...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.

...Oman - 50 Rials Dated 2020 Hybrid Commemorative Banknote Reprint (Released 2024)

  سلطنة عُمان

(Sultanate of Oman)

البنك المركزي العماني

(Central Bank of Oman, Est 1974)

Currency : Rial (OMR)

 

This is a reprint of the 50 rials Hybrid note first issued in 2020. This note was initially issued as a commemorative note for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the rise of the Modern Omani Renaissance, and also in memory of its founder, the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur (b.1940-2020). Sultan Qaboos ruled Oman between 1970 to 2020. Please click here to view my previous post on this note. Like the first print, this is also a Hybrid note.

 

As this is a reprint of the 2020 issue, the design is still the same except for the signature of the current Sultan. The previous 50-rial was printed with the previous Sultan, Qaboos bin Said, who died on 10.01.2020.

 

This is the highest denomination of banknotes currently issued and circulating in Oman. In terms of buying power, the Omani rial is the third strongest currency in the world, after the Kuwaiti dinar and Bahraini dinar. Coincidentally, the top four currencies of the world all came from the Middle East. To me, this is a high value note to collect. If you like large size banknotes, then you should not miss this one!

 

Fifty Rials

 

Signature - Sultan Haitham bin Tarik

Date - 2020 (released 2024)

Watermark - HM Sultan Qaboos and  ٥٠ (50)

Dimensions - 174mm x 77mm 

Front - A portrait of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said (b.1940-2020). In the center is the main headquarters of the Central Bank of Oman, located in the capital city of Oman, Muscat. The central bank was established in late 1974 and commenced operations on 01.04.1975. The Central Bank of Oman replaced Oman Currency Board as the principal currency authority in Oman. The head of the central bank is Taimur bin Asa'ad.

 

Back - The Council of Oman (parliament/legislature), the Supreme Court (judiciary) and the Ministry of Finance (economy). These are the three main pillars of a nation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...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