...Samoa - 100 Tala 100th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth The Second's Birth 1926-2026

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

(Independent State of Samoa)

Central Bank of Samoa (Est'd.1984)

Currency : Tala (WST)

 

On 21 April 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth the Second. Queen Elizabeth the Second was born on 21 April 1926 and died on 8 September 2022. To commemorate the centennial birth of the late Queen Elizabeth the Second (QEII), the Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) released a limited edition of a commemorative banknote of 100 tala to honour her 100th birth year. 

Like the current circulating 100 tala note, this commemorative note is also printed in polymer substrate material, and for the first time, this note is printed in a vertical format on both front and back.

This commemorative banknote is legal tender in Samoa but is not intended for general circulation. This issue is intended solely for collectors and for those who would like to get this for a souvenir.  

 

One Hundred Tala

Front - The front of the note depicts three portraits of the late QEII. Starting with the center portrait when QEII was 9 years old. This portrait was taken in 1934 by Marcus Adams and I believe it was used for the Bank of Canada $20 note in 1935. It should be noted that back then, she was the third in line to the British throne, after her uncle Prince Edward and her father Prince Albert. In 1935, her grandfather King George V was the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. The next portrait was taken in 1951 by Yousuf Karsh when she was still the princess aged 25 years old. The third one was taken by Bill Ingalls in 2007 when the Queen was 81 years old.

At the bottom, the note also features a green turtle and an outrigger canoe with two men on it. 

Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 11.08.2011)

Date - 1926-2026 (10.09.2026)

Watermark - N/A

Sizes - 72.5mm x 141mm

Quantity - 20,000 pieces (s/# QEII 00001 - QEII 20000) 

Back - The back of the note features her 1977 Silver Jubilee tour of Samoa (Western Samoa). This is the first country that the Queen visited during her Pacific tour. During the 1977 Silver Jubilee around the world tour, she visited commonwealth countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Fiji, Tonga, Western Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. In addition to these, she also visited the West Indies/Caribbean including a brief stoppover in the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The visit to Western Samoa was a one day tour. The Queen arrived on the royal yacht HMS Britannia on 11 February 1977. The Queen arrived via air and landed in American Samoa on 10 February 1977 from the United Kingdom before crossing over to Western Samoa by sea. This was the first time a reigning British monarch visited Western Samoa.

There were fears the Queen would not be received well in return for the cold shoulder suffered by Samoa’s Head of State when he was in Britain the year before. However, the visit was successful and the Royal family were welcome spontaneous and warm by the Samoans. The Queen and Prince Philip arrived aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and were welcomed with immense local celebration, traditional Samoan welcoming ceremonies, cultural dances, and formal parades. 

As usual, Prince Philip is reported to have himself made a muted protest. “What a pity,” he said, in a remark meant to be overheard, “that they couldn’t be allowed to come forward to have a better look.” 

The banknote shows the Queen, Prince Philip and Malietoa Tanumafili II (b.1913-2007) walkabout upon her arrival. During her visit, the Queen planted a memorial tree outside the Maota Fono (parliament building) in Apia. 

After the Western Samoa visit, the Queen continued her Pacific tour and visited Tonga (14 February), Fiji (16-17 February), New Zealand (22 February-7 March), Australia (7-23 March) and Papua New Guinea (23-26 March).

Other designs include Fuipisia Falls in the background, At the bottom is an 18th-century sailing ship and the partial ruins of the London Missionary Society church at the Sale'aula lava field on Savai'l.

 

...Sao Tome & Principe - 50 Dobras Polymer Commemorative 50th Year of Independence

República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe

Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Banco Central de Sao Tome e Principe

(Central Bank of Sao Tome and Principe, Est'd.1975)

Currency - Dobra (STN)

 

Below is a 50 dobras commemorative polymer note released on 21st August 2026. This note was issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Sao Tome and Principe. Independence was granted by the Portuguese on 12th July 1975, after 505 years of occupation from 1470 to 1975. However, it should be noted that the Dutch briefly also occupied Sao Tome and Principe from 1641 to 1648.

