National Reserve Bank of Tonga

NRBT Launches the 2023 New Polymer and Paper Banknote Series

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) will launch Tonga’s latest series of banknotes on Monday 4th December 2023 to commemorate the birthday of the Kingdom’s moderniser King Tupou I. His Royal Highness Prince Ata will be the Guest of Honour for the occassion at 11:00am on Monday at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa. The new currency series was developed under the authority of the Privy Council in partnership with De La Rue, an international renowned banknote manufacturer.

The 2023 banknotes series is a more innovative series, incorporating both paper and polymer, with the first polymer banknotes for $5 and $10, marking a significant advancement in Tonga’s currency. The most widely used denominations, the 5 and 10 Tongan Pa'anga notes, are printed on the durable and secure polymer, ensuring longevity and resilience in everyday use.

The design of the new series offers vibrant reflections of the Kingdom's rich culture, history, and aspirations. Each denomination encapsulates a profound narrative, celebrating Tonga's heritage and envisioning a promising future:

• Whale breaching from the expansive and capitivating Pacific Ocean on the back of the $2 to promote tourism.
• The polymer $5 captures enigma of the ancient Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon an intriguing mystery in the Pacific's culture.
• The spotlight of the polymer $10 is on Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, gracefully performing the Kava Ceremony Milolua showcasing the kava ceremony for future generations.
• The $20 features the National Reserve Bank of Tonga Building symbolising the country's present and future potential for growth.
• The $50 captures the St. George Government Building to reflect the stability derived from good governance.
• The $100 note proudly showcases Tonga's Royal Family against the backdrop of the Royal Palace. The image symbolises the enduring stability of the country and its esteemed position in the global community.

Each denomination in this series is distinguished by a range of bespoke security features, developed by De La Rue, to ensure the highest standards of anti-counterfeiting measures.

The NRBT Board Chairman, Lord Sevele, stated that “the unveiling of the new series of banknotes on the birthday of King Tupou I, Tonga’s moderniser, is befitting as the new series brings advanced features across both paper and polymer substrates and marks Tonga’s first polymer notes. This enhances the durability and reliability of the Tongan currency, and will serve as a source of pride for Tonga.”

For more information, please contact:

Currency Department
National Reserve Bank of Tonga
Fasi mo e Afi
NUKU'ALOFA

Telephone: (676) 24057
Fax: (676) 24201
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