Queen Elizabeth II On Commonwealth Banknotes

The Commonwealth of Nations was formed in 1926 and made official by the UK in 1931. It was created around the time of decolonization, it was meant to be the successor to the British Empire. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 member countries which are mostly former territories of the British Empire. Its goals are to promote democracy and human rights, provide a forum for the expression of cultural diversity, and encourage trade and economic development among member states.

Map of Commonwealth Nations | Source: Wikimedia

Ascension Of The Queen

Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom at the age of 25 years old (born on April 21, 1926). She ascended to the throne upon the death of her father, King George VI, who had ruled for just under 13 years. In addition she reigned over the various British Commonwealth of Nations since 1952, making her the longest-serving monarch in British history (70 years). Since her recent passing, her son King Charles III took over the position.

Queen Elizabeth and Princess Elizabeth on holiday in South Africa | Source: Royal.UK

Members & Ex Members of the Commonwealth

Countries involved in the Commonwealth Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia. Asia: Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka. Americas: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago. Europe: Cyprus, Malta, UK. Pacific: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, lastly Vanatu.

Queen Elizabeth II Signing Annual Commonwealth Day Message March 5, 2021 | Source: Steve Parsons/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

The Queen has been a key figure in British history since the beginning of her reign—she’s been involved in several world events like World War II and for this reason she was beloved by millions across the world. Many governments paid tribute to the Queen by featuring her on her their currency (coins and banknotes).

Gibraltar 100 Pounds | 2015 | Source: Banknote World

Banknotes of the Commonwealth

Countries that still feature the Queen on their currency are Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belize, Gibraltar, Bahamas. For example one banknote that feature her is the Gibraltar 100 Pounds, 2015. It commemorates the centenary of the birth of Sir Joshua Hassan, the chief minister for a total of 22 years, he is the most important architect of Gibraltars move towards self-determination. The front design of the note features a youthful Queen Elizabeth II and also the Coat of Arms of Gibraltar. In addition on the green Canada 20 Dollars, 2011 the front displays Queen Elizabeth II wearing a dress with pearl necklace, the country’s arms, the Center Block of Parliament in Ottawa, and the flag of Canada.

Canada 20 Dollars | 2011 | Source: Banknote World

On the other hand countries that used to feature her on their currency are Barbados, Hong Kong, Honduras, Fiji, Jamaica, Bermuda, Rhodesia, Trinidad & Tobago. A rare banknote which used to feature her majesty was the Hong Kong 1 Cent banknote from 1992-1995. It depicts a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the front design. In addition Fiji which has beautiful banknote also no longer prints banknotes with images of the Queen. In recent years they have moved to designs featuring flora and also fauna. One of the last banknote sets ft. the Queen is the Fiji 2-100 Dollar 6 PC Banknote Set, 2007 ND. These banknotes feature a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, flora and fauna, locals of Fiji.