This note is predominantly printed in green and gold colours, and it was reported that only 60,000 pieces have been issued. In addition to the 60,000 notes, folders are also available but I am not sure if the folders are sold with or without the note. Due to the quantity issued, letter 'A' is the only printed, and I do not know if replacement notes are also available for this series.

  

Fifty Dobras Polymer

Front - The theme featuring Fauna and Flora of Sao Tome and Principe. To the far left is printed with a Peregrine Falcon and next to it is an African Grey Parrot. In the background it features tropical ferns, forest foliage and a scene of a waterfall - Cascata Mioba. To the top center right is the bust of Rei Amador, the national hero of Sao Tome and Principe. Rei Amador (Amador Viera) led a major 1595 slave rebellion in Sao Tome and Principe against Portuguese occupation and proclaimed himself the King of the Angolares and liberator of the enslaved. He was captured on January 4, 1596 and was later executed by the Portuguese. Today, January 4 is a public holiday in his honour, first celebrated in 2005.

Signatures

Minister of State for Economy and Finance - Gareth Guadalupe (since 2025)

Governor - Agostinho Quaresma dos Santos Fernandes (since 2025)

Date - Decreto No. 09/2025

Quantity - 60,000 pieces

Watermark - half cut Cocoa fruit with cocoa beans inside

Sizes - 150mm x 67mm

Back - Partial outline maps of South America and Africa and an aerial view of Sao Tome and Principe islands with the equator running across Ilhéu das Rolas (Rolas Islet). The Marco do Equador monument is also featured on the note. The monument marks the path of the equator and features a large tile mosaic map of the world on the ground.

 

Folder Issue

In addition to the 60,000 pieces of notes, the bank also released 1000 sets of this note in a folder with an unique prefix of STP (Sao Tome and Principe), and it comes in two varieties: -

VIP Folders - 100 sets with serial numbers from STP 0001 to 0100; and

Standard Collectors Folders - 900 sets with serial number from STP 0101 to 1000. 

The following text are printed inside the standard collectors folders, 

"Message from the governor

Fifty years after the proclamation of independence on 12 July 1975, Sao Tome and Principe looks back with gratitude and pride on the path travelled by our people, Independence gave us the sovereign right to define our destiny, to build national institutions, to protect our culture and to give voice to the aspirations of the islands of Sao Tome and Principe.

The commemorative banknote is issued in honour of that historic anniversary. It recalls the courage, dignity and unity of those who worked for freedom, and it celebrates the natural and cultural wealth that continues to define our nation. Our history has been shaped by the ocean and surrounds us, by the fertile land that sustains us, by cocoa and agriculture, by education, by faith in progress, and by the resilience of our citizens.

As the Central Bank, we also look to the future. The next fifty years must be guided by stability, confidence, responsible development and greater opportunity for every Santomean. Our islands possess extraordinary biodiversity; a strategic geographic identity services and value-added agriculture.

May this banknote service not only as a collector’s piece, but also as a symbol of national memory and ambition: a tribute to independence, a celebration of identity, and a commitment to a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for Sao Tome and Principe.

Agostinho Quaresma dos Santos Afonso Fernandes

Governor of the Central Bank of Sao Tome and Principe" 

 

Fifty Dobras Folder Note - Prefix STP

Prefix STP

Sizes - 150mm x 67mm

"About the Banknote

The 50 Dobras commemorative banknote has been created to mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of Sao Tome and Principe, celebrated from 1975 to 2025. Its design brings together history, geography, nature and national identity in a single visual narrative.

The front of the note features two emblematic birds of the islands, the falcon and the parrot, presented against a richly layered tropical landscape. Their presence reflects the exceptional biodiversity of the archipelago and the importance of protecting its natural heritage for future generations. The national coat of arms, the official signatures and the anniversary inscription reinforce the solemn character of the issue. Cocoa imagery recalls one of the country’s most important agricultural symbols and a product closely linked to its economic and cultural history.

