...Tonga - 2008 Specimen Full Set Hybrid

Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻO Tonga

(Kingdom of Tonga)

 

Pangike Pule Fakafanua 'O Tonga

(National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Est.1989) 

Currency - Pa'anga (TOP)

This is a full set of seven notes with new designs. This is the third series of banknotes issued by the National Reserve Bank of Tongo, since 1992. This is also the first time the 100 pa'anga denomination is introduced and also the first Hybrid note too.

 

One Pa'anga 

nd2008, 151.5mm x 71mm

Front - On the front, it featured the King George Tupou V (b.1948-2012) in full military uniform. King George Tupou V's birth name was Siaosi Taufa'ahau Manumataongo Tuku'aho Tupou. King Tupou V was born in 1948 and died in Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong in 2012 at the age of 63 years old. He inherited the throne in 2006 following the death of his father, King Táufa'áhau Tupou lV (b.1918-2006). King George Tupou V was never married but did have a daughter from his previous relationship. However, due to the Constitution of Tonga that only allowed children born of a royal marriage, she was ineligible to the throne. King George Tupou V was succeeded by his younger brother, Tupou VI on 18.03.2012. 

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT

Back - The theme on the back of the note is mainly related to tourism, depicting a Humpback whale doing a water backsplash. Whales watching months in Tonga are from June to October, with August and September being the best months. Humpback whale watching is popular around the islands of Vava'u. Vava'u islands are located north-east of the main island Tongatapu and to get there by air is about one hour flight

 

Two Pa'anga 

nd2008, 151.5mm x 71.5mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT

Back - Scene of school activities. In the center left it depicts a school activity showing a teacher conducting a class outdoors. In the background is a school building and to the right a rugby player attacking another player holding the rugby ball in his arm. Rugby Union is the national sport of Tonga. The national team is known as 'Ikale Tahi or Sea Eagles in English. Whilst banknote theme designs are repeated from series to series in Tonga, this is the first time this design or theme is depicted on a Tongan banknote since 1967. However, apart from the nd2012 reprint, this theme has not been repeated since then.

 

Five Pa'anga  

nd2008, 151.5mm x 70.5mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT.

Back - The Royal Tombs of Tonga. The Royal Tombs is also known as langi and is a significant cultural and historical site. The site consists of atone burial structures for the Tongan royalty. There are two primary sites and are located in Lapaha on Tongatapu. Tongatapu was the ancient capital. The other one is located in Mala'ekula in the capital city of Nuku'alofa. This is the current site where the royal family members are buried when they are gone. This note depicts the historical burial site in Lapaha.

 

Ten Pa'anga 

nd2008, 151.5mm 70.5mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT

Back - The Royal Tombs of Tonga. The Royal Tombs is also known as langi and is a significant cultural and historical site. The site consists of atone burial structures for the Tongan royalty. There are two primary sites and are located in Lapaha on Tongatapu. Tongatapu was the ancient capital. The other one is located in Mala'ekula in the capital city of Nuku'alofa. This is the current site where the royal family members are buried when they are gone. This note depicts the current burial site of the Royal members.

 

Twenty Pa'anga  

nd2008, 152mm x 72mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT

Back - The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) building in Nuku'alofa. The NRBT is a five story building and is the tallest building in Tonga. This building was built in 1994 and this building first featured on the 20 pa'anga 2008 note series. The building is also partly occupied by the Embassy of Japan.

 

Fifty Pa'anga 

nd2008, 151mm x 71mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT

Back - Royal Palace situated in Nuku'Alofa, the capital city of Tonga. This wooden palace was built in 1867 and is located only a short distance from the Pacific ocean. The palace is the official residence of the King of Tonga. Whilst the Palace is not open to the public, it can be viewed from the waterfront and also from the main entrance separated by the gate. This gate was added to the property in the early 2000s after some people on lorries/trucks invaded the property compound. The Royal Palace building was previously depicted on the back of the 10 pa'anga notes.

 

One Hundred Pa'anga Hybrid Commemorative

nd2008, 151mm x 70mm

This note was issued to coincide with the crowning of King George Tupou V on 01.08.2008.

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT

Back - An Aerial view of Vava'u Harbour. The Vava'u Harbour is also known as the Port of Refuge. The harbour is located in the northern part of Tonga within the Vava'u island group. The main town is Neiafu and is located on the shores of this harbour. Vava'u island is famous for its natural beauty and is a tourist attraction and destination for the rich (yachts visiting) and cruise ships and for sailing and humpback whales watching. 

...European Union - 200 Euro Dated 2019 Hybrid s. Mario Draghi Print

European Union

(Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria*, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic*, Denmark*, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary*, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland*, Portugal, Romania*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden*.)

