...Philippines - 3000 Piso Commemorative 125th Anniversary 1901-2026

Republika ng Pilipinas

(Republic of The Philippines)

Bango Sentral ng Pilipinas

(Central Bank of The Philippines, Est.1949)

Currency - Piso (PHP)

This is a commemorative note of 3000 piso celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Philippines's Supreme Court 1901 - 2026. The announcement for this new commemorative note was officially launched on 10 June 2026 and this note was released on 30 July 2026.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the highest court in the country and it was established on 11 June 1901 by their former colonial master, the United States of America. The Supreme Court was established to replace the previous court known as the Real Audiencia of Manila which was established during the Spanish rule of the Philippines. Spain ruled the Philippines for 333 years from 1565 to 1898.

This is a one note series issue but sold in two different presentation folders. These notes are distributed by the Central Bank (BSP) and also by the Supreme Court (SC). Those that are released by the central bank come in a simple 'greeting' card type folder, whilst those released by the Supreme Court come in a more elegant hard cardboard version. I am not sure if there are any differences in the price between these two versions. Perhaps the version issued by the Supreme Court might be slightly more expensive because of the quality of the folder. The note that I have uploaded here came from the central bank. The Supreme Court version also comes with a Certificate of Authentication. However, the certificate lacks any reference number nor are they printed with the serial number that would match the banknote provided in the folder.

 

This note that I have posted here has a normal serial number of SC 135264 and was distributed by BSP. Presumably, the letters 'SC' stand for 'Supreme Court'. However, as for the serial number, if you rearrange them, it can read as SC 123456. Of course, this is just wishful thinking and if only I can get one!😎.

As this is a numismatic product celebrating a historical milestone event of the country's Supreme Court, the total quantity released is not known nor such information is available to the public. According to the bank's website, and I quote:-

“To ensure fair access, purchases of the Supreme Court (SC) banknotes 

are limited to one (1) per customer ONLY.” ..... and unquote.

According to BSP, the issue price is 3,600 piso per note. A seller in the US claimed that only 8,000 sets have been issued with the first note as SC 125001 (to 133000). This is not confirmed yet. Whilst I believe the restriction for 1 note per person is fair, however, such a restriction can only push up the secondary market price unless a reasonable quantity of this note is issued. In order to avoid this, I believe a quantity of say 20-30,000 sets would be fair, but I doubt this is the case given this is a high value banknote in the Philippines and only a percentage of the collectors population may only be interested in getting them, including numismatic dealers. Current market resale price is more than 8 times the official issue price, and this is just ridiculous to overseas collectors, just like the previous 5,000 piso commemorative note issued. I believe this 3,000 piso note selling price can only go further up later. Shouldn't such an important event be celebrated by the masses and not just for a few?

Whilst we have someone claiming that only 8,000 sets have been issued, I do not believe this is correct. Some people like to talk with hot air but with no substance. If the last serial note number was SC 133000. then the note that I have posted here with SC 135264 falls way outside the range of 8,000 pieces as claimed, unless the first note is not SC 125001. Furthermore, I have also sighted another note with serial numbers SC 135258 too. I also saw one in a wooden presentation case with the note in a plastic protected sleeve with the serial number of SC 000001. Are there any other notes that have been printed with special serial numbers too, like SC 000125 etc? What about specimens or even replacement notes, if any?

I was a bit disappointed when I first saw this note. As 3000 piso is considered as a high denomination banknote and since this is a non-circulating limited edition issue, I was expecting the size of this note much larger. To me, for this face value of a banknote, a large size note would be more appropriate, in my opinion.

My opinions on this commemorative banknote:-

1) Face value makes no sense to me. Perhaps one with 125-piso may be more appropriate;

2) The banknote's size is very ordinary to me for a face value of 3000-piso note. The length is fine but not the height;

3) Quantity issued is unknown and but should have issued more for the masses and not just for a few;

4) A better design for the folder would be better rather than just a simple 'greeting card' type;

5) This issue has created a 'piranha frenzy' demand situation with a secondary market asking price in excess of 8 times the issue price. This can only go up in the future.

This note is legal tender in the Philippines, but is not intended for general circulation.

 

Three Thousand Piso - Tatlong Libong Piso

Front - Chief Justice Cayetano Simplicio Arellano y Lonzón (b.1847-1920), the Philippines’ first Chief Justice. Cayetano Arellano was appointed to the Chief Justice role by William McKinley (b.1843-1901), the 25th President of the United States of America. It should be noted that the United States occupied the Philippines from 1898 to 1946 after Spain ceded the islands in the Treaty of Paris following the Spanish-American War, which was started by the United States. Cayetano Arellano served as the country's chief justice from 1901 to until his death in 1920 at the age of 73 years old. 

