...Samoa - 10 Tala Polymer XVI Pacific Games 2019 Commemorative Specimen

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

Independent State of Samoa

Central Bank of Samoa, Est 1984

Currency - Tala (WST)

One in Spirit / Tasi i le Agaga

 

On 31.08.2019, I posted the ten tala commemorative polymer note issued to celebrate the XVI Pacific Game. The game was held in the capital city of Apia from 07.07.2019 to 20.07.2019. You can read more about my original post here.

Here, I have posted the same note but printed with the word 'specimen' on the front and on the back. Unlike the normal issues which also came in a folder, this specimen note is not. Whilst specimen notes are usually printed with all zeros serial numbers, this note is also printed with a tiny control number at the bottom left corner. The control number printed on this note is 500, and I am not sure how many pieces have been issued but I am aware that there are no shortage of supply for such specimen notes, and this is all depending how much you are willing to pay for it. I have no idea how many of the specimen notes have been printed but if I have to guess and based on past experience, I guess it would be at least 500 pieces issued, after all mine is #500. Given Samoa has a rather small population, it is unlikely that they would have printed more than 500 pieces, unless these are given away as gifts to all the participants involved in the games, which I do not believe this is the case. Of course I could be wrong here.

 

Ten Tala Polymer Specimen

Minister of Finance - Mr Sili Epa Tuioti (tenure 2016-2021)

Governor - Ms Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (Tenure 2011-)

Date - 2019

Dimensions - 141mm x 72mm

Front - Twenty-two sports were held in this XVI Pacific Game. In the center the note depicts the images of three sports - women weightlifting, rugby and outrigger canoeing. The 22 games are archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, golf, judo, lawn bowls, netball, outrigger canoeing, powerlifting, rugby league nines, rugby sevens, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, touch rugby, triathlon, volleyball and weightlifting. To the center left is the image of the game's logo for the tournament with the word Samoa and 2019 printed on the logo. Underneath the logo is the text of "One in Spirit/Tasi i le Agaga" (Samoan).

Back - Featuring children doing various activities, with a boy carrying coconuts with a tree branch over his shoulder, a young man rowing in a canoe and four boys playing rugby with a coconut as ball. In the background is a scene of a beach with coconut trees and smaller islands. As the game's logo is in a transparent feature, it is featured sideway's on top of the note. The game ended with New Caledonia winning the most medals with 76 gold, 55 silver and 51 bronze (total 182), followed by Papua New Guinea 38/57/35 (130) and Samoa 38/42/45 (125). Every nation that participated won at least one medal, and Tokelau was the winner of the wooden spoon with only one bronze.

 

...Namibia - $60 President Hage Gottfried Geingob Commemorative 2025

Republic of Namibia

Bank of Namibia (Est.1990)

Currency : Dollar (NAD)

 

On 05.03.2025, the central bank announced the release of a new commemorative polymer note of $60. This note was printed to honour the late President Hage Gottfried Geingob, and the note was released on 17.03.2025.

 

According to one report, this is a limited edition and all notes are printed with the prefix of HGG which is also the initials of the late President. I am not sure if replacement notes are also printed for this series. The central bank also announced that a new series of banknotes will also be issued in June 2025.

 

Whilst we all acknowledge that this is a commemorative note, nothing has been printed (text or logo) to say that this is one.

Sixty Dollars

Front - The portrait of the country's late President Hage Gottfried Geingob (b.1941-2024. This note honouring the late President Hage Geingob's 60 years of political service to the country. He was the third President of Namibia from 2015 to until his death in 2024. Before that, he was the first Prime Minister of Namibia from 1990 to 2002. He died from cancer. In Namibia, he is honoured with a Rugby stadium, a High School, a University Medical School Campus and a highway all named after him. In the middle is an image of the Constituent Assembly of 1990. Under UY light, you see the flag of Namibia printed in the middle and the number 60 underneath.

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Hage Gottfried Geingobpro's profile facing right

Dimensions - 140.5mm x 70.5mm 

Back - In the far right is the image of Hage Gottfried Geingobpro holding a large trophy. It is believed that he is holding a football trophy. He was a big fan of the sport and was also once actively playing this game. According to one of his former teammates, his nickname as a footballer was 'Danger Point'. In the center are the images of wind turbines, a hydrogen tank, biomass and solar panels. The number 60 in a rectangle can be seen under UV light. The following quote is printed on the note: -

"THIS BEAUTIFUL HOUSE WE CALL NAMIBIA"

H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob

21st March 2015

...Belarus - 80 Rubles Commemorative 80th Anniversary Of The Victory Of The Soviet People In The Great Patriotic War 1945-2025

Рэспубліка Беларусь

Republic of Belarus

Нацыянальны банк Рэспублікі Беларусь
(National Bank of The Republic of Belarus)
Currency - Ruble (BYN)

 

This is a commemorative note of 80 rubles reportedly released on 31.03.2025 for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War or the Second World War (1939-1945). I believe this note celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany in Belarus (Belorussian SSR) in mid-April 1945.

A total of 80,000 sets have been issued at a price at 120 rubles per set. The note that I have posted here came in a folder. It is not sure if all are issued this way, as the notes are available in the market with and without the folder. According to one source, a total of 200,000 pieces were issued with 80,000 issued in a folder, and 120,000 as singles. In addition to the 80 rubles note, coins of 1 (copper-nickel 5,000 pieces) and 20 rubles  (silver 2,500 pieces) were also released for this celebration.

Belarus was once part of the Soviet Union and it became independent on 25.08.1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. When the Second World War (WW2) started in September 1939, the Soviet Union invaded and occupied Eastern Poland. During the invasion, the Soviet Union annexed Western Belorussian and incorporated it into the Belorussian SSR. In 1941, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union and remained under the Nazi control until 1944. World War II in Europe ended on 08.05.1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally.

 

Eighty Rubles

Front - Courage monument of the Great Fortress Hero memorial complex. This monument is the central object of the Best Fortress Hero Memorial Complex in Belarus. This monument is located in the Ceremonial Square, and the monument is a symbol of courage and valor and serves as a place of remembrance for those who defended the country during the last great war. To the right of the monument is an image of a church and in the background is an incomplete outline map of Belarus. To the right is a flying dove over the globe and below that is the Mother Homeland status which represents love and royalty to the country. The year dates of 1945 and 2025 are printed. You will need to tilt the note to see these two year dates. On top of the note (central top) the year date of 2025 is printed. There are no signatures printed on the note.

Signature - N/A

Date - 2025

Quantity Issued - 80,000 pieces/set

Issue Price - 120 rubles each

Watermarks - Apple blossom and electrotype 80

Sizes - 152mm x 70.5mm

Back - Image of a mother's hand holding a child's hand against the background of national ornament, an image of the Minsk Gate architectural complex and apple blossom. To the far right are three flying storks. The year date of 2025 is also printed in the central top of the note. 

This is the folder that comes with the note. Inside is a hard plastic case that can showcase the note. This hard cover folder is very nicely produced for this commemorative note.

...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.