European Central Bank (est. 1998)

Currency : Euro (EUR €)

 

Below is a 200 euro hybrid banknote printed with the year date of 2019. This note bears the signature of Mario Draghi, who was the President of the European Central Bank from 01.11.2011 to 31.10.2019. Since then he has been replaced by Christine Madeleine Odette Lagarde.

 

The design for this 200 euro is very similar to those first issued back in 2002. However, this 2019 note is printed on hybrid material. This is the first hybrid note for this denomination. Whilst this is the second largest denomination circulating in Europe, the European Central Bank has ceased issuing the 500 euro banknote since the end of 2018. The reason for this is that the central bank's suspicious that the 500 euro notes have been widely used for illegal purposes.

 

This 200 euro was reportedly released on 28.05.2019. It is believed that one three notes are issued with the prefixes of N (Austria), S (Italy) and U (France). Here, I have posted one with the letter 'S'.

 

Two Hundred Euro 

Front - It depicts arches and doorways in Art Nouveau style of the 19th and 20th centuries. These arches and doorways are usually made of glass and iron with decorative arts.

Signature - Mario Draghi (tenure 2011-2019)

Watermarks - portrait of Europe and electrotype 200
Dimensions - 154.5mm x 78mm

Back - An image of a Cantilever bridge. This is just an artist impression of such a bridge as there is no such real bridge that is actually located within the Eurozone. Below the bridge is the map of Europe showing all it's 28 EU members, including its formal member, the United Kingdom. Also printed are the  tiny maps of overseas territories occupied by the Portuguese, the French and the Spanish, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, South America and the Indian Ocean. Twelve five-point stars in a circular position are also printed around the map of Europe. These 12 stars symbolise or represent all the EU members.

Azores (Pt) - 3 tiny islands;
Guadeloupe (Fr); Martinique (Fr), Madeira (Pt), Reunion (Fr) - 4 tiny islands;
French Guiana (Fr) in South America; and
Canary Islands - La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura (all Sp) - 5 tiny islands.

 

Note * - countries that are yet to adopt the Euro currency.

...Qatar - 2022 Fifth Series of Banknotes Reprints Hybrid

 دولة قطر

(State of Qatar)

مصرف قطر المركزي

(Qatar Central Bank, est.1973)

Currency - Riyal (QAR)

 

These are the full set of seven notes all printed with the year date of 2022. These are the reprints of the fifth series, first issued on 18.12.2020 to coincide with the country's National Day celebration in 2020. I have been holding back from posting this set as I was missing the 100 riyal denomination to complete my collection for this series until now.

 

As these are reprints, there are no changes to the design of the notes, except the year date of 2022 and the two new signatures on the notes.

 

The design on the front for all the denominations share a common theme with a Qatari Coat of Arms,  traditional Qatari geometric designs, the flag of the State of Qatar, image of a Qatari flora called Dreama (printed on the image of the gate), and a large ornate gate representing the historical Qatari architecture. On the back, this fifth series features an array of beautiful images that reflect Qatar's history and embody the country's heritage, environment, sports, economy, and health. It also highlights some of Qatar's most prominent tourist attractions, old and new. On the front all text is printed with Arabic writing, whilst on the back are all in English language. The English writing on the back is all written in Edwardian Script style. All notes are printed with the year date of 2022 (٢٠٢٢). 

These notes are reportedly printed by De La Rue. 

One Riyal

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture. The design on the front for all 7 notes are the same, except for the denomination values. The main features are the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 1

Dimensions - 135mm x 67mm

 

Back - Qatari traditional dhow called Bateel (or batil or Battil). The Bateel is a common dhow used by the people living in the Persian Gulf region, as well as other Arab countries too. On the right is the Oyster and Pearl monument, which was built in 2006. This is a sculpture depicting an open oyster shell with a gigantic peal in it. This monument also served as a fountain and is located at Corniche Street in the capital city of Doha. It is a popular photo stop for the locals as well as overseas visitors too.

 

Five Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 5

Dimensions - 141mm x 68mm

 

Back - Theme Flora and Fauna. The designs depict a desert scene together with fauna like the Arab horses, camel, oryxes and flora (Al Qataf). On the background it also printed with a  hair tent (buryuut hajar).

 

 

Ten Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 10

Dimensions - 148mm x 70mm

 

Back - Theme Sport and Education. The main features are the Lusail Stadium and The Torch Tower (Aspire Zone). The Lusail Stadium or Lusail Iconic Stadium is the biggest stadium ever built in Qatar, and hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on 18.12.2022. Building for this stadium was completed in April 2021. It has a maximum capacity of 80,000 people. The Torch Tower is a 300-meter tall skyscraper hotel located in Doha, which was built in 2007. The Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation) was founded in 1995 and is a state-led non-profit organisation.

