As of January 1, 2009, Slovakia is adopting the euro. While I am sad to see another country abandon its unique notes, I must remember that it was the impending introduction of the euro that first sparked my interest in the hobby of collecting banknotes. Perhaps Slovakia’s move will create a whole new generation of collectors. In recognition of this historic event, I’m pleased to present the following images of the banknotes of National Bank of Slovakia.



© 2009: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Slovakia

The name of Turkey’s currency has reverted from “new Turkish lira” (TRY) to “Turkish lira” (TRL) as of 1 January 2009, necessitating the issuance of new banknotes and coins. Turkey last changed the currency by removing six zeroes on 1 January 2005, at a cost of US$300 million. This new move is expected to incur similar costs. Durmuş Yılmaz, governor of the Turkish Central Bank, indicated that a new denomination, the TRL200, would begin circulation as well. The new notes have different sizes as a measure against forgery and to facilitate their use by blind people. The depiction of the country’s founder, Kemal Atatürk, stays on the front of all banknotes; the new designs were unveiled 3 October 2008.

All of the notes have dots in the upper left to assist the visually impaired, microtext, a solid security thread, a holographic stripe, registration device, Omron rings, a latent image, Atatürk as watermark with electrotype denomination, and an iridescent stripe on back. The notes are printed by the Central Bank Banknote Printing House in Ankara.

While each banknote has a portrait of Ataturk, the founder of the modern Republic of Turkey, on one side, there are portraits of other prominent Turks on the other sides of the banknotes as listed below:

5 TL banknote: Prof. Dr. Aydin Sayili
10 TL banknote: Prof. Dr. Cahit Arf
20 TL banknote: Architect Kemaleddin
50 TL banknote: Ms. Fatma Aliye
100 TL banknote: Itri
200 TL banknote: Yunus Emre

Aydin Sayili (1913-1993) was a historian of science who studied under George Sarton at Harvard. His career was aided by chance meeting with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whom he impressed enough to receive a state-supported scholarship to attend graduate school at Harvard.

Cahit Arf (1910-1997) was a Turkish mathematician. He is known for the Arf invariant of a quadratic form in characteristic 2 (applied in knot theory and surgery theory) in topology, the Hasse-Arf theorem in ramification theory, and Arf rings.

Architect Kemaleddin (1870-1927) was a prominent Turkish architect. He is a graudate of civil engineering and studied extensively in Germany. He repaired many mosques. He was chosen as a member to the British Royal Architects Institute. He constructed the Bostanci, Bebek, Yesilkoy and Kutlutepe mosques.

Ms. Fatma Aliye (1862-1939) was the first female novelist in Turkish literature and Islamic geography. She was the daughter of last grand Ottoman histrorian Ahmad Cavdat Pasha.

Itri (1630 or 1640-1712) is a well known and important Turkish composer.

Yunus Emre (1238?-1320?) was a Turkish poet and Sufi mystic. He has exercised immense influence on Turkish literature, from his own day until the present.








Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalcinkaya.

Tags: Turkey

I am working on a new catalog of world notes and I need all the help I can get. If you have any of the notes listed below, please email 300-dpi, 100% actual size, 24-bit color scans of the front and back of these notes, saved as uncompressed JPEG, BMP, or TIFF. Please download and follow these detailed scanning instructions.

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknotes of Moldova:

Pick 8 dated 1997
Pick 8-18 specimens

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

Thanks in advance for everyone's cooperation!

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Moldova

I am working on a new catalog of world notes and I need all the help I can get. If you have any of the notes listed below, please email 300-dpi, 100% actual size, 24-bit color scans of the front and back of these notes, saved as uncompressed JPEG, BMP, or TIFF. Please download and follow these detailed scanning instructions.

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknotes of Guinea:

Pick 5
Pick 15A
Pick 1-42 specimens

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

Thanks in advance for everyone's cooperation!

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Guinea

According to a TempoInteractive article dated December 19, 2008, Bank Indonesia (BI) has yet again postponed the printing of 2,000-rupiah notes. Junino Jahja, executive-director of Perum Peruri, the state-owned banknote printing company, said his office will print 2,000-rupiah notes in 2009, for issuance by BI in 2009. “We are still waiting for Bank Indonesia's decision on when to print the banknotes, including the design and everything,” said Junino, who also indicated that BI now plans to issue 1,000-rupiah notes, apparently reversing plans to replace that denomination with a coin.

Tags: Indonesia

A complete set of North Korean notes with overprints has recently been reported. Unfortunately, little is known about these notes other than that they appear to be the latest issued notes (dates range from 1992 to 2007) with a common overprint in Korean and the Western numerals 95. The literal translation of the overprint is “Great leader Kim Ilsung comrade birth 95th.” Since he was born April 15, 1912, his 95th birthday would have been celebrated in 2007. This seems to fit the latest date on the notes, but does not necessarily mean the notes were issued in 2007. If anyone knows the actual date of introduction, please send me an email so that I can share that information. Also, I’d be interested to learn if these were issued for circulation, or if they were sold only as a numismatic product in special packaging.

Courtesy of Jim Rubycored Chen and Wonsik Kang.

Tags: North Korea

Thomas Krause and Peter Bauer have today released the fifth edition of their book, the Specialized Catalogue of World Plastic Money. Ordering information and a free PDF download can be obtained by visiting www.swschwedt.de/kunden/polymernotes.



© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Polymer

In what seems to be a weekly occurrence, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced another batch of new high-denomination notes on December 19, 2008, in a futile attempt to keep ahead of the highest inflation in the world (officially at 231 million percent, but independent estimates are 500 quintillion percent). The highest denomination (for now) is a new 10-billion-dollar note worth approximately US$20 on the black market when introduced yesterday. The bank also issued new 1- and 5-billon-dollar notes. Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe is so bad that prices double daily and most goods are in short supply.








Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

1 dollar
Dark green, mint green, and brown. Front: Green foil fish; Sir Lynden O. Pindling. Back: Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. Violet-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BAHAMAS. Watermark: Pindling with electrotype 1. Printer: OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES. 156 x 67 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Tod Hunt.

© 2009: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Bahamas

1 peso (US$1), 2007. Like Pick 121, but new date, security thread, and Celia Sánchez watermark instead of BCC.

Courtesy of Jarno Komulainen and Frank van Tiel.

Tags: Cuba

On December 14, 2008, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced two new high-denomination notes.



200,000,000 dollars
Brown. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks in Epworth; cow. Back: Parliament building; Heroes’ Acre. Unknown security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: Unknown. 148 x 74 mm. 2008. Signature 5. Introduced 14.12.2008.



500,000,000 dollars
Purple. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks in Epworth; cow. Back: Palm trees; workers milking cows; miner with jackhammer. Iridescent stripe with repeating RBZ. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: Unknown. 148 x 74 mm. 2008. Signature 5. Introduced 14.12.2008.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

On 9 December 2008, the National Bank of Georgia introduced 10- and 50-lari notes dated 2008. The notes are similar to earlier issues of the same denominations, but have enhanced security features. The new 10-lari note has two relief inscriptions of the nominal value 10 imprinted above the oak-leaf on the front. Also, the numeral 10 is printed with OVI for a color-changing optical effect when the banknote is tilted.



Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Dmitriy Litvak.

Tags: Georgia

A puzzling array of East Caribbean States color varieties has been reported. The backs of the notes are identical, but as you can see by examining the scans below—all provided by a single source and scanned using the same equipment and settings— the fish in the lower left corner on the front is printed in different colors on different notes. The standard color of brown/green switches to red, reddish brown, and green on these notes. Normally I might attribute this to ink variation over time, but the two rightmost notes are consecutive serial numbers and the fish color changes dramatically. All of these scans are of undated (2003) ECS $5 notes with the St. Vincent suffix V. If anyone can explain what’s going on here, or if there are similar color varieties in other denominations, please share that information.




© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: East Caribbean States

According to an African Press Agency report dated 10 December 2008, the Bank of Mauritius plans to introduce polymer banknotes as a cost-cutting measure. The press release from the bank in Port Louis indicates that even though it costs US$0.50 to manufacture a polymer note versus US$0.05 for a paper note, the polymer notes have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, which makes them more cost-effective in the long term. The Bank of Mauritius will invite tenders for the manufacture of polymer 25-, 50-, and 100-rupee notes in early 2009.

Please note that the above information is based upon the APA report. I have not been able to locate the bank press release which the report cites, and strongly suspect the report is in error. Polymer banknotes certainly do last longer than paper notes, but a 20-25 year lifespan is unheard of (polymer notes haven’t even been around that long). According to Securency, the Australian supplier of polymer substrate, polymer notes can last up to four times longer than paper, which can start to wear out in as little as one year of circulation.

Tags: Polymer, Mauritius

500 shillings (US$0.40), 2008. Like P6, but new date and new signatures of Abdirahman Dualle Mahmoud and Abdi Mohamoud Gullet.

Courtesy of Pierguido Laffi and David F. Cieniewicz (www.banknotestore.com).

Tags: Somaliland

On 8 December 2008, the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) issued a revised 10-lev (US$6.50) note similar to the existing 1999 note (Pick 117), but with new date, signatures, and security features, including a red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized text, watermark with electrotype bank initials, latent image, and UV elements.




Courtesy of Krassimir Dimitrov.

Tags: Bulgaria

P91: 5,000 ariary (US$2.45), ND. Like Pick 84, but with Omron rings (security feature consisting of patterns of yellow circles) on front and back, and new signature (Frederic Rasamoely, GOUVERNEUR). 150 x 75 mm.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Madagascar

500 kwacha (US$0.15)
Brown. Front: Coat of arms; dove; baobab tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Elephant; workers picking cotton; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Watermark: Fish eagle. Printer: SABN. Polymer. 140 x 70 mm. Signature 12.



5,000 kwacha (US$1.05)
Purple. Front: Coat of arms; dove; murera/acacia/mopani tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Lion head; root cassave plant and leaves; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Windowed security thread with demetalized BOZ 5000. Watermark: Fish eagle with electrotype 5000. Printer: DE LA RUE. 145 x 70 mm. 2008. Signature 12.




