This is a banknote with an unusual face value of F$7 issued to commemorate Fiji's first Olympic gold medal victory in the Men's Rugby Sevens in Rio de Janeiro XXXl Olympics in 2016. Fiji won the gold medal by beating Great Britain in the final with a score of 43-7. This is a tremendous achievement for a tiny nation with a small population of just under 900,000 (2015 figure). The Fijian team players comprises of Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Jerry Tuwai, Josua Tuisova, Kitione Taliga, Leone Nakarawa, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Osea Kolinisau (Captain), Samisoni Viriviri, Savenaca Rawaca, Samisoni Viriviri, Vatemo Ravouvou and Viliame Mata. Rugby is a very popular sport in the country. This is a very special achievement in the country's sporting history as this is the first time the country has ever won a medal (in any colours) in its Summer and Winter Olympics games combined since they first participated in 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Having won gold made this even more special to the Fijian people. The note was launched on 20.04.2017 by Prime Minister Josaia Vorege (Frank) Bainimarama and released through bank branches on 21.04.2017 for circulation. A total of 2.0 million pieces printed with normal prefix of AU (gold). In addition to this, the Reserve Bank of Fiji also minted one million 50-cent coins with the image of England-born Ben Ryan, who coached Fiji to its first Olympic gold medal, on one side, and Fiji players hoisting the Olympic trophy on the other.
Not many people get to have a banknote issued in his/her honour and achievement!!
Features of the banknote
Governor: Barry Whiteside
Printer; Oberthur Fiduciaire (France). Royal Canadian Mint for the 50 cents coin
Quantity: Banknote 2.0M pieces; Coin 1.0M pieces
Colour; Predominately blue
Obverse - Fijian flag, Vertically oriented. Team captain and flag bearer Osea Kolinisau running/charging with a rugby ball in his left hand. The team coach, English born Ben Ryan sitting on the Sigatoka Sand Dunes in pensive thought mode. Fijian Coat of Arms. Year date 2016 in gold colour.
Reverse - Fiji Rugby 7s Gold Olympians team with the Prime Minister Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and team officials celebrating the win. Bainimarama is also the President of the Fiji Rugby Union.
Seven Dollars
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| Dated 2016(2017), P120 |
Seven Dollars (AZ Replacement note)
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| 2017, P120r |
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| Reverse |
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| Front Folder Cover |
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| Back Folder Cover |
Comment: This is a folder note. Issue price F$30 each.
Note: The Rugby Sevens is a very popular sport in the Oceania region. Between 1976 to 2016, Fiji has won the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament most, with 16 times, followed by New Zealand with 11 times.
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