...Bangladesh - 200 Taka Father of the Nation Mujibur Rahman Birth Centenary Commemorative Reprints 2022 And 2023

গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ
(Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh)

Bangladesh Bank

Currency : Taka (BDT)

In 2020, the Bangladesh Bank released two commemorative notes of 100 and 200 taka, honoring the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman, who is also known as the Father of the Nation. 

Here, I have posted the 200 taka reprints with the year dates of 2022 and 2023. Whilst the initial release consists of two notes (100 and 200 taka), only the 200 taka have been reprinted twice. So far, no reprint for the 100 taka has been sighted. 

Following the 2024 July Revolution in Bangladesh where the elected government of Sheikh Hasina was deposed by a civil unrest, it was announced that new designs of banknotes will be released this year. The report also stated that the design for the new series will not be printed with the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman, like those issued in the past. It should be noted that Sheikh Hasina is the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman. In all, she won 5 general elections, and the last term she won was the January 2024 general election. However, she was forced to resign on 05.08.2024 due to the public unrest against the country's jobs quota system of Bangladesh Civil Service where a certain percentage of the government jobs are reserved for the descendants of freedom fighters from the Bangladesh Liberation War that led to the country's independence from Pakistan in 1971. The quota system was initially abolished in 2020 but was reintroduced in 2024 following a High court ruling.

Given the recent decision of the central bank, it is not sure if any of these 200 taka notes have been printed with the year date of 2024. In my opinion, it is unlikely and if this is correct, this will be the last of the 200 taka series printed with the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman.

Below are the two reprints of the 200 taka commemorative notes. The designs are still the same except for the year date and the Governor's signature for the 2023 print.

Two Hundred Taka

Governor - Fazle Kabir (tenure 2016-2022)

Date - 2022

Watermarks - Sheik Mujibur Rahman and electrotype 200 

Dimensions - 147mm x 64mm

Front - Image of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman (b.1920-1972) at left.

 

Back - Image of smiling Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman at left. Sail boat on the river, Working harvesting (appears to be) jute along the river bank. Jute and jute goods are one of the main items exported from the country.

 

Two Hundred Taka

 

Governor - Abdur Rouf Talukder (tenure 2022-2024). He resigned on 09.08.2024, 4 days after the resignation of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. He was succeeded by Ahsan H Mansur on 14.08.2024. 

Date - 2023

Watermarks - Sheik Mujibur Rahman and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 147mm x 64.5mm
  

 

...Romania - 100 Lei 2024 Polymer Commemorative 185th Anniversary Of The Birth Of King Carol I Folder

România

(Romania)

 

Banca Națională a României 

(National Bank of Romania, Est. 1880)

Currency - Leu (RON)

 

This is one good thing about European Union members that are yet to adopt the European common currency - the Euro, for whatever reasons or restrictions they may be encountering. Since the issue of the Euro currency by The European Central Bank in 2002, the central bank has never issued any commemorative banknote, and this allows countries like Romania (and Poland too) to issue commemorative notes as and when it sees fit. And right now, it seems that Poland is the only EU member that has been non-stop producing commemorative banknotes on an annual basis - Go Polska!

This is the fourth commemorative note issued by Romania since becoming an EU member in 2007. This note is printed on a polymer substrate and issued in a folder with an envelope. Like those three previous issues, this 100 lei commemorative note is also issued as a numismatic product in limited edition and sold at a premium. A total of 30,000 sets in folders were released on 02.12.2024, at a price of 150 lei per set plus tax. In my opinion, 30,000 sets is quite a lot and should be sufficient to meet overseas demands as well.