10,000 kwacha (US$2.10)
Aqua. Front: Coat of arms; dove; fish eagle; musuku tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Porcupine; workers harvesting rice paddy; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Fish eagle with electrotype 10000. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 145 x 70 mm. 2008. Signature 12. The patch on the front is new, making this the only denomination dated 2008 that deserves its own new Pick number. All others are merely new date varieties of older issues.


20,000 kwacha (US$5.60)
Orange. Front: Coat of arms; dove; holographic patch; mukwa tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Black lechwe (kobus leche) antelope; men working pneumatic drill in mine; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Windowed security thread with demetalized BOZ 20000. Watermark: Fish eagle, electrotype 20000 plus fish eagle, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 145 x 70 mm. Signature 12.



50,000 kwacha (US$10.50)
Blue. Front: Coat of arms; dove; holographic patch; fig tree in Kabwe; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Leopard; Bank of Zambia building; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Windowed security thread with demetalized BOZ 50000. Watermark: Fish eagle with electrotype 50000. Printer: DE LA RUE. 145 x 70 mm. 2008.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Dave Murcek.

Tags: Zambia

20 nuevos soles (US$6.30), 21 DE DECEMBRE DE 2006. Like P169, but new date and new signatures. Printer: DE LA RUE.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Peru

1,000 ariary (US$2.45), 2004. Like Pick 89, but new signature (Frederic Rasamoely, GOUVERNEUR).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Madagascar

According to a press release dated March 31, 2008, “The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is advising the public that upgraded EC notes of all denominations will be put into circulation from 1 April 2008. The upgraded notes do not bear the barcodes or country codes which form part of the serial number on current notes. Additionally, the fish in the area where the barcodes were, are made more prominent by intaglio ink and the serial numbers on the upgraded notes have two alpha characters instead of one as on previous issues of EC notes. All other existing security features remain unchanged: These are the see-through feature, security threads, watermark of Queen Elizabeth II, electrotype which reads ECCB, intaglio over foil which shows the denomination, silver metallic fluorescence and the iridescent print. The current notes in circulation will continue to be legal tender, and will be replaced in the normal way, through wear and tear, over time.”



5 dollars (US$1.90)
Like P42, but no barcodes nor country codes, enhanced intaglio printing, serial numbers with two alpha characters, and Cornerstone watermarks. Printer: DE LA RUE.
No date. Signature: Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor. Introduced 01.04.2008.


10 dollars (US$3.80)
Like P43, but no barcodes nor country codes, enhanced intaglio printing, serial numbers with two alpha characters, and Cornerstone watermarks. Printer: DE LA RUE.
No date. Signature: Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor. Introduced 01.04.2008.


20 dollars (US$7.65)
Like P44, but no barcodes nor country codes, enhanced intaglio printing, serial numbers with two alpha characters, and Cornerstone watermarks. Printer: DE LA RUE.
No date. Signature: Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor. Introduced 01.04.2008.


50 dollars (US$19.10)
Like P45, but no barcodes nor country codes, enhanced intaglio printing, serial numbers with two alpha characters, and Cornerstone watermarks. Printer: DE LA RUE.
No date. Signature: Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor. Introduced 01.04.2008.


100 dollars (US$38.25)
Like P46, but no barcodes nor country codes, enhanced intaglio printing, serial numbers with two alpha characters, and Cornerstone watermarks. Printer: DE LA RUE.
No date. Signature: Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor. Introduced 01.04.2008.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Frank van Tiel.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: East Caribbean States

On December 6, 2008, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe announced it plans to introduce a 200-million-dollar note. This news comes just two days after the bank issued three new notes, the largest of which is a 100-million-dollar note. No word yet on when the new higher denomination will be issued into circulation.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

I am working on a new catalog of world notes and I need all the help I can get. If you have any of the notes listed below, please email 300-dpi, 100% actual size, 24-bit color scans of the front and back of these notes, saved as uncompressed JPEG, BMP, or TIFF. Please download and follow these detailed scanning instructions.

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknotes of Malaysia:

P4
P9b “broken security thread”
P12
P32C
50-ringgit issued 15.07.2009

In addition to front and back scans, please submit the dimensions of the notes in millimeters.

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

Thanks in advance for everyone's cooperation!

Tags: Malaysia

On December 2, 2008, the Banco de la República de Colombia announced that it would issue a 100,000-peso note in mid-2009 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birthday of 30th president of the republic, Carlos Lleras Restrepo, who held office 1966-1970. The note will be the largest denomination in Colombia, with a face value of approximately US$43.

Special thanks to Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle for bringing this to my attention.

Additional information and images requested.

Tags: Colombia

According to a Telegraph article dated 28 November 2008, Allan "Chirpy" Campbell claims the Reserve Bank of Australia gained permission to use the image of celebrated indigenous author and inventor David Unaipon from a woman who was posing as his daughter, and did not obtain authorisation from a genuine family member.
"They jacked this woman up and proclaimed that she is the daughter of my uncle, and when we found out they blocked us and they chucked all the barricades there," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
"We are the family, I had to produce my genealogy, I had to produce my documents and documentation, they don't have to, they just say it, and they accepted it."
Mr Campbell, 61, travelled to Sydney this week to make his case for compensation to the Reserve Bank.
The bank, which has so far denied Mr Campbell's demands, refused to comment on the three-hour meeting, but made it known that it believes the appropriate advances to Mr Unaipon's family were made at the time the note was designed.
However, it is understood that those agreements were verbal and no official document of permission exists.
Mr Campbell, a lifelong campaigner for Aboriginal rights, has said he is willing to take the matter to court to obtain a "fair dinkum settlement". If successful, he plans to use the $30 million to start a charity for mentally ill children.
"They've got to renegotiate this time a proper settlement, not a tea leaf, sugar and flour syndrome, you know," he said.
"They've got no proof, no papers to show she is his daughter."
David Unaipon was Australia's first published indigenous author, an inventor and preacher from the Ngarrindjeri people of South Australia.
He held a patent for a sheep shearing mechanism that is depicted beside him on the $50 note.
In his work as a preacher, Mr Unaipon travelled widely and became well-known throughout Australia.
He lectured on Aboriginal legends and customs and also spoke of the need for "sympathetic co-operation" between whites and blacks, and for equal rights for all Australians.
He died in 1967. His image appeared on the $50 note from 1995 when the polymer bill was introduced.


The Unaipon case echoes the use, in 1966, of a bark painting by Arnhem Land artist David Malangi on the $1 note. It later emerged the artwork was reproduced without permission. Mr Malangi was compensated $1,000, a fishing kit and a silver medal.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

On December 4, 2008, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced 10-, 50-, and 100-million-dollar notes, although it’s been reported that the notes were available on the foreign currency market a day prior to their official introduction. The bank also increased the daily cash withdrawal limit to 50 million dollars for individuals and 100 million dollars for company account holders.










Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

New 50-, 100-, 200-, 500- and 1,000-shilingi notes dated 3rd MARCH 2008 have been confirmed.

On 4 March 2007, Prof. Njuguna S. Ndung’u assumed the role of governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, and it is his signature which appears on these new notes.

Courtesy of John Silver.

Tags: Kenya

2 kina
Green. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise with drum and spear; Parliament building in Port Moresby; BPNG logo. Back: Mount Hagan axe; Kula arm band from Milne Bay Province; engraved dogs’ tooth necklace from Bougainville; Sepik clay pot; tapa cloth patterns. No security thread. Watermark: BPNG logo. Printer: NPA (w/o imprint). 140 x 70 mm. Polymer. (20)08. Signature unknown. Introduced 31.10.2008.



50 kina
Orange. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise with drum and spear; Parliament building in Port Moresby. Back: Prime Minister Michael Somare; spears from Sepik; shield and mask from New Ireland; leaf and pointed Tubuan face mas from New Briton; headdress from the Highlands; mask and costume from Sepik River. No security thread. Watermark: BPNG logo. Printer: NPA (w/o imprint). 150 x 75 mm. Polymer. (20)08. Signature unknown. Introduced 31.10.2008.

Courtesy of Kee Hong Boon (Tigerson) and Kai Hwong.

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

1,000 cedis. 10TH JUNE 1994. Like P29, but new date.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Ghana

Krause’s 12th edition of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, General Issues • 1368-1960 is now shipping, and it includes a bonus DVD with the entire catalog in PDF format.

Amazon sells the brand new 12th edition of the General Issues catalog for $50.40, which means it qualifies for free Super Saver Shipping in the United States. Quite a bit better than Krause's $80 list price, plus $4 S&H.

Amazon also sells the new 14th edition of the Modern Issues catalog for $34.65.

Amazon also sells the 2005 10th edition of the Specialized Issues catalog for $45.50.

Preeyadhorn Dhevakul and Tharisa Wattanaket


Thanon Pithaya and Preeyadhorn Dhevakul


Surapong Suebwonglee and Tharisa Wattanaket

These three notes have recently been reported, but their signature varieties do not appear in the latest SCWPM.

Images courtesy of Victor Miguel Gonzalez.
Signature identifications courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Thailand

100 reais (US$41.85), ND. Like P247, but new signatures (Guido Mantega, MINISTRO DA FAZENDA; Henrique Meirelles, PRESCENTE DO BANCO CENTRAL DO BRASIL).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Braz Lomonaco.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Brazil

500 forint (US$2.30), 2008. Like Pick 188d, but new date and new signatures (Dr. Karvalits Ferenc; Simor András; Dr. Király Júlia).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Hungary

I am working on a new catalog of world notes and I need all the help I can get. If you have any of the notes listed below, please email 300-dpi, 100% actual size, 24-bit color scans of the front and back of these notes, saved as uncompressed JPEG, BMP, or TIFF. Please download and follow these detailed scanning instructions.

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknotes of Bangladesh:

500 taka dated 2009
Pick 25 with brown signature of M. Nurul Islam and printed security thread

In addition to front and back scans, please submit the dimensions of the notes in millimeters.

