-throated Lorikeet), Fiji’s smallest member of the parrot family. Predominantly green, the Kulawai is a very inhabitant of the mountain forest canopy which feeds on nectar and pollen. The last confirmation sighting was in 1993 and searches in the last few years have failed to find it.

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 67mm

Back - 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 turtle is also depicted.

 

Ten Dollars (low serial number ZZ 000005)

Front - 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 - 140.5mm x 67mm

Back - Features 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

Front - 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 (Ratuman coconut scraper) is featured on the banknote.

Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)

Sizes - 146mm x 67mm

Back - Features the Reserve bank of Fiji (RBF) Building located along Pratt Street I 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

Front - Features the Tagimoucia (Medinella waterhouse) 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 centers. 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 - 150.5mm x 67mm

Back - 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. The indenture system was officially abolished on 1 January 1920 whereby the majority of the Girmitiyas eventually settled in Fiji.

 

One Hundred Dollars

 
Front - Features Fiji’s endemic Nanai (Cicada). Cicadas are well known for their loud 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.

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 67.5mm

Back - Features an i-Taukei man (indigenous Fijian) in traditional attire holding 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.

...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)

...Fiji - Polymer Notes Series nd2026 Full Set Numismatic Folder Matching Serial Numbers

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. 

 

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.  

賤

...Fiji - Polymer Notes Series nd2026 Full Set

Republic of Fiji

 

Reserve Bank of Fiji (Est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (FJD)

 

Posted below is a full set of five polymer banknotes released on 02.01.2026. The announcement of this series was made on 02.12.2025. Like the previous full set released in 2013, this nd2026 series also includes numismatic products of uncut sheets for all denominations, single note in full set with matching serial numbers as well as individual notes in a presentation folder.

 

The themes for this new series are national identity, people, resources, and national heritage. The front of the banknotes retains the familiar flora and fauna unique to Fiji, and the reverse sides feature new imagery specific to each denomination.

 

The uncut sheets are 2, 5, 10 and 45-in-one. The 2, 5 and 10-in-one come in a strip form. Those who collect any sheets larger than 2-in-one may have to leave them in a tube that is supplied by the bank as it would be hard to find such a large banknote sleeve to house them flat. Specimen notes for all denominations are also printed and I will be uploading these in full set in a separate post.  

 

As the official release date for this series was 02.01.2026, some dealers already have the notes in stock for sale well before Christmas 2025. So, are these notes considered as series nd2025 or nd2026?

 

As this is a new series, the bank retains the main design features on the front of the previous series but with new designs on the back for all the notes. The last time Fiji released a new series was back in 2012 when the bank replaced the portrait of Queen Elizabeth the Second. This is the first time that Fiji has released a full set of banknotes printed in polymer substrate. 

I believe that Fiji is the 21th nation* that has now fully adopted polymer banknotes and this new series is to circulate together with the previous series issued (polymer and paper). Fiji is also one of the very few countries that have issued banknotes in traditional cotton based paper notes, hybrid and now polymer in full set.

 

Five Dollars

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 68mm

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

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. 

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

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. 

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). 

 

Fifty Dollars

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. 

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

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 68mm

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. 

Note * - I believe the following countries/nations have fully adopted polymer banknotes in full. When I say fully adopted, I meant that only polymer notes are issued going forward and not paper banknotes anymore.

Australia, Barbados, Brunei, Canada, East Caribbean, Falkland Islands, England, Fiji, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Northern Ireland, Samoa, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

I have excluded The Philippines as I understand that the Philippines is still releasing paper notes and polymer notes for the same denominations for general circulation.

Officially, there are 195 countries around the world but the exact number can vary based on political recognition and disputed territories such as Taiwan, Transnistria and a few others. Based on 195 countries around the world, and the first introduction of Polymer banknotes in 1988 by Australia, today only approximately 11% of these countries have fully adopted polymer banknotes. Many countries are still taking the cautious approach and adopting a mixture of paper and polymer banknotes, with denominations issued in polymer that are common and popular in demand. 

 

...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