The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) launched Tonga’s latest series of banknotes on December 4, 2023, commemorating the birthday of the Kingdom’s King Tupou IV. The new banknotes series is innovative, incorporating both paper and SAFEGUARD® polymer substrates along with advanced security features.
The new series includes banknotes in six denominations: 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-. The most widely used denominations, the 5 and 10 Tongan Pa’anga notes, are printed on polymer, making them durable, secure, and resilient for everyday use.
The use of polymer, coupled with the addition of cutting edge security features, makes the 2023 series as a significant step forward since Tonga’s banknotes were last redesigned in 2015.
The Kingdom of Tonga’s 2023 Banknote Series
Imagery and Security
Tonga’s new banknotes contain vibrant visual designs that represent the Kingdom’s rich culture, history, and future aspirations. The color schemes much like the previous series, helping consumers recognize each denomination. Below is a glimpse of the imagery and security features in each denomination in the 2023 series. (All images described below appear on the note’s back side.)
- $2 note illustrates whale breaching from the Pacific Ocean.
- $5 note depicts the ancient Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, an intriguing mystery in the Pacific’s culture. Key security feature: Transparent window with a high-resolution gravure image of His Majesty King Tupou IV. The image features ROTATE™, a fully registered image pairing on both sides of the note, overlaid with gold iridescence. Tactile embossing helps the visually impaired recognize the denomination
- $10 note celebrates Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, as she performs the Kava Ceremony Milolua. Key security features: Transparent window with a high-resolution gravure image of His Majesty King Tupou IV; the image features ROTATE™, a fully registered image pairing on both sides of the note, overlaid with gold iridescence. Tactile embossing helps the visually impaired recognize the denomination.
- $20 note depicts the National Reserve Bank of Tonga Building.
Security feature: PUREIMAGE™ holographic thread. - $50 note contains an image of the St. George Government Building.
Key security features: IGNITE®, a dynamic micro-optic thread incorporating the “Drive” effect and a clear denominational numeral. - $100 note showcases Tonga’s Royal Family against the backdrop of the Royal Palace. Key security feature: 18mm wide embedded micro-optic stripe, NEXUS™.
All denominations are secured with level 2 UV security features, the enhanced GEMINI™ and BLINK™.
Sources/References:
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga
Banknote Industry News
Banknote News
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