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

Thanks in advance for everyone's cooperation!

Tags: Bangladesh

I am working on a new catalog of world notes and I need all the help I can get. If you have any of the notes listed below, please email 300-dpi, 100% actual size, 24-bit color scans of the front and back of these notes, saved as uncompressed JPEG, BMP, or TIFF. Please download and follow these detailed scanning instructions.

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknote of Bahrain:

Pick 18a
Pick 1-24 specimens (excluding Franklin Mint CS1)

In addition to front and back scans, please submit the dimensions of the notes in millimeters.

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

Thanks in advance for everyone's cooperation!

Tags: Bahrain

I am working on a new catalog of world notes and I need all the help I can get. If you have any of the notes listed below, please email 300-dpi, 100% actual size, 24-bit color scans of the front and back of these notes, saved as uncompressed JPEG, BMP, or TIFF. Please download and follow these detailed scanning instructions.

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknotes of Cambodia:

Pick CS1
Pick FX1
Pick FX2
Pick FX4
Pick FX5

In addition to front and back scans, please submit the dimensions of the notes in millimeters.

As a contributor, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note will be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name will appear in the Acknowledgements along with your email address or URL, if you wish.

Thanks in advance for everyone's cooperation!

Tags: Cambodia

50 dollars (US$47.95), (20)08. Like P60, but new date and new signatures (Glenn R. Stevens, Governor; Dr. Ken Henry, Secretary To The Treasury).

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Tags: Australia, Polymer

20 dirhams (US$5.40), 2007. Like P21, but new date.

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk.

Tags: United Arab Emirates

5,000 leones
Like Pick 21, but new date (27TH APRIL 1996).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Tags: Sierra Leone

On 3 November 2008, the National Bank of Poland introduced a new 10-zloty note to commemorate the 90th anniversary of regaining independence. 80,000 notes were packaged in a folder and sold for PLN15. The note was engraved by Maciej Kopecki.


10 zloty (US$3.35)
Pink and orange. Front: Coat of arms; Belweder Palace; Commander Józef Piłsudski. Back: White eagle; Monument of the Heroic Deed of Polish Legions in Kielce. Solid security thread with microprinted 10 Zł. Watermark: Piłsudski and electrotype denomination. Printer: PWPW S.A. (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartosciowych SA). 138 x 69 mm. 4 CZERWCA 2008 (04.06.2008). Signatures: Sławomir Skrzypek, PREZES (President); Monika Nowosielska, GŁÓWNY SKARBNIK (Main Cashier). Introduced 03.11.2008.

Courtesy of Krzysztof Czupryński, Rafal Nogowczyk, and Leszek Porowski.

Tags: Poland

50 ngultrum (US$1.15)
Pink, orange, and green. Front: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Back: Trongsa Dzong. Solid security thread. Watermark: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 145 x 70 mm. 2008. Signature 6. Introduced 06.11.2008.


1,000 ngultrum (US$23.20)
Yellow. Front: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck with crown. Back: Tashichho Dzong. Windowed security thread with demetalized RMA 1000. Watermark: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Printer: G&D (w/o imprint). 165 x 70 mm. 2008. Signature 6. Introduced 06.11.2008.
Courtesy of Phub Dorji.

Tags: Bhutan

On November 5, 2008, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced 100,000-, 500,000-, and 1,000,000-dollar notes. “In the measures underway, the Reserve Bank plans to introduce a number of new, higher denominations; review the cash withdrawal limits, as well as commence aggressive campaigns for increased usage of alternative means of payment,” the central bank said in a statement. The government put inflation at 230 million percent for July, the world's highest, although the Washington-based Cato Institute foundation estimates it now at 10.2 quadrillion percent.





500,000 dollars
Green. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks in Epworth; cow. Back: Palm trees; workers milking cows. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: Unknown. 148 x 74 mm. 2008. Signature 5. Introduced 05.11.2008.



1,000,000 dollars
Blue. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks in Epworth; cow. Back: Great Zimbabwe ruins; cattle. Windowed security thread with demetalized RBZ and Zimbabwe bird hologram. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird Type C with electrotype 1000 [sic]. Printer: Unknown. 153 x 76 mm. 2008. Signature 5. Introduced 05.11.2008.

Additional information requested.

Courtesy of Mirsad Delic and Garry Craig.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

1,000 taka (US$14.60)
Pink. Front: Shahid Minar of the Language Movement. Back: Curzon Hall. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Shapla (lotus blossom) with electrotype bank logo and denomination. Printer: Security Printing Corporation, Bangladesh (w/o imprint). 160 x 70 mm. 2008. Signature Salehuddin Ahmed. Introduced 27.10.2008.

Courtesy of Sazzad Husain.

P.S. Be aware that I am still looking for scans of severa Bangladesh notes for my catalog. Please help if you can.

Tags: Bangladesh

P69: 20 dollars (US$10.25), 1st. SEPTEMBER 2007. New date and new signatures. Printer: DE LA RUE.

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk.

Tags: Belize

1 pound (US$0.20), ٢٠٠٥/١/٤ (2005/1/4), ٢٠٠٦/٣/٥ (2006/3/5), ٢٠٠٧/١/٣١ (2007/1/31), and ٢٠٠٧/٣/٢٥ (2007/3/25). Like P50, but new dates. Signature 22: Farouk Abdel Baky El Okda II.

The note dated 2007/1/31 has a new watermark.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics and Pierguido Laffi.

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Tags: Egypt

On 21 October 2008, the National Bank of Poland announced that it would issue a 10-zloty note to commemorate the 90th anniversary of regaining independence. The front of the note will depict Commander Józef Piłsudski and the front façade of the Belweder Palace. The back of the note contains the Emblem of the Polish Republic—the White Eagle—as designed in 1919, as well as the Monument of the Heroic Deed of Polish Legions in Kielce.




Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk and Leszek Porowski.

Tags: Poland

On August 2, 2008, the American Numismatic Association announced the winners of its 2008 Outstanding Club Publications Contest. Each year, the ANA recognizes outstanding publications produced by member numismatic organizations. Submissions are judged in four categories: Local Clubs, Regional Clubs, Specialty Clubs, and Electronic Newsletters.

As the former editor of the IBNS Journal, I am very pleased to announce that the International Bank Note Society’s quarterly publication was awarded second place in the Specialty Clubs category. Thanks to the ANA for this honor, and thanks to all the IBNS members whose remarkable contributions to the journal during my tenure made this award possible.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Journal

20 pounds (US$39.25), 1st MAY 2007. Like P137, but new date and new signature.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Northern Ireland

25 krooni (US$2.50), 2007. Introduced 26.06.2008. Like P84, but new date, new signatures (Andres Lipstok, President; Mart Sõrg, Nõukogu esimees), and rectangle with denomination in UV ink moved from lower center on back to lower center right on back. Printer: (Gieseke & Devrient). 140 x 69 mm.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Frank van Tiel.

Tags: Estonia

Like P224, but new date, new signatures, and denomination added to upper right corner on front.

Courtesy of Mirsad Delic.

Tags: Paraguay

Like P144, but new signature.

2,000 rials (US$0.20)
Pink and dark yellow. Front: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Back: Ka’aba at the Holy Mosque in Mecca. Microprinted solid security thread. Watermark: Khomeini. 150 x 72 mm. No date. Signature: Davood Danesh Djafari and Tahmasb Mazaheri. Introduced 25.09.2008.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri.

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Tags: Iran

On October 11, 2007, Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved samples for new banknotes to be issued in 2009. These designs were recently unveiled by Turkmenistan’s central bank.









The designs were prepared by De La Rue, which has printed Turkmenistan currency since independence in 1991. According to Turkmenistan.ru, the “new banknotes will bear the images of prominent figures of the Turkmen nation and architectural compositions of Ashgabat. 1 manat banknotes will bear the image of Togrul Bek Turkmen, 5 manat banknotes - Soltan Sanjar Turkmen, 10 manat banknotes - Makhtumkuli Fragi, 20 manat banknotes - Gerogly Bek Turkmen, 50 manak banknotes - Gorgut Ata Turkmen, 100 manat banknotes - Oguz Khan Turkmen. The image of Turkmenistan’s first president Saparmurat Niyazov will be drawn on 500 manat banknotes.”

The government intends to revalue its currency in conjunction with the introduction of the new note family. Currently the official exchange rate is 5,000 manats to the US dollar, but the black market rate is almost five times that.

Special thanks to Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle for bringing this to my attention.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Turkmenistan

On October 13, 2008, just two weeks after issuing 10,000- and 20,000-dollar notes, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has introduced a new, even higher denomination, the 50,000-dollar note.



50,000 dollars
Green. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks in Epworth. Back: Farmer plowing field on mechanical tractor; miner with jackhammer. Iridescent stripe. No security thread. Watermark: None. 153 x 76 mm.

Courtesy of Jim Rubycored Chen.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

5 dirhams (US$1.35), 2007. Like P19, but new date.



10 dirhams (US$2.70), 2007. Like P20, but new date.

Courtesy of David Murcek.

Tags: United Arab Emirates

50 kwacha. Like Pick 45, but dated 31st OCTOBER 2007.

Courtesy of David Murcek.

Tags: Malawi

10 rupees (US$0.15)
Brown. Front: Mount Everest. Back: Antelopes. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Rhododendron. TK mm. No date. Signature: acting Governor K. B. Manandhar. Introduced 26.09.2008.



50 rupees (US$0.65)
Blue. Front: Mount Everest. Back: Himalayan Tahr. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Rhododendron. 142 x 70 mm. No date. Signature: acting Governor K. B. Manandhar. Introduced 23.09.2008.



100 rupees (US$1.25)
Green. Front: Mount Everest. Back: Rhinoceros. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Rhododendron. TK mm. No date. Signature: acting Governor K. B. Manandhar. Introduced 29.09.2008.

Courtesy of Roman Boroznjak and Shankar Shrestha.

Tags: Nepal

Like Pick 141, but dated 2000/2008.