The reverse side highlights Sao Tome and Principe’s remarkable position on the Equator. A world map, equatorial markings and the reference to the geodesic and astronomical work of Gago Coutinho, carried out between 1916 and 1918, connect the banknote to science, navigation and the country’s unique place on the globe. The Equator Monument on Ilheu das Rolas appears as a central symbol of this geographic identity.

The green and gold colour palette evokes the islands’ lush vegetation, sunlight and natural abundance, while transparent and decorative elements give the note a modern commemorative character. Together, these motifs honour the past fifty years and look forward to a future built on heritage, knowledge, sustainability and national pride."

195mm x 109mm

...Guatemala - 100 Quetzales 2025 Commemorative Central Bank 80th Anniversary 1945-2025

Republica de Guatemala

(Republic of Guatemala)

Banco de Guatemala

(Bank of Guatemala, Est. 1945)

Currency - Quetzal (GTQ)

 

Posted below is a 100 quetzales commemorative note released on 25th May 2026, celebrating the country's central bank 80th anniversary. Banco de Guatemala was established in 1945 and is located in the capital city of Guatemala city. In addition to the central bank, this note also celebrates the 350th anniversary of the University of San Carlos de Borromeo.

The designs for this new commemorative note is similar to the current circulating 100 quetzales as it retains the portrait of Francisco Marroquin Hurtado on the front and the University of San Carlos de Borromeo on the back but the designs are not the same. Alos the colours are not the same either. The new commemorative note is predominantly printed in a much darker brownish colour on both front and back.

 

One Hundred Quetzales

Front - Portrait of Bishop Francisco Marroquin Hurtado (1478-1563). Bishop of Santiago de Guatemala from 1534 to 1563. Born in Spain and went to Guatemala via Mexico in 1528. In 1559, he founded the School of Saint Thomas (now University of San Carlos of Guatemala). A flying quetzal bird, which is much smaller than the one printed on the current circulating 100 quetzales note. The national flag is also printed on the note as a security register feature.

Signatures:-

Gerente General - Lienciado Jorge Vinicio Caceres Davila (since 2023)

Presidente - Alvaro Gonzalez Ricci (since 2022)

Date - Aprobación 8 de Octubre de 2025 (Approval 8th October 2025)

Watermark - Indio de Nahuala and electrotype 100

Quantity - 15 million notes

Sizes - 156.5mm x  67mm

Back - A window view of the courtyard of the University of San Carlos de Borromeo in Antigua. The courtyard features a flower bed, a fountain, and pillars of the university. The town Antigua is located in the central highlands within the Sacatepequez Department, about 40 kilometers west of Guatemala City. Antigua has a small urban population of approximately 60,000 people.

...Philippines - 3000 Piso Commemorative 125th Anniversary 1901-2026

Republika ng Pilipinas

(Republic of The Philippines)

Bango Sentral ng Pilipinas

(Central Bank of The Philippines, Est.1949)

Currency - Piso (PHP)

This is a commemorative note of 3000 piso celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Philippines's Supreme Court 1901 - 2026. The announcement for this new commemorative note was officially launched on 10 June 2026 and this note was released on 30 July 2026.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the highest court in the country and it was established on 11 June 1901 by their former colonial master, the United States of America. The Supreme Court was established to replace the previous court known as the Real Audiencia of Manila which was established during the Spanish rule of the Philippines. Spain ruled the Philippines for 333 years from 1565 to 1898.

This is a one note series issue but sold in two different presentation folders. These notes are distributed by the Central Bank (BSP) and also by the Supreme Court (SC). Those that are released by the central bank come in a simple 'greeting' card type folder, whilst those released by the Supreme Court come in a more elegant hard cardboard version. I am not sure if there are any differences in the price between these two versions. Perhaps the version issued by the Supreme Court might be slightly more expensive because of the quality of the folder. The note that I have uploaded here came from the central bank. The Supreme Court version also comes with a Certificate of Authentication. However, the certificate lacks any reference number nor are they printed with the serial number that would match the banknote provided in the folder.

