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
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Fiji 100 Cents 2023 | Pick 124a | PMG Banknote

The Fiji 100 Cents Numismatic Banknote, commemorating the Year of the Dragon and issued in 2023, has received a grade of 66 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) from PMG (Paper Money Guaranty).

Fiji 100 Cents Banknote Pick#124a

The Dragon, also known as Loong, is the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac, closely tied to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Dragon is associated with the Earthly Branch symbol 辰, pronounced as "chen."

There is a theory proposed by an academic researcher that the Earthly Branch character may have been connected to scorpions or possibly symbolized the star Antares. In the Buddhist calendar used in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, the Dragon is replaced by the nāga. In the Gurung zodiac, the Dragon is substituted with the eagle, while in the Old Turkic calendar, it is replaced by the fish or crocodile. Early Persian translations from the medieval period depict the dragon as a sea serpent, though in modern times, it is commonly referred to as a whale.

It's worth noting that during the Cultural Revolution, the giant panda temporarily replaced the dragon as a symbol, although this change was short-lived.

This limited-edition banknote marks Fiji's first-ever 100 Cents denomination and features vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, representing its connection to Chinese culture.

The obverse displays a prominent hibiscus flower and the Fijian coat of arms in the upper right corner. On the reverse, a depiction of the sun and a dragon, symbolizing success and power, pays tribute to the Chinese zodiac calendar. As 2024 approaches, the anticipation of the Year of the Dragon is reflected in this early release.

PMG (Paper Money Guaranty), established in 2005, is an independent third-party paper money grading service, ensuring the authenticity and quality of banknotes worldwide. Please check my other graded banknote collections.

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