Like Pick 143, but dated 2005/2008.



Like Pick 144, but dated 2004/2008.

Images courtesy of David Murcek.

Tags: Indonesia

500 pesos oro (US$15.15), 2004 and 2006. Like P172, but new dates and new signatures. Printer: DE LA RUE.

Images courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Tags: Dominican Republic

50 pesos oro (US$1.55), 2008. Like P170 and note dated 2006, but new date, new background pattern, and new imprint. Printer: OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES.

Images courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Tags: Dominican Republic

2,000 francs (US$11.35)
Blue. Front: Camel caravan; young girl. Back: Statue with spear and shield; government building. Solid security thread. Watermark: Coat of arms with electrotype BCD. No date. Signature unknown. 160 x 80 mm. Introduced August 2008.

This new 2,000-franc note is like Pick 40, but with the name of the issuer on front changed from Banque Nationale de Djibouti to Banque Centrale de Djibouti. Also, the text at top and bottom on back has also been altered.

If anyone knows who the signatory is, please share that information.

Images courtesy of Manuel Rodriguez.

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Tags: Djibouti

10 lats (US$19.40)
Violet. Front: River Daugava; oak-leaf. Back: Traditional Latvian bronze bow-broach; coat of arms. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Folk-maid wearing a traditional head-dress. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient (w/o imprint). 130 x 65 mm. 2008. Signature: Ilmars Rimsevics, Governor. Introduced 01.10.2008.

Information courtesy of Dmitry Litvak.

Images courtesy of Tuyet Nhung Le.

© 2009: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.m.

Tags: Latvia

On September 29, 2008, less than two months after revaluing its currency and issuing a new series of notes in which the highest denomination was 1,000 dollars, Zimbabwe issued 10,000- and 20,000-dollar notes. These notes were printed locally by Fidelity Printers in Bulawayo. The 10,000-dollar appears to be printed on paper originally supplied by Giesecke & Devrient for use on 1,000-dollar notes, as evidenced by the fact that the electrotype watermark is 1000 and does not match the denominations printed on the note. The 20,000-dollar note lacks a security thread and watermark and is thought to be printed on paper from a Chinese supplier.




10,000 dollars
Brown. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Harvester and tractor. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype denomination of 1000. 153 x 76 mm. 2008. Signature 5. Introduced 29.09.2008.




20,000 dollars
Brown. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Victoria Falls; Kariba dam. Iridescent stripe. No security thread. Watermark: None. 153 x 76 mm. 2008. Signature 5. Introduced 29.09.2008.

Images courtesy of Nick Brice.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

50 dinar (US$40.70)
Brown and tan. Front: Muammar al-Gaddafi. Back: Buidling. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. No date. Signature unknown. Introduced 25.09.2008.

Courtesy of Tuyet Nhung Le.

Tags: Libya

In August 2008, the central bank issued new cheques, which it claims are not banknotes although they are legal tender just as if they were. They were introduced to replace the array of high-denomination promissory notes which private banks had been issuing to enable their customers to carry out large transactions and which are now banned as the central bank has moved to reassert control over the money supply.


500,000 rials (US$51.90)
Dark pink and brown. Front: Main gate of Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad. Back: Calligraphic text; Islamic design of flower. 2.5-mm microprinted windowed security thread. Watermark: Hakim Aboul-ghasem Ferdowsi. 160 x 75 mm. No date (2008). Signature: CBI president, Mr. Tahmasb Mazaheri. Introduced 16.08.2008.


1,000,000 rials (US$104)
Light blue and light brown. Front: Tachar Palace-Perspolis ruins in Shiraz. Back: Calligraphic text; Islamic design of flower. 2.5-mm microprinted windowed security thread. Watermark: Hakim Aboul-ghasem Ferdowsi with electrotype denomination. 160 x 75 mm. No date (2008). Signature: CBI president, Mr. Tahmasb Mazaheri. Introduced 23.08.2008.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri.

Tags: Iran

These 100- and 200-lilangeni notes were issued to commemorate the 40th birthday of King Mswati III (born 19.04.1968). They are the first notes in the world to use intaglio halftone technology, creating photo-like portraits.



100 emalangeni (US$10)
Brown. Front: Shield and spears; King Mswati III; Parliament House building in Lobamba; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; The King’s 40th Birthday text. Back: Bank seal; rock formation; 40th Independence Anniversary text. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: Shield and spears. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 157 x 70 mm. 19.4.2008. Signature 10b. Introduced 05.09.2008.


200 emalangeni (US$20)
Green. Front: Shield and spears; King Mswati III; Parliament House building in Lobamba; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; THE KING’S 40TH BIRTHDAY text. Back: Bank seal; straw huts; 40TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY text. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: Shield and spears. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 160 x 70 mm. 19.4.2008. Signature 10b. Introduced 05.09.2008.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Swaziland

The following note is available as a single note in a booklet for HK$138, in a sheet of four for HK$338, a full sheet of 35 for HK$1,388, paired with an old-style note for HK$268, and a sheet of four paired with old notes for HK$868. The money raised from the sale (after deducting face value and costs) will be donated to charity, with a portion set aside for local sports development. Although the notes will be legal tender in Hong Kong they are not intended to be used in the local economy, and are being sold at a higher cost than their actual value.



20 dollars (US$2.55)
Purple. Front: Bank of China building; Beijing Olympics emblem; ancient column detail. Back: Beijing Olympic Stadium (Bird’s Nest); Chinese lucky clouds; bauhinia flower. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 143 x 71.5 mm. 1st JANUARY 2008. Signature: unknown. 4 million notes introduced 16.07.2008.

Courtesy of Kai.

Tags: Hong Kong

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga issued a new 100-pa’anga banknote on July 30, 2008. The bank intends to issue newly designed banknotes in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pa’anga in early 2009. Older notes will remain legal tender, but will be phased out over time.



100 pa’anga (US$55.10)
Cherry red and white. Front: King George Tupou V. Back: Vava’u Harbor. Optiks security thread. Watermark: King Tupou with electrotype NRBT. Printer: De La Rue (w/o imprint). 150 x 70 mm. No date. Signatures: Dr. Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele, PALEMIA O TONGA; ‘Otenifi Afu’alo Matoto, MINISITA PA’ANGA. Introduced 30.07.2008.

Courtesy of Mirsad Delic.

Tags: Tonga

On August 1, 2008, in an effort to simplify calculations in economic transactions, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe revalued its currency, striking ten zeros from the old Zimbabwe dollar. The move came just a week after the introduction of a 100 billion-dollar special agro-cheque—not enough to buy a loaf of bread—which became worth ten dollars under the new system. Concurrent with the revaluation, a new series of banknotes was also issued, and old coins were also reintroduced after years of obsolescence. The new notes will circulate with the older bearer cheques and special agro-cheques, which will remain legal tender until January 31, 2009, instead of December 31, 2008, the expiration date printed on the bearer cheques.




1 dollar
Violet. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Falls; water buffalo. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype 1. 2007. Signature Gideon Gono. Introduced 01.08.2008.



5 dollars
Brown. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Dam; elephant. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype 5. 2007. Signature Gideon Gono. Introduced 01.08.2008.



10 dollars
Green. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Farmer plowing field on mechanical tractor; three grain silos. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype 10. 2007. Signature Gideon Gono. Introduced 01.08.2008.



20 dollars
Red. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Tailings pile; miner with jackhammer. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype 20. 2007. Signature Gideon Gono. Introduced 01.08.2008



100 dollars
Blue. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Palm trees; Great Zimbabwe ruins. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype 100. 2007. Signature Gideon Gono. Introduced 01.08.2008.



500 dollars
Purple. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Milking dairy cows; cattle. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype 500. 150 x 75 mm. 2007. Signature Gideon Gono. Introduced 01.08.2008.


1,000 dollars
Gold. Front: Chiremba balancing rocks. Back: Buildings. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Zimbabwe bird with electrotype 1000. 153 x 76 mm. 2007. Signature Gideon Gono. Introduced 17.09.2008.

According to a ZNCNews story dated September 8, 2008, shortly after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe recently allowed selected merchants to quote prices in foreign currency for an 18-month experiment, Zimbabwe’s attorney general’s office warned retailers that they could be prosecuted for demanding payments in foreign currency. The office explained that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act clearly states that the banknotes issued by the central bank are legal tender for any payment within Zimbabwe.

Images courtesy of Nick Brice and Garry Craig.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

According to a Gulfnews.com article dated September 18, 2008, with inflation running above 27%, Iran’s central bank will revalue the Islamic Republic’s currency by slashing at three to four zeros, state radio quoted the governor, Tahmasb Mazaheri. Two days later, after clashing with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over economic policies, Mazaheri resigned, to be replaced by the bank’s general secretary, Mahmoud Bahmani.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Iran

According to a TempoInteractive article dated 18 September 2008, BI has postponed the printing of 2,000-rupiah notes and delayed plans to drop the 1,000-rupiah note for a coin. BI had planned to print 600,000 of the new 2,000-rupiah notes in July 2008, but now expects to wait until the end of 2008. “It is not easy to get this kind of paper,” explained Deputy Governor Budi Rohadi.

Tags: Indonesia

On September 15, 2008, the Qatar Central Bank issued a new series of four notes—1, 5, 10, and 50 riyals—which have symbols along the left front edge that facilitate their use by the visually handicapped. Preceding note issues of the same denominations will remain legal tender, but will be gradually replaced by the new series. New 100- and 500-riyal notes are in the works, but details aren’t available. These denominations were upgraded in 2007 with the addition of the 18-mm wide Optiks security thread with see-through window, so bank officials did not feel the need to update them at this time.



1 riyal (US$0.30)
Blue and purple. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: Three native birds: crested lark, Eurasian bee eater, and lesser sand plover. Solid and windowed security threads. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 134 x 66 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.



5 riyals (US$1.40)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: National Museum building; oryx and camel. Solid and windowed security threads. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 140 x 67.5 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.