 

This note celebrates King Carol I's 185th birthday 1839-2024. Romania became a republic since the last King of Romania, King Michael I (b.1921-2017) was forced to abdicate by the occupying Russian forces during the end of the Second World War. The country then went on and was ruled by the communist regime until the Romanian revolution in 1989 when the President of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu (b.1918-1989) was captured by the army and executed. He died (together with his wife Elena Ceausescu b, 1916-1989) on Christmas day in 1989 by a firing squad after a quick trial conducted by the National Salvation Front (the provisional government during the revolution). Since then Romania has been governed by a unitary semi-presidential republic system. However, despite being a republic, it seems that many of the citizens are still very much fond of their past monarchs and talks were mentioned in the past whether to have a referendum to see if they want to bring them back as King/Queen. Perhaps this commemorative note and the one issued in 2018 would give you some ideas of what they are thinking right now, as I do not see any good reasons for issuing such commemorative banknotes, apart from generating income for the bank. I am sure the government would have also considered the current positive public sentiment regarding the monarchy.

One Hundred Lei

 

Governor - Mugur Constantin Isarescu

Chief Cashier - Ionel Nitu

Date - 1 decembrie 2024 (01.12.2024)

Issue Price - 150 lei plus tax

Dimensions - 147mm x 82mm

Front - The image of King Carol I. King Carol I or Charles I of Romania was born in 1839 and died in 1914, aged 75. He was the first King of Romania and he ascended to the Romanian throne on 15.03.1881 until his death in 1914. He was succeeded by his nephew Ferdinand I (b.1865-1927). In the middle is the Order of the Star of Romania, which is a decoration which was awarded to anyone that is recognised for his/her meritorious service to the country. This award was introduced by Carol I in 1877 when he was a Prince. At that time, this was the highest civil order and second highest state award. In 1940, this decoration award was then abolished by King Michael I of Romania and replaced by the Order of St George. The Star of Romania was then reintroduced in 1998 and since then is awarded by the President of Romania. In the background is a battle scene of the War of Independence. The War of Independence was referred to as the Russia-Turkish War which was fought from 1877 to 1878. Romania was fighting on the Russian side against Turkey and gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

 

Back - In the middle is the statue of King Carol I. To the left is the image of Peles Castle. I believe Carol I's statue is situated in the garden in front of Peles Castle. The construction for Peles Castle was ordered by King Carol I in 1873 and was not finished until 1914. It is not sure if this castle was completed before or after the death of the King. This castle is located near Sinaia (central Romania), about 120 kilometers north of Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. 

Folder Front Cover 210mm x 148mm

...China - 20 Yuan 蛇年 Commemorative Year of the Snake 2025 萬家慶豐年

  中华人民共和国

(中華人民共和國)

(Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó)

(People's Republic of China)

中国人民银行 (中國人民銀行)

(Zhōngguó Rénmín Yínháng / People's Bank of China)

Currency : Renminbi 人民币 (CNY)

 

蛇🐍年

29 January 2025 to 17 February 2026 (384 days)

 

On 09.01.2024, China issued the first of the 12 commemorative notes celebrating the Chinese New Year Zodiac series - the Year of the Dragon. On 03.01.2025, the central bank released the second polymer commemorative note of the new year series celebrating the Year of the Snake.

 

It is unclear when the origins of the Chinese zodiac system first started, but it is believed this tradition was first established during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). 

 

The Year of the Snake commences on 29.01.2025 and will end on 17.02.2026. In total, there are 384 days for the Year of the Snake and this is because it is a leap year in the Chinese calendar (13 months). People who are born in the Year of the Snake are said to be wise, enigmatic, and sympathetic. Are there any politicians born in the Year of the Snake?

In China, the new year public holidays commencing from 28.01.2025 to 03.02.2025, and as the tradition goes, many people who are working away from their hometown will be traveling back to their home to have a family reunion dinner on new year eve and welcome the new year with family and friends the next day. 

