...Solomon Islands - $50 and $100 ND2023 Specimen Modified And Upgraded Series

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI - est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

 

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

 

On 28.12.2023, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands released two new notes of $50 and $100. The designs for these two notes are similar to those previously issued in 2013 and 2015 but with added security features, which include an embedded 17 mm wide micro-optic stripe band on the front of the notes. The micro-optic strip replaced the Optiks security thread of the previous series.

Whilst the 2013 and 2015 series were all printed on Hybrid materials, these two new notes are not. Basically there are no changes to the notes except for the micro-optic stripe band. Based on the prefixes of these two notes printed, it looks like they are the continuation of the current series.

The two notes that I have posted here are both specimen notes.

Fifty Dollars

 

Front - An abstract pattern work based on local native basket weave designs and is intended to represent the swirling movement of shoals of fish. The see-through is a fish eating Frigate Bird that is shown in outline with wings outstretched. A large billowing flag showing as if being blown from the left with strong wind with the upward slanting yellow stripe on the flag adding to the dynamic movement effect. The Coat of Arms is on the right. The embedded 18 mm wide micro-optic stripe band which is located in the central right has images of a swimming shark and a crocodile. At the bottom is a symbolic representation of two birds passing a fish between them.

 

Watermarks - Sanford's sea eagle head and electrotype CBSI

Dimensions - 147mm x 67.5mm

 

Back - Montages of local fauna and flora like shell, lizard snake, iguana and fungi to recognise and celebrate the unique biodiversity of the islands.

 

One Hundred Dollars

 

Front - An abstract pattern work based on geometrical design and is intended to represent the swirling movement of shoals of fish. Fish is also represented by the symbols that are flanking the Coat of Arms. A large billowing flag showing as if being blown from the left with strong wind with the upward slanting yellow stripe on the flag adding to the dynamic movement effect. The Coat of Arms is on the right. The embedded 18 mm wide micro-optic stripe band which is located in the central right has images of a swimming shark and a crocodile.

Watermarks - Sanford's sea eagle head and electrotype CBSI

Dimensions - 152.5mm x 67.5mm

Back - Images of coconut growing with a man harvesting coconuts. To the left is a necklace and an opened coconut in the middle.

...Solomon Islands - 10 Dollars Specimen Commemorative Polymer Note 2023 XVll Pacific Games

 Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) (est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

 

I posted the circulating note on 01.03.2024. Here, I have posted the specimen note for the same polymer commemorative series. I have no information as to how many have been printed. As this series is printed by DLR, I would guess the quantity would be between 300 to 500 pieces. It is unlikely they would have printed anything more than that. The specimen note that I have posted here is also printed with a tiny control number on the bottom left corner. However, it is not sure if there are other varieties for this specimen series.

Ten Dollars (Specimen)

Sanfords sea eagle head, billowing flag, Coat of Arms

Front - A Sanford's sea eagle head (Solomon eagle) is printed on the left, which is traditionally the watermark for paper banknotes issued in the Solomon Islands. The Sanford's sea eagle is a native bird of Solomon Islands. The tournament logo illustrates the year 2023, a billowing Solomon Islands flag in the middle. To the right is the Coat of Arms.

Signatures

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

Watermark - Electrotype CBSI

Dimensions - 137mm x 68mm

Back - Various sporting events, depicting from left to right: man running with a rugby ball in his right hand, two men playing in a basketball game, woman lifting weight, footballer, athlete and bodybuilder posing.

 

Six sports - soccer, weight lifting, marathon, bodybuilding, rugby and basketball

...Solomon Islands - ND2021-2023 Issues Specimen Polymer/Paper/Hybrid s. Dr Luke Forau & Mckinnie P Dentana

  Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)

(since 1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

 

Below are the four specimen notes bearing the signatures of Governor, Dr Luke Forau and the Secretary, Minister of Finance, Mckinnie P Dentana. It is believed that the $5 polymer note was released in 2022, while the others were released between 2021 and 2023. The notes posted here are polymer substrate ($5), paper ($10 and $20), and hybrid ($100). There are no changes to the designs, but only with new signatures.

