The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has launched a Golden Jubilee commemorative $50 banknote celebrating its 50th anniversary. The new banknote was designed by De La Rue and printed on SAFEGUARD® polymer.
The front of the banknote retains the core elements of the current paper $50 denomination, supporting public familiarity and acceptability. It additionally incorporates advanced polymer security features, including a clear window featuring an eagle’s head and the Bokolo shell money.
The design is further enhanced with iridescent ink elements, which become visible upon tilting. A bold silver reflective CBSI 50 and a gold 1976-2026 are commemorative additions to the front.
The reverse of the note features the CBSI’s building in intaglio print, signifying the stability and guidance that the central bank delivers to the country. The journey from past to present is also captured in the design, represented by evolving methods of payment from traditional shell and feather money to modern digital payments.
Additional security features include microtext visible under magnification and Enhanced GEMINI™ elements, which reveal patterns under UV light, including a ‘CBSI 50 YEARS’ motif. The banknote also incorporates 10 embossed tactile dots to support the visually impaired community in differentiating between denominations.
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Additionally, two commemorative CZK 100 banknotes are scheduled for release between late 2027 and early 2028, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Václav Havel’s first election as President of the Czech Republic and the 100th anniversary of the commencement of operations at the Banknote Printing Works of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia (now known as Státní Tiskárna Cenin, or STC) in Prague.
The first to be honoured with this distinction is Grenadian Olympic gold medallist Kirani James, whose image will be featured on the new EC$5 note.
Each of the seven countries and territories in the union will have the opportunity to choose national heroes for the currency. The new notes are expected to be revealed and enter circulation in 2027.
This is the country’s first vertically designed banknote. It features the portrait of first Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano, along with Lady Justice, the Supreme Court New Building, and lists the names of the chief justices. The obverse shows Session Hall and the former Main Library of the University of the Philippines.
A 125 piso coin is included in the celebration, featuring Lady Justice, institutional logos, and 15 stars representing the court’s justices.
Both the banknote and coin are legal tender and will be sold at the BSP and the Supreme Court Gift Shop.+
The public have been given the choice to vote for up to two animals per category. The final choice will be made by Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, by the end of 2026, ensuring the four chosen animals represent distinct environments from across the UK (albeit that two of the UK nations – Scotland and Northern Ireland – have their own banknotes).
The removal of famous figures on the four existing banknotes, notably the wartime leader Winston Churchill, has been defended on the grounds that they are ‘elitist’ and ‘not representative of the UK’s cultural and natural diversity’, according to research commissioned by the Bank.
This, inevitably, has led to a backlash from several politicians, claiming that the Bank is seeking to erase the country’s history.
The notes will still feature the monarch’s portrait, retain their current sizes and colours, in addition to using the new animal shapes to integrate advanced anti-counterfeiting technology.
The design of the current series dates from 2010, and the BCP first announced a new series was on the way in 2022. The existing series is denominated in 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 guaranies. The two lowest denominations are already printed on polymer, and have been since 2009 and 20-13 respectively.
It is not known when the new notes will land, but it is understood that the first to be issued will be the 5,000, 50,000 and 100,000. They will be phased in while keeping all existing paper notes valid indefinitely.
‘This is more than a coin; it’s a defining moment in our nation’s story’, said US Mint Director Paul Hollis. ‘We hope Americans enjoy the search for these iconic quarters as they’re meant to be shared, saved, and remembered as part of this historic anniversary.’
The special ‘July 4’ quarters will released to coincide with the Fourth of July and its associated celebrations.