 

The theme design for this note is similar to the 2024 Dragon note. Both notes are printed with a Zodiac animal respectively and on the back featuring three children welcoming the new year. Whilst the format is the same, one most noticeable difference is the denomination value (20贰拾圆) on the from. For this series, it is printed on the left, instead on the right. This note is printed with a "J" prefix, followed by 9 digits. Traditionally, the prefix "J" is reserved for all commemorative banknote series. It is also believed that only one letter prefix is printed. Like the first series of the Dragon note, this Snake note is also printed in vertical format on the front and back, and maintains some of the features of the Dragon note. Also as this note is for the celebration of the Year of the Snake, the artistic/ancient word "Fu" (福) on the bottom transparent window, which can be seen on either side of the note has also been altered. The word 福 is made out from two symbols. The left symbol of "礻" has been modified to look like an image of a snake, just like the 2024 Dragon note.  

 

A total of 100 million pieces were issued for this series, and all sold out. These notes were sold at face value via online application, and all sold out within minutes. Each person is allowed to purchase up to 20 pieces. Despite such restrictions, there are people selling them with stock in excess of 20 pieces. Given such a high demand, I wonder if any of these ended up in red packets? Traditionally, giving out cash is still the preferred option then buying gifts for the new year celebration. Cash is (always) king!

After this, ten more to go!

Twenty Yuan

 

Signature - Bank square seal

Date - 2025年

Quantity - 100 million pieces

Dimensions - 70mm x 145mm

 

Front - An image of an embroidered snake in red, green and black colours in a coiled up position. I am not sure if there is any meaning to this or just an artist's impression. On the head of the snake is an image of a flying bat and a heart/fan shape pattern at the end of the snake's tail. In ancient China, bats (蝙蝠) were considered auspicious, and were often used in patterns to represent good fortune and longevity. To the Chinese, the second word 蝠 (fu) is homophonous with the Chinese word for 'blessing; good fortune; and bliss'. Also the snake is holding an object in it's mouth, and I have been told by a collector that it is a Ganoderma, a kind of mushroom (Lingzhi in Chinese). It is believed in Chinese culture, symbolising divine power and longevity. The Chinese Coat of Arms is printed on the top left corner. Generally speaking, the design for this note is not overcrowded nor incorporated with other features other than those intended for this festive celebration. The predominately colour for this note is red, which is always associated with auspicious occasions, such as new year celebration, weddings, birthdays, birth of a child or any occasions that would bring a smile to their faces.  

 

Back - Three children putting up an auspicious Spring Festival couplet. Whilst the boy in the middle is holding up the couplet, the girl to his left is holding up a bowl of glue (presumably) and to his right is a boy handing out a brush to apply the glue onto the wall. I believe the five characters written on the couplet are - 萬家慶豐年 (Thousand families celebrating new year). Traditionally, couplets with various auspicious words are hung around the house during the new year celebration. Here are some of Cantonese popular couplets - 新年快樂, 入出安全, 老少平安, 大吉大利, 年年有餘, 龍馬精神 and if you are self employed - 生意興隆 which I think is the most important one, and so on. Of course there are no limitations to what you can put up and it's only up to your own imaginations. In the background are residential buildings from Shanxi Province in central north China (near Beijing).

 

rat  ox  tiger  rabbit  dragon  SNAKE  horse  goat  monkey  rooster  dog  pig

...Argentina - 2000 Pesos ND2023-2024 Commemorative Note

Republica Argentina

(Argentina Republic)

Banco Central de la Republica Argentina

(Central Bank of the Argentina Republic)

Currency - Peso (ARS)

 

Below are the three commemorative notes of 2000 pesos released in 2023 and 2024. These notes were issued to celebrate the country's development of Science and Medicine. All notes are undated but were introduced on 22.05.2023 (Series A) and 08.11.2023 (Series E) and in 2024 (P suffix). Whilst the theme for these two notes are the same, the designs are not quite identical.

Below are the most noticeable differences between the first two notes, and based on the Series E note, the following features/securities are added/altered to the design :-

Front

1) The denomination value of 2000 is printed on the top left corner;

2) The windowed security thread is added;

3) The denomination value of 2000 in vertical is added between the windowed security thread and the portrait of Dr. Ramon Carrillo;

4) To the far top right corner, the value of 2000 is added to the green shield.

