Fiji Banknotes: History, Notable Notes & Collecting Guide
Fiji offers one of the most colourful and self-contained fields in world paper money, running from colonial pounds bearing Queen Elizabeth II to the vivid Flora and Fauna series that replaced her portrait with native birds, flowers, and reef life.
Last updated: July 2026
The Fijian dollar is the official currency of Fiji, issued by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and its banknotes are collectible because they tell a clear, well-documented story in one small set. Fiji converted from the Fijian pound to the decimal dollar on 15 January 1969, roughly 21 months before independence, and its notes carried a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II from that year until 2013, when the Reserve Bank of Fiji issued a new Flora and Fauna series that replaced the Queen with native birds, flowers, and marine life. That single transition, plus a run of unusual commemoratives including the world's first circulating seven dollar note, makes Fiji an affordable and rewarding field to build around.
What is the history of Fiji's money?
Fiji used a short-lived dollar in the 1860s and 1870s, then the colonial Fijian pound, before reintroducing the decimal dollar in 1969 and finally replacing the Queen's portrait with native flora and fauna in 2013.
Fiji's paper money began early. The government treasury issued its first notes in 1867, and between 1871 and 1873 the government of King Seru Epenisa Cakobau issued its own dollar-denominated notes, according to Wikipedia. These first issues were not always trusted, and after Fiji was ceded to Britain in 1874 the colony adopted the Fijian pound, which served as the official currency for nearly a century. This is why the dollar is often described as having been reintroduced in 1969 rather than introduced.
On 15 January 1969 Fiji converted from the imperial system of pounds, shillings, and pence to the decimal Fijian dollar, replacing the pound at a rate of one pound to two dollars, per Wikipedia. The first decimal notes, in denominations of 50 cents, 1, 2, 10, and 20 dollars, were printed by Thomas De La Rue and carried a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. A five dollar note followed in 1970, the same year Fiji became independent on 10 October 1970. Note issuing passed to the Central Monetary Authority in 1974 and then to the Reserve Bank of Fiji, which has issued the country's notes since 1986, per Wikipedia.
The most talked-about change came in 2012. On 12 December 2012 the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, unveiled a new Flora and Fauna series that removed the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and put native species in her place. The notes entered circulation on 2 January 2013. In its announcement the Reserve Bank of Fiji noted that members of the British Royal Family had featured on Fiji's currency since 1934, and Governor Barry Whiteside said it was time to promote Fiji's own natural treasures and biodiversity. Many observers linked the timing to Fiji's suspension from the Commonwealth, though the Reserve Bank framed the change around celebrating the nation's unique wildlife.
Which Fiji banknotes are most collectible?
The most collectible Fiji notes are the early Cakobau-era issues, the Queen Elizabeth II decimal notes of 1969 to 2013, the Flora and Fauna series, and the unusual commemoratives such as the world's first circulating seven dollar note.
Fijian paper money divides neatly into eras, and most collectors build their sets around these landmarks. The table below is a general guide to the main periods, not a price list, since condition and rarity drive value within each one. Ask a source-first dealer for specific catalog references and current availability rather than trusting a fixed price sheet.
| Era / series | Period | What defines it | Why collectors want it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early dollar and Cakobau notes | 1867 to 1873 | Fiji's first paper money, issued before British rule | Rare, historic, a specialty for advanced collectors |
| Colonial Fijian pound | 1874 to 1969 | Pre-decimal notes in pounds, shillings, and pence | Classic colonial-era field with early King George and Queen Elizabeth II issues |
| First decimal series | 1969 to 1970 | Fiji's first dollar notes, with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II | The debut of the decimal dollar, just before independence |
| Queen Elizabeth II dollar notes | 1969 to 2013 | Decades of notes bearing the Queen, including a new Queen Elizabeth II portrait introduced in 2007 | The last era before the monarch left Fiji's money |
| Flora and Fauna series | From 2013 | Native birds, flowers, and reef life replace the Queen; the five dollar note is polymer | Vivid modern designs and a genuine turning point in Fiji's history |
| Seven dollar Rugby 7s commemorative | 2017 | The world's first circulating seven dollar note, for the Rio 2016 gold medal | A one-of-a-kind denomination and a beloved national story |
| 50 years of independence | 2020 | A commemorative note marking 1970 to 2020 | An affordable modern commemorative with a clear theme |
Within any era, collectors pay close attention to condition, early serial-number prefixes, replacement notes, and signature combinations. A note in uncirculated condition or with a very low serial number is far more desirable than a well-worn example of the same design.
