Tonga Introduces New Series of Banknotes into Circulation

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 equivalent to 43 U.S. cents, the currency symbol mirrors the dollar sign on U.S. currency.

All face designs now feature a uniform portrait of King Tupou IV at the center, a departure from their previous positioning on the right side in the 2015 issues. The reverse designs of the new series aim to vividly depict Tonga's rich culture, history, and aspirations.

Specifically, the $2 note showcases a breaching humpback whale to promote whale-watching tourism, highlighting the annual migration from the Antarctic to the warm waters of Vava’u.

The polymer $5 note features the ancient stone Ha`amonga `a Maui Trilithon, built in the 13th century and often referred to as the "Stonehenge of the Pacific."

On the $10 note, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku`aho performs the Kava Ceremony Milolua dance, emphasizing the importance of this cultural tradition.

The $20 note symbolizes the National Reserve Bank of Tonga building, representing the country's present and future growth potential. Meanwhile, the $50 note depicts the St. George government building as a reflection of stability through good governance.

The $100 note showcases Tonga’s royal family against the royal palace backdrop, symbolizing the enduring stability of the country and its standing in the global community.

Enhanced security features from De La Rue include an 18-millimeter-wide embedded micro-optic stripe on the $100 note, a dynamic micro-optic thread and denominational numeral on the $50 note, a holographic thread on the $20 note, and transparent windows with high-resolution gravure images, gold iridescence, and denomination-specific tactile embossing on the $10 and $20 notes. The incorporation of polymer substrates and advanced security elements underscores Tonga's commitment to modernizing its currency and fortifying its banknotes against counterfeit threats.