In the background is an image of the historic Supreme Court Session Hall and the banknotes is printed with the text - SUPREME COURT EN BANC ORAL ARGUMENTS SESSION HALL, MANILA. The commemorative logo is printed in the center and to the center right are the Coat of Arms of the Philippines and the Central Bank of the Philippines.

Signatures (Pangulo ng Pilipinas - President / Tagapangasiwa ng Bangko Sentral - Governor)

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr. (fixed term tenure 2022-2028)

Governor - Eli Mendiola Remolona Jr. (since 2023, fixed term of six years)

Year - (1901-) 2026

Watermarks - Unable to see any.

Sizes - 160.5mm x 66mm

Quantity - Unknown (Limited edition)

Issue price - 3,600 piso per note, limited to one note per person (BSP)

Back - This is the first time the reverse is printed in a vertical format for a normal or commemorative note issued by the Philippines. The main features on the back is a standing Lady Justice (lustitia) in blindfold (fair to all and unbiased) holding a scale (weighting evidence and facts in a fair way) with her left hand, and a sword (power and law of the state) in her left hand. Next to her is the seal of the Supreme Court. Standing behind her is the Supreme Court New Building. The note also printed with the roster of all 27(**) Chief Justices who have led the Supreme Court from 1901 to 2026 (inclusive). As from the list, the first Chief Justice Cayetano Simplicio Arellano y Lonzón had held the Chief Justice role the longest for 19 years from 1901 to 1920. A tingling ribbon is floating from the top to the bottom of the note.

Below are the list of all names served as Chief Justice from 1901 to 2026

Cayetano S Arellano, 1901-1920 (retired)
Victorino M Mapa, 1920-1921 (resigned poor health)
Manuel G Araullo, 1921-9124 (death)
Ramon Q Avancena, 1925-1941 (death)
Jose Abad Santos, 1941-1942 (captured and executed by Imperial Japanese Forces)
Jose Yulo, 1942-1944 (term ended)
Manuel V Moran, 1945-1951 (resigned to take up ambassador post to Spain and the Holy See)
Ricardo M Paras, 1951-1961 (retired)
Cesar Bengzon, 1961-1966 (retired)
Roberto R Concepcion, 1966-1973 (retired)
Querube C Makalintal, 1973-1975 (retired)
Fred Ruiz Castro, 1976-1979 (death)
Enrique M Fernando, 1979-1985 (resigned)
Felix V Makasiar, 1985-1985 (retired)
Ramon C Aquino, 1985-1986 (resigned)
Claudio Teehankee, 1986-1988 (retired)
Pedro L Yap, 1988-1988 (retired)
Marcelo B Fernan, 1988-1991 (resigned)
Andres R Narvasa, 1991-1998 (retired)
Hilario G Davide, Jr., 1998-2005 (retired)
Artemio V Panganiban, 2005-2007 (retired)
Reynato S Puno, 2007-2010 (retired)
Renato C Corona, 2010-2012 (sacked through impeachment and conviction)

(** Maria Lourdes Aranai-Sereno (Ms), de facto 2012-2018 (disqualified, see note below)

Teresita J Leonardo-De Castro (Ms), 2018-2018 (retired)
Lucas P Bersamin, 2018-2019 (retired)
Diosdado M Peralta, 2019-2021 (early retirement)
Alexander G Gesmundo, 2021-2026 (term ending 6 November 2026)

 

The following text are printed inside the card folder:-

3000-PISO SUPREME COURT 125TH ANNIVERSARY

COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTE

 

This is to certify that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilippinas (BSP) has issued a limited 3000-piso commemorative, 

non-circulating legal tender banknote to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (1901-2026)

 

The obverse features Chief Justice Cayetano S. Arellano, the first Filipino Chief, set against 

the Supreme Court En Banc Session Hall in Manila. Also depicted are the Supreme Court's 

125th Anniversary logo, the Coat of Arms of the Republic of the Philippines, and the BSP logo.

 

The reverse is presented in a vertical orientation, the first of its kind in BSP history. It showcases the Supreme Court New Building and the iconic Lady Justice, together with the complete historical roster

of the Chief Justice of the Philippines.

 

 

Note** - Maria Lourdes Meilou Aranal-Sereno was the de facto Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 25 August 2012 to 11 May 2018. The Philippines Supreme Court retroactively nullified her 2012 appointment in 2018, ruling that she was legally ineligible from holding the post from the beginning. She was disqualified as she failed to consistently file her mandatory financial disclosure, legally known as the Statement of Assets, Liability, and Net Worth (SALN). She was originally appointed to the Chief Justice role on 24 August 2012 by President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino (b.1960-2021).

