The Series
The Series I notes were printed in late 1999 in time for release on January 1, 2000. They are printed on Tyvek (a plastic-type material that is used in the construction industry). They were printed by Timely Marketing & Promotions Limited, Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand. There were same-numbered sets produced that came in cardboard folders. These bear a completely different hologram from the currency issue. The hologram is a very good security device, as it prevents forgery. The designs of the notes have a very strong influence from American currency. They are dual-denominated—in cents as well as in Dollars. There are three printings of this series.
The Series II notes were printed some time during the year 2000 for release in 2001. They are printed on a cotton-fibre paper by Chan Wanich Security Printing Company Limited, Thailand. The front of these notes is very similar to the Series I notes, apart from the dates and a few other details. Again, these notes are dual-denominated in Cents and Dollars. There are also three printings of this series. There were also some same-serial numbered sets produced, but these were not issued in cardboard folders. These have the same hologram as the currency issue.
In 2001, a $5 coin was put into circulation at the same time as the Series II notes. A 5,000 piece issue was planned. Informed of the intention to issue a coin, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand banned the issue (despite the fact that there is no $5 coin in circulation in New Zealand!). The website of the Chatham Islands Note Corporation was also closed down at the same time. However, an estimated 200 pieces ended up in the numismatic trade. There are 2 possible scenarios as to why only around 200 of the Chatham Islands $5 coins are known to exist:
- It is possible that the 5,000 pieces were struck ready to be issued and the coins were confiscated. As a result, around 200 coins 'fell to the floor', as the expression goes, and ended up in the numismatic trade.
- It is also possible that the 200 known pieces had been struck and issued to the numismatic trade (or to Leon Morel) prior to the ban.
The Series I of notes consisted of the following denominations: $2 (200c), $3 (300c), $10 (1,000c) and $15 (1,500c).
The Series II of notes consisted of the following denominations: $3 (300c), $5 (500c), $8 (800c), $10 (1,000c) and $15 (1,500c). The Chatham Islands in the only place in the entire Commonwealth of Nations that has put an $8 note into circulation as currency.
To assist collectors and dealers a catalogue numbering system has been provided. Below 'Work' numbers (indicated by the letter 'W') to the items have been assigned for clarity.
Read more about this topic: History Of Chatham Islands Numismatics
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