hybrid paperbanknotes

Oman - 2010 National Commemorative

2012-02-01T00:02:00.004+11:00

Fifty Rials

Brief Description
Sultan - Oaboos bin Said
Dimensions - 173mm x 76mm
Prefix - Arabic
Date - 2010 (Released 9.1.2012)
Printer - Giesecke & Deviant (G&D)

This new commemorative note was released on 9/1/2012 to commemorate the 40th National Day celebration of Oman. The National Day is celebrated on the 18th of November. Not sure why this note was not released together with the 20 Rials commemorative note which was issued in November 2010.

As per current Omani Rials in circulation, this note carries the portrait of the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and is also signed by His Majesty as well. Included in the design are the National Emblem (coat of arms) at the centre of the note and the wording “40th National day” and Year of issue in Arabic: 1431 AH and 2010 at the bottom of the note.The building in the background is the Central Bank of Oman.

At the back of the note, it carries the name of CBO and denomination in English. The design on the back features mainly the Ministry of Trade and Industry building, National Emblem (coat of arms) and also the National Day Logo for this very special occasion.

This is the third commemorating note ever issued by the Central Bank of Oman.

Kazakhstan - 10,000 Tenge Independence Commemorative

2011-11-08T00:01:00.005+11:00

Kazakhstan 10,000 Tenge Commemorative

Brief Description

Governor - Grigoriy Marchenko

Dimensions – 149mm x 79mm

Prefix number series - AA/**

Dated - 4.7.2011

Printer - DLR Optiks

Obverse - This note was issued to celebrate the country’s 20^th year of independence. The note is in vertical format. The "Kazak Eli " monument on the right side of the banknote is the main feature of the design. On the bottom of the note you have few flying pigeons, including one in gold or copper colour. A small national flag of Kazakhstan is located on the top right hand corner and National Emblem is on the left.

Reverse: On the reverse side, the design images are in horizontal. The Residence of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the main feature, together with the contours of the map of Kazakhstan territory. The inscription of KAZAKHSTAN TAUELSIZDIGINE JYIRMA JYL or 20 years of Independence of Kazakhstan is located at the top left and below there is the Independence Day of 20-year celebration logo. The design also includes an inscription in Russian stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law.

Quantity = 30,000,000 pieces printed

Gibraltar - 100 Pounds 2011

2011-08-10T00:01:00.003+10:00

One Hundred Pounds

Brief Description

Commissioner of Currency - Mr Dilip Dayaram Tirathdas

Dimensions – 163mm x 90mm

Prefix number series - A/AA

Date on Note - 1.1.2011 (Released 11.5.2011)

Obverse
The £100 has a mauve colour scheme, with the image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the front. This is the third country/colony have issued a Hybrid note with the image/portrait of the Queen (Fiji - 2007 and Bermuda - 2009). Queen Elizabeth The Second (Elizabeth Alexander Mary) was born on the 21 April 1926. She was ascended to the British throne on the 6 February 1952 following the death of her father King George Vl (1895-1952). Queen Elizabeth is married to prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and they both have four children.

Reverse
On the reverse, the main design is the King’s Bastion stands at the centre of the medieval seawall that protected the old City. It was fortified by General Boyd (who is buried in the Bastion) in 1773 in time for it to play a key role in the defence of Gibraltar during the Great Siege. Gibraltar’s first electricity generating plant was sited in the courtyard of the Bastion. The Generating Station was demolished to give way to today’s leisure centre, a stunning innovative use for a historical military fortification.

Swaziland - 100 Emalangeni

2011-06-07T00:01:00.005+10:00

One Hundred Emalangeni

Brief Description
Governor - Martin G. Dlamini
Minister for Finance - Mojozi V. Sithole

Dimensions – 161mm x 70mm

Prefix number series - AA/**

Dated - 6.9.2010 (Released 1.11.2010)
Printer - Giesecke & Devrient (G&D)

Obverse - Portrait of King Mswait lll and arms. This note does not have the normal see-through window, but with thin layer of protective film laminated coating on the paper note. The note also looks a bit glossy too.

Reverse - Wild life animals - Elephant, rhinoceros, lion. On the right are flowers and bird. First prefix (AA) with low serial number (0000250).

Mauritania

2011-05-19T00:01:00.002+10:00

One Hundred Ouguiya, Dated 28.11.2008 PNL Brief Description

Governor - Kane Ousmane

Dimensions – 130mm x 65mm

Prefix number series - AA/**

Date on Note - 28.11.2008

This note has the same design as those previously issued. This note is manufactured in such a way that the inner core of the substrate is the traditional cotton fibre-base construction and is protected with a thin film, laminated to both sides. And because of this, it has a glossy look as compared to previous issues.

Tajikistan - 500 Somoni 2010 Issue

2011-04-16T00:01:00.002+10:00

Five Hundred SomoniBrief Description

Governor - Mr Sharif Rahinzoda

Dimensions – 162mm x 71mm

Prefix number series - AA/**

Dated - 2010 (Released 10 September 2010)

Obverse - Farrid-udding Abu Abdullah Jafar ibn Mohammad (Raduki) was a Persian poet, and is regarded as the first great literary genius modern Persian who composed poems in the new Persian script. He was born in 858 in Rudak, a village located in Panjakent, in Tajikistan. Despite he was the court poet to the Samanid ruler Nasr ll (914-943) in Bukhara, he eventually fell out of favour and his life ended in poverty. He died in ca 941. His life time of achievement has been remembered by commemorative postage stamps issued by Iran, and also a statute been erected in Panjaken, Tajikistan.