10 riyals (US$2.75)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: Dhow; sand dune at Khor al-Udeid. Solid and windowed security threads. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 146 x 69 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.



50 riyals (US$13.75)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: Qatar Central Bank building; Oyster and Pearl monument. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 152 x 70.5 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.

Courtesy of Mirsad Delic.

Tags: Qatar

200 pesos (US$18.10), 15 FEB. 2007. Introduced 08.09.2008. Green. Front: Writer Juana de Asbaje y Ramírez de Santillana (Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz); books; inkwell; pens; library window. Back: Hacienda de Panoayan; baptismal font of the church of San Vicente Ferrer in Chimalhuacán; Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhautl volcanoes. Series A. OVI, windowed Motion security thread, microtext, Omron rings, map as registration device, intaglio printing, portrait watermark with denomination as electrotype, embedded colored threads, and UV elements. 141 x 66 mm.

Tags: Mexico

200 dirhams (US$54.45), 2004. Introduced 27.05.2008. Tan. Front: Sharia Court Department and Zayed Sports City. Back: Bank headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Fluorescent vertical serial number, falcon head as registration device, falcon head watermark with denomination numerals and coffee pot as electrotype, national emblem in metallic print, intaglio printing, denomination as latent image, holographic stripe, and windowed security thread with UAE 200 repeating.

Tags: United Arab Emirates

100 pesos (US$2.30), 2008. Ten million notes introduced 20.06.2008, to commemorate the centennial of the University of the Philippines. Like P194, but new date, and overprint of the Oblation, an iconic concrete sculpture of a man with face up and arms stretched-wide symbolizing the selfless offering of service to one’s country. 160 x 65 mm.

Tags: Philippines

50,000 guaraníes (US$12.35), 2007. Introduced 12.05.2008. Purple, peach, and green. D prefix. Portrait of guitarist and composer Agustín Pío Barrios (also known as Mangoré) on front. Guitar on back. Musical score in UV ink, guitar as registration device, watermark, novel serial numbers, signatures (Ramon Arréllaga, GERENTE GENERAL; Germán Rojas, PRESIDENTE). Printer: François-Charles Oberthur. 157 x 67 mm.

Tags: Paraguay

10 kina (US$3.60), (20)08. Introduced 18.04.2008. National Parliament and national crest on front. Tami bowl, bird of paradise feathers, a boar’s tusk from the Highlands, and Tambu shell money from East New Britain on back. Intaglio printing, clear window with 10 embossed, shadow image of bank logo, G-Switch, iridescent bird of paradise, signatures (Leonard Wilson Kamit, GOVERNOR; Simon Tossali, SECRETARY) and serial number fluoresce yellow/green under UV light. Polymer. Printer: Note Printing Australia (w/o imprint).

Tags: Papua New Guinea

5 kina (US$1.80), (20)08. Introduced 18.04.2008. National Parliament and national crest on front. Hombuli mask from Sepik, kina shell necklace, and shell necklace from New Ireland Province on back. Intaglio printing, clear window with 5 embossed, shadow image of bank logo, G-Switch, iridescent bird of paradise, signatures (Leonard Wilson Kamit, GOVERNOR; Simon Tossali, SECRETARY) and serial number fluoresce yellow/green under UV light. Polymer. Printer: Note Printing Australia (w/o imprint).

Tags: Papua New Guinea, Polymer

50 rupees (US$0.70), 2008. Introduced 08.07.2008. Purple. Front: Quaid-e-Azam in national dress (sherwani). Back: Karakoram Peak mountain and coat of arms. Signature (Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor), microprinting, solid security thread, denomination as latent image, and registration device. Watermark: Quaid-e-Azam and electrotype denomination. Printer: Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (w/o imprint). 131 x 65 mm.

Tags: Pakistan

5 rupees (US$0.05), 2008. Introduced 08.07.2008. Greenish gray. Front: Quaid-e-Azam in national dress (sherwani). Back: Gawader Sea Port and coat of arms. Signature (Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor), microprinting, solid security thread, denomination as latent image, and registration device. Watermark: Quaid-e-Azam with electrotype denomination. Printer: Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (w/o imprint). 115 x 65 mm.

Tags: Pakistan

5,000 tenge (US$41.30), 2008. Introduced 2008 to commemorate 15 years of tenge. Red and brown on m/c underprint. Front: Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag; green-to-blue Spark flying eagle; jubilee inscription at edges. Back: Independence Monument and Kazakhstan hotel in Almaty; mountains. Watermark, windowed security thread, registration device, intaglio printing, OVI, microprinting, fluorescent serial numbers, iridescent ink, latent image of denomination, and pink fibers that fluoresce red under UV light. Printer: De La Rue (w/o imprint). 144 x 76 mm.

Also available as a specimen with all-zero serial numbers, red diagonal SPECIMEN overprint, numbered in the lower right-hand front corner.

Tags: Kazakhstan

10 krooni (US$1), 2008. 30,000 notes introduced in special folder with 1-kroon coin for EEK200 (US$19.95) on 20.06.2008, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia and the 16th anniversary of the re-introduction of the kroon. Front: Girl in national costume holding sheaves of wheat based upon design by Günther Reindorff for 1928 EEK10 (P63), but new date, new signatures (Andres Lipstok, President; Mart Sõrg, Noukogu Esimees), plus watermark and registration device at right. Back: Designed by Vladimir Taiger; depicts Tamme-Lauri oak at Urvaste and coat of arms. Security features include 90th anniversary logo as watermark, 1918 and 2008 as latent images, intaglio printing, microtext, and fluorescent ink. 140 x 69 mm.

Tags: Estonia

10 yuan (US$1.45), 2008. The PBOC introduced six million notes on 08.07.2008 to commemorate the Beijing Olympic Games. Cyan. Front: National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), games emblem, Temple of Heaven, and coat of arms. Back: Greek marble statue of discus-thrower, Discobolus; athletes (runners, high jumper, gymnast, soccer players). Watermark: 10 and “Games of XXIX Olympiad” in Chinese. 148.5 x 72 mm. Existing 10-yuan notes to continue circulating.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: China

20,000 riels (US$5.05), 2008. Introduced 12.05.2008, to commemorate the king’s birthday. Violet and purple. Portrait of King Norodom Sihamoni and five-headed dragon on front; aerial view of Angkor Thom and four-faced Buddha in Bayon temple on back. Signatures (Chea Chanto, Governor; Tha Yao, General Cashier), holographic strip with bank logo and 20000, solid security thread with repeating *NBC*, Bayon sculpture as watermark with electrotype denomination, raised bars for partially sighted, embedded colored threads, NATIONALBANKOFCAMBODIA microprinting, intaglio printing, iridescent stripe, and some UV elements. 155 x 72 mm.

Also available as perforated specimen with all-zero serial number. Old 20,000-riel notes to remain legal tender.

P.S. Be aware that I am still looking for scans of several Cambodian notes for my catalog. Please help if you can.

Tags: Cambodia

5 tala (US$1.95)
Red. Front: Beach. Back: Robert Louis Stevenson’s house in Vailima. Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS. Watermark: Male head in profile with electrotype CBS and 10, plus Cornerstones. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 152.4 x 69.85 mm. No date. Signatures: Niko Lee Hang, Minister of Finance; Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, Governor. Introduced 01.08.2008.



10 tala (US$3.95)
Blue. Front: Rugby team being crowned champions at the IRB Hong Kong Sevens in 2007. Back: Samoan school children on their way to school. Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS. Watermark: Male head in profile with electrotype CBS and 10, plus Cornerstones. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 152.4 x 69.85 mm. No date. Signatures: Niko Lee Hang, Minister of Finance; Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, Governor. Introduced 01.08.2008.





20 tala (US$7.90)
Yellow. Front: Cascading waterfall. Back: Manumea (national bird) and Teuila (national flower). Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS. Watermark: Male head in profile with electrotype CBS plus Cornerstones. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 152.4 x 69.85 mm. No date. Signatures: Niko Lee Hang, Minister of Finance; Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, Governor. Introduced 01.08.2008.


50 tala (US$19.75)
Purple. Front: Government building at Matagialalua. Back: Central Bank of Samoa building. Optiks security thread. Watermark: Male head in profile with electrotype CBS. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 152.4 x 69.85 mm. No date. Signatures: Niko Lee Hang, Minister of Finance; Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, Governor. Introduced 01.08.2008.



100 tala (US$39.50)
Green. Front: Malietoa Tanumafili II. Back: Mulivai Catholic Cathedral. Optiks security thread. Watermark: Male head in profile with electrotype CBS. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 152.4 x 69.85 mm. No date. Signatures: Niko Lee Hang, Minister of Finance; Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, Governor. Introduced 01.08.2008.

Replacement notes: Prefix ZZ.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Samoa

Krause’s 14th edition of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Modern Issues is now shipping, and it includes a bonus DVD with the entire catalog in PDF format. The catalog has many of the same flaws as previous editions (errors, missing notes, odd valuations, etc.), but the PDF on disc is useful for searching for notes of interest.

Amazon sells the catalog for $34.65, which means it qualifies for free Super Saver Shipping in the United States. Quite a bit better than Krause's $55 list price, plus $4 S&H.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

50 pesos (US$4.80), 22 NOV. 2006. Like MXN50 issued November 21, 2006, but new date, series G, and new signatures (unknown, JUNTA DE GOBIERNO; Raul Valdas Ramons, CAJERO PRINCIPAL). Polymer.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Mexico, Polymer

1,000 rupiah (US$0.10), 2000/2007. Like P141, but new date.


5,000 rupiah (US$0.55), 2001/2008. Like P142, but new date.


50,000 rupiah (US$5.50), 2005/2007. Like P139, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Indonesia

2 lempiras (US$0.10), 13 DE JULIO DE 2006. Like P80A, but new date and new signatures with names above titles (GABRIELA NÚÑEZ DE REYES, PRESIDENTA; GERMÁN E. AMRTEL BELTRÁN, GERENTE; REBECA P. SANTOS, SECRETARIA DE FINANZAS).


