In this episode of the Holograms on Banknotes series, we report on the latest issues from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), East Caribbean and Tonga.
In December, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) launched a new series of banknotes to coincide with the birthday of the late King Tupou 1, the first ruler of modern Tonga.
The notes, which replace the 2015 series, were designed and printed by De La Rue, and are in six denominations, ranging from 2 to 100 pa’angas (T$). The two most heavily used notes – the T$5 and T$10 – are on SAFEGUARD® polymer, with a transparent window incorporating an image of the current king, Tupou VI. The other four notes are on paper.
The highest denomination (T$100) features an 18mm wide NEXUS micro-optics thread, the T$50 an IGNITE® dynamic micro-optic thread, and the T$20 a PUREIMAGE™ holographic thread on the $20 note.
Also in December, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) issued a new denomination $2 commemorative banknote in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
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Printed by De La Rue on SAFEGUARD, the note joins the all-polymer series first introduced in 2019 and is one the first ‘next generation’ polymer banknote designs, with a deep integration of complementary security features into the overall banknote design.
It showcases a portrait of the legendary cricketer Sir Vivian Richards, affectionately known as ‘the Master Blaster’, who is one of cricket’s most revered batsmen. Ruby red elements within the portrait honour the milestone anniversary.
The portrait aside, the main design of the note is an intricate aquatic ecosystem, representing the Caribbean’s thriving marine life.
The banknote’s visual impact is enhanced by features including an aqua-blue tinted holographic foil stripe depicting a turtle and other marine life, along with the denomination numeral.
The note is legal tender and can be used for transactions throughout the eight member countries of the East Caribbean Currency Union.
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has issued a new 500 dirham (AED) note – the fifth in its new all-polymer series, which has been progressively rolled out since 2022.
The banknote was printed by Abu Dhabi- based Oumolout on SAFEGUARD® polymer, and its introduction on 30 November coincided with both the UAE’s celebrations of the 52nd National Day and with the COP28 Summit, which the country hosted.
According to the CBUAE, the banknote’s design encapsulates the country’s journey in sustainability, its pioneering development approach, its global role, its track record of climate action, and its continuous commitment to advancing sustainable solutions.
The main image on the front of the note depicts the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, while the reverse highlights the Museum of the Future in Dubai. Also prominent on the reverse is an image of iconic landmarks, namely Emirates Towers and the Burj Khalifa, which – at 828 metres high – is the world’s tallest building and is powered by solar energy.
The choice of polymer is in keeping with the country’s drive to sustainability, the CBUAE says, given that it is two or more time more durable than traditional banknote and is fully recyclable.
In common with the AED 1,000, which was issued in April 2023, the new banknote features KURZ’ proprietary top-to-bottom stripe multi-coloured, registered KINEGRAM COLORS® foil stripe. This stripe, depicting the late and revered Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AlNahyan, is strategically applied over a large transparent window within the polymer substrate. His portrait is also included in a second clear window.
