...Transnistria - One Ruble 2024 100th Year The Formation Of The Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (MASSR)

Република Молдовеняскэ Нистрянэ

Приднестровская Молдавская Республика

(Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic)

 

Transnistrian Republican Bank (Est.1992)

Currency : Ruble (RUP)

 

And the story continues.....

 

Here is another low value commemorative banknote of 1 ruble. issued in October 2024 for the celebration of 100th year since the formation of MASSR (Памятная банкнота 100 лет со дня образования МАССР).

The Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (MASSR) was formed between 1934 and 1940 as an autonomous republic of the Ukrainian SSR. The MASSR encompassed the modern territory of Transnistria as well as the present day Podilsk Raion of Ukraine. During World War II, the Soviet Union took parts of the MASSR's region and dissolved the autonomous territory of MASSR. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1990, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Transnistria) was established, hoping that they would still be part of Russia should Moldova decide to seek unification with Romania. Moldova then became independent in 1991, and shortly after that arms conflict started between the two parties in March 1992. Ceasefire was declared in July 1992, but the unresolved dispute is still unresolved until today.

 

The Transnistria currency of ruble is not negotiable outside its territory. A total of 1,500 pieces were issued, of which 1,490 pieces are packed in booklets.

 

One Ruble

Signature - N/A

Date: 2012 (2024 issue)

Watermarks - Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov and electrotype ПРБ

Quantity - 1500 pieces with 1490 sets in folders

Dimensions - 130mm x 56.5mm

Front - The format and design of this note is similar to the 2012 series. A portrait of the Russian General Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov (b.1730-1800) in military uniform. General Suvorav was a Russian born military hero holding the rank of Field Marshal Generalissimo. He was born in Moscow and joined the army at the age of 17 and was promoted to the rank of colonel when he was 32 years old. By 1787, he was then promoted to the rank of General. During his lifetime, he was involved in at least 57 battles/wars with the majority of these conflicts ending in victory in his favour. He died at the age of 70 years old and was buried in the city of St Petersburg. He was the fourth Generalissimo of Russia. 

 

To the right of the note where the watermark area is, is printed with a special marking in the form of a three-line inscription "100 лет со дня образования" (100 YEARS SINCE THE DAY OF FORMATION) in red in the right field of the front side of the banknote, and a color cartographic image of a part of the Northern Black Sea region with the territory of the MASSR, the inscriptions "MASSR" and "DNIESTER" located on the right.

Back - Kitskansk Bridgehead memorial or Chiţcani monument in Chitcani. This monument was built in 1972 (opened 09.05.1972) to commemorate victory against the German invasion during the Second World War in 1944. Chitcani is situated north of Tiraspol, the capital city of Transnistria.

List of all commemorative banknotes issued; -

2009 - 15 Years of National Currency;

2014 - 20 Years of National Currency, 2020 sets (4 notes);

2015 - 70 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWll), 7070 sets, 2000 sets in folders (2 notes);

2015 - 25 Years of Transnistria Republic, 2525 sets, 2000 sets in folders (4 notes);

2017 - 100 Years of the Great October Socialist Revolution, 5,000 sets, 2017 sets in folders (2 notes);

2017 - 100 Year of KGB/State Security Bodies, 2500 sets in folders;

2017 - 100 Years of Police Force, 2500 sets in folders;

2018 - 100 Years of Border Troops, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folder;

2018 - 100 Years of Armed Force/State Police, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folders (Text - 27 Yrs of the Armed Forces of the PMR);

2019 - 30 Years of Soviet Troops withdrawing from Afghanistan, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary Years of Liberation from Nazi Invaders, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary of Jassy-Kishinev Operation, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 25 Years of National Currency, 200000 pieces, 2500 sets in folders (2 notes);

2020 - 75 Years of End of World War ll (1945-2020), 2500 sets in folders;

2020 - 30th Year of Formation of Transdniestr, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the First PMR bank, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders issued;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the PMR Financial System, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2023 - 100th Year of the 2023 - 100th Year of Gold Chervonets, 2500 sets, 2490 sets in folders;

2024 - 30th Anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;

2024 - 100th Year of Formation of the MASSR, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;

 

...Thailand - 2025 100 Baht 150th Year of Ministry of Finance Commemorative Banknote

ราชอาณาจักรไทย

(Kingdom of Thailand)

 

Bank of Thailand, Est.1942

(ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย)

Currency : Baht (THB) 

Here I have posted a commemorative banknote of 100 baht, together with a 50 baht coin, celebrating the 150th year of the establishment of the Ministry of Finance.

