.Fiji - (nd)1974 Specimen Issues 2nd Reprints [Central Monetary Authority of Fiji]

Dominion of Fiji
(1970-1987)

Central Monetary Authority of Fiji
(1973-1983)

Currency : Dollar (FJD)

Another full set of specimen notes issued by the Central Monetary Authority of Fiji. This set was the third print of the 1974 series, comprises 5 notes - $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20. The $20 was the highest denomination at that time, until 1996 when a new $50 was introduced. This series was presumably issued in or after 1977 as one of the signatures to the notes, HJ Tomkins was appointed to the General Manager role in 1977.

Like those previously issued, 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. All notes have holes punched on all corners of the note.

Signatures
Chairman - David J Barnes (tenure 1969-1991*)
General Manager - HJ Tomkins (tenure 1977-1980).
Printer - Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited
Dimensions - 160mm x 77mm

Tomkins was the general manager who was managing the bank between 1977 to 1980. Like his predecessor Earland, Tomkins was also seconded from the Bank of England. He was also the last seconded Englishman to manage the Fiji central bank. In 1980, he was replaced by Savenaca Siwatibau (General Manager/Governor 1980-1988), who was the first native Fijian born to head the bank.

Thomas De La Rue and Company Limit has been printing banknotes for Fiji since 1914.

One Dollar Specimen

nd1977, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P71bs

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

Two Dollars Specimen

nd1977, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P72cs

Reverse - geometric design with the face value Two Dollars

Five Dollars Specimen

nd1977, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P73cs

Reverse - geometric design with the face value Five Dollars

Ten Dollars Specimen

nd1977, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P74cs

Reverse - geometric design with the face value Ten Dollars

Twenty Dollars Specimen

nd1977, Queen Elizabeth the Second (aged 29), Coat of Arms, P75cs

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 as his signature also appeared in the 1990 Reserve Bank of Fiji annual report dated 28.03.1991 as Executive Director.