How do you start collecting Fiji banknotes?
Pick an era that appeals to you, decide whether you want raw or certified notes, learn the grading ladder, and buy from a source-first dealer that authenticates every note.
Because Fiji's monetary history is compact and well catalogued, beginners benefit from choosing a lane. You might collect the Queen Elizabeth II decimal notes issued from 1969, the modern Flora and Fauna series with its native wildlife, or the unusual commemoratives such as the seven dollar Rugby 7s note. If you are new to the hobby, our guide on how to collect world banknotes walks through choosing a focus and making a safe first purchase.
Condition is most of a note's value, so learn the grading ladder early. Higher-value Fiji notes are often independently graded by PMG or PCGS on a 1 to 70 scale, and our banknote grading guide explains what those grades mean and how they affect price. It also helps to know the vocabulary of the hobby, from prefixes to replacement notes, which our banknote glossary lays out in plain terms.
Where can you buy Fiji banknotes?
Buy Fiji notes from an established, source-first dealer that authenticates every note, offers independent grading on higher-value pieces, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
The safest way to build a Fijian collection is to choose where you buy as carefully as what you buy. Look for a dealer that sources notes directly from mints, central banks, and authorized distributors rather than reselling anonymous lots, and that stands behind each note in writing.
Watch for these warning signs. Prices far below every other seller, no stated provenance or sourcing, no returns accepted, and pressure to buy quickly. Genuine dealers are transparent about where a note came from and how it is authenticated.
Every note in Planet Banknote's Fiji banknotes collection is inspected through the Planet Banknote Verified process and ships with a free Certificate of Authenticity, so you can start or extend a Fijian set with confidence.
Related guides
- How to Collect World Banknotes: choosing a focus, raw versus graded notes, and a safe first purchase.
- Banknote Grading Guide: how the PMG and PCGS 1 to 70 scale works, and what UNC and EPQ mean.
- Banknote Glossary: plain-English definitions for prefixes, replacement notes, grades, and more.
Frequently asked questions
What currency does Fiji use?
Fiji uses the Fijian dollar, ISO code FJD and symbol $, issued by the Reserve Bank of Fiji. The dollar replaced the Fijian pound on 15 January 1969 at a rate of two dollars to one pound, according to Wikipedia. It is divided into 100 cents. Today Fiji's notes belong to the Flora and Fauna series, which entered circulation on 2 January 2013.
When did Fiji switch from the pound to the dollar?
Fiji converted from the imperial system of pounds, shillings, and pence to the decimal Fijian dollar on 15 January 1969, replacing the pound at a rate of one pound to two dollars, according to Wikipedia. The first decimal notes were printed by Thomas De La Rue and carried a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The change came about 21 months before Fiji became independent on 10 October 1970.
Why was Queen Elizabeth II removed from Fiji's banknotes?
On 12 December 2012 the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, unveiled a new Flora and Fauna series that replaced the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with native birds, flowers, and marine life. The notes entered circulation on 2 January 2013. The Reserve Bank of Fiji noted that the British Royal Family had featured on Fiji's currency since 1934 and said the new designs were meant to celebrate the country's own natural treasures and biodiversity. Many observers also linked the timing to Fiji's suspension from the Commonwealth.
What is the Fiji seven dollar banknote?
The Fiji seven dollar note is a commemorative issued in 2017 to celebrate the Fiji rugby sevens team winning gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and it is described as the world's first circulating seven dollar denomination. It was unveiled on 20 April 2017, and the Reserve Bank of Fiji reported that only two million notes were produced. The vertically oriented, blue note features the team's coach and captain and uses the serial-number prefix AU, the chemical symbol for gold.
How do you start collecting Fiji banknotes?
Choose a focus that appeals to you, such as the Queen Elizabeth II decimal notes issued from 1969, the modern Flora and Fauna series, or commemoratives like the seven dollar Rugby 7s note. Decide whether you prefer raw or independently graded notes, learn the grading ladder, and buy from a source-first dealer that authenticates every note and provides a certificate of authenticity. Our guide on how to collect world banknotes walks through choosing a focus and making a safe first purchase.
Planet Banknote is a family-owned dealership in Sarasota, Florida, founded in 2021. Every note is sourced direct from mints, central banks, and authorized distributors, inspected through our Planet Banknote Verified process, and ships with a free Certificate of Authenticity. US orders ship free via USPS Priority, and every order includes a free bonus gift.