Central Bank of Solomon Islands
Two Dollars · CBSI Silver Jubilee (1976–2001)
Historical and Issue Context
The first Solomon polymer:The Central Bank of Solomon Islands issued this $2 note in 2001 to commemorate its 25 years of existence as an independent banking authority —the first polymer banknote put into circulation in the country.1,3
Printed by Note Printing Australia:a global pioneer in polymer substrates, NPA printed this note using Guardian® technology, with a transparent security window and shadow-image watermark.2
Key Details Visible on the Banknote
- Obverse:national coat of arms of the Solomon Islands, flanked by a crocodile and a shark; Below, a “apira” (traditional wooden ceremonial bowl) between two stylized fish. The commemorative text “COMMEMORATING CBSI SILVER JUBILEE” travels through the field of design.
- Reverse:Historical scene of local fishermen using a traditional community net and spears, with an abstract vertical canoe figurehead motif on the left.5
- Window with vignette:semi-oval transparent window at the upper left of the obverse, with a white shadow image of a sea eagle in flight.
- Guilloche pattern microprint:Safety edges with ultra-thin geometric lines designed to foil digital reproduction.
- Fluorescent numbering:The vertical alphanumeric serial numbers on the right side glow orange-red under ultraviolet light.
- Shadow image:opacified design integrated into the substrate that reveals the letters “CBSI” as an electrotype pattern when illuminated.
- Color:olive-green, blue, and brown tones in the multicolored underprint.
Notes
1. Roberts World Money. “Solomon Islands 2 Dollars, 2001, Commemorative, CBSI Silver Jubilee, P23.”robertsworldmoney.com: “This is the first polymer note issued by the Solomon Islands.”
2. Roberts World Money, id.: “Printer: Note Printing Australia.”
3. Banknote World. “Solomon Islands 2 Dollars Banknote, 2001, P-23.”banknoteworld.com: “issued by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands in 2001 to commemorate the bank’s 25th anniversary.”
4. Harisnumis. “SOLOMON ISLANDS 2 Dollars ND(2001), Comm. P23 UNC.”harisnumis.com: “Catalog no.: P# 23.”
5. Banknote World, id.: “The note’s reverse depicts shell rings, fish, a bird, and men spearfishing.”