 

Fifty Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 153.5mm x 71mm

 

Back - The Qatar Central Bank building (left) and the Ministry of Finance building (right). The construction for the Qatar Central Bank building started in 2020

 

 

 

One Hundred Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 153.5mm x 71mm 

Back - Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. This mosque was opened in 2011, and has a capacity of 30,000 people. The building comprises 90 domes and one minaret. 

 

 

Two Hundred Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 165.5mm x 74.5mm

 

Back - Image of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani which was once the residence of Sheikh Abdullan bin Jsaaim Al Thani. In 1972, this historical building was converted into a museum, called the Qatar National Museum. In the background is the Museum of Islamic Art.

Five Hundred Riyals 

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 500

Dimensions - 171.5mm x 75.5mm

 

Back - Image of the Ras Laffan LNG refinery which is situated in the north-east of Qatar. There are Laffan Refinery 1 and Laffan Refinery 2. The first refinery commenced operation in 2009 and the second one started in 2016. A LNG canter ship is docking at the port. A LNG carrier is designed for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export. The largest LNG canter ship can carry up to 266,000 cubic meters or 9,400,000 cubic feet of LNG.

...Poland - 20 Zlotych 2025 Commemorative 1000th Year Coronation of Boleslaw I First King of Poland Hybrid

Rzeczpospolita Polska
(Republic of Poland)

Naradowy Bank Polski
(National Bank of Poland, Est.1945)
Currency - Zloty (PLN)

 

Here is another commemorative note of 20 zlotych (hybrid) officially released on 05.11.2025. Like all previous commemorative notes issued, this one is also released in a simple folder and is not intended for general circulation, as this note is sold at a premium. In addition to these banknotes, commemorative coins minted in gold and silver were also released in April 2025 honoring the reign and coronation of Boleslaw the Brave. 

This is the 17th commemorative banknote issued by the National Bank of Poland since 2006. The bank has the ability to issue commemorative banknotes as the country has not adopted the Euro Currency system yet. The country has not set a target to do so, and as long as they have their own currency, we may see more commemorative notes coming out of the central bank. 

At the moment, the only country that has issued more commemorative banknotes than Poland is Transnistria. However, Transnistria is not a recognised nation, so technically, Poland is the only country in Europe that has released the most commemorative banknotes so far. 

I must say that I was a bit surprised when I received this note as to me, this is a large size note for a face value of 20 zlotych. I am just wondering why they decided to print this commemorative note in such a large size as all previous commemorative notes issued since 2006 are all much smaller. 

 

Twenty Zlotych (Hybrid)

Front - This note commemorates the 1000th year of the Coronation of Boleslaw I, King of Poland. According to legend, he died two months after his coronation on 17.06.1025. At the time of this death, he was 58 years old. The front of the note depicts the portrait of Boleslaw I the Brave (b.967-1025) with his right hand clutching a sword. I believe this image is derived from a portrait painting by Marcello Baciarelli completed in c.1770. Boleslaw I is also known as Boleslaw the Great and was the first King of Poland. The current 20 zlotych circulating note is also printed with his image on the front. Boleslaw was the son of Poland's first Christian ruler Duke Mieszko. Boleslaw inherited his father's realm in 992. 

Whilst to me it is a bit strange to see a country which is now a Republic, yet celebrating a past Monarch figure on a banknote. However, this is not the first time that this is happening as many previous issues were the same including many commemorative coins issued too.

Signatures

President (Prezes) - Adam Glapinski (since 2016)

Chief Treasurer (Główny Skarbnik) - Barbara Jaroszek (since 2017)

Sizes - 171mm x 85mm

Watermarks - im­age of a fragment of the bordure of the Gniezno Doors and the notation of the coronation year of Boleslaus the Brave (electrotype 1025)

Quantity - 70,000 sets

Issue price - 160 zlotych

Period of sale - until 05.11.2028 unless all sold out prior

Hybrid

Back - To the left is an image of a silver coin struct under Boleslaw I the Brave. The design of this coin depicts the silhouette of a crowned eagle bird and the inscription Prince Polonie. To the right it features the Lance of Saint Maurice. In the middle it depicts a section of the Gniezno doors, which adorn the entrance to the cathedral in Gniezno.

