New designs for Fiji’s currency have been approved by cabinet which sees the replacing of the Queen’s portrait and a new $2 coin.

The decision was based on a submission by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

The designs were selected by the Currency Design Committee appointed by cabinet to replace the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second on Fiji’s five banknotes and five coin denominations.

Cabinet has also approved designs selected by the committee for both the obverse and reverse of a new $2 coin to replace the $2 banknote.

Commodore Bainimarama said important and iconic flora and fauna of Fiji has been selected to replace Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second’s portrait.

A tanoa, which was previously featured on the 1 cent coin, has been selected for the reverse side of the new $2 coin, in line with the cultural items featured on other existing Fiji coins.

With the removal of the $2 green note and its inclusion in the coin structure, there will be a change in colour for the existing $5 note to adopt the green colour.

The new design notes and coins, including the new $2 coin, will be introduced into circulation around June next year.


Story by: Vijay Narayan