The Ministry of Finance of Thailand (MOF) was established on 14 April 1875. The MOF is a cabinet ministry responsible for overseeing Thailand's public finance, including taxation, the treasury, government properties and state-owned enterprises. In addition to these, it is also responsible for regulating the financial sector, providing loan guarantees and ensuring the government's financial stability.

According to the Bank of Thailand's website, this note was issued on 1st April 2025.

The design for this note, both front and back is the same as the current series (17th), first issued in 2017. 

One Hundred Baht

Front - The designs on the front are the same as the current series of the 100 baht note. The portrait of the current King of Thailand, King Rama X in his Air Force Marshal uniform. At the bottom of the note, the following commemorative text inscription in Thai are printed: -

๑๕0 ปี กระทรวงการคลัง วันที ๑๔ เมษายน พุทธศักราช ๒๕๖๘

"150th year of the Ministry of Finance, April 14, 2025"

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Pichai Chunhavajira

Governor - Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput

Date - April 14, 2025

Watermark - King Rama X and electrotype 100

Size - 150.5mm x 72.5mm

Back - King Rama V; Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poraminthra Maha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua (reigned 1868-1910) [son of Rama IV] and King Rama VI; Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthra Maha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua (reigned 1910-1925) [son of Rama V].

King Rama V (b.1853-1910) was known as King of Chulalongkorn the Great, and the fifth king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty. He became the King of Siam at a very young age of 15. He inherited the Thai's throne following the death of his father, King Rama IV.

King Rama VI (b.1881-1925) was the son of King Rama V. He was only the King of Siam for 18 years and died at the young age of 44 due to illness. While he had four wives during his lifetime, he only managed to produce a daughter, and she was born 2 hours before his death. He was succeeded by his brother, Parajadhipok, who went on to become King Rama VII(b.1893-1941). King Rama VI is best known for his efforts to create and promote Siamese nationalism. He also founded the country's first university, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.

In addition to the single note, the bank also issued this note in a seal folder together with a brilliant uncirculated 50 baht coin. Unfortunately, I have no information as to how many of such limited edition folders were issued nor do I know what the issued price was.

 

...Brunei - 50 Ringgit Commemorative Reprint Dated 2022

 نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

(Negara Brunei Darussalam)

 

Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam

Currency : Ringgit (BND)

 

Here I have added the 50 ringgit polymer note printed with the year date of 2022. This is a reprint of the 2017 commemorative series which celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the accession to the throne of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah became the Sultan of Brunei on 05.10.1967, following the abdication of his father the late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (b.1914-1986).

At the time of the accession of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, he was only 21 years old, and today (2025), he has been the sultan for 58 years. As an absolute monarch, he also held the positions of Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

The design of this note is the same as the one that was first released in 2017, except for a new year date printed on the back - 2022.

 

At this moment, only the F/5 2022 has been sighted. It is not sure if F/6 is also part of the 2022 series.

 

Fifty Ringgit (Prefix F/5)

Front - Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll. He is the 29th Sultan of Brunei and accessed to the throne on 05.10.1967. He was born in Istana Darussalam,  (Palace) in the capital city of Bandar Seri Bagawan. He is also the eldest son of the late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The portrait on the note depicted him in full military uniform. To the center left is the scene of the Sultan's coronation ceremony that took place on 01.08.1968, where his father, Omar Ali Saifuddien III placed the Mahkota (Crown of Brunei) onto the Sultan's head. In the background is the Jame' Ars Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. This mosque was constructed in 1994 and is the largest mosque in Brunei.

 

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (signed in Jawi language)

Dimensions - 159.5mm x 75.5mm 

 

Back - The sultan surrounded his subjects and was accompanied by his eldest son Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah bin Hassanal Bolkiah. Below the image is printed with the following words :- 

 

50th Anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. 

 

The date 05.10.2017 is also printed on the top left hand corner of the note.

 

...Cayman Islands - $25 and $50 2022 25th Anniversary of Cayman Islands Monetary Authority Issues

Cayman Islands

(British Overseas Territory)

Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (Est. 1997)

Currency - Dollar (KYD)

 

Two notes of $25 and $50, both overprinted with commemorative logos for the celebration of Cayman Islands Monetary Authority's 25th Anniversary. The CIMA was established on 01.01.1997 as the primary financial services regulator a.k.a. central bank. The bank is situated in the capital city George Town in the Grand Cayman island, the largest of the three main islands of Cayman Islands. These two notes are both dated 2022 but only released in 2023. The design on both notes are the same as the two notes of $25 and $50 previously 2010 series issued but with added commemorative logo on the front for this celebration. These two notes were initially scheduled to be released in 2022 but were delayed until mid-2023. The prefix series for these two notes is D/4. Cayman Islands have a rather small population of 74,000+/- and as such it is not expected many banknotes issued, even for those for general circulation.  

