...Solomon Islands - $5 Polymer Series ND2019 Specimen s. Denton Hehenoro Rarawa & Harry Kuma

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands

(since 1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

On 02.05.2019, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands issued a new $5 polymer. The note was released in conjunction with the United Nations World Tuna Day. This is the third time a polymer note was issued in Solomon Islands since 2001. Unlike the first two which were both commemorative, this note was issued for general circulation purposes. 

I have previously posted the circulating note for the $5 polymer note and here, I have the specimen note for this series. I do not believe this series comes with any replacement notes. If any, it would have the prefix of X/1 as all replacement Solomon Islands’s banknotes issued in the past were printed with this prefix.

Current series of Solomon Islands banknotes are printed with polymer substrate ($5), paper notes ($10, $20) and hybrid materials ($50 & $100).

Signatures

Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (tenure 2008-2019)

Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Harry Kuma

Dimensions - 131mm x 67mm

Imprinter - Note Printing Australia

 

Note: According to a website, it says that the Secretary to the Minister of Finance is Fred Fakari'i. According to another source, it said that he was appointed to the post of Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Treasury in 2014. However, it is not sure if he still holds that position now or has he been removed or moved to another position since then. Whilst I have not sighted the image of Fred Fakari'i's signature before, the signature on this note does not look resemblance to his name. I also understand that the signing of a personal signature can come in all shapes and sizes, however, and in my opinion, it looks more like Harry Kuma instead. Until I can confirm this, I will just leave this as it is.

Five Dollars Polymer Specimen

nd2019, yellowfin tuna facing a traditional fishing hook signaling the importance of sustainability. Both features are printed on a see-through feature, Coat of Arms of Solomon Islands in the middle

Reverse - a traditional spearfishing scene by a group of people which highlights the need to preserve and promote community activity. This spearfishing scene on the back is the same design on the back of the last $2 paper banknote.

Footnote 👍

This is the third polymer note issued by Solomon Islands and the second polymer banknote printed by Note Printing Australia. The first was the $2 polymer commemorative celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands 1976-2001. The $40 polymer banknote issued for the country's 40th Year Independence commemorative was printed by De La Rue.