...Bhutan - 100, 500 and 1000 Ngultrum Polymer Series 2025 Commemorative

འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ

Kingdom of Bhutan

 

Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (Est.1982)

Currency - Ngultrum (BTN)

Here are the three commemorative notes of 100, 500 and 1000 ngultrum all released on 02.01.2026. These three notes are all printed in polymer substrates and were issued to celebrate the 70th birthday of the formal King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who was the King of Bhutan from 1972 to 2006. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born on 11th November 1955, and abdicated in 2006 in favour of his son, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Like many Asian countries, many central banks have issued polymer banknotes due to it's durability and being able to be recycled once they are no longer deemed fit for circulation. However, most of the countries issue polymer notes with either the lower denominations, or those that are the most circulated denominations. In the Bhutan case, the central bank has issued them with the three highest denominations. Bhutan is the 19th nation in the Asian region to issue polymer banknotes.

The design for the notes depict a portrait of a Bhutanese monarch (past or present) and on the back with the image of a Dzong or a fortress monastery that serves as both the religious and administrative center for a district.

These notes are printed by De La Rue on Safeguard polymer materials. 

Circular transparent window with the image of the current monarch, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

I am not sure who the signature belongs to that is printed on these three polymer notes. These three notes were issued in early 2026 and all notes are dated 2025. The previous bank governor was Dasho Penjore and he was replaced by Dasho Yangchen Tshogye (she/her) on 01.12.2025 (appointed on 25.11.2025). I can see the signature on these polymer notes are not the same as those previously signed by Dasho Penjore, however, I cannot be sure these polymer notes signature belong to Dasho Yangchen Tshogye, given the time she was appointed and the release of these notes were just over a month. Most printing of banknotes is well planned in advance. I can see previous notes were signed with western style (English alphabet), whilst these three polymer notes are signed in Bhutanese (I think). The signature on these notes could belong to the previous governor, Dasho Penjore as he may have two signatures. The appointment of the governor is for 5 years. Any future issues should confirm this.

****This is one expensive set to purchase, just because it is printed in polymer substrate material. This is the price to pay if you want to be the first to have them. Such strategy **** 

 

One Hundred Ngultrum

Front - The portrait of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who was born in 1980. He is the eldest son of the former King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He acceded to the Bhutanese Golden throne following the abdication of his father on 09.12.2006.

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025)

Date - 2025

Sizes - 144.5mm x 69mm

Back - An image of the Tashichho Dzong situated at the northern edge of Thimphu. The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and is also traditionally the office of Bhutan's civil government.

 

Five Hundred Ngultrum

Front - The portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who was born on 11 November 1955. He was the king of Bhutan from 1972 to 2006 when he abdicated in favour of his eldest son from his third wife. He is married with four wives and with 10 children.

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025)

Date - 2025

Sizes - 150mm x 71.5mm

Back - The image of Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang. In translation, it means 'the palace of great happiness or bliss'. The Punakha Dzong is situated between the two rivers of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu in the Punakha valley. It is believed that this palace was built around 1638. This is also the palace where the current King and Queen Jetsun Pema held their Royal wedding in 2011.

 

One Thousand Ngultrum 

Front - The portrait of King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck (b.1862-1926). He was the first king of Bhutan from 1907 to until his death in 1926. King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck spent his early life uniting various tribes. Following the death of his father Jigme Namgyal in 1881, he took over his father's position and continued working his way to win the hearts and sorts of the people. In 1886 at the young age of 24, he successfully achieved victory against his enemies and became the de facto ruler of Bhutan. He was crowned the King of Bhutan in 1907.

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025)

Date - 2025

Sizes - 154.5mm x 75mm

Back - An image of Trongsa Dzong. This is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan and is located in Trongsa in the center of the country. It is believed that this dzong was built in 1543. Today, this dzong functions as a Bhutanese government administrative office. 

...New Zealand - $10 1990 Commemorative Sequicentennial Anniversary of Waitangi Treaty 1840-1990 (150th Year)

New Zealand

Aotearoa

Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ est.1934)

Te Putea Matua

Currency : Dollar (NZD)

 

I have waited for more than 30+ years and now decided to see if I can complete this set. Unfortunately, I am still short of two notes.

Here, I have posted 8 out of the 10 notes for the 1990 $10 commemorative notes celebrating the 150th year of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840-1990). These notes were first released for circulation on 14.08.1992. This is the first time that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has issued a legal tender banknote commemorating a historical event in the country. 