Reverse - The Presidential residence, which is also known as the Palace of Nations in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. This building was built on land once owned by the Jewish community (Dushanbe or Bukharian Synagogue). The government commenced demolishing the Jewish ritual buildings and school on the land in February 2006 as part of the new development to make way for the new Presidential Palace. The demolition was briefly delayed due to international protests and court actions and not until June 2008 when the demolition of the old building was finally completed. It should be noted that the Tajikistan Government later donated a plot of 1,500 square meters of vacant land on the banks of Dushanbe river on the west side of the city for the construction of a new Synagogue. The new Dushanbe Synagogue was completed in May 2009.

Latvia - 500 Lats 2008

2011-02-01T00:01:00.002+11:00

Five Hundred Lats, Replacement Note P54

Brief Description

Governor - Ilmars Rimsevics

Dimensions – 130mm x 65mm

Prefix number series - A/**/A; Replacement A/**/Z

Date issue - 19 January 2009, note printed with year 2008

This is a high value note.

Obverse
The note depicts the profile of a Latvian folk-maid and a stylised oak-leaf. On the centre-left side of the note, there is a vertical translucent band embedded into the banknote, which covers the see-through register and transparent window above it. Across the top of the banknote, there is the two-colour inscription LATVIJAS BANKAS NAUDAS ZĪME (banknote of the Bank of Latvia), with the serial number of the banknote inscribed in red underneath. Across the bottom of the banknote, there are the inscriptions PIECSIMT LATU (five hundred lats) in the colour changing optical effect print, LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), facsimile signature of the Governor of the Bank of Latvia, and serial number of the banknote in black print. On the right side of the banknote, there is a vertical ornamental band composed of the motif of Lielvārde belt and topped by the numeral 500. When the banknote is tilted to the light, the nominal value is visible on the band.

Reverse
It depicts a motif of the ornaments of a bronze head-dress. A vertical metallic band on the banknote, a broader holographic clear text window thread with the lettering of the nominal value) is worked into the paper to the left of the centre of the banknote, and a stylised oak-leaf (a see-through register) is to the right. Across the top of the banknote, there is the inscription PIECSIMT LATU (five hundred lats) and numeral 500. The numeral 500 and two-colour inscription LATVIJAS BANKAS NAUDAS ZĪME (banknote of the Bank of Latvia) are at the bottom of the banknote. A vertical band of numerals 500 with diagonal stripes that blend into one another is to the left of the ornamental motif. Along the edge of the band, there is the inscription © LATVIJAS BANKA 1992 (© Bank of Latvia 1992) on a white background. The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, with the year 1992 or 2008 inscribed underneath, is depicted on a white background in the lower right corner of the banknote. Above the coat of arms, the paper is watermarked.

Watermark
The profile of a Latvian folk-maid.

Oman - 20 Rials 2010 Commemorative

2010-12-17T20:00:00.003+11:00

Twenty RialsBrief Description
Sultan - Oaboos bin Said
Dimensions - 167mm x 76mm
Prefix - Arabic
Date - 2010 (Released 22.11.2010)
Printer - Giesecke & Deviant (G&D)

This new commemorative note was released on 22/11/2010 to commemorate the 40th National Day celebration of Oman. The National Day is celebrated on the 18th of November.

As per current Omani Rials in circulation, this note carries the portrait of the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and is also signed by His Majesty as well. Included in the design are the National Emblem (coat of arms) at the centre of the note and the wording “40th National day” and Year of issue in Arabic: 1431 AH and 2010 at the bottom of the note. The note also features the Grand Mosque at the centre.

At the back of the note, it carries the name of CBO and denomination in English. The design on the back features mainly the Royal Opera House, national Emblem (coat of arms) and also the National Day Logo for this very special occasion.

This is the second commemorating note ever issued by the Central Bank of Oman . The first one was the One Rial released in 2005 celebrating the 35th year of National Day of the nation too.

Mongolia 20,000 Tugrik

2010-07-24T17:25:00.021+10:00

Twenty Thousand TugrikBrief Description

Governor – L. Purevdorj(?)

Dimensions – 150mm x 72mm

Prefix – AA(?)****

Date – 2009 (Released 25.05.2010)
Printer - Giesecke & Devriant (G&D)

Obverse – The main feature is the portrait of Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan). Chinggis Khaan was born in 1162 and named Borjigin Temujin. He came to power when he successfully united the nomadic tribes of northern Asia. After successfully formed the Mongo Empire, he took the name Genghis Khan and commenced invading the whole of China, Central Asia and many parts of the world. By the end of his life, his army occupied a substantial portion of Central Asia and China. Genghis Khan reign started in 1206 and died in 1227. He was succeeded by Ogedei Khan. In today’s Mongolia, Genghis Khan is regarded as the founding father of the nation.