 

This note that I have posted here has a normal serial number of SC 135264 and was distributed by BSP. Presumably, the letters 'SC' stand for 'Supreme Court'. However, as for the serial number, if you rearrange them, it can read as SC 123456. Of course, this is just wishful thinking and if only I can get one!😎.

As this is a numismatic product celebrating a historical milestone event of the country's Supreme Court, the total quantity released is not known nor such information is available to the public. According to the bank's website, and I quote:-

“To ensure fair access, purchases of the Supreme Court (SC) banknotes 

are limited to one (1) per customer ONLY.” ..... and unquote.

According to BSP, the issue price is 3,600 piso per note. A seller in the US claimed that only 8,000 sets have been issued with the first note as SC 125001 (to 133000). This is not confirmed yet. Whilst I believe the restriction for 1 note per person is fair, however, such a restriction can only push up the secondary market price unless a reasonable quantity of this note is issued. In order to avoid this, I believe a quantity of say 20-30,000 sets would be fair, but I doubt this is the case given this is a high value banknote in the Philippines and only a percentage of the collectors population may only be interested in getting them, including numismatic dealers. Current market resale price is more than 8 times the official issue price, and this is just ridiculous to overseas collectors, just like the previous 5,000 piso commemorative note issued. I believe this 3,000 piso note selling price can only go further up later. Shouldn't such an important event be celebrated by the masses and not just for a few?

Whilst we have someone claiming that only 8,000 sets have been issued, I do not believe this is correct. Some people like to talk with hot air but with no substance. If the last serial note number was SC 133000. then the note that I have posted here with SC 135264 falls way outside the range of 8,000 pieces as claimed, unless the first note is not SC 125001. Furthermore, I have also sighted another note with serial numbers SC 135258 too. I also saw one in a wooden presentation case with the note in a plastic protected sleeve with the serial number of SC 000001. Are there any other notes that have been printed with special serial numbers too, like SC 000125 etc? What about specimens or even replacement notes, if any?

I was a bit disappointed when I first saw this note. As 3000 piso is considered as a high denomination banknote and since this is a non-circulating limited edition issue, I was expecting the size of this note much larger. To me, for this face value of a banknote, a large size note would be more appropriate, in my opinion.

My opinions on this commemorative banknote:-

1) Face value makes no sense to me. Perhaps one with 125-piso may be more appropriate;

2) The banknote's size is very ordinary to me for a face value of 3000-piso note. The length is fine but not the height;

3) Quantity issued is unknown and but should have issued more for the masses and not just for a few;

4) A better design for the folder would be better rather than just a simple 'greeting card' type;

5) This issue has created a 'piranha frenzy' demand situation with a secondary market asking price in excess of 8 times the issue price. This can only go up in the future.

This note is legal tender in the Philippines, but is not intended for general circulation.

 

Three Thousand Piso - Tatlong Libong Piso

Front - Chief Justice Cayetano Simplicio Arellano y Lonzón (b.1847-1920), the Philippines’ first Chief Justice. Cayetano Arellano was appointed to the Chief Justice role by William McKinley (b.1843-1901), the 25th President of the United States of America. It should be noted that the United States occupied the Philippines from 1898 to 1946 after Spain ceded the islands in the Treaty of Paris following the Spanish-American War, which was started by the United States. Cayetano Arellano served as the country's chief justice from 1901 to until his death in 1920 at the age of 73 years old. 

In the background is an image of the historic Supreme Court Session Hall and the banknotes is printed with the text - SUPREME COURT EN BANC ORAL ARGUMENTS SESSION HALL, MANILA. The commemorative logo is printed in the center and to the center right are the Coat of Arms of the Philippines and the Central Bank of the Philippines.

Signatures (Pangulo ng Pilipinas - President / Tagapangasiwa ng Bangko Sentral - Governor)

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr. (fixed term tenure 2022-2028)

Governor - Eli Mendiola Remolona Jr. (since 2023, fixed term of six years)

Year - (1901-) 2026

Watermarks - Unable to see any.