10 lempiras (US$0.50), 26 DE AGOSTO DE 2004. Like P86, but new date and new signature for SECRETARIO DE FINANZAS: William Chong Wong.


50 lempiras (US$2.65), 13 DE JULIO DE 2006. Like HNL50 dated 26 DE AGOSTO DE 2004, but new date and new signatures with names above titles (GABRIELA NÚÑEZ DE REYES, PRESIDENTA; GERMÁN E. AMRTEL BELTRÁN, GERENTE; REBECA P. SANTOS, SECRETARIA DE FINANZAS).


500 lempiras (US$26.45), 26 DE AGOSTO DE 2004. Like P78, but new date and new signatures (María Elena Mondragón de Villar, PRESIDENTA; unknown, GERENTE; William Chong Wong, SECRETARIO DE FINANZAS).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Honduras

2,000 colones (US$4.05), 14 de setiembre de 2005. Like P265, but new date and new signatures (unknown, PRESIDENTE; unknown, GERENTE). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Images courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Costa Rica

20,000 pesos (US$44.50), 2006. Like P159, but new date and new signatures (Vittorio Corbo Lioi, PRESIDENTE; Leonardo Hernández Tagle, GERENTE GENERAL).

Images courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Chile

20 bolivianos (US$2.70), L.1986. Like P229, but new signatures (Raúl Garrón Claure, PRESIDENT a.i. BCB; Eduardo Pardo, GERENTE GENERAL BCB). Printer: F. C. OBERTHUR.

Images courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Bolivia

1,000 rupees (US$9.25), 2006-07-03. Like P120, but new date and new signatures. Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Tags: Sri Lanka

5,000 rupees (US$79.15), 2007. Like Rs5,000 dated 2006, but new date.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Tags: Pakistan

10 emalangeni (US$1), 01:04:2006. Like P29, but new date and signature 11 (Majorzi V. Sithole, MINISTER FOR FINANCE; Martin S. Dlamini, GOVERNOR). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Tags: Swaziland

20 korun (US$1), 20. OKTÓBRA 2006. Like P20, but new date and new signatures. Series S. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 128 x 65 mm.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Slovakia

10 pounds (US$19.70), 19th SEPTEMBER 2006. Like P353, but new date. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED. The signature of the group chief executive remains that of Fred Goodwin.

Images courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Scotland

With the issuance of the note below, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) continues to remove King Gyanendra’s name, image, and royal symbols from the country’s currency. Like the new Rs500 issued September 27, 2007, the new Rs1,000 still has the king’s portrait as watermark because the paper was ordered from an Indonesian manufacturer before April 2006 when the monarchy fell out of favor. The new Rs1,000 had an initial print run of 30 million notes, with prefixes from KHA-21 to KHA-50 (replacement prefixes are KHA-51, -52, and -53).


1,000 rupees (US$15.65), ND (2008). Issued April 7, 2008. Mount Everest, rhododendron over watermark of King Gyanendra. Rhododendron and elephant on back. New signature (Krishna Bahadur Manandhar, Acting Governor), wide windowed security thread, NRB as registration device, and intaglio printing. Printer: Perum Purari, Indonesia (without imprint).

Courtesy of Shyam Agrawal.

Tags: Nepal

100 pesos (US$9.50), 19 JUN. 2006. Like P118, but new date and series DT.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Mexico

1,000 rupees (US$38.70), 2007. Like P59, but new date and new signatures (Yandraduth Googoolye, FIRST DEPUTY GOVERNOR; Rundheersing Bheenick, GOVERNOR; Ahmad Jameel Khadaroo, SECOND DEPUTY GOVERNOR).

Images courtesy of Steve Milner.

Tags: Mauritius

100 maloti (US$12.80), 2007. Like LSL100 dated 2006, but new date (larger type), new signature (Moeketsi Senaoana, GOVERNOR), wider windowed security thread with CBL 100 added, and larger coat of arms watermark with electrotype 100 added.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Tags: Lesotho

10 dollars (US$1.30), ND (2007). Like P4, but 8-digit serial number with A prefix commencing with A20000001. Printer: François Charles Oberthur Fiduciare (without imprint).


20 dollars (US$2.55), ND (2007). Like P6, but 8-digit serial number with J prefix commencing with J25000001. Printer: François Charles Oberthur Fiduciare (without imprint).


100 dollars (US$12.80), ND (2007). Like P12, but 8-digit serial number with T prefix commencing with T29000001. Printer: De La Rue (without imprint).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Tags: Namibia

1,000 gourdes (US$26.15), 2007. Like P278, but new date and names removed above signatures. Printer: DE LA RUE.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Haiti

500 gourdes (US$13.10), 2007. Like P277, but new date and new signatures (Raymond Magloire, GOUVERNEUR; Philippe W. Lahens, GOUVERNEUR ADJOINT; Charles Castel, DIRECTEUR GENERAL).

Images courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Haiti

25 gourdes (US$0.65), 2006. Like P266, but new date, Cornerstone watermarks, and iridescent stripe on back. Printer: DE LA RUE.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Haiti

5,000 cedis (US$0.50), 4th AUGUST 2006. Like P34, but new date.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Tags: Ghana

5,000 pesos (US$11.50), 2007. Like P155, but new date, new signatures (Vittorio Corbo Lioi, PRESIDENTE; Alejandro Zurbuchen Silva, GERENTE GENERAL), and two horizontal sorting bars in lower left front.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Images courtesy of Chris Twining.

Tags: Chile

According to a Reuters report dated 29 March 2008, Somalia’s central bank plans to revamp the country’s currency because of a flood of fake notes printed by warlords and businessmen. Addressing donors meeting in neighbouring Kenya, the bank’s director general, Sharif Mohamed Hassan, said “greedy” individuals had pumped counterfeit cash into the market for years, driving the local unit to its lowest ever level. “The present situation of counterfeit money is catastrophic,” he said. “It’s a priority to provide the market with a stock of new banknotes with good security features. Of course this is not easy, as the fake notes are printed in many areas that are not properly controlled.” He said Somalia’s new notes would be produced by a “world renowned” money printer, but did not give a timetable.

Additional information and images requested.

Tags: Somalia

According to a Panapress article dated April 4, 2008, with inflation running wild at 165,000%, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced 25- and 50-million dollar bearer cheques on April 3.






50,000,000 dollars, 2nd April 2008. Expires 30th June 2008. Issued April 3, 2008. Purple. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), solid security thread, and Zimbabwe bird as watermark with RBZ as electrotype. Three elephants on back.

Images courtesy of Nick Brice and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

1,000 pesos (US$93.50), 8 MAY, 2006. Introduced 07.04.2008. Rose and violet. Portrait of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla on front, University of Guanajuato on back. Series A. Three towers of the church of Dolores Hidalgo in OVI, windowed Motion security thread, microtext, Omron rings, map as registration device, intaglio printing, portrait watermark with denomination as electrotype, embedded colored threads, and UV elements. 155 x 66 mm.

Tags: Mexico

1,000 naira (US$8.60), 2007. Like NGN1,000 issued October 12, 2005, but new date. 151 x 78 mm.

Courtesy of Jane White (www.banknotes4sale.com).

Tags: Nigeria

200 lei (US$19.25), 2007. Like P16, but new date. 133 x 66 mm.

Images courtesy of Michael Reissner.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Moldova

Responding to the public outcry over the similar colors of the 20-rupee banknote (P45) issued on 13 August 2005, and the 5,000-rupee note issued on 27 May 2006, the State Bank of Pakistan today issued a revised Rs20 note which is identical to the previous issue, except the colors have been revised to facilitate distinguishing it from all other denominations in the new series. The previous brown Rs20 remains legal tender.

20 rupee (US$0.30), 2007. Issued 22 March 2008. Orange, green, and yellow. Mohammad Ali Jinnah as portrait and watermark with electrotype denomination, signature (Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor), microlettering, security thread fluoresces blue under UV light, and denomination as latent image and registration device. Mohen-Jo-Daro in Larkana on back. Printer: Security Printing Corporation. 123 x 65 mm.

Courtesy of Muhammad Rizwan.

Tags: Pakistan

1,000 korun (US$60.65), 2008. To be issued April 1, 2008. Like P15, but new date, new signature (Tůma, GUVERNER), and many additional security features, including bichrome patterned iridescent strip of overlapping gold and blue, Omron rings, 1000 and linden leaf added as electrotype watermark, 3.0-mm windowed puce-to-green security thread with hatched ČNB 1000 Kč, and additional UV features. Designer: Oldřich Kulhánek. Printer: State Printing Office, Prague. 158 x 74 mm.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

© 2009: Images may be freely reproduced.

Tags: Czech Republic

500 naira (US$4.30), 2007. Like P30, but new date, new signatures, and new titles.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Tags: Nigeria

All of the new notes measure 154 x 74 mm and are presumably printed by De La Rue (based upon their inclusion of StarChrome security threads and an unique screen trap pattern on the back). All of the notes have the following security features: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa as watermark with electrotype denomination, intaglio printing, windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with CBB repeating, gold iridescent stripe with denomination in Arabic and English, registration device, denomination as latent image, CENTRALBANKOFBAHRAIN microprinting, novel serial number fluoresces under UV light. Additionally, the 5-, 10-, and 20-dinar notes also include a hologram on the front.

In addition to the security features, the new banknotes also incorporate, for the first time, a feature to enable the visually-impaired to easily recognize the value of each note. The feature—which has erroneously been called braille by some media outlets—comprises a series of short, raised lines, which appear at the top right on the front face of the note. The BD1/2 has one line; BD1 has two lines and so on, up to BD20, with five lines.


1/2 dinar (US$1.30), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Orange and brown. Old Bahrain Court on front, Bahrain International Circuit (motorsport facility) in Sakhir on back.


1 dinar (US$2.65), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Red. Al Hedaya Al Khalifiya School (Bahrain’s first school) on front, Sail monument in Manama City and five galloping Arabian horses on back.


5 dinars (US$13.25), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Blue. Shaikh Isa House in Muharraq and Riffa Fort on front, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) smelter and the first oil well in Bahrain near Jebel Dukhan mountain on back.