 

Five Dollars Specimen Polymer

Coat of Arm, Yellow-fin Tuna

Front - Coat of Arms, coral reefs, a Yellow-fin Tuna fiercely battles the fisherman who makes the catch with a traditional hook

Signatures

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

Watermark - Eagle head & electrotype CBSI

Printer - Note Printing Australia

Dimensions - 132mm x 67mm

 

Back - A scene depicting a group of people spear fishing together, representing a sense of community and social cohesion among the local people. This design was previously depicted on the back of the two-dollar note. The two-dollar note has been replaced by a coin since 2013. In the background is the flag of Solomon Islands.

 

Group of people spear fishing together

 Ten Dollars Specimen Paper

National flag, Coat of Arms

 

Front - A billowing flag of Solomon Islands, which gives a general feeling of the prevailing current moving from the left to the right. The Coat of Arms is on the right. At the bottom is a food bowl with traditional motifs. 

Signatures

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

Watermark - Eagle head & electrotype CBSI

Printer - De La Rue

Dimensions - 137mm x 67mm

Back - The main design features a woman holding a traditional tool used to drill traditional shell money along with a string of shell money on the left side of the note. This is a unique culture of the eastern islands in the Solomon Islands.

 

Woman with tool drilling shell money, a string of shell money

Twenty Dollars Specimen Paper

Flag of Solomon Islands, Coat of Arms

Front - A billowing flag of Solomon Islands, which gives a general feeling of the prevailing current moving from the left to the right. The Coat of Arms is on the right. At the bottom is a food bowl with traditional motifs.

Signatures

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

Watermark - Eagle head & electrotype CBSI

Printer - De La Rue

Dimensions - 142mm x 67.5mm

 

Back - A portrait of a musician playing traditional bamboo panpipes along with female dancers performing a ceremonial island dance to recognize and celebrate the unique culture of the islands. There are also some additional traditional designs and carved patterns along the top of the note.

 

Man blowing bamboo musical instrument, group of women dancing

One Hundred Dollars Specimen (Hybrid)

Flag of Solomon Islands, Coat of Arms

Front - Coat of Arms on the right, and a billowing flag on the center left.

 

Signatures

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

Watermark - Eagle head & electrotype CBSI

Printer - De La Rue

Dimensions - 152mm x 67.5mm

Back - Images of coconuts growing with plantation harvesting. An image of an open coconut in the middle of a necklace.

 

Man harvesting coconuts

 

Footnote: -

I believe the signature for the Secretary, Minister of Finance printed on this note is Mckinnie P Dentana. I note that other sites have indicated that this is not. I do not have any confirmation to say I am correct, but if you have the correct information, please feel free to share with me. I am also keen to know what the initial 'P' stands for. Please check this out!

...Solomon Islands - $50 and $100 (ND2013-2015) Specimen Series Hybrid s. Denton Hehenoro Rarawa & Shadrach Timothy Fanega

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)

(since 1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

 

I would say this is the third series of the Solomon Islands banknotes issued since 1983 when the Central Bank of Solomon Islands was founded in 1983.

 

These two notes were first introduced in 2013 and 2015 for the $50 and $100 respectively. The remaining notes for the current series released were $5 polymer (nd2019), $10 and $20 (both nd2017). Posted here are the two specimen notes, and both are printed on Hybrid materials. It should be noted that the two notes below (nd2013 new series) are printed with the  signature of the Secretary, Ministry of Finance Shadrach Timothy Fanega, whilst those issued in 2017 have the signature of Harry Degruit Kuma.

Fifty Dollars Specimen Hybrid

Flag, Coat of Arms

 

Front - Local basket weave designs, large billowing flag, Coat of Arms

 

Signatures

Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (tenure 2008-2019)

Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Shadrach Timothy Fanega

Watermark - Eagle facing right, together with the letters CBSI

Dimensions - 147mm x 68mm

 

Back - Giant clam, reptiles, eel, local flora 

Giant clam, reptiles, local flora

One Hundred Dollars Specimen Hybrid

Flag, Coat of Arms

 

Front - Local basket weave designs, large billowing flag, Coat of Arms

 

Signatures

Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (tenure 2008-2019)

Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Shadrach Timothy Fanega

Watermark - Eagle facing right, together with the letters CBSI 

Dimensions - 152mm x 68mm

Back - Man harvesting coconuts with coconut trees in the background

Coconut trees, man harvesting coconuts

...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.