Reverse – Depicts the State Nine White banners, also known as "Yoson Tsagaan Tug”. The State Nine White banners consists of nine flag poles decorated with white horse tail hairs hanging from a round surface with a fork shape object on top. The Banners was an emblem used mainly by the Khans in front of their yurt. The main banner which is also the largest is placed in the central and surrounded by the remaining eight banners. Because of Mongolians suspicious, the banners always come in nine banners mainly for good luck.

1. The background picture, especially the denomination “20000” and inscription "Mongolia" in traditional scripts on the front side are printed in intaglio with high tactility when tilted with fingers.
2. The State symbol “Soyombo” with denomination “20000” appears on the holographic patch on the front side of banknote.
3. The inscription “MONGOLBANK” is printed in microprint on the lower-front, left corner of the banknote.
4. The portrait of Chinggis Khaan and the letters “МБ” appear in watermark on the right-front side of banknote when viewed against the light.
5. The circles on the both side of Chinggis Khaan’s order card perfectly coincide when viewed against the light.
6. The four horsemen on the lower right corner of the banknote will appear with different changing backgrounds when viewed from angles.
7. The inscription “MONGOLBANK” and State symbol “Soyombo” interchangeably appear on the 3 mm security thread on the back side of banknote.
8. The portrait of Chinggis Khaan, background of “Soyombo”, and Denomination “20000” will appear in green under UV-light.
9. The security fibres in the banknote as a whole, fluorescent in colors, are only visible under UV-light.

Note: If any reader can please tell me the first prefix of this note would be much appreciated. I have seen prefix AC, and one can only assume AA is the first prefix. Thanking you in advance.

Note was purchased from an overseas seller.

Jamaica - $5,000 Dated 15.1.2009

2010-04-15T15:30:00.012+10:00

Five Thousand Dollars
"AA" Prefix

"AB" Prefix
Governor – Derick Milton Latibeaudiere

Dimensions – 145mm x 68mm

Prefix number series – AA00

Date issue – 24.09.2009 (Note dated 15.1.2009)
Printer - De La Rue (DLR)

Obverse – The obverse of the note depicts the former Prime Minister of Jamaica Rt Hon Hugh Lawson Shearer. Shearer was born in Martha Brae near the sugar and banana growing areas. In 1941 he took up a job with a weekly newspaper called Jamaican Worker. In 1955 Shearer was elected to parliament as member for Western Kingston but lost his seat in 1959 election. Between 1962 to 1067 he was a member of the Senate and during these time, he also took up the role as Jamaica’s chief spokesman on foreign affairs. In 1967 he was then elected as a member for Southern Clarendon and became Prime Minister on 11.4.1967 following the death of Sir Donald Sangster. In 1972, his party, the Jamaican Labour Party, lost the general election to Michael Manley (People’s National Party). Following the election defeat, Edward Seaga took over as the leader for the JLP. In 1980, the JLP won the general election and between 1980 to 1989, Shearer served as the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs.

Shearer died on 5.7.2004 aged 81 at his home in Kingston.

Reverse – The reverse of the note features blossoms of the Frangipani and an aerial view of Highway 2000. Highway 2000, a centerpiece of a multi-year Millennium Projects, connects the capital of Kingston, Jamaica with Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, passing through St. Catherine, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St. Ann. The highway is a four to six controlled-access, tolled motorway with grade separated interchanges and intersections built according to modern international standards. This project was initiated by the then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson in September 1999. The main objective of these projects is to upgrade the country’s infrastructure and assist in providing economic opportunities for growth and the creation of jobs.

Security features: -

In addition to the standard security features on the existing banknotes such as magnetic thread and ink, iridescence, florescence and watermark, this high value banknote also have a special security feature known as Optiks. Thie Optiks wide security thread features the Jamaica coat of arms. When the note is held up to the light, the complete thread with “BOJ $5000” will become visible.

Note: This is the largest denomination ever issued by Jamaica. Note was acquired from a good source at face value.

Scan = 300dpi

Kazakshtan - 2010 Commemorative

2010-03-17T20:02:00.009+11:00

One Thousand Tenge

Brief Description

Governor – Marchenko Grigoriy Aleksandrovich

Dimension – 135mm x 70mm

Prefix number series – AA/0

Date issue – 2010 (5.1.2010)

The above note was issued to commemorate Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship of the Origanisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Ten million notes issued at face value.

Obverse – The front of the note depicts the State Emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Decorative image of flying birds in national style is on the right, large face value of "1000" in Kazakh language in the center, motives of Kazakh national patterns along the banknote, Baiterek Tower in Astama the capital of Kazakhstan, colour-changing logo of National Bank of Kazakhstan on the right part. The following words/numbers appear underneath the Baiterek Tower "Actaha 1000 OSCE 2010 Ka3akctah" (Kazakhstan).

Reverse - State Flag of the Republic in the left lower corner, Akorda palace of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the center with face value in Russian language, image of a bird and year of issue 2010, numerical indication of face value in the left lower part, motives of Kazakh national patterns along the banknote. Unlike those current Tenge banknotes in circulation, this note did not printed with the outline map of Kazakhstan.

Note was purchased from overseas seller.

