New polymer banknotes of the Falkland Islands will be put into circulation in August 2025
The Falkland Islands are preparing to issue new polymer banknotes that will enter circulation on August 14, 2025. This was reported by Falkland Radio on January 9, 2025. The new banknotes will have a modern design with an image of King Charles III, as well as elements of local flora and fauna. They will appear as part of the Falkland Islands Day celebrations, and, as noted, the circulation of the new banknotes will be parallel to the previous issues of paper notes.
Key features of the new banknotes
The new banknotes will be printed on a polymer base, which will ensure their durability, increased security, and resistance to wear. The series currently includes £5, £10, and £20 banknotes. It is known that the £1 note is no longer issued as a banknote, as it has been replaced by a coin. In addition, the £50 banknotes that have already been issued will be sufficient for the needs of the islands for at least the next 90 years.
Below is a description of the first banknote in the new series, the £5 (equivalent to $6.10) note:
£5 (B223)
Color: Red.
Obverse:
Text in English.
Image of five black-browed albatrosses in flight.
Map of the Falkland Islands.
Portrait of King Charles III.
The coat of arms of the islands.
Reverse:
English text.
Images of five species of penguins.
The national flower of the Falkland Islands is the Pale Maiden.
Landscape of a mountain on Steeple Jason Island.
Protection: There is no protective thread. The watermark consists of an “F” pattern and cornerstones.
Printing office: De La Rue.
Size: 145 x 75 mm.
Material: Polymer.
Date of entry into circulation: August 14, 2025.
The importance of switching to polymer banknotes
The use of polymer in the production of banknotes is a modern trend in many countries around the world. The main advantages of polymer banknotes include:
Increased durability - such banknotes last much longer than paper ones.
Resistance to dirt and damage - banknotes are easier to clean and more resistant to moisture.
Improved security - it is easier to apply more complex security features on polymer banknotes, which are harder to counterfeit.
The new Falkland Islands banknotes also retain a unique design that emphasizes the cultural and natural heritage of the region. In particular, images of local birds, such as black-browed albatrosses and various species of penguins, showcase the richness of the islands' fauna. The national flower, the pale maiden, is also an important symbol of the islands, reflecting their unique nature.
Historical context
The Falkland Islands have their own currency, which is pegged to the British pound sterling at a 1:1 ratio. Local banknotes and coins are used primarily within the islands, although foreigners visiting the region can exchange them for British pounds.
The new polymer banknotes will feature an image of King Charles III for the first time. This is due to the change of monarch in 2022, when after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the British throne passed to her son. Thus, these banknotes will be among the first in the world (but not the first) to depict the new monarch.
Plans for the future
The new banknotes are expected to gradually replace their paper counterparts, but the transition period will be long. This will allow the islanders to get used to the new currency format and avoid any inconveniences associated with the withdrawal of the old banknotes from circulation.
The introduction of the new series of banknotes is an important step for the Falkland Islands' economy, which simultaneously celebrates modernity and honors local culture and nature.
I wish everyone a good collecting experience
Vitaliy Cherniuk,
IBNS 13299-R & CEO of World Banknote Store
