commemorative: Solomon Islands

Showing posts with label Solomon Islands. Show all posts

16 March 2024

...Solomon Islands - 10 Dollars Specimen Commemorative Polymer Note 2023 XVll Pacific Games

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) (est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

I posted the circulating note on 01.03.2024. Here, I have posted the specimen note for the same polymer commemorative series. I have no information as to how many have been printed. As this series is printed by DLR, I would guess the quantity would be between 300 to 500 pieces. It is unlikely they would have printed anything more than that. The specimen note that I have posted here is also printed with a tiny control number on the bottom left corner. However, it is not sure if there are other varieties for this specimen series.

Ten Dollars (Specimen)

Sanfords sea eagle head, billowing flag, Coat of Arms

Front - A Sanford's sea eagle head (Solomon eagle) is printed on the left, which is traditionally the watermark for paper banknotes issued in the Solomon Islands. The Sanford's sea eagle is a native bird of Solomon Islands. The tournament logo illustrates the year 2023, a billowing Solomon Islands flag in the middle. To the right is the Coat of Arms.

Signatures

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

Watermark - Electrotype CBSI

Dimensions - 137mm x 68mm

Back - Various sporting events, depicting from left to right: man running with a rugby ball in his right hand, two men playing in a basketball game, woman lifting weight, footballer, athlete and bodybuilder posing.

Six sports - soccer, weight lifting, marathon, bodybuilding, rugby and basketball

01 March 2024

...Solomon Islands - 10 Dollars Commemorative Polymer Note 2023 XVll Pacific Games

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) (est.1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

This is a commemorative polymer note of 10 dollars issued on 27.10.2023 to celebrate the 17th Pacific Games held in the capital city of Honiara in Solomon Islands. The sporting tournament was held from 19.11.2023 to 02.12.2023. There were 24* nations competing in this tournament.

Final Medals Tally

1st New Caledonia - 197 medals (G82; S57: B58);

2nd Tahiti - 160 medals (G57; S53; B50); and

3rd Australia - 84 medals (G50; S24; B10).

The host nation, Solomon Islands finished 7th place with 80 medals (G12; S37; B31). Tokelau is the only nation without winning a single medal.

The Pacific Games first started in 1963 when Fiji staged the tournament in Suva. The Games were then known as the South Pacific Games. In 2007, it then changed the name to Pacific Games. The Pacific Games is a multi-sporting event that is held every four years. Since its inception, only six nations have held the games, namely Fiji (1963, 1979 & 2003); New Caledonia (1966, 1987 & 2011), Papua New Guinea (1969, 1991 & 2015), Samoa (1983, 2007 & 2019), French Polynesia (1971 & 1995, and scheduled to host the games in 2027), and Guam (1975 & 1999). This is the first time Solomon Islands has hosted this event.

It should be noted that the Pacific Games is not the same as the Pacific Mini Games (PMG). The PMG is a scaled down version of the main Pacific Games, and its purpose is to allow smaller nations in the Pacific region to host this tournament. The PMG first started in 1981 and was hosted by Solomon Islands. In 2017, Vanuatu hosted the PMG and issued a 500 vatu commemorative note celebrating this event.

Since 1963, only three nations have issued commemorative banknotes celebrating the events, namely Papua New Guinea (1991, 2007 & 2015), Samoa (2019) and Solomon Islands (2023). Despite hosting the event three times, neither Fiji nor New Caledonia had issued any banknote to celebrate these occasions.

As expected, the design for this new note is completely new, and it retains the predominantly red colour as the current $10 paper note. This commemorative note is printed by De La Rue on SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate. A total of 1,000,000 pieces have been issued. All notes are printed with a special prefix of SI/23 (Solomon Islands/2023), and for the replacement notes, they are printed with the prefix of X/23.