Full list of all commemorative note folder issues since 2006

2006 - 50zl Pope John Paul ll First Death Anniv : qty 2.0M (i/p 90zl)

2008 - 10zl Regaining Independence 90th Anniv : qty 80,000 (i/p 15zl)

2009 - 20zl Poet Julius Slowacki 200th Anniversary : qty 80,000 (i/p 80zl)

2009 - 20zl Frederic Francois Chopin 200th Birth Anniv : qty 120,000 (i/p 50zl)

2011 - 20zl Marie Sklodowska Curie Nobel Price 100th Anniv : qty 60,000 (i/p 60zl)

2014 - 20zl Polish Legions 100th Anniv [polymer] : qty 60,000 (i/p 50zl)

2015 - 20zl Jan Dlugosz 600th Birth Anniv : qty 30,000 (i/p 72zl)

2016 - 20zl Baptism of Poland 1050th Anniv : qty 35,000 (i/p 75zl)

2017 - 20zl Mother of God 300th Coronation Anniv : qty 55,000 (i/p 60zl)

2018 - 20zl 100th Year of Independence : qty 50,000 (i/p 75zl)

2019 - 19zl Polska Wytwornia Papierow Wartosciowych 100th Anniv [hybrid] : qty 55,000 (i/p 80zl)

2020 - 20zl Battle of Warsaw 100th Anniv : qty 60,000 (i/p 80zl)

2021 - 20zl It's Worth Being A Pole : qty 80,000 (i/p 100zl)

2022 - 20zl Protection of the Eastern Front : qty 80,000 (i/p 50zl)

2023 - 20zl Nicolaus Copernicus 550th Birth Anniv [polymer]: qty 100,000 (i/p 160zl) 

2024 - 20zl 80th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising 1944: qty 80,000 (i/p 140zl)

2025 - 20zl 1000th Anni. [hybrid] of the Coronation of Boleslaus the Brave: qty 70,000 (i/p 160zl)

...Namibia - 2025 Series Full Set (Hybrid for $10 and $20)

Republic of Namibia

Bank of Namibia (Est.1990)

Currency : Dollar (NAD)

 

Here, I have posted a full for five notes all reportedly released on 30.09.2025. The themes for this series are the same as those previously issued but with modified designs and additional security features added to the notes. On the front, the notes depict two Namibia national heroes and on the back it features all four-legged wild animals.

The two lower denominations of $10 and $20 are printed on Hybrid substrate materials and both have a transparent square window in the center right. The transparent window is measured 10 x 10mm. The remaining three notes are all printed on paper materials.

 

All notes are printed with the year date of 2025 on the back. The signature on each note is printed on the front and the serial number is also printed on the back.

Ten Dollars (Hybrid)

Front - On the front, the note depicts the portrait of Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma (b.1929-2025). Samuel Nujoma was a Namibian revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist and served three terms as the first president of Namibia from 1990 to 2005. Namibia was once known as South West Africa, and was occupied by the Germans from 1884 to 1915. The South African forces (British) defeated the Germans occupier in 1915 during the First World War and in 1920, the League of Nations (similar to today's United Nations) granted the territory to South African rule. Fighting for independence started in 1966 between People's Liberation Army of Namibia and South African Defence Force and the war was called the South African Border War and this war was closely intertwined with the Angola Civil War (1975-2002). The war ended when the Tripartite Accord was signed by Angola, Cuba and South Africa and Namibia gained independence on 21.03.1993. In Namibia, Samuel Nujoma is known as the Founding Father of the Namibia Nation. To the center left is the Parliament building located in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. 

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Springbok and electrotype 10

Sizes - 130mm x 70mm 

Back - Two Springbok (or Speingbuck) looking out for predators. The Springbok is an antelope and mainly found in south and southwest Africa (Namibia).

Twenty Dollars (Hybrid)

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Red hartebeest and electrotype 20

Sizes - 135mm x 70mm  

Back - Two Red hartebeest looking out for predators. The Red hartebeest is also known as Cape hartebeest or Caama. There are approximately 130,000 of these animals living in the wild. The Red hartebeest, is also an antelope, and can be found mainly in the southern part of Africa, like in countries of Angola (southern part), Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

Fifty Dollars (Paper)

Front - The portrait of Captain Hendrik Witbooi (b.1830-1905) who was a chief of the Ikowesin people and he led revolts against the German occupation in present-day Namibia. He was killed in action in 1905, and in Namibia, he is one of the national heroes of Namibia. His image has appeared on Namibia banknotes since the first series issued in 1993.

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Kudo and electrotype 50

Sizes - 140mm x 70.5mm  

Back - Five kudus (males and females) in an open field. The kudu also belongs to the antelope species.

 

One Hundred Dollars (Paper)

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Oryx and electrotype 100

Sizes - 148mm x 70mm  

Back - Three oryx from southern Africa. The oryx species in southern Africa is called the gemsbok and they can be found in the arid regions of the Kalahari and Namib deserts. These are large antelopes which are well adapted to servive with very little water in the wild. The gemsbok can be found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and part of Zimbabwe.

 

Two Hundred Dollars (Paper) 

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Roan antelope and electrotype 200 

Sizes - 152mm x 70mm  

Back - Three roan antelope standing in the open field. The Roan antelopes are savanna-dwelling antelope and can be found in central and southern Africa.