Fiji’s new series of polymer banknotes with state-of-the-art security features across all currency denominations were unveiled at the GPH in Suva yesterday.
The newly-designed banknotes were printed by US-headquartered international banknote supplier Crane Currency at its printing facility in Malta at a cost of $US5million (approx. $F11million).
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has revealed that some 60 million banknotes, inclusive of both circulation and numismatic banknotes, were ordered together from Crane Currency that was awarded the banknote tender.
The new banknote series feature new designs on the reverse of the notes while retaining the same primary colours and the existing front designs; and include new vignettes that showcases Fiji’s identify as a nation, its people, resources and national heritage.
The new $5 now features an endangered turtle found in Fiji, the Vonu Dina (green turtle); the $10 features children planting mangrove along the coastline; the $20 features the central bank building; the $50 features a Girmitiya lady with the vessel ‘Leonidas’ in the background; and the $100 features the imagery of an iTaukei man in traditional attire holding a bowl of kava.
RBF governor Ariff Ali said the process of designing notes and enhancing security features of the local currency was not a simple exercise, requiring time for extensive research and meticulous planning.
He said the selection of designs and technical characteristics of the new banknotes were driven by the RBF’s internal currency technical committee, and the final design subjects and technical changes were approved by its board in April last year.
“This is Reserve Bank’s first-ever engagement with Crane Currency, an integrated banknote supplier with over 200 years of banknote heritage in the banknote industry. Crane Currency has an incredible depth of expertise in banknote design, paper making, banknote printing and for those who may not know, are the paper substrate provider for the US currency as well,” Mr Ali said.
In addition to ensuring the safety and security of the local currency, the central bank also considered durability – a key consideration in the new banknotes series to ensure these banknotes can withstand the rigour of daily use.
Chief guest President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu said yesterday’s event was a tangible symbol of progress in achieving a collective national vision for progress, prosperity and unity.
“Progress with the unveiling our new banknote series highlighting new designs, prosperity as currency is a symbol of our sovereignty if managed effectively, and unity through shared ownership and pride,” Ratu Naiqama said.
The new banknotes will be issued into circulation from January 2.
The current design banknotes will be gradually withdrawn from circulation over the year, and demonetised on December 31 next year.