Back in the early 90s, this note was marketed in Australia by the Royal Australian Mint, and I recall, the 2-in-One Uncut sheets were made available but I cannot remember if other uncut sheets were offered too. I am pretty sure that only the uncut sheets were offered and not the single notes. As if not, I would have bought them too. I then purchased the 2-in-One uncut sheet only, as it was selling quite expensive back in the 90s. Since then, I made no attempt to get the rest of the series (single notes and all other prefixes) until now. Despite the hefty price I have paid for these single notes, it does give me some satisfaction that I now have 8 notes in my collection. To buy them separately could cost me even more and it may also be a challenge to find them available for sale in the market too. As you can see, I am still missing the two notes printed with the prefixes of CCC and DDD.

The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed on 06.02.1840 by Captain William Hobson (1795-1842), who represented the British Crown and then by Northern Maori chiefs at Waitangi. The treaty was written in both English and Maori. The Waitangi Treaty is a foundational agreement in New Zealand which established a partnership between the British Crown and Maori chiefs. It is considered as a constitutional document that guides the relationship between the Crown (the British) and Maori. After the initial signing, the document was then traveled all over New Zealand in the next few months to have it signed by all other chiefs in New Zealand. In all, approximately 540 Maori chiefs signed the treaty, including 13 women. Most of them signed on the Maori version of the treaty, with 39 signed on the English version. As per the name of the treaty, Waitangi is located in the northern part and on the right side of North Island and is about 230 km north of Auckland. Waitangi is not a name of a town or city but rather a locality/settlement and is located in the Bay of Islands. The closest town to Waitangi is Paihia, which is connected by a bridge near the mouth of the Waitangi River estuary. Paihia is a very small coastal town with a population of less than 2000 people.

New Zealand was first visited by the Dutch in 1942. In 1769, Captain James Cook arrived on his first of his three voyages. Since then, New Zealand has been visited by explorers, sailors, missionaries and traders. The Treaty of Waitangi dated 06.02.1840 is considered the official date of colonisation of New Zealand by the British. The treaty was intended to create unity between the British and Maori, but different understandings of the two versions and breaches have led to ongoing controversies and disagreements until today. According to the Maori, the treaty grants the Crown/British governance over the land while acknowledging Maori authority, while the English version gives the Crown/British full sovereignty.

A total of 1.0m pieces were printed for this series with 10 prefixes* issued. Each prefix was printed with 100,000 pieces each with the exception of AAA and BBB prefixes. For the AAA prefix, only 96,000 printed but none were originally issued in single notes. For the BBB prefix, a total of 104,000 issued with 19,450 released in a cardboard sleeve as numismatic products and sold for NZ$17.85 per set. In addition to Prefix BBB, Prefix CCC notes were also sold in a cardboard sleeve as well and it was reported that only 500 sets (CCC 000001-CCC 000500) were made available. As the AAA prefix notes were initially sold as uncut sheets, and later those unsold sheets were returned to RBNZ, and then the bank cut these unsold sheets into individual notes and released them back into circulation. If you have got one in single, it could be possible that it came from the uncut sheet not cut by the bank. I have seen a few of these AAA prefix notes offered by dealers here and most of them are just badly cut and you can tell that it was not officially cut by the RBNZ. As for the uncut sheets, so far, I have sighted the sheets of 32, 16, 4 and 2.

Below are the list of prefixes printed for this series:-

AAA - s/n 000001 to 096000 (initially uncut sheets only);

BBB - s/n 000001 to 104000 (19,450 sets in cardboard sleeve);

CCC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (also issued in cardboard sleeve);

DDD - s/n 000001 to 100000;

CWB - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Countrywide Banking Corporation Ltd);

FTC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Farmers Trading Company Ltd);

MBL - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Mobil Oil Corporation);

RNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Radio New Zealand);

RXX - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Rank Xerox); and

TNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Television New Zealand TVNZ).

 

In addition to the above, 10 pieces were printed with the prefix of NZ* but used as specimen notes only. It was also reported that no replacement prefixes were printed for this series. Whilst we can confirm that the first prefix for this serial is AAA, would you say the last prefix is TNZ, or there is no last prefix as every one printed is just as unique as the others.

Based on the quantity of 1.0m pieces printed, and in my opinion, this is not a large quantity issue especially for the denomination of $10, which is usually a popular denomination circulating in an economy, just like those notes of $1, $2, $5 and perhaps $20 as well. Back in the early 1990s, New Zealand had a population of about 3.30m people and for that and with a quantity of 1.0m is not considered a large issue.

I have waited for more than 30+ years and now decided to see if I can complete this set. 

Here, I have posted 8 notes for the 1990 $10 commemorative notes celebrating the 150th year of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840-1990). These notes were first released for circulation on 14.08.1992. This is the first time that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has issued a legal tender banknote commemorating a historical event in the country. 

