Fiji is a beautiful Island nation with a long history of creating banknotes and coins that combine its colonial period, history and current culture. For more than 75 years, Fiji has included the King or Queen of Britain on its currency. Silver coins from the 1930s have King George V and then King George VI on one side. These are very nice coins to collect and are not too expensive. The presence of the English Sovereign goes back to its time as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1970, Fiji became independent of the United Kingdom but kept Queen Elizabeth on their banknotes into the 2000’s and to this day have her effigy on their precious metal coins.
Source: Banknote World
Their current Flora and Fauna banknote series is one of the best series and the Bank has done a stellar job to prepare folios for collectors. The broad range of collectable coins include a series of birds and a series of other local animals. The Reverse Bank of Fiji is one of the most collector-oriented banks.
Source: Reserve Bank of Fiji
Fiji New Releases for 2020
Fiji has released a commemorative $50 FJD polymer banknote and a 50 Cent coin in October to celebrate its 50th anniversary of national independence. The Banknote was printed on polymer substrate by De La Rue. Its design follows the concept used in the extremely successful 2017 $7 FJD commemorative note. It focused on Fijian people and it national blue color. The vignettes of running Fijian children on one side and military personnel saluting their flag on the other works well. The Fijian crest is prominent on both sides and in the window. There is also a clock in the window, striking 10 o’clock- the official time independence occurred.
Source: Banknote World
The coin shows the traditional Fiji government crest on one side. On the other side is a partial United Kingdom flag and a complete Fiji crest. The message is clear. Fiji is proud of its history and connection to England, but it is independent, and it is proud of its culture and people.
The banknote and the coin are available is professional folios and various grades. Any collector of Fiji currency, polymer banknotes and commemorative money needs to have these in their collection.