10 dinars (US$26.50), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Green. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa on front, Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Causeway on back.


20 dinars (US$53.05), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Brown and light blue. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa on front, Al Fateh Islamic Center in Juffair on back.

Tags: Bahrain

On December 29, 2006, the Bank of Lithuania announced plans to order 50 million 10-litas notes, 45 million 50-litas notes, and 50 million 100-litas notes.

On March 5, 2008, both the 10- (US$4.40) and 100-litas (US$43.95) notes dated 2007 were issued with additional security features. Previous 10-litas notes dated 1997 and 2001, as well as 100-litas notes dated 2000, remain legal tender.


10 litas (US$4.40), 2007. Issued March 5, 2008. Like P65, but iridescent stripe to right of portraits with denomination as latent image, and no microperforation. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient.


100 litas (US$43.95), 2007. Issued March 5, 2008. Like P62, but holographic stripe, denomination at left front in green-to-magenta OVI, denomination as electrotype watermark, and paper tinted green. Printer: François-Charles Oberthur Fiduciaire.

Images courtesy of Valdemar Griskevic.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Lithuania

1,000 kwacha (US$0.25), 2008. Like P45, but new date and new printer imprint. Printer: SABN (South African Bank Note). Polymer.

Courtesy of Bwananick.

Tags: Zambia, Polymer

According to a March 8, 2008, article in Macau Daily Times, the Macau branch of the Bank of China (BOC) is set to issue four million 20-pataca (US$2.50) banknotes in commemoration of the 29th Olympic Games that will be held in Beijing during August 2008.

A spokesman of the executive council, Mr. Tong Chi Kin, said the note will be the same purple color as the currently circulating 20-pacata note (Pick 103). The front of the new note will feature the Bank of China building, the architecture representing the location of the torch relay of the ancient Olympic Games, as well as the emblem of the Beijing Olympic Games, and a vertical line that reads "In Commemoration of the 29th Olympic Games" in both Chinese and Portuguese. The back of the note will depict the Beijing Olympic Stadium (also known as the "Bird's Nest"), and Macau's Golden Lotus symbol.



20 pataca (US$2.50)
Purple. Front: Bank of China building; Beijing Olympics emblem; ancient column detail. Back: Beijing Olympic Stadium (Bird’s Nest); Golden Lotus symbol. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 143 x 71.5 mm. 3 DE MAIO DE 2008 (03.05.2008). Signature unknown.

Images courtesy of Kai.

Tags: Macau

According to a 3 March 2008, article in The Jakarta Post, Bank Indonesia (BI) is set to issue a 2,000-rupiah banknote (US$0.22) and 1,000-rupiah coin in the second semester of this year. “BI has decided to issue a new banknote and coin after considering people’s needs, as well as costs for making banknotes,” said BI Deputy Governor Budi Rochadi. The 2,000-rupiah note will be the country’s smallest denomination note once the existing 1,000-rupiah note (Pick 141) is replaced by a coin. The new banknote and coin will be employ braille making them more convenient for blind people. BI is preparing new designs and security systems to discourage counterfeiters. The last time BI issued revised banknotes was in 2005, with its released of new 50,000- and 100,000-rupiah notes (Pick 144).

Additional information and images requested.

Tags: Indonesia

According to a March 2, 2008, article in the The Sunday Times, every week German security printer Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) delivers to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) banknotes with a face value of Z$170 trillion, for which it receives more than €500,000 (US$763,000). A source at the RBZ claims G&D delivers 432,000 sheets of banknotes every week to Fidelity printers in Harare, where they are stamped with the denomination. Each sheet contains 40 notes and the current production is entirely in Z$10m notes, the country’s highest denomination, initially issued January 18, 2008. G&D has printed Zimbabwe’s notes since the 1970s.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

On September 6, 2006, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa passed a law replacing the Bahrain Monetary Agency with a central bank assigned to issue bank notes and determine the monetary policy of the kingdom. On February 27, 2008, the Central Bank of Bahrain presented the king with samples from a new series of banknotes scheduled to enter circulation soon. “We are delighted to issue new banknotes that carry the picture of his majesty the king, and depict Bahrain’s historical monuments and comprehensive development of the prosperous era of his majesty,” said Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Khalifa, Bahrain’s finance minister. No further details are available at this time.

Tags: Bahrain

The New Turkish Lira (TRY) introduced 1 January 2005 as the 8th emission group, will be replaced by a new currency, the Turkish lira (TL) on 1 January 2009. Existing notes will continue to circulate for a year before being withdrawn, and will remain redeemable for a decade afterwards. The new 9th emission group notes will feature new sizes, colors, designs, and security features. Because the usage of the TRY1 note (shown above) has been very limited, this denomination will be replaced by a coin, and the new series will feature a TL200 banknote, twice the value of the current highest denomination note.

According to a February 27, 2008 article in Today’s Zaman, important figures of Turkish culture, such as poets, writers, mathematicians, intellectuals, musicians, and artists, will adorn the new banknotes. The central bank will make its final decisions on design issues this coming autumn. “We will see the faces of prominent Turkish historical figures on the new banknotes. But these [banknotes] will not just include those from the 14th or 15th centuries, but also some figures from contemporary history,” a senior official from the central bank noted.

Tags: Turkey

10 dollars (US$7.10), ND (2007). Issued February 1, 2008. Like P48, but new signature (Goh Chok Tong, CHAIRMAN). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Singapore, Polymer

1,000 pesos (US$0.50), 1o DE FEBRERO DE 2006. Like P456, but new date.

Courtesy of Andres Collazos.

Tags: Colombia

1,000 francs (US$12.40), ND (2002-). Like P2, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; Teyssere, LE DIRECTEUR).


5,000 francs (US$62), ND (2002-). Like P3, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; Teyssere, LE DIRECTEUR).


10,000 francs (US$124), ND (2003-). Like P4, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; T. Cornaille, LE DIRECTEUR).

Courtesy of Frank van Tiel.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

According to a February 20, 2008 article in The Korea Times, the Bank of Korea (BOK) is considering using Crane AB’s optically-active anti-forgery feature on the 100,000-won (US$105.50) notes which will be introduced early in 2009. The technology, called Motion, utilizes microlenses in a security strip that projects holographic images that moves when the note is tilted. Motion was first used in Sweden’s 1,000-kronor (US$157.80) note issued in March 2006, and will be used in the United States’ new 100-dollar note due in 2009, as well as all of Mexico’s new paper-based notes, beginning with the 200-peso note to be issued in 2008. “We are now considering various features on new bills, but nothing has been decided yet,’’ said a BOK official.

Tags: South Korea

10 dollars (US$1.30), 1st OCTOBER 2007. Like the HKD10 issued July 9, 2007, but new date and new signatures (John Tsang Chun-wah, FINANCIAL SECRETARY; Joseph Yam Chi-kwong, MONETARY AUTHORITY). Polymer. 133 x 66 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Tags: Hong Kong, Polymer

100 rupees (US$2.50), 2007. Like P91, but new date, new signature (Dr. Y. V. Reddy, Governor), and E inset letter.

Images courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: India

500 rupees (US$12.60), 2007. Like P93, but new date, new signature (Dr. Y. V. Reddy, Governor), and R inset letter.

Additional information and images requested.

Thanks to Claudio Marana for bringing this to my attention.

Tags: India

1,000 pesos (US$2.15), 2006. Like P154, but new date, new signatures (Vittorio Corbo Lioi, PRESIDENTE; Leonardo Hernández Tagle, GERENTE GENERAL), and sorting bar at lower left front.


10,000 pesos (US$21.50), 2006. Like P157, but new date, new signatures (Vittorio Corbo Lioi, PRESIDENTE; Leonardo Hernández Tagle, GERENTE GENERAL), and sorting bars at lower left front.

Images courtesy of Frank van Tiel.

Tags: Chile

100 bolivianos (US$13.25), L.1986 (2007). Like P231, but series H, new signatures (Raúl Garrón Claure, PRESIDENT a.i. BCB; Eduardo Pardo, GERENTE GENERAL BCB), and windowed security thread with demetalized 100BCB repeating. Printer: F. C. OBERTHUR.

Images courtesy of Ronny Hick. Signatory names courtesy of Art Matz with help from Valentin Rendon in La Paz.

If anyone can positively identify the GERENTE GENERAL BCB signatory, please share that information.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Bolivia

10,000 kwacha (US$2.65), 2007. Like P45, but new date. Printer: DE LA RUE.


50,000 kwacha (US$13.10), 2007. Like P47, but new date. Printer: DE LA RUE.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Tags: Zambia

According to a February 12, 2008 report in Drinks International, the Bank of Ireland will issue 5-, 10-, and 20-pound notes, the backs of which feature the Diageo’s Bushmills whiskey distillery in celebration of the distillery’s 400th anniversary. Stephen Kirkpatrick, chief executive of Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland, said: “Because Bank of Ireland is one of the leading business banks in this region, we felt our new notes should feature a business that is symbolic both of our heritage and of our skill in crafting products for a global market.”

Interestingly enough, although all three notes bear the same date, the lowest denomination bears the signature of David McGowan, but the two other notes issued just one month later bear the signature of Stephen Kirkpatrick and a different title.



5 pounds (US$9.90)
Purple. Front: Bank of Ireland seal (Hibernia seated); six county shields. Back: Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. Solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. 136 x 70 mm. 20th APRIL 2008. Signature: David McGowan, Chief Executive UK. Introduced 22.04.2008.



10 pounds (US$19.85)
Blue. Front: Bank of Ireland seal (Hibernia seated); six county shields. Back: Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. Solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. 143 x 75 mm. 20th APRIL 2008. Signature: Stephen Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive NI. Introduced May 2008.




20 pounds (US$39.70)
Dark green. Front: Bank of Ireland seal (Hibernia seated); six county shields. Back: Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. Solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. 150 x 80 mm. 20th APRIL 2008. Signature: Stephen Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive NI. Introduced May 2008.

