.Fiji - (nd)1974 Specimen Issues 1st Reprints [Central Monetary Authority of Fiji]

Dominion of Fiji
(1970-1987)

Central Monetary Authority of Fiji
(1973-1983)

Currency : Dollar (FJD)

Here are a full set of specimen notes issued by the Central Monetary Authority of Fiji. This set comprises 6 notes - 50 cents, $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20. The $20 was the highest denomination at that time, until 1996 when a new $50 was issued. Whilst the 50 cents specimen note was printed, the circulation type was not issued and therefore this is the only way to get this note. It is not sure why the bank decided not to release this denomination or was there any printed either. The 50 cents coin was first issued in 1975. Perhaps the 50 cents coin was already issued when the 50 cents note was printed. There was no 50 cents note issued for the 1974 first print either. The last 50 cents circulating note issued was the 1971 series by the Currency Board of Fiji.

Apart from the 50 cents and the one dollar notes, the design on the back for the $2 to $20 are all the same, all printed with the geometric design and also with the face value respectively.

It is not sure when this series was issued and given the tenure of RA Earland appointment, presumably it would be after 1974 and no later than 1977. 

Signatures
Chairman - David J Barnes (tenure 1969-1991*)
General Manager - RA Earland (tenure 1974-1977)
Imprinter - Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited, since 1914
Dimensions - 160mm x 67mm (50 cents) and the rest 160mm x 77mm

RA Earland was the general manager who was managing the central bank between 1974 to 1977. Like his predecessor Ian Craik, Earland was also seconded from the Bank of England.

Fifty Cents Specimen (Normal circulating note not issued)

nd1975/1976, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P70s

Reverse - Fijian native thatched house

One Dollar Specimen

nd1975/1976, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P71as

Reverse - scene of Yanuca beach in the Mamanuca Island, coconut trees

Two Dollars Specimen

nd1975/1976, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P72bs

Reverse - geometric design with the value Two Dollars

Five Dollars Specimen

nd1975/1976, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P73bs

Reverse - geometric design with the face value Five Dollars

Ten Dollars Specimen

nd1975/1976, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P74bs

Reverse - geometric design with the face value Ten Dollars

Twenty Dollars Specimen

nd1975/1976, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P75bs

Reverse - geometric design with the face value Twenty Dollars

Footnote ➥;
* David J Barnes's tenure at the central bank is based on my observation of his signature appearing on the banknotes. In my opinion, his association with the bank could be longer. This is based on my observation that his signature as Director of Reserve Bank of Fiji also appeared on the 1990 bank's annual report dated 28.03.1991 as Executive Director.
 
Between October 1970 to 06/10/1987, Fiji was officially known as the Dominion of Fiji. Fiji's independence was granted by the British on 10/10/1970, and retained the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth the Second as it's head of state. Following the two military coups, on 06/10/1987, Fiji became a republic and removed Queen Elizabeth the Second as it's head of state. Despite becoming a republic, all banknotes issued since then are still printed with the portrait of the queen, until in 2012, a new series of banknotes featuring flora and fauna, thus finally removing the British monarch from it's banknotes. Between 1953 to 2007, all banknotes are printed with the queen portrait on the front except for two notes, the 2000 millennium commemorative notes issue of $2 and $2000.