The release of the collectors' item, featuring the Chinese 'God of Wealth' and money tree, is causing confusion in Fiji with many questioning the timing and significance of the banknote.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has begun issuing a Chinese-themed 88-cent commemorative banknote, which has been causing a stir with many questioning the timing and significance of the release.It features Chinese imagery, alongside the Fiji coat of arms
The note is available for purchase from the RBF for FJ$28 , but as it is numismatic, and so purely for collectors, it will not be in circulation. "The newly-announced $0.88 numismatic banknote is among the hundreds of non-circulation numismatic currency that the RBF has produced since 1974," the statement said.
While it is common for the RBF to issue themed numismatics banknotes and coins, Biman Prasad — the leader of the National Federation party — said they are usually produced with a specific intention.