Ten Dollars

Sanfords sea eagle head, billowing flag, Coat of Arms

Replacement Prefix X/23 031 031 (Repeater)

Sanfords sea eagle head, billowing flag, Coat of Arms

Signatures

Governor - Dr Luke Forau

Secretary, Minister of Finance - McKinie P Dentana

Watermark - Electrotype CBSI

Dimensions - 137mm x 68mm

Six sports - soccer, weight lifting, marathon, bodybuilding, rugby and basketball

In addition to the notes, the bank also released a folder (dimensions 211mm x 149mm) for this commemorative series. It is not sure how many of these were issued or if they were presented to the participants who attended the games. This folder is sold separately without the banknote. Inside the folder, it printed with the following text:

"The Central Bank of Solomon Islands is issuing a commemorative banknote printed on Safeguard polymer substrate. Our new $10 Dollar Note has been produced to commemorate the XVll South Pacific Games 2023 which are being held in Solomon Islands for the first time in November 2023.

Signed Governor Dr Luke Forau"

And the inside back folder, it printed with the text of: -

"The design of the newly vibrant commemorative banknote celebrates the Solomon Islands first historical hosting of the South Pacific Games and its sporting progress and success.

Front: The image depicts the Solomon Islands flag and coat of arms as seen in all circulating banknotes

Back: Participation in this South Pacific Games in both team and individual sports are depicted in soccer, weight lifting, marathon, body building, rugby and basketball inviting all to remain united in SPORTS.

2023 Pacific Games

Solomon Islands"

Folder front

Footnote*

Medal Tally

New Caledonia - 197 (G82; S57; B58),

Tahiti - 160 (G57; S53; B50),

Australia - 84 (G50; S24; B10),

Samoa - 76 (G34; S21; B21),

Papua New Guinea - 105 (G29; S37; B39),

Fiji - 91 (G21; S30; B40),

Host - Solomon Islands - 80 (G12; S37; B31),

New Zealand - 35 (G10; S13; B12),

Nauru - 28 (G10; S12; B6),

Guam - 17 (G7; S4; B6),

Cook Islands - 18 (G5; S3; B10),

Marshall Islands - 10 (G5; S3; B2),

Northern Mariana Islands - 12 (G5; S1; B6),

Wallis and Futuna - 15 (G3; S6; B6),

Vanuatu - 19 (G3; S5; B11),

Kiribati - 11 (G3; S2; B6),

Federated States of Micronesia - 4 (G3; S1; B0),

Tonga - 19 (G2; S8; B9),

Niue - 2 (G1; S0; B1),

Tuvalu - 5 (G0; S5; B0),

American Samoa - 6 (G0; S3; B3),

Palau - 3 (G0; S0; B3),

Norfolk Island - 1 (G0; S0; B1),

Tokelau - 0.

15 July 2021

...Solomon Islands - $40 Dated 2018 Polymer Specimen 40th Year of Independence 1978-2018

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)

(since 1983)

Currency - Dollar (SBD)

Posted here is the $40 polymer specimen note celebrating the nation's 40th year of independence. Independence day is celebrated on July the 7th. The commemorating circulating note was issued on 05.07.2018.

Brief history of the Solomon Islands;

The name Solomon Islands (Islas Solomon) was given by a Spanish explorer Alvaro De Mandana (b.1542-1595) when he first visited the archipelago in 1568. Then came the British and between 29.09.1893 to 21.06.1975, the country was known as the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. On 22.06.1975, it was renamed Solomon Islands and then became a self-governing colony on 02.01.1976. On 07.07.1976, the British granted its independence and in 1977, Solomon Islands issued its first banknotes of $2, $5 and $10. The $20 was added later in 1981. Prior to 1977 the Australia dollars were circulating in the country. Following the issue of the Solomon Islands dollar, the exchange rate was at par with the Australian dollar. It should be noted that despite the Australian dollars that were once circulating in the country including the Australia $1 note, Solomon Islands has never issued a $1 note since gaining independence.

Despite being an independent nation since 1976, Solomon Islands retains the British monarch as their Head of State and Queen Elizabeth the Second is represented by a Governor-General (currently Sir David Vugani since 2009) residing in the country. Having the British monarch as the Head of State, the last time a banknote printed with the Queen's portrait was the 1984 series. Since then all banknotes issued are printed with the Coat of Arms on the front. The national flag was later also added to the designs.