Papua New Guinea - 2009 Commemorative Folder #18

2009-07-14T12:53:00.007+10:00

35th Anniversary of Bank of Papua New Guinea

Released in late June or early July 2009 - Matching S/N BPNG0000018

500 in sealed folders issued - Front Cover Second Cover

Twenty Kina Paper
Third Cover

One Hundred Kina Hybrid

Forth Cover
Last Cover

Footnote: -The first 490 of the 20 and 100 Kina notes with matching serial number from #0000011 to #0000500 were sold to the public as a presentation pack for 300 Kina per set.

Re: My Footnote comment as above. Since my last posting on these notes, it is not sure as to how many of these 20 and 100 Kina commemorative notes were issued in sealed folder. I bought a pair recently with serial nos of #45 and #46 without the folder, and for that it is unclear as to how many of the folder sets were actually released to the public as collectable. As the price for the folder notes are quite expensive, one can only guess that these were not popular among collectors. (21.03.2010)

Papua New Guinea - 100 Kina Specimen Commemorative

2009-04-23T20:01:00.005+10:00

One Hundred Kina - Specimen, P39s

Reverse

Papua New Guinea - 100 Kina 2009 Commemorative

2009-04-23T20:00:00.008+10:00

One Hundred Kina s/n 0001001, P39Governor - Leonard Wilson Kamit, CBE

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Simon Tosali

Dimensions - 150mm x 75mm

Prefix number series - BPNG/000

Date issue - 23 April 2009, no actual date on note

Obverse - This is a commemorative note issued to celebrate the 35th year (1973-2008) of KINA & TOEA DAY which falls on April 19. The design of the note is similar to the previous 100 Kina polymer notes issued since 2005. The front side of the bank note features the National Parliemant House. The images of the Parliement House on each of the current banknotes are taken at difference angles to make each note unique and difference. The logo commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Bank (1973-2008) is located at the bottom left corner of the note whilst the Bird of Paradise, which also appears on all banknotes is located to the left of the National Parliament House. Other unique features of the notes are: -

Optiks - The K100 banknote has a wide Optiks security thread, which can be seen through the aperture at the front of the note;
Thread - By holding the note up to the light, thread appears as a continuous strip showing the Bank Logo and the letters "BPNG100" running along the borders;
Ultra Violet Light - Under ultra violet light, the serial number and the thread of the K100 banknote fluoresces yellow along the borders of the bold strip on the back;
Text - To the naked eye the text 100Kina appears as a simple line, but under magnification it can be seen to read "100KINA100KINA";
Watermark - Hold the banknote up to the light and a larger watermark of the Bank Logo becomes visible.

Reverse - The reverse side of the bank note mainly features the country's economy. It features the stable diets of the local people, a container ship, dump truck, oil rig, a flying commercial plane and a telecommunication tower. The Optiks vertical strip is visible on the left side of the note.The letter prefix of the note is "BPNG".

Footnote: -The first 490 of the 20 and 100 Kina notes with matching serial number from #0000011 to #0000500 were sold to the public as a presentation pack for 300 Kina per set.

Bermuda - 2009 Specimen Set #0555

2009-03-10T09:15:00.004+11:00

All notes dated 01.01.2009 but released on 09.03.2009

Onion000000, Set no 0555

Two Dollars P57s

Five Dollars P58s

Ten Dollars P59s

Twenty Dollars P60s

Fifty Dollars P61s

One Hundred Dollars P62s

For more details regarding these specimen notes, please refer to similar note (P57-62) issued as detailed below or by clicking onto the link of Bermuda on the right hand column.

Bermuda - 2009 Set Matching S/N 000555

2009-03-10T08:12:00.007+11:00

All notes dated 01.01.2009 but released on 09.03.2009

All with matching serial Onion000555

Two Dollars P57

Brief Description
Chairman (CEO) - R. Alan F. Richardson (all notes)
Directors

- E. Barclay Simmons (B$2)
- Ronald Simmins (B$5)
- Lynda Milligan-Whyte (B$10)
– Anthony Joaquin (B$20)
– Matthew Elderfield (B$50)
– Robert Steinhoff (B$100)
For all notes
Dimensions - 140mm x 68mm
Prefix number series - "Onion" with 6 digits, Specimen prints 000000
Date issue - Dated 01.01.2009 (released 9 March 2009)

Obverse - The front of the note predominately features the Bluebird. The portrait of Queen Elizibeth the Second appears on the front left corner of each note. The portrait used for this note series is also the traditional image of QELL that is featured on the stamps of the United Kingdom. The Optiks on the front of the note is in oval shape. All notes are printed in vertical format.This is the first time a complete set of Hybrid (Optiks) banknotes issued by an issuing authority. The notes incorporate themes and scenes of maritime Bermuda and are distinctive bright colours found on the islands.All notes come with the following additional added security features: -

- The Optiks feature in the form of an oval on the front and strip on the back which look metallic in reflected (day) light but which form a transparent oval with a map of Bermuda repeated inside when held up to the light;

- Watermark and Electrotype (when the note is held up to the light a hibiscus flower and a bright sail boat are visible);

- See-through features (completed images of creatures individual to each denomination will appear when the note is held up to the light);

- Serial numbers increasing in size;

- Iridescent band on the B$20, B$50 and B$100 denomination;

- Latent image (tilt the image and an image of the denomination numeral will appear).