5) The initials of RC and CG are added to the watermarks

 

Back

1) The two signatures have shifted from the bottom right to the top right

2) Part of the Instituto Dr. Carlos Malbran building is printed in red, instead of dark grey.

Two Thousand Pesos

Signatures

President H.C. Deputies - Cecilia Moreau

President B.C.R.A. - Miguel Angel Pesce

Watermarks - Dr. Ramon Carrillo and Dr. Cecilia Grierson

Imprinter - S.E. Casa de Moneda, Buenos Aires

Dimensions - 156.5mm x 66mm 

 

Front - Dr. Ramon Carrillo (b.1906-1956) was Argentina's first Secretary of Public Health from 1949 to 1954. He was a neurosurgeon, neurologist, physician and public health advocate

 

Dr. Cecilia Grierson (b.1859-1934) was the first woman to become a physician in Argentina in 1890. She was active in public health issues and gynecology and was involved in women rights.

Back - Instituto Dr. Carlos Malbran, mainly dealing in medical investigative specialties.  

Two Thousand Pesos

Signatures

President H.C. Deputies - Cecilia Moreau

President B.C.R.A. - Miguel Angel Pesce

Watermarks - Dr. Ramon Carrillo and Dr. Cecilia Grierson and electrotype RC, CG

Dimensions - 156mm x 65.5mm

Front - Dr. Ramon Carrillo was born into an Afro-Argentine family, in the city of Santiago del Estero in the northern part of Argentina. He was Argentina's first health Minister and was forced into exile in Brazil following a coup d'etat in 1955. He died on 20.12.1956 at the very young age of 50.

Dr. Cecilia Grierson's ancestry is Scottish. Her paternal grandfather was among the Scottish colonists who first arrived in Argentina in 1825. During her lifetime and as a woman, she faced many challenges and oppositions when it came to enrollment into medical school. Because of discrimination, women were not allowed to study medicine in four major universities in the country. In order for her to get into medical school, she had to provide written justifications for the motivation in pursuing her dream. She graduated in 1889 and became the first woman in Argentina to earn a Medical degree. On 22.11.2016, Google celebrated her 157th birthday with a Google Doodle.

Back - Instituto Dr. Carlos Malbran or Malbran Institute, mainly dealing in medical investigative specialties, and is located in Barracas, a district in the capital city of Buenos Aires. Nobel Prize laureates Cesar Milstein and Bernardo Houssay once worked in this institution.

 

 

Two Thousand Pesos

Signatures

President H.C. Deputies - Martin Menem (since 2023)

President B.C.R.A. - Santiago Bausili (since 2023)

Watermarks - Dr. Ramon Carrillo and Dr. Cecilia Grierson and electrotype RC, CG

Dimensions - 155.5mm x 65.5mm

Front - Dr. Ramon Carrillo (b.1906-1956)

Dr. Cecilia Grierson (b.1859-1934).

 

Back - Instituto Dr. Carlos Malbran or Malbran Institute.

 

...Samoa - 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Commemorative Limited Editions

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

(Independent State of Samoa)

Central Bank of Samoa (est.1984)

Currency - Tala (WST)

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)

Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 11.08.2011)

Date - CHOGM 2024

Quantity - 2000* sets (* reportedly)

Dimensions - mm x mm

 

On 22.10.2024, the Central Bank of Samoa released four commemorative banknotes celebrating the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This meeting was held from 21.10.2024 to 26.10.2024. This is the 27th meeting and was held in the capital city of Apia in Samoa. CHOGM was first started in 1971, and was held in Singapore. CHOGM is a bi-annually meeting event and has been held in all five continents, with the United Kingdom holding the most in such meetings. In all, they have hosted CHOGM five times - 1977, 1986, 1997, 2018 and 2023* (*special sessions).

