Tonga Introduces New Series of Banknotes into Circulation

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The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) unveils new series of banknotes featuring Polymer substrates and enhanced security features. On December 4, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) marked a significant milestone with the launch of Tonga's new series of banknotes. The chosen date for the release holds special significance as it commemorates the birthday of King Tupou I, a key modernizer who reigned from 1845 to 1893. Produced in collaboration with De La Rue, the new banknote series incorporates both paper and polymer substrates, introducing updated security elements to enhance durability and deter counterfeiting. This redesign represents Tonga's first use of polymer in its currency since 2015. The series comprises 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-pa’anga notes, with the colors remaining unchanged. Notably, the 5- and 10-pa’anga denominations have transitioned to polymer due to its proven durability, particularly for extensively circulated notes. With one pa’anga being e

Bank of England to Issue New Banknotes with King Charles III Portrait

The Bank of England recently issued a press release unveiling the new portrait of King Charles III. This transition marks an unprecedented shift from one monarch to the next. Queen Elizabeth II was the first monarch to be featured on Bank of England notes, starting with the £10 and £1 notes in 1960. The introduction of King Charles III on the banknotes signifies a historic change in the visual representation of the British monarchy on the country's currency.

As you can see that the King is wearing the Order of the Garter robes. The overall designs and the historical characters will remain the same on each of denominations, except the Monarch’s portrait, the clear window portrait, and his royal monogram (CIIIR).

With a few adjustments around his portrait that differ slightly from the current designs, the new banknotes featuring King Charles III are expected to be in circulation by mid-2024. All polymer banknotes with a portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender, and the public can continue to use them as normal. Following guidance from the Royal Household, new notes will be printed only to replace worn banknotes and meet any overall increase in demand, aiming to minimize the environmental and financial impact of this change. Banknotes featuring both HM Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III will co-circulate.

It remains to be seen whether the new banknotes will continue the existing serial number range or start anew with (AA). Governor Andrew Bailey expressed pride in the Bank's release of the new banknote design, featuring King Charles III, marking a significant moment as he becomes only the second monarch to grace the country's banknotes. These new notes are set to enter circulation in 2024.

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