Bermuda has a small population of approx. 65,000 plus and the ethnic makeup of 54.8% black, 34.1% white, and 6.4% multiracial. The islands also have a small but growing Asian community.The Bermuda dollar value is at par with the US dollar. Needless to say, US dollar is widely acceptable in Bermuda. However, unlike the USD, the Bermuda dollar is not that readily convertable once outside the country. Remember that what you have paid for may not worth a cent once in your hand if you are living outside Bermuda.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the Royal Navy Dockyard Clock Tower and the Statue of Neptune. Overall the predominate colour of this note is blue.All notes have a watermark of a hibiscus flower. In addition to the hibiscus watermark, a sailboat electrotype and a transparent butterfly also appear when the notes are inspected closely.

Five Dollars P58
Obverse - The front of the note predominately features the Blue Marlin. The Blue Marlin is a blue-water fish found in the Atlantic sea and spends most of it's time far away in the open sea. The female Blue Marlin grow much large than the male and can grow up to four times as heavy and can exceed 540 kilograms in weight. The bust of QEll is located on the bottom left corner facing left. The Optiks on the front of the note is in oval shape.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the Horseshoe Bay Beach and Somerset Bridge. Overall the predominate colour of this note is pink.

Ten Dollars P59
Obverse - The front of the note predominately features the Blue Angel Fish. The bust of QEll is located on the bottom left corner facing left. The Optiks on the front of the note is in oval shape.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the Image of the Deliverance and Commissioner's House. Overall the predominate colour of this note is purple.

Twenty Dollars P60
Obverse - The front of the note predominately features the Whistling Frog. The bust of QEll is located on the bottom left corner facing left. The Optiks on the front of the note is in oval shape. In addition to the security features as mentioned above, the $20 note is also printed with Iridescent band.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and St. Mark's Church. The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is the taller of the two lighthouses found in Bermuda. It is also the first of the only few lighthouse made of cast iron. The lighthouse has 185 steps to the top and is located on the highted point on the island. Until 1964, the lighthouse was operated by hand and became automated since June that year. The lighthouse is now a tourist attraction with yearly visitors in excess of 60,000. The lighthouse also operates a Tea Room and Restaurant previously occupied by the lighthouse keeper as living quarters.

Fifty Dollars P61
Obverse - The front of the note predominately features the Longtail. The bust of QEll is located on the bottom left corner facing left. The Optiks on the front of the note is in oval shape. In addition to the security features as mentioned above, the $50 note is also printed with Iridescent band.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the St. Peter's Church. The St. Peter's Church is the oldest surviving Anglican church outside the British Isles. The church is situated at St George's Town which is also the oldest surviving English settlement in the New World. Whilst the church was built in 1609 with wood and a thatched roof, since then it has been rebuilt more than once over the following century and the final structure being built with limestone wall and slate roof. Overall the predominate colour of this note is yellow.

One Hundred Dollars P62
Obverse - The front of the note predominately features the Red Cardinal. The bust of QEll is located on the bottom left corner facing left. The Optiks on the front of the note is in oval shape. In addition to the security features as mentioned above, the $100 note is also printed with Iridescent band.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the House of Assembly. The Assembly has 36 seats, and general election is called at no more than five-year intervals. The current two main political parties are the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) and the United Bermuda Party. Overall the predominate colour of this note is red.

Samoa - 50 & 100 Tala Specimen matching #333

2008-08-02T16:58:00.005+10:00

Fifty Tala - Specimen P45s #333

Reverse

One Hundred Tala - Specimen P46s #333Reverse

For more details regarding these specimen notes, please refer to similar notes (P45 & 46) issued as detailed below or by clicking onto the link of Samoa on the right hand column.

Samoa - 50 & 100 Tala matching s/n 0000333

2008-08-02T16:29:00.007+10:00

Fifty Tala, P45 s/n 0000333

Brief Description

Minister of Finance - Niko Lee Hang

Governor - Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan

Dimensions - 152.40mm x 69.85mm

Prefix number series - RE/0, Replacement prefix ZZ (50 Tala)
Date of Release - 01.08.2008

Obverse - The front side of the bank note features the Government complex at Matagialalua, a symbol of the maturity of solidarity of Samoa's public administration and governance system. This note has a watermark of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II when he was a young man and the letters 'CBS'. The serial numbers for this note are printed twice, one horizontally and the other laterally in back and red colours respectively.

Reverse - The reverse side of the bank note features the Central Bank of Samoa, the nation's institution in charge of monetary policy and the supervision of financial institutions in the country. As expected and given a small Samoa population of 215,000 (estimated 2007), letter RE is the only prefix printed so far for this denomination value.

One Hundred Tala, P46 s/n 0000333Reverse

Obverse - The portrait and watermark on the S$100 note commemorates the life of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, Head of State of Samoa from 1962 - 2007 (born 1913). The late Malietoa's life portrays the kindness, humility and respect, enshrined in the Samoan customs and traditions and was a symbolic icon of social stability. The note also bears the watermark letters of 'CBS'. The serial numbers for this note are printed twice, one horizontally and the other laterally in back and red colours respectively.

Reverse - The reverse side of the bank note features the Mulivai Catholic Cathedral, one of the nation's oldest churches in the country. It is a significant historical symbol of the religion of Christianity in Samoa representing the people's strong religious beliefs. An evident proud reminder to the Samoan people of their guiding principle that 'Samoa is founded on God'. As expected and given a small small Samoa population of 215,000 (estimated 2007), letter JD is the only prefix printed so far for this denomination value.

