The portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on all Fiji’s banknotes and coins will be replaced next year.

Fiji will have a new series of banknotes and coins from January 2013 with new flora and fauna designs of the country across all denominations.

Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Barry Whiteside said members of the British Royal Family have featured on our currency since 1934 and the country is grateful to have had the privilege of this association over the past 78 years.

Whiteside said while it is sad to see the transition taking place, it is time to move forward and promote Fiji’s unique national treasure and the biodiversity that lies around us.

A Currency Design Committee of eminent Fijians was approved by the Prime Minister to oversee the selection of the designs.

Whiteside also said work on the series of notes and coins commenced in February 2010 during the UN’s declared Year of Biodiversity.

He said it was most fitting to recognize this important theme in our national currency.

Also for the first time, the RBF will introduce a $2 coin to replace the $2 note.

The new notes and coins will come into circulation with effect from 2nd January, 2013.

President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will officially unveil the new designs on the 12th of next month.


Story by: Vijay Narayan