Today will go down in the annals of Fiji’s history with the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau unveiling new flora and fauna design banknotes and coins.
The new designs of flora and fauna – unique to Fiji – will replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II across all denominations.
Members of the British Royal family have featured on the Fijian currency since 1934.
Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Barry Whiteside says while it’s sad to see this transition taking place, it’s time to move forward and promote Fiji’s very own unique national treasure and the biodiversity that lies all around us.
Work on the new series of notes and coins commenced in February 2010.
A Currency Design Committee was approved by the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Voreqe Bainimarama to oversee the selection of the designs.
The new flora and fauna design series notes and coins will come into circulation from January 2nd next year.
Along with the design changes, the Reserve Bank will also, for the first time, introduce a $2 coin to replace the $2 note.