Tonga - 100 Pa'anga Commemorative

2008-07-31T14:54:00.006+10:00

One Hundred Pa'anga

Brief Description

Prime Minister - Hon Dr. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele

Minister of Finance - Hon. 'Otenifi Afu'alo Matoto

Dimensions – 150mm x 70mm

Prefix number series – A/00

Date issue - 30 July 2008, no date on note

Obverse - The front of the note is dominated by the portrait of His Majesty King George Tupou V in full military ceremony uniform. On the right it also features the National Coat of Arms. The background and border patterns are derived from Tonga ornaments.

Tupou V was sworn in as King of Tonga on 11 September 2006 following the death of his father King Taufa?ahau Tupou IV on 10 September 2006 (born 4 July 1918). The note was launched by the King on 25th July 2008 and then released to the public for circulations on 30th July 2008 to mark the coronation of His Majesty and the new epoch for the Kingdom. King George Tupou V's full name is Siaosi Taufa'ahau Manumataongo Tuku'aho Tupav V. He was born on 4 May 1948.

This note has a watermark depicting a profile of His Majesty King George Tupou V. The note also contains an optic stripe and sees through feature in the form of a cross. The serial number is printed twice, one horizontally and the other laterally. All wording on the front of the note with the exception of the 'Kingdom of Tonga' is in Tongan.

Reverse - The back of the note depicts the beautiful view of Vava'u Harbour with boats and residential homes.

With a rather small Tongan population of 112,000 (2005 estimated), this prefix 'A' could be the only letter printed so far, apart from the replacement prefix if any. Time will tell if there are more prefixes printed.

Note was issued to commemorate the coronation of King George Tupou V.

Swaziland - 100 & 200 Emalangeni 2008 Commemorative

2008-04-10T17:18:00.005+10:00

One Hundred Emalangeni

Commemorative Issues

Minister For Finance - Majozi V Sithole
Governor – Martin G Dlamini
Dimensions – 157mm x 70mm
Prefix number serial - HM/00
Paper - Laminated with polymer on both side
Date issue – 10.4.2008

Notes issued celebrating the 40th Birthday of the King and also 40th Anniversary of independence. The Kingdom of Swaziland gained it’s independence from the United Kingdom on 6.9.1968. The United kingdom ruled Swaziland since the 19th century.

Obverse - Mswati III was born on 19.4.1968. In 1986, following the death of his father the late king Sobhuza II, he became the King of Swaziland as the absolute monarch and as well the head of the Swazi Royal Family. In 2005 his role was modified to as constitutional monarch.
King Mswati III is one of many sons of King Sobhuza II (who had 70 wives and at the time of his death left over 1000 grandchildren) and the only child of Ntombi Tfwala, also known as Inkhosikati LaTfwala, one of the King's younger wives. He was born at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, four months before Swaziland attained independence from Britain. King Mswati III’s birth name was Makhosetive (King of Nations).

When King Sobhuza II died in 21.8.1982, the Great Council of State (the Liqoqo) selected the 14-year-old prince Makhosetive to be the next king. For the next four years two wives of the late King Sobhuza II, Queen Dzeliwe Shongwe (1982–1983) and Queen Ntombi Tfwala (1983–1986), served as regent while he continued his education in England, attending Sherborne School, before he was called back to take over.

Mswati III was crowned King on 25.4.1986, aged 18 years and 6 days old.

Reverse - The back of the note illustrated a rock formation and with the iscription of '40th Independence Anniversary.

Two Hundred EmalangeniDimensions – 161mm x 70mm
Prefix number serial - HM/00

Obverse - as above

Reverse - A village scene. The commemorative inscriptions on the front and back of the note are both in vertical formate.

Footnote: As these notes have been laminated with a thin layer of polymer, on the surface it look a bit glossy or like the surfaces on both side had been waxed. The portrait of the King is also look difference from previous issues, and it appears that image it has been digitised.

Qatar - 100 and 500 Riyals 2007

2007-09-27T12:45:00.008+10:00

One Hundred Riyals

Brief Description

Governor - Abdullah Saud Al-Thani

Minister of Finance, Economy and Commerce - Yousef Hussein Kamal

Dimensions – 164mm x 74mm

Prefix number series - In Arabic

Date issue - 26 September 2007, no date on note

Five Hundred Riyals

Reverse

Obverse - The front of the note is predominately designed with patterns derived from Qatari ornaments. On the top right corner it features the State Crest of Qatar. The Optiks instead of windowed security thread is located towards the right of the note. This note has a watermark of a falcon's head.

Reverse - The back of the note depicted a Falcon head. On the left are the Royal Palace and Al-Wajbah Fort, On the back it has the following words in English - "Qatar Central Bank" and "Five Hundred Riyals". Images on the back shifted to make room for the Optiks security.

