Top 5 Island Banknotes

With 180 currencies around the world and over two thousand islands neighboring the seas, we’ve narrowed it down to five of the most captivating and compelling banknotes.

5. Maldives 5 Rufiyaa, 2017

One of the most beautiful island notes (in our opinion) is the Maldives 5 Rufiyaa. The note itself is gray and it highlights a man playing soccer with girls in little pink dresses…PINK! Come on, it’s not hard to agree that one of the most breathtaking color combinations is observed in this pretty little island banknote. I bet your favorite banknote doesn’t have the tactile dots for the visually impaired to identify the value of the island note like this one does. Now, now hold your excitement because that isn’t the only crazy thing about this note. This specific Rufiyaa is polymer material! I know, I know. Some might ask “well what exactly is polymer material, oh great blog post writer?” Well my dear friend, polymer is a material that some may say seems a lot like plastic. It lasts longer, it feels different, and it’s just a lot cooler to show off.

4. Bermuda 5 Dollars, 2009

Bermuda has a lot more to offer besides being the center of paranormal phenomena and extraterrestrial activity. My dear readers, I present to you the Bermuda 5 Dollar bill. Since we’re on the topic of the greatest island banknotes, this Bermuda note really can’t be ignored. What’s interesting is that the BMA (Bermuda Monetary Authority) wanted to redesign the Bermuda notes in commemoration of their settlement that was like, 400 years ago! Which is pretty cool because their notes start to look COMPLETELY different after 2009 and take on more of an island feel, not to mention they’re much more durable for that crazy tropical island climate. To add to that, I don’t know about you but I have never seen a blue Marlin fish on a pink banknote with cute little dolphins swimming above before, just saying.

3. Fiji 5 Dollars Banknote

Ah, Fiji. The fantasy island for all our vacation destinations. The 2013 issue of these notes feature a brand new Fijian flora and fauna design replacing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II making it as tropical as ever, no offense Elizabeth. This island banknote can’t get any more island-y than having a bird only native to Fiji on the obverse. The Kulawai, (pretty sure it’s a  special type of Lorikeet) endemic to Fiji and was last seen in 1993! I don’t want to make any promises but I think you have an extinct bird on your banknote there. That’s not all folks. The crested Iguana, again only available in Fiji, is an endangered species featured on the reverse of the Fiji 5 Dollar Banknote! An endangered iguana AND a (maybe) extinct Kulawai bird? Like jeez how tropical can you get?

2. Japan 1 Momme

The small but cultural island of Japan, known worldwide for its traditional arts, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy and my personal favorite…flower arranging! Okay, okay. What we’re really here for is the Hansatsu, or clan notes, right? Cue relaxing flute music. Dubbed as the Script of Edo Period, the Hansatsu were feudal notes under the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1603 – 1868. They had restricted circulation within the local clan territory like the one below, which is from the Aichi Prefecture. Pretty dang cool how we can have literal ancient clan relics in the comfort of our own home. But the coolest thing might be that although most Hansatsu were valued in terms of gold, silver and copper coins, a select few were denominated in commodities such as rice, wine or oil. Not saying I wouldn’t trade a few Hansatsu for wine but hey, to each his own right?

1. Seychelles 25 Rupees, 2008

I cannot stress how breathtaking and action packed with beauty this island banknote is! For starters, let’s talk about Wrights Gardenia Flower, Rothmannia Annae, found smack dab in the center of the note. It’s one of the critically endangered plants of Seychelles found ONLY on Aride Island! How else can we glimpse this flower without paying like, $3,000 smackers for a plane ticket? Somehow, the obverse of this island note is also able to squeeze in a Lion fish and a cute little turtle all in a alluring purple and lilac hue. Fear not, I’m not quite finished raving about this cutie just yet. Introducing the Seychelles Blue Pigeon, indigenous to the island, this little bird can be seen perched on a branch on the reverse of the note. Unfortunately, this bird is also an endangered species and might not stay for long. But hey, at least we’ll be able to treasure them in this charming island note!

And there you have it friends, the top 5 island banknotes. If you think I missed your favorite island banknote, let me know in the comments! Keep your eyes posted for the next blog and I hope you had as much fun reading this as I did writing it. Until next time!