This $40 polymer note is a very unusual denomination but Solomon Islands is not the first country to issue a banknote with the value of forty. Other countries like Bangladesh and Djibouti have also issued commemorative banknotes with the value of 40 earlier too.

Apart from the banknote itself, CBSI also released a folder but without containing the banknote. It was reported that only 100 folders were issued and all sold out very quickly. The folder itself was sold at S$75 each, of course without the banknote, and needless to say, the empty folder is more expensive than the banknote face value.

Forty Dollars Specimen

Dated 2018, man blowing conch shell, map of Solomon Islands

Signatures

Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (tenure 2008-2019)

Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Harry Kuma (2015?)

Imprinter - De La Rue (De La Rue's Safeguard polymer substrate)

Dimension - 146mm x 67mm


Reverse - young girls on canoe, turtle, fish, man on canoe, flag of Solomon Islands

Note: According to a website, it says that the signature for the Secretary to the Minister of Finance on this note belongs to Fred Fakari'i. According to another source, it said that he was appointed to the post of Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Treasury in 2014. However, it is not sure if he still holds that position now or has he been removed or moved to another position since then. Whilst I have not sighted the image of Fred Fakari'i's signature before, the signature on this note does not look any resemblance to his name. I also understand that the signing of a personal signature can come in all shapes and styles, however, I have now confirmed that the signature belongs to Harry Kuma. However, I have no information as to when he was appointed or when he left as Harry Kuma is now the Minister for Finance of Solomon Islands.

17 April 2021

...Solomon Islands - $2 Polymer Specimen CBSI Silver Jubilee Commemorative & $50 Prefix A/25 Both Issued in 2001

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)

Currency : Dollar (SBD)

Here I posted two specimen notes of $2 polymer and $50 paper banknote both issued in 2001. The two notes that I have posted here are both signed by the Governor, Rick N Houenipwela (tenure 1993-2008) and George Kiriau as Secretary to the Ministry of Finance. These are the only two notes that have been printed with these combinations of signatures in 2001.

* $2 POLYMER COMMEMORATIVE NOTE - CBSI SILVER JUBILEE *

This is a 2001 polymer note commemorating the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary 1976-2001. This is the first time that the Solomon Islands has issued a polymer note and these notes were printed by Note Printing Australia Limited (NPA) and as such no replacement notes were printed for this series.

In 1976, the government passed the Central Bank of Solomon Islands Act and the central bank, Solomon Islands Monetary Authority (SIMA) was established. At the time of the passing of the Act, the country was still under British rule. However, independence came on 07.07.1978. Later more powers and responsibilities were added to the bank and in February 1983 it changed its name to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

After the establishment of the central bank in 1976, Solomon Islands issued its first banknotes and coins series in 1977. Prior to this, all banknotes in the Solomon Islands were managed by the treasury and in those days banknotes were issued under the name of the British Solomon Islands.

Whilst this was the first polymer note issued in the country, no further polymer note was issued until in 2018 when the bank released a $40 polymer commemorative note for the celebration of the country's 40th year of independence from the British (1978-2018) and then in 2019, a $5 polymer normal note for general circulation.

For the first time since 1977, the prefix for this series started with AA01. This is expected given that these notes were printed by NPA.

I also noticed that the colour printed for the vertical serial numbers on the right-hand side of the note is not the same as those printed for the circulating note. The colour for the specimen note looks like it has been printed with maroon colour and the circulating note is more like in red. Perhaps it's only what I have.

This is a very sweet and satisfying acquisition for me. I have waited for almost 20 years to get this specimen note. Many of these were selling in the 2000s and I didn't buy one as I felt that it was a bit pricey then. Even now, I still think those available in the market are still asking a bit too much. I am not against those dealers who are selling this note expensive. Everyone is in for a profit and there is nothing wrong with that. However, personally I believe this specimen note is not rare because I understand that many of these notes are already in the collector's hand, especially those serious collectors. Prices of banknotes are usually driven by serious and wealthy collectors who can afford whatever the asking price is and just can't wait to get them to satisfy their huge ego. I am sometimes like that too except that I do not have a good bank manager to back me up on this hobby. Needless to say, I am happy to get this specimen note to add to my specimen collections now.