Back in the early 90s, this note was marketed in Australia by the Royal Australian Mint, and I recall, the 2-in-One Uncut sheets were made available but I cannot remember if other uncut sheets were offered too. I am pretty sure that only the uncut sheets were offered and not the single notes. As if not, I would have bought them too. I then purchased the 2-in-One uncut sheet only, as it was selling quite expensive back in the 90s. Since then, I made no attempt to get the rest of the series (single notes and all other prefixes) until now. Despite the hefty price I have paid for these single notes, it does give me some satisfaction that I now have 8 notes in my collection. To buy them separately could cost me even more and it may also be a challenge to find them available for sale in the market too. As you can see, I am still missing the two notes printed with the prefixes of CCC and DDD.

The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed on 06.02.1840 by Captain William Hobson (1795-1842), who represented the British Crown and then by Northern Maori chiefs at Waitangi. The treaty was written in both English and Maori. The Waitangi Treaty is a foundational agreement in New Zealand which established a partnership between the British Crown and Maori chiefs. It is considered as a constitutional document that guides the relationship between the Crown (the British) and Maori. After the initial signing, the document was then traveled all over New Zealand in the next few months to have it signed by all other chiefs in New Zealand. In all, approximately 540 Maori chiefs signed the treaty, including 13 women. Most of them signed on the Maori version of the treaty, with 39 signed on the English version. As per the name of the treaty, Waitangi is located in the northern part and on the right side of North Island and is about 230 km north of Auckland. Waitangi is not a name of a town or city but rather a locality/settlement and is located in the Bay of Islands. The closest town to Waitangi is Paihia, which is connected by a bridge near the mouth of the Waitangi River estuary. Paihia is a very small coastal town with a population of less than 2000 people.

New Zealand was first visited by the Dutch in 1942. In 1769, Captain James Cook arrived on his first of his three voyages. Since then, New Zealand has been visited by explorers, sailors, missionaries and traders. The Treaty of Waitangi dated 06.02.1840 is considered the official date of colonisation of New Zealand by the British. The treaty was intended to create unity between the British and Maori, but different understandings of the two versions and breaches have led to ongoing controversies and disagreements until today. According to the Maori, the treaty grants the Crown/British governance over the land while acknowledging Maori authority, while the English version gives the Crown/British full sovereignty.

A total of 1.0m pieces were printed for this series with 10 prefixes* issued. Each prefix was printed with 100,000 pieces each with the exception of AAA and BBB prefixes. For the AAA prefix, only 96,000 printed but none were originally issued in single notes. For the BBB prefix, a total of 104,000 issued with 19,450 released in a cardboard sleeve as numismatic products and sold for NZ$17.85 per set. In addition to Prefix BBB, Prefix CCC notes were also sold in a cardboard sleeve as well and it was reported that only 500 sets (CCC 000001-CCC 000500) were made available. As the AAA prefix notes were initially sold as uncut sheets, and later those unsold sheets were returned to RBNZ, and then the bank cut these unsold sheets into individual notes and released them back into circulation. If you have got one in single, it could be possible that it came from the uncut sheet not cut by the bank. I have seen a few of these AAA prefix notes offered by dealers here and most of them are just badly cut and you can tell that it was not officially cut by the RBNZ. As for the uncut sheets, so far, I have sighted the sheets of 32, 16, 4 and 2.

Below are the list of all prefixes printed for this series:-

AAA - s/n 000001 to 096000 (initially uncut sheets only);

BBB - s/n 000001 to 104000 (19,450 sets in cardboard sleeve);

CCC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (also issued in cardboard sleeve);

DDD - s/n 000001 to 100000;

CWB - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Countrywide Banking Corporation Ltd);

FTC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Farmers Trading Company Ltd);

MBL - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Mobil Oil Corporation);

RNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Radio New Zealand);

RXX - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Rank Xerox); and

TNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Television New Zealand TVNZ).

 

In addition to the above, 10 pieces were printed with the prefix of NZ* but used as specimen notes only. It was also reported that no replacement prefixes were printed for this series. Whilst we can confirm that the first prefix for this serial is AAA, would you say the last prefix is TNZ, or there is no last prefix as every one printed is just as unique as the others.