 

Fifty-six commonwealth nations attended the 2024 CHOGM, with the majority of which were represented by the country's Head of State or Prime Minister. However, the leaders of India, South Africa and Canada, namely Narendra Modi, Cyril Ramaphosa and Justin Trudeau respectively did not attend this meeting as both Narendra Modi, Cyril Ramaphosa were in Kazan Russian for the BRICS summit held on 22-24.10.2024, and as for Justin Trudeau, he was worried about his employment at home and had decided not to attend just in case he got a tap on his shoulder by someone from this own party. As head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla both attended this meeting in Apia and both arrived on 22.10.2024, after a 5 days stopover in Australia (Sydney and Canberra) for a short state visit.

 

To celebrate this special event, the Central Bank of Samoa issued four commemorative notes of 5, 10, 20 and 60 tala. The designs for these notes are the same as those recently issued series but with an added commemorative logo of CHOGM on the front of each note.

 

In terms of commemorating the CHOGM events since 1971, this is the fifth time that banknotes have been issued to celebrate this special event and is also the only time that more than one note has been released. Below are banknotes released since 1997 to celebrate the CHOGM events : -

1997 - Scotland, Clydesdale Bank plc - £20;

2007 - Uganda - 10,000 shillings;

2009 - Trinidad and Tobago - $100;

2013 - Sri Lanka - 500 rupees; and

2024 - Samoa - 5, 10, 20 and 60 tala.

Whilst all previous CHOGM commemorative notes were released as face value, the Samoa CHOGM sets are not as they are all sold at a premium.

 

Given that these notes were recently released in the country for general circulation, and according to the central bank, these commemorative notes were issued in limited edition. However, I do not have the details as to how many sets were issued. According to a dealer's site, it was claimed that only 2,000 sets were issued for the three polymer notes of 5, 10 and 20 tala and for the 60 tala, it was reported but not confirmed that only 1000 sets were made available. Also according to the bank's website, these commemorative notes were sold in albums and folders. It should also be noted that the 60 tala note is a double commemorative series as the same notes were issued at two separate occasions to celebrate different historical events, albeit one with CHOGM logo overprint on it.

 

217.5mm x 136mm

All notes are printed with a CHOGM 2024 hologram logo on the front of each note. The logo is surrounded by microtext that lists the names of all 56 Commonwealth countries, and trust me, it's extremely hard to read them. I suppose this is why they called it microtext. All the commemorative notes begin with the serial number 060xxxx, and this is chosen because of Samoa's recent 60th anniversary of independence, which was celebrated in 2023 with the issuance of the 60 tala banknote. The original release for the 60 tala 2023 commemorative note was one million pieces. 

 

The next CHOGM will be held in 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda in the capital city of St. John's. Now, that would be a very nice few days of sun and sea holidays! The question I have here is that will there be any banknotes planned for this event? Antigua and Barbuda will be celebrating their 45th year of independence from the British in 2026 (November 1st) and if this 28th CHOGM is held around that time, it would be a double celebration for this tiny nation. No date has been set for this meeting yet. 

 

Here, I have posted a full set with matching serial numbers printed with the serial numbers of 0600246.

Five Tala (Polymer)

 

Dimensions - 140.5mm x 73mm

Front - Tourism team. A beautiful pristine view of a sandy beach in Samoa. Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of Samoa.

Back - Robert Louis Stevenson's former residence in Samoa. He is known as Tusitala (Teller of Tales) to the locals in Samoa. Robert Louis Stevenson (b.1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist and a travel writer. He settled in Samoa in 1890 and died of a stroke in 1894 at the age of 44 years old. He died in a village called Vailima (Villa Vailima) which is about four miles south of Apia, the capital of Samoa. His former residence is now a museum.