...Solomon Islands - $40 Dated 2018 Polymer Specimen 40th Year of Independence 1978-2018

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)

(since 1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

Posted here is the $40 polymer specimen note celebrating the nation's 40th year of independence. Independence day is celebrated on July the 7th. The commemorating circulating note was issued on 05.07.2018. 

Brief history of the Solomon Islands;

The name Solomon Islands (Islas Solomon) was given by a Spanish explorer Alvaro De Mandana (b.1542-1595) when he first visited the archipelago in 1568. Then came the British and between 29.09.1893 to 21.06.1975, the country was known as the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. On 22.06.1975, it was renamed Solomon Islands and then became a self-governing colony on 02.01.1976. On 07.07.1976, the British granted its independence and in 1977, Solomon Islands issued its first banknotes of $2, $5 and $10. The $20 was added later in 1981. Prior to 1977 the Australia dollars were circulating in the country. Following the issue of the Solomon Islands dollar, the exchange rate was at par with the Australian dollar. It should be noted that despite the Australian dollars that were once circulating in the country including the Australia $1 note, Solomon Islands has never issued a $1 note since gaining independence.

Despite being an independent nation since 1976, Solomon Islands retains the British monarch as their Head of State and Queen Elizabeth the Second is represented by a Governor-General (currently Sir David Vugani since 2009) residing in the country. Having the British monarch as the Head of State, the last time a banknote printed with the Queen's portrait was the 1984 series. Since then all banknotes issued are printed with the Coat of Arms on the front. The national flag was later also added to the designs. 

This $40 polymer note is a very unusual denomination but Solomon Islands is not the first country to issue a banknote with the value of forty. Other countries like Bangladesh and Djibouti have also issued commemorative banknotes with the value of 40 earlier too.

 

Apart from the banknote itself, CBSI also released a folder but without containing the banknote. It was reported that only 100 folders were issued and all sold out very quickly. The folder itself was sold at S$75 each, of course without the banknote, and needless to say, the empty folder is more expensive than the banknote face value. 

Forty Dollars Specimen

Dated 2018, man blowing conch shell, map of Solomon Islands

 

Signatures

Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (tenure 2008-2019)

Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Harry Kuma (2015-?)

Imprinter - De La Rue (De La Rue's Safeguard polymer substrate)

Dimensions - 146mm x 67mm 

 

Reverse - young girls on canoe, turtle, fish, man on canoe, flag of Solomon Islands

 

Note: According to a website, it says that the signature for the Secretary to the Minister of Finance on this note belongs to 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 any resemblance to his name. I also understand that the signing of a personal signature can come in all shapes and styles, however, I have now confirmed that the signature belongs to Harry Kuma. However, I have no information as to when he was appointed or when he left as Harry Kuma is now the Minister for Finance of Solomon Islands.

...Solomon Islands - 2013 Series (ND2015-2017) of $10, $20, $50 and $100 Hybrid Specimen s. Denton Hehenoro Rarawa & Harry Kuma

 Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands

(since 1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

 

Below are four specimen notes of the current series first released in 2013. This series started with the $50 issued in 2013 and then followed by the $100 in 2015. Both are Hybrid notes and bear the signatures of Denton Hehenoro Rarawa and Shadrach Timonthy Fanega.

In 2017, the central bank released a new $10 and $20 and in 2018 (or 2019), a reprint of the 2015 $100 (nd2017) Hybrid note. These are the four notes I have posted here. A complete series should be - $5 (polymer), $10, $20, $50 and $100. The $5 is a polymer note and was issued in May 2019. I have this note and will post the note separately.