Latvia - 100 Lats 2007

2007-05-21T12:08:00.000+10:00

One Hundred Lats - Replacement Note

Brief Description
Governor - Ilmars Rimsevics
Dimensions – 130mm x 65mm
Prefix number series - A/0/A; Replacement A/0/Z
Date issue - 21 May 2007, note printed with year 2007

Obverse - A portrait of Krisjanis Barons and a stylised oak-leaf (a see-through register) are superimposed on a motif of traditional Latvian ornaments. There is a vertical translucent band on the left of the portrait, which covers the see-through register and the transparent window above it, with the latter featuring a red semicircle of the Sun on a light background and the letterings "Ls" in four displaced lines on a dark background. There is a silver semicircle of the Sun between the transparent window and the see-through register. Across the top of the banknote, there is the inscription "LATVIJAS BANKAS NAUDAS ZIME" (money note of the Bank of Latvia). Across the bottom of the banknote, there are the inscriptions "SIMT LATU" (one hundred lats) in two-coloured print, "LATVIJAS BANKA" (Bank of Latvia), the facsimile signature of the Governor of the Bank of Latvia, and the serial number of the banknote in black print. On the right side of the banknote, there is a vertical ornamental band composed of the motif of Lielvarde belt and the numeral 100. On the left side of the banknote, there are two relief dots (Braille) in red print arranged diagonally on a white background; and the serial number in red print on the left of the relief dots, with a watermark incorporated beneath. Below the watermark, there is a horizontal band with a colour changing optical effect and the numeral 100; a horizontal band with the numerals 100 in greyish brown print and the numeral 100 in a larger reddish brown print, which changes to greyish green or brown when the banknote is tilted, and acquires a different shade under the impact of heat.

This note has a watermark of a young woman in national costume.

Reverse - It depicts a variety of Lielvarde belt ornaments. A vertical metallic holographic band with the lettering "Ls" and the inscriptions of the nominal value "Ls 100" (a see-through register) on the left of the ornaments and a stylised oak-leaf on the right are worked into the paper. At the top of the banknote, there is the inscription "SIMT LATU" (one hundred lats) in two-coloured print and the numeral 100. The numeral 100 and the inscription "LATVIJAS BANKAS NAUDAS ZIME" (money note of the Bank of Latvia) in two-coloured print are at the bottom of the banknote. A vertical band with the numeral 100 arranged slantwise and diagonal stripes that shade into one another is on the left of the ornaments. Along the edge of the band, there is a vertical inscription "LATVIJAS BANKA 1992" (Bank of Latvia 1992) on a white background. A design of the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, with the year 2007 inscribed beneath it, is depicted on a white background in the right lower corner of the banknote. Above the coat of arms, the paper is watermarked.

Fiji - $100 2007

2007-04-11T12:00:00.009+10:00

One Hundred Dollars

Brief Description

Governor - Savenaca Narube

Dimensions – 156mm x 67mm

Prefix number series - CA/00

Date issue - 10 April 2007, no date on note
Printer - De La Rue (DLR)

Obverse - The front of the note bears an updated effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's (2005 portrait), Fiji Coat of Arms, Reserve Bank of Fiji's Governor Savenaca Narube's signature, novel numbering system and an image of a "Buli Kula" (Golden Cowry). The front also features an 18mm Optiks thread which features the numeral "100" and the "tagaga" logo. A see through subject in the form of a carved mast-head (Domodomo) is also featured on the note.

This note has a watermark of a young native man facing right and the number '100'.

Reverse - The back of the note features a Tourism theme with depictions of island with white sandy beaches, map of Fiji Islands with the 180 degrees Meridian Line marking the 'dawn of a new day', smiling faces representing Fiji's friendliness, a typical cruise boat for island hopping and tourists snorkeling. The back of the note also features the Gemini which appears in the front of the Reverse Bank of Fiji's logo on the bottom right hand corner of the note.

Footnote: One thousand sets of notes with matching serial numbers in folders were printed and 900 of these were sold to the public as collectable at a premium price. Sets numbers between 000001 to 000100 were retained by the Reserve Bank of Fiji.

Date of release of Hybrid banknotes since 2006

2006-02-07T12:01:00.004+11:00

Country and Value	Value	Release Date
Bulgaria	100 Lev	2006
Kazakhstan	10,000 Tenge	2006
Fiji	F$100	10.04.2007
Latvia	100 Lats	21.05.2007
Qatar	100 & 500 Riyals	26.09.2007
Swaziland	100 & 200 Emalangeni	10.04.2008
Tonga	100 Ta’anga	30.07.2009
Samoa	50 & 100 Tala	01.08.2009
Latvia	500 Lats	19.01.2009
Bermuda	B$2 to $100	09.03.2009
Papua New Guinea	100 Kina	23.04.2009
Jamaica	J$5000	24.09.2009
Kazakhstan	1000 Tenge	05.01.2010
Mongolia	20000 Tugrik	25.05.2010
Tajikistan	500 Somoni	10.09.2010
Swaziland	100 & 200 Emalangeni	1.11.2010
Oman	20 Rials	22.11.2010

Kazakhstan - 10,000 Tenge 2006

2006-01-02T13:43:00.005+11:00

Ten Thousand Tenge

Brief Description

Governor – Anvar Galimullaevich Saidenov

Dimensions – 150mm x 79mm

Prefix number series - AA/00

Date issue - 2006, no date on note

Obverse - The images are vertical. In the center is the Astan-Baiterek monument. In the middle of the banknote a fragment of music of the Kazakhstan National Anthem is printed in white on dark-green and dark-blue stripes. Over the fragment of music is the white outline of the value numeral. To the left of the monument the Kazakhstan National Emblem is printed in violet. The Kazakhstan National Flag is on the top right of the note. On the lower half of the note is an open hand. The face value, in Kazakh script, is shown vertically in the lower left corner. The name of the issuing bank, in the Kazakh language, is placed vertically in the lower right corner, above the name there is an inscription in the Kazakh language stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law. This note has a watermark of a Leopard's head and the value '10000'.

