Tonga Introduces New Series of Banknotes into Circulation

Image
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
Post a Comment

Explained: What are Polymer Banknotes?

Polymer banknotes are made from plastic (polymer substrate) and offer distinct durability and security advantages over traditional paper banknotes. Paper banknotes aren’t made from paper at all, in fact, they are commonly made from a cotton blend which explains why the banknote can survive a spin cycle in your washing machine. Polymer banknotes not only feel completely different when held, they also allow new design features, artwork and some even become commemorative of a bank’s decision to make the switch making them more desirable to collectors. In addition, counterfeiting currency has led to an increased demand in security features that paper banknotes simply don’t have.

Modern polymer banknotes were pioneered by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and The University of Melbourne. These innovative notes were first introduced as legal tender in Australia in 1988, coinciding with the bicentennial year. By 1996, the Australian dollar fully transitioned to polymer banknotes.

In Europe, Romania took the lead by issuing a plastic banknote in 1999, becoming the third country globally, following Australia and New Zealand, to complete the transition to polymer by 2003.

Several other currencies worldwide have embraced polymer banknotes, including the Vietnamese đồng (2006, for denominations above 10,000 đồng), the Brunei dollar (2006), the Nigerian Naira (2007), the Papua New Guinean kina (2008), the Canadian dollar (2013), the Maldivian rufiyaa (2017), the Mauritanian ouguiya (2017), the Nicaraguan córdoba (2017), the Vanuatu vatu (2017), the Eastern Caribbean dollar (2019), and the British pound sterling (2021).

Numerous countries have introduced polymer banknotes either into commemorative issues or general circulation. Notable adopters include Nigeria, Cape Verde, Chile, The Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia, Botswana, São Tomé and Príncipe, North Macedonia, the Russian Federation, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Morocco, Albania, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Israel, China, Taiwan, Kuwait, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Isle of Man, Guatemala, Haiti, Libya, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Honduras, Angola, Namibia, Lebanon, the Philippines, and Egypt.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Inspiring Banknote Collection: Cricket and Its Players

Image
Paper money collectors often focus on a specific nation or even a particular series. This column is designed to offer ideas for building a collection of notes from around the world centered on a cricket theme. While cricket stands as the most popular sport globally, engaging approximately a quarter of the planet's population as fans, it's interesting to note that there are relatively fewer banknotes featuring both its players and the sport. Exploring this niche can add a unique dimension to your collection, capturing the essence of a sport cherished by millions worldwide. Consider seeking out these distinctive banknotes to enrich your collection and showcase the diverse ways in which cricket is celebrated across different cultures and regions. Most of the $5 banknotes from Barbados feature the bust of Sir Frank Worrell on the obverse. However, the banknotes issued in the 2013 series showcase the 3Ws Oval cricket field in Barbados on the reverse side, honoring three leg
Read more

Sir Vivian Richards on $2 Banknote for ECCB's 40th Anniversary

Image
In honor of the esteemed West Indian cricketer Sir Vivian Richards, a commemorative $2 banknote featuring the image of the former batting star has been produced and is set to circulate throughout Eastern Caribbean countries. Starting on December 6, these notes will be available at banks across the Eastern Caribbean. The tribute currency was unveiled during an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank in Antigua, Sir Vivian Richards’ birthplace. Meanwhile, Sir Vivian Richards expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “To be honored in such a manner is something dreams are made of,” Richards stated, as reported by islandpressbox.com. He was presented with the inaugural $2 bill featuring his likeness. Camillo Gonsalves, Chairman of the ECCB Monetary Council, emphasized that individuals prioritizing financial gain over representing West Indies or enhancing West Indies Cricket may not attain the same level of success or stature as Sir Vivian. The front of t
Read more

Netherlands to Honour Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp

Image
Dennis Bergkamp, the iconic former Arsenal and Netherlands forward, is set to receive a distinctive tribute from the Netherlands. One of his most memorable goals will be featured on a new banknote in the country. Renowned as the linchpin of Arsenal during his illustrious 11-year tenure, Bergkamp is now poised to have his legendary goal immortalized on the new banknote. Since his arrival at Arsenal in 1995, he recorded an impressive tally of 315 goals in 315 matches across various competitions. His contributions were pivotal in securing three Premier League titles (including an unbeaten season), clinching four FA Cup victories, and guiding the team to the 2006 UEFA Champions League final. As reported by Olt Sports, the Dutch treasury has commissioned the Royal Enschede Company, their official currency minting entity, to produce a distinct eight-euro banknote. This unique currency will showcase Bergkamp adorned in the iconic Dutch jersey from the 1998 World Cup and capture the unforgetta
Read more