Sizes - 160.5mm x 66mm

Quantity - Unknown (Limited edition)

Issue price - 3,600 piso per note, limited to one note per person (BSP)

Back - This is the first time the reverse is printed in a vertical format for a normal or commemorative note issued by the Philippines. The main features on the back is a standing Lady Justice (lustitia) in blindfold (fair to all and unbiased) holding a scale (weighting evidence and facts in a fair way) with her left hand, and a sword (power and law of the state) in her left hand. Next to her is the seal of the Supreme Court. Standing behind her is the Supreme Court New Building. The note also printed with the roster of all 27(**) Chief Justices who have led the Supreme Court from 1901 to 2026 (inclusive). As from the list, the first Chief Justice Cayetano Simplicio Arellano y Lonzón had held the Chief Justice role the longest for 19 years from 1901 to 1920. A tingling ribbon is floating from the top to the bottom of the note.

Below are the list of all names served as Chief Justice from 1901 to 2026

Cayetano S Arellano, 1901-1920 (retired)
Victorino M Mapa, 1920-1921 (resigned poor health)
Manuel G Araullo, 1921-9124 (death)
Ramon Q Avancena, 1925-1941 (death)
Jose Abad Santos, 1941-1942 (captured and executed by Imperial Japanese Forces)
Jose Yulo, 1942-1944 (term ended)
Manuel V Moran, 1945-1951 (resigned to take up ambassador post to Spain and the Holy See)
Ricardo M Paras, 1951-1961 (retired)
Cesar Bengzon, 1961-1966 (retired)
Roberto R Concepcion, 1966-1973 (retired)
Querube C Makalintal, 1973-1975 (retired)
Fred Ruiz Castro, 1976-1979 (death)
Enrique M Fernando, 1979-1985 (resigned)
Felix V Makasiar, 1985-1985 (retired)
Ramon C Aquino, 1985-1986 (resigned)
Claudio Teehankee, 1986-1988 (retired)
Pedro L Yap, 1988-1988 (retired)
Marcelo B Fernan, 1988-1991 (resigned)
Andres R Narvasa, 1991-1998 (retired)
Hilario G Davide, Jr., 1998-2005 (retired)
Artemio V Panganiban, 2005-2007 (retired)
Reynato S Puno, 2007-2010 (retired)
Renato C Corona, 2010-2012 (sacked through impeachment and conviction)

(** Maria Lourdes Aranai-Sereno (Ms), de facto 2012-2018 (disqualified, see note below)

Teresita J Leonardo-De Castro (Ms), 2018-2018 (retired)
Lucas P Bersamin, 2018-2019 (retired)
Diosdado M Peralta, 2019-2021 (early retirement)
Alexander G Gesmundo, 2021-2026 (term ending 6 November 2026)

 

The following text are printed inside the card folder:-

3000-PISO SUPREME COURT 125TH ANNIVERSARY

COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTE

 

This is to certify that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilippinas (BSP) has issued a limited 3000-piso commemorative, 

non-circulating legal tender banknote to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (1901-2026)

 

The obverse features Chief Justice Cayetano S. Arellano, the first Filipino Chief, set against 

the Supreme Court En Banc Session Hall in Manila. Also depicted are the Supreme Court's 

125th Anniversary logo, the Coat of Arms of the Republic of the Philippines, and the BSP logo.

 

The reverse is presented in a vertical orientation, the first of its kind in BSP history. It showcases the Supreme Court New Building and the iconic Lady Justice, together with the complete historical roster

of the Chief Justice of the Philippines.

 

 

Note** - Maria Lourdes Meilou Aranal-Sereno was the de facto Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 25 August 2012 to 11 May 2018. The Philippines Supreme Court retroactively nullified her 2012 appointment in 2018, ruling that she was legally ineligible from holding the post from the beginning. She was disqualified as she failed to consistently file her mandatory financial disclosure, legally known as the Statement of Assets, Liability, and Net Worth (SALN). She was originally appointed to the Chief Justice role on 24 August 2012 by President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino (b.1960-2021).