So, was this the only note issued that celebrated the Silver Jubilee of CBSI? Please read more below.

Two Dollars Polymer Specimen

nd2001, Coat of Arms, artifacts, CBSI commemorative logo

Reverse - Group of men fishing as a team

* $50 NORMAL CIRCULATING PAPER NOTE SPECIMEN PREFIX A/25 *

This was a one off issue of the $50 reprint and was released in 2001. A quick glance and you can almost say that this note is the same as the last issue in 1996 (P22). In fact, this is an upgrade on the design with a flag of Solomon Islands added to the left side of the note. In addition to this, a segmented security thread is also added to the note. This note is basically a reprint of the 1996 issue (P22) with minor upgrades, but why just one note and not others. Obviously central banks usually print new banknotes due to depletion of existing stock. I am asking this question as I have a feeling that this note was printed to complement the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of CBSI. The reason I am saying this is that this note was printed with the letter alphabet A over 25 (A/25 prefix). Why print a single note with such a high prefix of A/25 when the A/1 has not been used until the 2005 series. If this was a normal issue then why didn't they use the prefix of say D/1 as previous $50 issues were printed with the prefixes of B/1 in 1986 and C/1 in 1996. I have not seen any banknotes of Solomon Islands that have a prefix in double digits (except the 2018 $40 commemorative polymer note celebrating the country's 40th Independence anniversary SI/40). So, what's the story here for this 2001 issue then? It is obvious that this note was meant to be for the Silver Jubilee celebration of the central bank and as such the number '25' was printed. I have no concrete proof to back up my story here but unless someone can come up with a better explanation, I will treat this note as another commemorative issue as well.

Fifty Dollars Specimen

nd2001, flag, Coat of Arms, artifacts

Reverse - butterflies, reptiles, giant sea clam

Footnote 👉

Unlike those specimen notes printed before, these two notes were printed with a single word 'SPECIMEN' only instead of two on the front and back.

27 September 2019

...Solomon Islands - $5 ND2019 Polymer Note, United Nations World Tuna Day

Solomon Islands

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)

This is the latest $5 polymer note first announced by CBSI on 10.04.2019 at the Currency Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The theme for this new note is creating a sustainable and responsible and responsible fishing industry to provide long-term economic security for the country, as well as the importance of community and social cohesion. This note was released on 02.05.2019 in conjunction with the United Nations World Tuna Day. This World Tuna day was established by the UN to raise awareness about the importance of tuna and to promote more sustainable fishing practices and was first observed in 2017.

Solomon Islands current series of banknotes started in 2013 when the first $50 Hybrid note was issued and then followed by the $100 note in 2015, which is also a Hybrid note. In 2017, it released the $10 and $20 paper based notes. Up to now all notes, including the $40 polymer commemorative note issued in 2018 were printed by De La Rue, traditionally, the main printing partner of the Solomon Islands.

This new polymer note is the last of the banknote series and is printed by NPA. This is indeed a big win for NPA and is also the second time that NPA has won this right to print banknotes for Solomon Islands. The first time was the 2001 $2 commemorative polymer note celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands. I believe that since 2012/2013 the CBSI has ceased issuing the $2 notes.

Despite this note being printed by NPA, CBSI maintains it's traditional numbering system by having the first prefix as A/1 instead of NPA style of AA19 (alphabet & year format). The only time they did that was the $2 polymer ND2001, which was printed with the first prefix of AA01 and not A/1.

This is the third polymer banknote issued and Solomon Islands is one of the few nations that have current circulating banknotes printed on polymer ($5), paper ($10 & $20) and hybrid ($50 & $100) materials.