Signatures

Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa

Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Harry Kuma

Dimensions
$10 - 136mm x 67mm
$20 - 141mm x 67mm

$50 - 147mm x 67mm
$100 - 151mm x 67mm

Ten Dollars Specimen

nd2017, flag of Solomon Islands, Coat of Arms

Reverse - woman weaving

Twenty Dollars Specimen

nd2017, flag of Solomon Islands, Coat of Arms

Reverse - man blowing bamboo musical instrument, group of women dancing

Fifty Dollars Hybrid Specimen (#011)

nd2017, flag of Solomon Islands, Coat of Arms

Reverse - giant clam, indigenous fauna flora, iguana, lizard, ell

 

One Hundred Dollars Hybrid Specimen

nd2017, flag of Solomon Islands, Coat of Arms

Reverse - coconut trees, man harvesting coconuts

...Solomon Islands - Full Set $2 x2, $5, $10, $20 & $100 Specimen ND2009-2011 s. Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (2008-2019) & Shadrach Timothy Fanega

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands

(since 1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (tenure 2008-2019) & Shadrach Timothy Fanega

 

$50 - not issued

 

Here are six specimen notes with five printed with prefix C (C series) plus one with A/1 ($100). These notes were issued between 2009 and 2011. The designs on these notes were the same as previous C series had issued since 1996 except with some minor changes to the designs, like the security thread and the flag of Solomon Islands added to the design since 2001. This is a full set of the specimen and it is believed that the $50 denomination of this series was not issued. 

Below I have posted two of the $2 specimen notes, one issued in 2009 (prefix C/6) and one issued in 2011 (prefix C/7). If you look closely, you can see that the font sizes for the word 'SPECIMEN' for these two notes are not the same. The font sizes for the word 'SPECIMEN' printed on the front is not the same printed on the back for the nd2011 print. Also, the word 'SPECIMEN' printed on the $100 looks much smaller than the rest of the notes printed too.

Signatures

Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (tenure 2008-2019)

Secretary, Finance - Shadrach Timothy Fanega

Dimensions

$2 - 140mm x 70mm

$5 - 145mm x 73mm

$10 - 148mm x 72mm

$20 - 154mm x 72mm

$100 - 160mm x 72mm

Two Dollars Specimen

nd2009, Prefix C/6, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - group of people fishing together

Two Dollars Specimen

nd2011, Prefix C/7, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - group of people fishing together

Five Dollars Specimen

nd2011, Prefix C/5, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

nd2011, man standing next to a long boat, hut

 

Ten Dollars Specimen

nd2009, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - woman weaving

Twenty Dollars Specimen

nd2009, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - group of warriors performing ceremony dance

One Hundred Specimen

nd2009, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - coconut trees, man harvesting coconuts

...Solomon Islands - Full Set $5, $10, $50 & $100 ND2008/2009 Specimen Notes, s. Rick Houenipwela & Gordon Darcy Lilo

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (since 1983)

Currency : Dollar (SBD)

Specimen Series - s. Rick Houenipwela & Gordon Darcy Lilo

 

Not issued - $2 and $20

 

Here are the full set of specimen notes of $5, $10, $50 and $100 bearing the signatures of Rick N Houenipwela (a.k.a. Nick Hou) and Gordon Darcy Lilo. I believe only four notes were issued with these signatures combined. The circulating notes issued were $5, $10, $50 and $100. Whilst Rick Hou was the bank governor from 1993 to 2008, Gordon Darcy Lilo was the Minister of Finance from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2011, and he also served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance. It is believed that these notes were printed/issued between 2008 and 2009. Gordon Lilo later went on to become the country's 11th Prime Minister from November 2011 to December 2014 and appointed Nick Hou as the country's Minister of Finance. 

Signatures

Governor - Rick N Houenipwela

Secretary, Finance - Gordon Darcy Lilo

Dimensions

$5 - 144mm x 71mm

$10 - 148mm x 71mm

$50 -  161mm x 73mm

$100 - 160mm x 72mm

Five Dollars Specimen

nd2008, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - hut, man with native long boat/canoe

Ten Dollars Specimen

nd2009, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - woman weaving

Fifty Dollars Specimen

nd2008, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - butterflies and reptiles

One Hundred Dollars Specimen

nd2008, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - coconut trees, man harvesting coconuts