...Bhutan - 100, 500 and 1000 Ngultrum Polymer Series 2025 Commemorative

འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ

Kingdom of Bhutan

 

Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (Est.1982)

Currency - Ngultrum (BTN)

Here are the three commemorative notes of 100, 500 and 1000 ngultrum all released on 02.01.2026. These three notes are all printed in polymer substrates and were issued to celebrate the 70th birthday of the formal King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who was the King of Bhutan from 1972 to 2006. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born on 11th November 1955, and abdicated in 2006 in favour of his son, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Like many Asian countries, many central banks have issued polymer banknotes due to it's durability and being able to be recycled once they are no longer deemed fit for circulation. However, most of the countries issue polymer notes with either the lower denominations, or those that are the most circulated denominations. In the Bhutan case, the central bank has issued them with the three highest denominations. Bhutan is the 19th nation in the Asian region to issue polymer banknotes.

The design for the notes depict a portrait of a Bhutanese monarch (past or present) and on the back with the image of a Dzong or a fortress monastery that serves as both the religious and administrative center for a district.

These notes are printed by De La Rue on Safeguard polymer materials. 

Circular transparent window with the image of the current monarch, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

I am not sure who the signature belongs to that is printed on these three polymer notes. These three notes were issued in early 2026 and all notes are dated 2025. The previous bank governor was Dasho Penjore and he was replaced by Dasho Yangchen Tshogye (she/her) on 01.12.2025 (appointed on 25.11.2025). I can see the signature on these polymer notes are not the same as those previously signed by Dasho Penjore, however, I cannot be sure these polymer notes signature belong to Dasho Yangchen Tshogye, given the time she was appointed and the release of these notes were just over a month. Most printing of banknotes is well planned in advance. I can see previous notes were signed with western style (English alphabet), whilst these three polymer notes are signed in Bhutanese (I think). The signature on these notes could belong to the previous governor, Dasho Penjore as he may have two signatures. The appointment of the governor is for 5 years. Any future issues should confirm this.

****This is one expensive set to purchase, just because it is printed in polymer substrate material. This is the price to pay if you want to be the first to have them. Such strategy **** 

 

One Hundred Ngultrum

Front - The portrait of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who was born in 1980. He is the eldest son of the former King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He acceded to the Bhutanese Golden throne following the abdication of his father on 09.12.2006.

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025)

Date - 2025

Sizes - 144.5mm x 69mm

Back - An image of the Tashichho Dzong situated at the northern edge of Thimphu. The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and is also traditionally the office of Bhutan's civil government.

 

Five Hundred Ngultrum

Front - The portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who was born on 11 November 1955. He was the king of Bhutan from 1972 to 2006 when he abdicated in favour of his eldest son from his third wife. He is married with four wives and with 10 children.

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025)

Date - 2025

Sizes - 150mm x 71.5mm

Back - The image of Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang. In translation, it means 'the palace of great happiness or bliss'. The Punakha Dzong is situated between the two rivers of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu in the Punakha valley. It is believed that this palace was built around 1638. This is also the palace where the current King and Queen Jetsun Pema held their Royal wedding in 2011.

 

One Thousand Ngultrum 

Front - The portrait of King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck (b.1862-1926). He was the first king of Bhutan from 1907 to until his death in 1926. King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck spent his early life uniting various tribes. Following the death of his father Jigme Namgyal in 1881, he took over his father's position and continued working his way to win the hearts and sorts of the people. In 1886 at the young age of 24, he successfully achieved victory against his enemies and became the de facto ruler of Bhutan. He was crowned the King of Bhutan in 1907.

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025)

Date - 2025

Sizes - 154.5mm x 75mm

Back - An image of Trongsa Dzong. This is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan and is located in Trongsa in the center of the country. It is believed that this dzong was built in 1543. Today, this dzong functions as a Bhutanese government administrative office.