...Fiji - (nd)2012 Full Set Specimen Notes, s. Barry Whiteside

Republic of Fiji
(since 1987)

Reserve Bank of Fiji

Currency : Dollar (FJD)

A complete set of 5 specimen notes from $5 (polymer) to $100 all issued in 2012. This is the first time in 78 years (since 1934) that no British monarch's portrait is printed on any of the denominations. The $2 note has also been discontinued for this series as it has been replaced by a coin. The $5 is a polymer note and the rest are all paper notes. This is also the first time a polymer note is issued by the central bank.

I believe this is the sixth series of banknotes issued since gaining independence from the British in 1970.

The theme for this series are Flora and Fauna on the front, whilst the design on the backs are the same as those issued in 2007, albeit slightly changed in colours for 3 of the notes. Unlike the 2007 series, the $100 is printed on paper material and not hybrid. All specimen notes are printed with the first prefix FFA. I wonder if the two Fs are representing the theme - Flora and Fauna?

Governor - Barry Whiteside (tenure 2010-2017, including Acting Governor)

Imprinter - De La Rue

Five Dollars Specimen (136mm x 67mm) Polymer

nd2012, Kato ni Masima salt basket, parrot, Coat of Arms, P115s

Reverse - Mount Valili, crested iguana, Balaka palm, Masiratu flower

Ten Dollars Specimen (142mm x 67mm)

nd2012, I Buburau Nibete artefect, Beli fish, Coat of Arms, P116s

Reverse - Joske's Thumb, Grand Pacific Hotel, Coat of Arms

Twenty Dollars Specimen (146mm x 67mm)

nd2012, Fao artefact, Macgillvray storm bird, P117s

Reverse - logging, mining, Mount Uluinabukelevu, Coat of Arms

Fifty Dollars Specimen (151mm x 67mm)

nd2012, Wasekaseka necklace, Tagimoucia flower, Coat of Arms, P118

Reverse - ceremonial presentation of Tabua and Yaqona

One Hundred Dollars Specimen (156mm x 67mm)

nd2012, Buli Kula cowrie shell, Nanai (Fijian cicada), Coat of Arms, P119s

Reverse - Fijians, map of Fiji, scuba divers, atoll island, tourism theme, 180° Meridian line

Footnote ➽;
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 replaced the British monarch with a President, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau (b.1918-1993). Despite becoming a republic, the central bank retained the portrait of the queen on all it's banknotes until 2012, when a new series of banknotes issued featuring the flora and fauna theme, thus finally removing the British monarch from it's banknotes after 78 years (1934-2012). Between 1953 to 2007, all banknotes were printed with the queen's portrait on the front except for two notes, the 2000 millennium commemorative notes of $2 and $2000.