Images courtesy of Kai Hwong.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Northern Ireland

500 rupees (US$12.60), 2007. Like P93, but without inset letter and signature of Dr. Y. V. Reddy, governor.



1,000 rupees (US$25.20), 2007. Like P94, but without inset letter and signature of Dr. Y. V. Reddy, governor.

Images courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: India

The Banknote Update

An Independent Addendum to Krause’s
Standard Catalog of World Paper Money (Vol. III, 13th Ed.)

In November 2007, I began publishing The Banknote Update as an 87-page PDF (12MB) document containing detailed information and more than 660 full-color images of 185 brand new notes and 265 new note varieties from over 120 countries (download a sample spread from the update). The cost of The Banknote Update as a PDF file purchased directly from me via PayPal is US$15.

In response to requests by many collectors, I am happy to announce that The Banknote Update is now available in printed form via Lulu.com, an online company that creates professional-quality books on demand. If you are interested in The Banknote Update but don't want to spend the time, trouble, and ink to print your own copy from a PDF, this new printed version is ideal for you, and the print quality of this perfect-bound paperback is far better than anything you could achieve on your own. Plus Lulu accepts secure credit card payments, so it serves countries not yet available through PayPal.

Don't delay, order your copy today!

Owen W. Linzmayer
2227 15th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94116-1824
United States

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

According to a 8 January 2008 press release, the Czech National Bank “is preparing to issue a new version of the 1,000 CZK [US$57] banknote. The new note contains additional protective elements (a watermark, a protective strip, a bichrome iridescent strip, etc.), which will help the public to better distinguish counterfeit banknotes from genuine ones. A draft decree containing a description of the differences between the 2008 version of the 1,000 CZK notes and the 1993 and 1996 versions of the same denomination and a description of the new protective elements is currently being circulated for interdepartmental comments. The banknotes will be put into circulation on 1 April 2008.”

Courtesy of Evzen Sknouril.

Tags: Czech Republic

According to a January 23, 2008, press release, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is reminding the public to help protect the environment by using good-as-new notes, instead of brand-new ones, for lai-see, the small red envelopes containing money traditionally given for good luck at special occasions, such as weddings and the Lunar New Year.

“Thanks to the support of the public and the note-issuing banks, about 162 million, or 50%, of the notes issued in the run-up to the last Chinese New Year were good-as-new notes, up from 53 million, or 20%, the year before…Every year 300 to 400 million new and used notes are issued to cater for demand in connection with the Chinese New Year. Three hundred million notes occupy 500 cubic metres of storage space and could fill 20 twenty-foot containers. The three note-issuing banks need to arrange 500 trips with security escort to transport these brand-new notes. And it takes 400 tonnes of cotton to produce 300 million banknotes.

“Good-as-new notes are perfectly suitable for use as lai-see. Hong Kong’s currency notes are kept very clean with dirty or torn notes being removed from circulation when they are returned to the note-issuing banks. Each year about one-third of the notes in circulation are identified as unfit for use and replaced.”

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Hong Kong

20 pounds (US$39.10), 24th JUNE 2006. Front like P229E, back like P221, but new date.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Barry Boswell (www.collectpapermoney.co.uk).

Tags: Scotland

5 pounds (US$10.45), 1st JANUARY 2007. Like P335, but new date, new typeface for Ulster Bank Limited, Royal Bank of Scotland logo added, and new signature (Cormac McCarthy, GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE). Printer: DE LA RUE.



10 pounds (US$19.60), 1st JANUARY 2007. Like P336, but new date, new typeface for Ulster Bank Limited, Royal Bank of Scotland logo added, and new signature (Cormac McCarthy, GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE). Printer: DE LA RUE.



20 pounds (US$39.25), 1st JANUARY 2007 and 1st JANUARY 2008. Like P337, but new dates, new typeface for Ulster Bank Limited, Royal Bank of Scotland logo added, and new signature (Cormac McCarthy, GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE). Printer: DE LA RUE.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Barry Boswell and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Tags: Ireland

1,000,000 dollars, 1st January 2008. Expires 30th June 2008. Issued January 18, 2008. Brown. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), solid security thread, and Zimbabwe bird as watermark with RBZ as electrotype. Village, two women with poles on back.




5,000,000 dollars, 1st January 2008. Expires 30th June 2008. Issued January 18, 2008. Blue and violet. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), solid security thread with repeating RBZ, and Zimbabwe bird as watermark with RBZ as electrotype. Mountain range on back.




10,000,000 dollars, 1st January 2008. Expires 30th June 2008. Issued January 18, 2008. Red, purple, and green. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), solid security thread, and Zimbabwe bird as watermark with RBZ as electrotype. Tigerfish and Kariba Dam on back.

Images courtesy of Nick Brice.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Zimbabwe

50,000 rials (US$5.40), ND (2007). Like the IRR50,000 reported in IBNS Journal 46.1p21, but new signatures (Mazaheri and Danesh Jafari).

Images courtesy of Armen Hovsepian (www.armenstamp.com).

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Iran

In early 2008, the Central Bank of Nicaragua received approval to produce new banknotes. The 10-, 20-, and 200-córdoba notes are to be printed on polymer, whereas the 50-, 100-, and 500-córdoba notes will be printed on paper.

Additional information and images requested.

Courtesy of Roberto Cacciamani.

Tags: Nicaragua

1,000 riels (US$0.25), 2007. Like P58, but new date. 138 x 64 mm.

Images courtesy of Leszek Porowski.

P.S. Be aware that I am still looking for scans of several Cambodian notes for my catalog. Please help if you can.

Tags: Cambodia

200 kroner (US$33.20), 2006. Like P50, but new date, and new new signatures (Svein Gjedrem, Governor; Trond Eklund, Cashier’s Department Director).




500 kroner (US$92.10), 2005. Like P51, but new date, and new new signatures (Svein Gjedrem, Governor; Trond Eklund, Cashier’s Department Director).

1,000 kroner (US$184.20), 2004. Like P52, but new date, and new new signatures (Svein Gjedrem, Governor; Trond Eklund, Cashier’s Department Director).

Images courtesy of Jan Ove.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Norway

100 kroon (US$9.45), 2007. Issued 10 January 2008. Like P82, but new date, new signatures (Andres Lipstok, President; Mart Sõrg, Nõukogu esimees), wider (2 mm vs. 1.2 mm) security thread fluoresces blue under UV light, and rectangle with denomination in UV ink moved from front to back. Printer: (Gieseke & Devrient).

Courtesy of Michael Perelman.

Tags: Estonia

500 francs (US$6.20), ND (2003-). Like P1, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; T. Cornaille, LE DIRECTEUR).




1,000 francs (US$12.35), ND (2003-). Like P2, but new signatures (Severino, LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL; Jean Paul Redouin, LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE; T. Cornaille, LE DIRECTEUR).

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Tags: French Pacific Territories

According to an 11 December 2007, press release, the Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs.10 denomination banknotes with inset letter "S" in both numbering panels in Mahatma Gandhi Series with additional/new security features bearing the signature of Dr. Y.V. Reddy, Governor. Except for the change in the inset letter, the design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the banknotes issued earlier in Mahatma Gandhi Series with additional/new security features issued on 27 April 2006. All banknotes in the denomination of Rs.10 issued by the Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

No further details are available at this time. If anyone can provide information or images of the new note, please add a comment to this posting.

Tags: India

200 pesos oro (US$5.95), 2007. First-ever RD$200 denomination. Issued October 2007. Magenta and gray. Portrait of three Mirabal sisters on front. Mirabal monument, tree, and national flag on back. Printer: De La Rue.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Tags: Dominican Republic

20 gourdes (US$0.50), 2001. Issued December 2007. Like commemorative P271, but legal tender, straight black serial numbers, silver foils around center wreath, and different holographic strip at right.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Haiti

According to an 8 January 2008 article on China View, "The Cambodian National Bank has issued a new 2,000-riel bank note to refresh currency supplies and simplify cash payments, the Cambodia Daily newspaper said Tuesday. Roughly equivalent to half a U.S. dollar, the new note depicts an image of the Preah Vihear temple on one side and a woman harvesting rice on the other, the newspaper said. The notes replace an equal value of tattered 1,000-riel notes that have been taken out of circulation and destroyed, National Bank of Cambodia Deputy Governor Neav Chanthana said. 'The new note is to replace the older ones,' Neav Chanthana was quoted as saying. The 2,000-riel denomination also requires that only half as many bills be printed as are removed from circulation, thereby saving the usage of paper, she added."

2,000 riels (US$0.50), 2007. Introduced 03.01.2008. Green, black, and yellow. Gate of Preah Vihear temple on front; farmers harvesting rice with palm trees and Angkor Wat temple in background on back. Signatures (Chea Chanto, Governor; Tha Yao, General Cashier), solid security thread with repeating *NBC*, Bayon sculpture as watermark, embedded colored threads, NATIONALBANKOFCAMBODIA microprinting, and some UV elements. 146 x 68 mm. Also available as perforated specimen with all-zero serial number.

Images courtesy of Leszek Porowski.

P.S. Be aware that I am still looking for scans of several Cambodian notes for my catalog. Please help if you can.

Tags: Cambodia

20,000 forint (US$116), 2007. Like P193, but new date and new signatures (Henrik Auth, Zsigmond Járai, Surányi György).

Images courtesy of Kevin Klauss.

Tags: Hungary

5 dollars (US$5), 2007. Issued December 17, 2007. Like P63, but fourth denomination in CRISP (Counterfeit Resistant Integrated Security Product) family with larger island names, 3-mm windowed security thread printed BAHAMAS, gold metallic foil galleon, 5 as electrotype watermark, THECENTRALBANK in microprinting, sand dollar in OVI, sand dollar as registration device, gold iridescent band with bank logo on back, signature (Wendy M. Craigg, Governor). Orange, brown, and blue. Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield as portrait and watermark. Junkanoo dancers on back. 156 x 67 mm.

Images courtesy of the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

© 2008: Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission from owen [AT] banknotenews [DOT] com.

Tags: Bahamas