Prior to 1972, the Jamaican dollar was circulating in the Cayman Islands and needless to say the Cayman Islands dollar was an offshoot of the Jamaican dollar. In 1972, the Cayman Islands introduced its own currency and like Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand, Cayman Islands adopted the 'Dollar' instead of 'Pound Sterling'. The exchange rate (Jamaica dollar to Cayman Islands dollar) at the time was $1 for ₤1. Jamaica converted its currency to decimal system on 08.09.1969. Today, one Cayman Islands dollar can buy $180+/- Jamaican dollars.

Twenty Five Dollars

 

Front - The portrait of Queen Elizabeth (b.1926-2022). This portrait was taken in 1999 by Mark Lawrence and has been used for the Cayman Islands banknotes series since 2010. The Queen was 73 years old when this portrait was taken. Since the accession to the British throne, 31 portraits of the Queen have been used on various banknotes issued around the Commonwealth issued during her 70 years reign, including those issued in Scotland. The design for this note is the same as the 2010 series but with the commemorative logo added in the center right, next to the Queen's head. Five scallop clam shells are printed in the note, with a larger one in the center left.

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Christopher S Saunders (tenure 2021-2023)

Managing Director - Cindy Scotland (since 2002)

Watermarks - A Hawk-bill turtle and electrotype CIMA

Dimensions - 157mm x 67mm

Back - A Hawk-bill turtle swimming in the sea, with some angle fish swimming above. This note (together with the $50) is printed by De La Rue. On the far right is an image of a scallop shell (on the front too) in grey and white colours and when the note is held up against the light, you can see a perfect registrar of the shell.

Fifty Dollars

 

Front - Queen Elizabeth the Second (b.1926-2022) on the center right, a 'flat' stingray on the center left. This is the second last series of banknotes printed with the portrait of the last Queen Elizabeth. The last series issued with her portrait was the commemorative note of $70 issued in memory of her first anniversary passing. Like the above $25 note, the three main islands of the Cayman Islands are printed in the center left, namely - Cayman Brac, Little Cayman and Grand Cayman. This note is printed with - 2022 Series Issued under The Monetary Authority Law.

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Christopher S Saunders (tenure 2021-2023)

Managing Director - Cindy Scotland (since 2002)

Watermarks -  A Hawk-bill turtle and electrotype CIMA

Dimensions - 157mm x 67mm

 

Back - A stingray swimming in the ocean. A cone shaped shell on the top left corner, and an image of a stingray perfect registration/see-through security feature is located on the bottom right corner (bottom left on the front). A perfect registration of a stingray is printed on the far right as one of the few security features of this note.

...Tonga - ND2023 Series Full Set Paper And Polymer Matching Numbers Set Commemorative

Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻO Tonga

(Kingdom of Tonga)

 

Pangike Pule Fakafanua 'O Tonga

(National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Est.1989)

Currency - Pa'anga (TOP)

 

I posted a full set of six notes (nd)2023 on 01.05.2024. Now, I have posted another full set with matching serial numbers. I bought this set via a collector friend and it was not cheap. I bought it solely because it has low serial numbers. These notes are specially put together in a limited edition in folders and sold at a premium as Numismatic Collectable items. This set consists of 2 polymers and 4 paper banknotes. The denominations for 5 and 10 are both printed on polymer substrates. This is the first time polymer notes have been issued in the Kingdom of Tonga. This set was introduced on 04.12.2023 and is the 9th series of banknotes issued since 1921. This set was issued to commemorate the birthday of the Kingdom's moderniser King Tupou I. King George Tupou I was born on 04.12.1797 and died on 18.02.1893. He was the King of Tonga from 1845 for 48 years until his death at the good old age of 95.

Right now there are about 11 nations in the Pacific region that are issuing their own banknotes, and all have at least one or two notes that are printed on polymer substrate except for the French Pacific Territories and New Caledonia. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have all fully converted their banknotes to polymer notes and now Tonga have issued two of their notes in polymer substrate notes too. The reason for the two notes of 5 and 10 pa'anga printed on SAFEGUARD on polymer substrate is that these are the two most used denominations in the country. These notes are all printed by De La Rue (name not printed on the notes).