Based on the quantity of 1.0m pieces printed, and in my opinion, this is not a large quantity issue especially for the denomination of $10, which is usually a popular denomination circulating in an economy, just like those notes of $1, $2, $5 and perhaps $20 as well. Back in the early 1990s, New Zealand had a population of about 3.30m people and for that and with a quantity of 1.0m is not considered a large issue.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand also put together the first 1000 sets all with matching serial numbers (#000001 - 001000) for sale to collectors. Report stated that 7 notes with prefixes DDD, CWB, FTC, MBL, RNZ, RXX and TNZ with matching serial numbers were sold as numismatic products. The notes with prefixes of AAA, BBB and CCC were not included. However, I have only six notes with matching serial numbers. These 1000 sets were first released to collectors in July 1990. I wonder if the RBNZ managed to sell all these 1000 sets issued and if not, were there any unsold sets redistributed back as single notes for circulation. The bank, I believe, has a habit of either redistributing unsold numismatic products or destroying them completely to save storage space. Whilst I am not entirely clear as to why the bank printed these unusual six prefixes that each represented a business entity in New Zealand, however, it was believed (according to a dealer) that these companies were involved in the sponsoring for this commemorative $10 series which would allow them to promote their businesses/brands in the country with their business acronym printed on the note as letter prefixes. In terms of how successful these promoting exercises were may not be known unless they have conducted research on this after the release of the notes back then. I honestly doubt anyone would have noticed this unless you are a collector or the employees of these companies involved, as normal people would have care less. Apology for my negative comment as the truth always hurts!😁.

 

Ten Dollars AAA Two-in-One Uncut Sheet

155.5mm x 157mm

Front - The Portrait of Queen Elizabeth the Second (1926-2022). This portrait was taken in 1977 by Peter Grugeon, The Queen was 51 years old when this portrait was taken. The design of this note on the front is very similar to the $10 circulating at that time, albeit the colour looks a bit lighter blue and the commemorative logo is added next to the Queen's portrait. 

Governor - Donald Thomas Brash (tenure 1988-2002)

Date - 1990 (Commemorative logo)

Watermark - Captain James Cook (b.1728-1779)

Printer - Bradbury Wilkinson & Co (De La Rue & Co Ltd since 1986)

Dimensions -  155.5mm x 157mm

Back - The design on the back is completely new and it depicts an image of the signing of the treaty by one of the Maori chiefs in front of the British Officer. The design came from a bas-relief by a British born sculptor, Alfred Drury. This design was previously printed on New Zealand 10 shilling notes. From the design, I personally feel that this treaty signing was a bit intimidating to the Maoris. I do not know who that sitting British officer was, but one can only assume that would be Captain William Hobson. Whilst he was sitting with both his hands resting on the hilt of a British Army Officer ceremonial sword, the Maori chief was not and had to stand and bend over to sign the document. This is clearly showing (to me imo) that this was done with intimidation against the Maori. On the right of the note, the following commemorative text printed with upper case are added: -

NEW ZEALAND 1990

COMMEMORATING THE

SIGNING OF THE

TREATY OF WAITANGI

1840

 

 Selling price A$33.50 by RAM

BBB Prefix in Folder  

Prefix BBB - NZ$17.85 Cardboard sleeve. The note is sealed in the sleeve and cannot be safely removed without damaging the sleeve. 19,450 folders issued but not sure if all were sold out or any unsold folders returned to the central bank. There is no shortage in supply for this note with this prefix. It is just the matter of what price you are willing to pay for. This BBB prefix folder note, together with the 2-in-one uncut sheet are the most common notes that you can find for sale for this commemorative series.

CCC Prefix

(Missing) 

This note is also sold in a cardboard sleeve just like the Prefix BBB note. However, I have no details as to how many were made available then. 

DDD Prefix

(Missing) 

 

CWB Prefix

Countrywide Banking Corporation Limited 

156mm x 79mm

Countrywide Banking Corporation Limited was a retail bank operating throughout New Zealand until 1998 when the company was acquired by the National Bank of New Zealand. The bank was created from Country Building Society, which itself emerged from the original Auckland Co-operative Terminating Building Society established in March 1897. In 2003, the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) purchased the National Bank of New Zealand, and in 2014 retired the brand in favour of the ANZ brand. 

FTC Prefix

Farmers Trading Company Ltd 

156.5mm x 78.5mm

Farmers Trading Company Ltd is a New Zealand mid-market department store chain with its headquarter based in Auckland. The company operates 59 stores across the country specialising in family fashion, beauty, homewares, furniture, large appliances and whiteware/white goods. The company was founded by Robert Laidlaw in 1909, initially selling agricultural supplies through mail order catalogues.

MBL Prefix

Mobil Oil Corporation 

157mm x 78.5mm

Mobil Oil Corporation, the brand name speaks for itself. Mobil New Zealand is the oldest oil company, with it's roots tracing back to 1896 when Vacuum Oil of New York established its operation in Wellington. Since then, they have been operating in New Zealand in various forms, and a major player in the New Zealand fuel market for over a century.