Reverse - The images are horizontal. The main image is an outline map of Kazakhstan. Residence Akorda, the residence of The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is in the foreground, and canyons in the background. The value numeral is shown both on the lower left corner and upper right corner. The face value, in Russian script, is shown in the middle of the lower half of the note. The name of the issuing bank, in the Kazakh language, and the bank’s logo are in the middle of the upper half of the note. In the top left corner, on the white area, there is an inscription in Russian stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law.

Bulgaria - 20 Leva 2005 Commemorative

2005-01-02T13:07:00.008+11:00

Twenty Leva

Commemorating 120th Years of Issuing Banknotes Brief Description
Governor – Ivan Ivan Iskrov
Chief Cashier - Stefan Tzvetkov
Dimensions – 134mm x 74mm
Prefix number serial - AA/0
Paper - Toned in pale violet
Date issue - 2005, year printed on note "1885-2005"
Printer - Giesecke & Devriant (G&D)

Obverse - Symbolic elements of the Bulgaria National Bank: stylised elements from the BNB building, the BNB emblem, and other multi-coloured background nets of appropriate structures, vignettes, rosettes, analogous to the banknotes of the first BNB issues. The note has a watermark of a halftone image of a rampant lion.This note has a watermark of a falcon's head.

The security features of this note are: -
1) Security element “Varifeye®” - in the form of a window in the paper, through which the numerals “20” can be seen when the banknote is on a white pad, and on a black pad – diagonal lines;

2) Holographic image of the numeral “20” which pulsates in various colours when the banknote is tilted;

3) The emblem of the Bulgarian National Bank with a holographic effect;
4) Security thread – a band built in the paper, with a negative mini-text “bHb 20”, which partially comes out on the back of the note and changes its colour from violet to green;
5) See-through register – when the note is held up to the light, the image of the numeral “20” is formed in a rectangular chessboard field;
6) Optical variable ink (OVI) – when the sight angle is changed, the numeral “20” in the lower right corner of the note front changes its colour from violet to green.

Reverse - A replica of the first Bulgarian banknote of BGN 20, issue 1885, the old BNB building, the sculpture image of a seated woman used for the banknotes of BGN 1 and 2, issue 1920, and the coat of arms of the Principality of Bulgaria. Note designed by Kiril Gogov. Quantity: Only 250,000 pieces issued.

Brief History of Hybridnotes

2005-01-02T03:15:00.001+11:00

A Hybrid banknote is basically referred to banknotes printed with part cotton based paper and part polymer. The non paper part comprises of a polymer strip of vertical/horizontal translucent band which usually cover a see-through register and the transparent window either in oval, rectangle or square shape. The band comprises of approx. up to 15% of the total banknote size. Like all security features, the strip was adopted to discourage potential counterfeiter. Initially only two printing firms produced notes with such technology, namely Papierfabrik Louisenthal, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) Germany, and De La Rue (DLR) of United Kingdom. DLR's motto is to make life easier for their customers and more difficult for the counterfeiter. The security features printed by G&D and DLR are called "Varifeye" and "Optiks" respectively.

In 2008, Papierfabrik Louisenthal came up with a new generation of new Hybrid banknote printing technique. Instead of the originally polymer strip and a transparent window like those earlier issues, the new Hybrid note comprises of a thin layer of protective film laminated on the paper note. This kind of banknote is intended for use in countries with particularly challenging circulation conditions. Such technology will provide durability on the note without sacrificing the security features and printability. This technology is already in use for the Swaziland 2008 commemorative issues (Celebrating the King's 40th Birthday and Swaziland Independence). The main advantage of such technology is that all the banknote's security features can still be clearly identified even after long circulation, both by the general public and by automatic banknote processing systems.

Until recently, the term Hybrid has been described mainly as paper substrates that combine synthetic with cellulose fibers or paper substrates with an aperture or window which is sealed with a film overlay. With Louisenthal's technology, the inner core of the substrate is a traditional cotton fibre-base construction which is protected with a thin film, laminated to both sides, each around 6 microns thick. The combine weight and thickness of this hybrid note is the same as those conventional paper substrates ie 95 gsm.

It has also reported that Durasafe is developing a slightly difference Hybrid note comprises of a fusion of paper and polymers, with the paper sandwiching the polymer core and is being developed for the new Swiss series of banknotes to be introduced some time in 2010.

Whilst polymer banknotes technology is still proven to be the better option, perhaps Hybrid banknotes are more economical to manufacture but not as cheap as those traditionally cotton based banknotes. The recent release of a Papua New Guinea 100 Kina may have something to do with this. Papua New Guinea fully converted all banknotes to polymer in 2008 and yet they decided to release two commemorative notes on 23 April 2009, one in paper (20 Kina) and the other Hybrid (100 Kina). It looks like Hybrid banknote is getting popular in the expense of polymer.