Ten Tala (Polymer)

 

Dimensions - 140mm x 73mm

Front - Sport theme. It features Samoa's rugby sevens team triumphant victory, crowned champions at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Hong Kong Sevens in 2007. This tournament was founded in 1976 and is a 3 days event held annually in Hong Kong. Since then, Samoa have won three times, in 1993, 2007 and 2010.

 

Back - Happy Samoan children on their way to school.

 

Twenty Tala (Polymer)

 

Dimensions - 140.5mm x 73mm

 

Front - Image of Sopoaga falls in Samoa. This waterfall is situated on the island of Upolu and is the largest waterfall in Samoa. entrance to this falls cost 10 tala per person.

Back - Featuring the national bird of Samoa, the Manumea, and Samoa's national flower, the Teuila.

Back - Featuring the national bird of Samoa, the Manumea, and Samoa's national flower, the Teuila.

 

Sixty Tala (Paper)

Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 2011)

Minister of Finance - Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo (since 2021)

Date - CHOGM 2024

Watermark - Teuila flower (purple alpine), acronym CBS

Quantity - 1000* sets (* unconfirmed)

Dimensions - 141mm x 73.5mm  

 

Front - This note is issued in a tri-fold folder. The portrait of Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Prime Minister of Samoa. Prior to becoming the Prime Minister, she was the Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2020 representing the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). In 2021, she joined the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (or FAST - Samoa United in Faith party) and was elected as their leader in March 2021. The FAST party was founded on 30.07.2020. She is the seventh Prime Minister of Samoa. In the center is the 60 SAMOA independence commemorative logo, and to the right is the billowing Samoa flag in blue and red colours and the Southern Cross constellation in white.

 

Back - The reverse side of the banknote depicts Samoa first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honourable Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II (b.1921-1975), as he lowered the New Zealand flag on its first Independence in 1962, together with the 26th Prime Minister of New Zealand Sir Keith Jacka Holyoake (b.1904-1983) lowering the Samoan flag. The Western Samoan flag was then raised by joint heads of state Malietoa Tanumafili ll and Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole. Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II was also a Samoan paramount chief. To the right is the billowing flag of Samoa, and the commemorative logo is repeated on the bottom right side of the note. 

 

This is a tri-fold folder that comes with the 60 tala note. Inside the folder it has printed with information regarding the issuance of this commemorative note. It appears that these folders were presented as gifts to those who attended this meeting. I wonder if Narendra Modi, Cyril Ramaphosa and Justin Trudeau all got one too?

First Fold - As a remembrance of your participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 and your visit to our beautiful islands, we present you with a special commemorative banknote created specially for this year's CHOGM held in Apia, Samoa.

A unique CHOGM 2024 hologram has been applied to the 60-tala commemorative banknote to create a special, commemorative banknote souvenir, especially prepared for this year's CHOGM in Samoa.

May you cherish this keepsake that marks a significant milestone not only in the history of Samoa but also in the history of the Commonwealth.

 

Center fold - On May 31, 2023, the Central Bank of Samoa issued a commemorative banknote celebrating Samoa's 60th anniversary of independence. The obverse of the banknote portrays Samoa's current and first female Prime Minister, the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mataa'fa. The reverse of the banknote depicts her father, the first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiame Mataa'fa Faumuina Mulinuu II, as he lowered the New Zealand flag on the country's first day of independence in 1962. This commemorative banknote honors and recognizes Samoa's core strength as its foundation in God with the words: "Folau ma le Faatuatua" (Sail with Faith) and "Faavae i le Atua Samoa" (Based on the God of Samoa).  

This commemorative banknote proudly won the title of "Best Commemorative Banknote of the Year"at the High Security Printing Asia event held in December 2023 in Sri Lanka.

 

 

Stamps:

To the left is a set of four Singaporean stamps issued in 1971 to celebrate the first CHOGM held in Singapore. If you look and count the number of flags printed on the stamps, there were only 32 countries attending this inauguration meeting back then. I have had this set of stamps in my collection since 1971, and unfortunately, as I have had them for so many years, you can see the aging effect on them.