RNZ Prefix

Radio New Zealand  

156mm x 78.5mm

Radio New Zealand was the first radio broadcast in New Zealand on 17.11.1921 by Professor Robert Jack. Since then public radio broadcasting can be traced through several key periods - The Radio Broadcasting Company (1925-1931); the New Zealand Broadcasting Board (1931-1936); the National Broadcasting Services (1936-1962); and the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (1962-1975). RNZ is a Crown owned entity and is governed by the Radio New Zealand Act 1995.

 

RXX Prefix

Rank Xerox 

156.5mm x 78mm

Rank Xerox was formed in 1956 by the partnership between Rank Organisation and Xerox Corporation. The company was established to manufacture and distribute plain paper photocopying equipment. The company then entered into a joint venture with Fuji Photo film, known as Fuji Xerox. In 1990, Rank Xerox's operation was taken over by Fuji Xerox, later changing its name to Fujifilm Business Innovation in 2021.  

TNZ Prefix

Television New Zealand  

156mm x 78.5mm

Television New Zealand (TVNZ) is a New Zealand state-owned media company and Crown entity. TVNZ was established in 1980 following the merger of Television One and South Pacific Television. TVNZ was the sole television broadcaster in the country until the private channel TV3 was launched in 1989.

Footnote: The above comments posted may not be correct or accurate and have not been verified by any relevant authorities. The comments on the Treaty of Waitangi mentioned are solely mine and are based on my own opinion and understanding. I only come up with my conclusion based solely on my brief understanding of the British's history during the so-called period of - "Britannia Ruled The Waves". It is okay to disagree with what I have written here, and if you do, most likely you are correct and I am not. 😁

...Papua New Guinea - 100 Kina ND2026 Commemorative Sir Julius Chan 陳仲民 Anniversary

Papua New Guinea, Independent State of

Bank of Papua New Guinea (Est.1973)

Currency - Kina (PGK)

 

This is a commemorative note of 100 kina that was released on 28.01.2026 to celebrate the first anniversary of the passing of Papua New Guinea's second Prime Minister. Sir Julius Chan. Sir Julius died on 30.01.2025 in Huris, New Ireland Province. Following his death, the government of Papua New Guinea declared a week of national mourning. He was given a state funeral in Port Moresby, the capital city and his remains were then buried in New Ireland Province.  

Sir Julius Chan was born half Chinese and half Papua New Guinean (mother Miriam Tinkoris, a native of New Ireland). His father was Chan Pak (陳柏 b.1896-1994 Sydney Australia), a trader originally came from Taishan, a coaster city situated in the southwest of Guangdong province. Sir Julius was the fifth child out of seven children, and it was believed that he spoke Cantonese, apart from English and a local dialect of Papua New Guinea. During the Second World War, because of his mixed race, the Japanese occupiers treated the entire Chan family as outsiders and put his father into forced labour building roads and bridges. One of his younger brothers died during the war (casualty of war). His older brother was in Hong Kong schooling during the war, and was tricked by a family friend and sold as a slave in China working as a farm labour. He was then rescued by a Communist Party general and they made him a shoe cleaner and a pistol carrier. After the war the Chinese General felt sorry for him and helped him to return to Hong Kong as a free man and later he managed to return home and united with the family in Papua New Guinea. 

This is the second time in the history of the Bank of Papua New Guinea since 1975 that banknotes were issued honoring a politician. The first time this happened was Sir Michael Somare on a fifty kina paper note issued in 1989. Since then, the 50 kina note with the portrait of Sir Michael Somare has been reprinted in polymer substrate materials including normal and commemorative notes, and I am just wondering if this 100 kina note with the portrait of Sir Julius Chan will be the same design for all future reprints. The difference between Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan is that the 50 kina notes were issued when Sir Michael Somare was still alive and Sir Julius Chan is not.

Whilst this note was issued as a commemorative banknote, there is nothing, like a commemorative logo or text to say this is a commemorative issue. 

 

One Hundred Kina

Front -  Papua New Guinea's Parliament building located in Waigani in the capital city of Port Moresby. The parliament house was officially opened on 08.08.1984 by Prince Charles (now King Charles The lll). The parliament house was formerly known as the House of Assembly Building of Papua New Guinea from 1964 to 1975. On the top left is the Bird of Paradise, the national emblem of Papua New Guinea, perched on a Kundu Drum and Ceremonial spear. Coat of Arms and on the far left is a see-through image of the bank's logo and the images of Bird of Paradise. 