Designs
Front: yellowfin tuna facing a traditional fishing hook signaling the importance of sustainability. Both features are printed on a see-through feature, Coat of Arms of Solomon Islands in the middle;
Back: a traditional spearfishing scene by a group of people which highlights the need to preserve and promote community activity. This spearfishing scene on the back is the same design on the back of the last $2 paper banknote.

The current series of Solomon Islands notes all depict scenes of local traditional daily life, natural wildlife (SI$50), things that are culturally important to the islanders with each note pertaining to a particular theme on the back of the note.

Signatures
Governor - Denton Hehenoro Rarawa
Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Harry Kuma

Five Dollars

ND2019

Reverse

Note:
The first prefix for this new note is A/1. As this new $5 polymer note is printed by NPA, it is unlikely any replacement notes have been printed. NPA has the habit of not printing polymer replacement notes, thus hunting for the last prefix note is more interesting than looking for those more recognisable prefixes of say X/1 or ZZ etc. This is also the only denomination in the current series that does not have replacement prefixes printed.

I have also posted this note in my Commemorative banknotes site to celebrate the United Nations World Tuna Day.

Issue price SI$75 without banknote.
Folder Front Cover

05 December 2018

...Solomon Islands - $40 Independence Commemoartive 1978 - 2018

Solomon Islands

Theme "redirecting our journey at 40"
Independence Day 7th of July

Solomon Islands celebrated it's 40th Independence on 07.07.2018 from the British and issued a banknote of $40 to commemorate this special occasion. The British controlled Solomon Islands from June 1893. In 1976, self-government was granted and in 1978 it became a fully independent nation.

This commemorative note was launched on 05.07.2018 by the Central Bank Governor, Denton Rarawa. Apart from this commemorative note, it also issued a new $2 coloured coin to commemorate this special occasion.

This new note is designed and printed on polymer substrate material by De La Rue. It is believed that only 100,000 pieces were printed with 20,000 pieces reserved for overseas collectors (one media had reported that 140,000 pieces were printed - Australia ABC news). Whilst this note is a collector's item, it is also legal tender for all payments for goods and services in the country. The coloured coins are minted by the Royal Australian Mint (RAM).

This is the second time that Solomon Islands has issued a polymer banknote. In 2001, a $2 commemorative note was issued for the Central Bank of Solomon Islands's Silver Jubilee celebration.

Unlike the current circulating series, this commemorative note has a vertical front design and a horizontal format on the back. The main design on the front shows a man blowing a conch shell to summon people to come together for an important event or meeting. The conch shell is a traditional instrument of communication in Solomon Islands. The map of Solomon Islands is also included in the design. The large number "40" is also printed on both sides of the note. The design on the back showing large national flag of Solomon Islands, two young girls on a boat, a man standing on a boat, a man diving in the coral reef; and a glowing sea turtle (Hawksbill) swimming.The note is also printed with the following texts;-

"A CALL TO THE NATION TO COME TOGETHER AS ONE AND MOVE FORWARD; and
40 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 1978 - 2018"

All notes are printed with the prefix of SI/40 with X/1 as replacement notes. The signatures are Denton Hehenoro Rarawa (Governor) and Harry Kuma (Secretary, Ministry of Finance).

This new $40 is also sold in a folder. It was reported that only 100 folders were issued and all sold out.The folder was sold at S$75 each without the banknote.

Forty Dollars

Dated 2018

Reverse - Normal Prefix

Reverse - Replacement Prefix X/1 000080

Reverse - Replacement Prefix X/1 000123

Borrowed scan - Folder Front Cover

In addition to the above, uncut sheets of 20-in-1 and 25-in-1 were also printed and all sold out. I have a feeling that these uncut sheets were issued for special orders/requests, and perhaps all sold to collectors/dealers in Europe.

Footnote:-

I believe this is the 3rd note issued for the celebration of a nation's 40th Independence with a face value of 40.

- Bangladesh 2011: 40 Taka celebrating the nation's 40th Year of Victory Anniversary against Pakistan rule, which is the same as independence from Pakistan rule;

- Djibouti 2017: 40 Francs commemorative it's independence celebration from France.