 

The theme for this new series is similar to those previous issues with the exception of the 50 pa'anga. I believe the design for the 50 pa'anga is completely new. As expected, the design on the front for all the notes are the same albeit in different colours. The dimensions for all six notes are also basically the same with 1 to 1.5mm in variance, which is normal. These notes are all undated (nd2023).

The serial numbers for this set are all printed with the matching numbers of A 000086. Given a rather small population in Tonga, I believe all notes for all denominations for this series are printed with the letter A prefix only. This folder set comes with a certificate of authenticity printed on the back of the folder and is signed by the bank governor, Tatafu Toma Moeaki.

Two Pa'anga (Paper)

 

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since Dec 2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since October 2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since December 2022) Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 150.5mm x 70mm 

 

Front - The engraved portrait of King of Tonga - Tupou VI (b.1959). He was crowned King of Tonga on 18.03.2012 following the death of his brother, King George Tupou V. Prior to that, he served as the 13th Prime Minister of Tonga from 2000 to 2006. In 2008, he was then appointed as the Chief of mission for Tonga's High Commission in Canberra Australia and in 2010, he was appointed as the Tongan ambassador to Japan. To the far right is the Coat of Arms. The design on the fronts are all the same, albeit different denominations, colour and some security features.

 

Back - The theme on the back of the note is related to tourism, depicting a Humpback whale doing a water backsplash. Whales watching months in Tonga are from June to October, with August and September being the best months.

Five Pa'anga (Polymer)

 

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 71mm

 

Front - This is the first of the two polymer notes issued by Tonga. It is not sure why the bank did not include the two pa'anga notes as polymers. Perhaps, the 2 pa'anga is not as heavily circulated in the country, like the 5 and 10 pa'anga.

 

Back - Ha'amonga stone gateway or Ha'amonga 'a Maui is a stone structure with two vertical large stones supporting a third stone on the top. This Ha'amonga 'a Maui is situated on the island of Tongatapu. Standing next to the structure is a man/woman. This gives you some ideas how big this structure is. It is believed that this structure was built by King Tu'itatui in the 13th century in honour of his sons. 

Ten Pa'anga (Polymer)

 

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 70.5mm

 

Front - Like the last series issued in 2015, all notes are printed with three signatures. It is not sure how many of these numismatic collectable sets are available as such information is not mentioned in the folder. Based on the set that I have here it would be fair to say that the first 100 numbered notes or more are sold as matching numbered sets. Despite saying this, I have seen matching sets selling on the Internet with notes numbered in 8xxx. However, I am not sure if these are from the official issues or if it just happened that the seller got them with matching numbers. I honestly doubt that such high serial numbered notes are from the Official matching set releases, but I could be wrong. I have a set that is not matching numbers and one of the notes has the serial number of #3327.

 

Back - Tonga ancient and ritual ceremony, depicting Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho (b.1983) performing Kava Ceremony Milolua. The princess is the eldest daughter of King Tupou VI, and the princess is the current Tonga High Commissioner to Australia since 2012.

Twenty Pa'anga (Paper)

 

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151mm x 69.5mm

 

Front - This note is printed with a PUREIMAGE security feature, a holographic thread in the central right of the note. All notes are printed with the country's Coat of Arms underneath the denomination on the front.

 

Back - The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) building in Nkuk'alofa. The NRBT is a five story building and is the tallest building in Tonga. This building was built in 1994 and this building first featured on the 20 pa'anga 2008 note series. The building also hosts the Embassy of Japan.

Fifty Pa'anga (Paper)

 

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 70mm

 

Front - On the front it features the NEXUS security thread, a dynamic micro-optic thread with the 'Drive' effect and denominational numeral. The security thread measures about 4.5mm wide and is printed in green colour.

 

Back - The St George Government Building was built in May 2017. This is a four-storey building which is occupied by the Prime Minister department, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, and also the office of Trade and Foreign Affairs. The cost for the construction was funded via a grant from China and was built by Shanghai Construction Group. This is the first time this building is featured in a Banknote series.

One Hundred Pa'anga (Paper)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151mm x 70mm

 

Front - With NEXUS security feature which is a 18mm wide embedded micro optic stripe on the central left side of the note. You can find this security feature printed on the Guernsey ₤20 (nd2023), Qatar 500 riyals (2020 and 2022) and Solomon Islands $50 and $100 (nd2023).

 

Back - On the back is the Royal Palace situated in Nuku'Alofa, the capital city of Tonga. This wooden palace was built in 1867 and is located only a short distance from the Pacific ocean. The palace is the official residence of the King of Tonga, and this building has been featured on Tonga's banknotes since the 1967 series.