Signatures

Governor - Elizabeth W Genia (tenure 2023-)

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Andrew F Oaeke (tenure 2021-) 

Date - nd2026

Sizes - 150mm x 70mm 

Back - The portrait of the late Sir Julius Chan (b.1939-2025). Julius Chan who was the second Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea from 1980 to 1982, and again in 1994 to March 1997, and June 1997 to July 1997. Julius Chan was half Chinese and half native of Papua New Guinea and was born on Tanga Islands. His Chinese given name is 陳仲民 (transliteration - Chan Chung-min/Chen Zhongmin). His father was from Taishan (泰山 - southern China, near Macau) in China. Apart from Papua New Guinea dialects and English, he also spoke Cantonese. Apart from being the country's Prime Minister, he was also the 4th governor of New Ireland from 2007 to 2025 (until his death). Julius Chan was born in 1939 and died on 30.01.2025 at the age of 85 years old. Other images printed on this note is an image of a fisherman on a canoe (shark caller) catching sharks.

...Honduras - 200 Lempiras Dated 9 De Noviembre De 2023 Commemorative

Republica De Honduras

(Republic of Honduras)

 

Banco Central De Honduras

(Central Bank of Honduras)

Currency - Lempira (HNL)

 

This is a 200 lempiras released on 20.01.2026. The planning and printing of this note was first announced on 23.08.2023. A total of 20 million pieces were printed by Crane Currency in Malta. On 12.03.2026, the government of Honduras instructed all banks to cease distributing this note to the public for circulation. This note barely lasted 51 days and for those notes that have been released since January 2026 are still legal tender and no doubt any circulated notes returned back to the bank will not be reissued to the public again. Initially I had no intention to get this note until I saw this news. 

This note was issued to honor Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores, a leader in the field of Ecology. This is also the first time a female portrait is featured on a Honduras banknote, even though it did not last that long. This note should be treated as a commemorative note and as such I have also posted this same note to my Commemorative Banknotes section.

I believe this is how the story goes: -

2022 - the governing party in Honduras was the Liberty and Refoundation Party (left-wing party) headed by President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, the first female president of Honduras. Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento took office on 27.01.2022 and her single term ended on 27.01.2026. 

2023 - The intention of issuing this note was announced on 23.08.2023 by the central bank.

2026 - This note was officially released on 20.01.2026. The President of Honduras is elected by a simple majority vote to serve a single four-year term. The term begins on January 27th following the election and the country's constitution prohibits reelection.

2026 - On 27.01.2026, Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah became the President of Honduras and he is from the National Party of Honduras. The National Party of Honduras is a right-wing party. It is believed that because of Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores's activities during her lifetime, the current right-wing Honduras government is not a fan of what she did then and decided to cease issuing this note, thus the withdrawal was made on 12.03.2026. 

It is not sure what will happen to the rest of the unissued banknotes. Will they just leave them in the bank's vaults for storage or just simply destroy them all. if that happens, it would be a waste! What I do not understand is that the announcement for printing this note was made in April 2024, and only released a few days before the previous President's term ended. Why is it taking so long? What's the delay?

If you enjoy collecting banknotes that specifically come with an interesting story, like me, then this is one note you should be getting. This note is not rare and there are plenty to offer at the moment. All you have to do is to look for one that offers you the best price.  

 

Two Hundred Lempiras

Front - The front of the note depicts a portrait of Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores (b.1971-2016). Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores was an environmental activist and indigenous leader. She belonged to the Lenca indigenous people. In Honduras, the Lenca are the largest tribal group, with an estimated population of more than 450,000. During her lifetime, she defended many local native habitats, stopped the building of a dam at Rio Gualcarque. For many years, she received numerous threats against her life and on 02.03.2016, she was shot by two armed intruders at her home and died the following day. It is believed that her assassination was carried out by right-wing groups and possibly with foreign aid or assistance who were against her environmental activities. Several people were arrested after assassination, some of them were linked to the US-trained elite military troops and had trained in the USA. In November 2018, seven people were found guilty and sentenced to prison for her murder.

Signatures

Presidente/President (Central Bank) - Rebeca Patricia Santos

Gerente/Manager - Avila

Secretaria De Finanzas/Secretary of Finance - Ochoa 

Date - 9 De Noviembre De 2023 (released on 20.01.2026)

Quantity - 20,000,000 pieces 

Watermark - Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores and electrotype BCH

Sizes - 156mm x 67mm

Back - An aerial view of La Esperanza, a city located on the western side of Honduras. This city is about 3 hours and 30 minutes drive from the capital city of Tegucigalpa. This is also the city where Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores was born (home town). On the back, the note is also printed with the following text in Spanish: -

¡Despertemos humanidad!

¡Ya no hay tiempo!

 (Wake up humanity!

 There is no more times!)

To the center right is the Coat of Arms of Honduras.