Fijian Dollar
The Fijian dollar marks a decisive break from colonial monarchy to a sovereign Pacific identity, where currency becomes a canvas of nature and culture.
Quick Facts
Country: Fiji
Code: FJD
Symbol: $
System: Decimal (1 Dollar = 100 Cents)
Status: In circulation
Issuer: Reserve Bank of Fiji
The Story of the Fijian Dollar
The Fijian Dollar was introduced in 1969, replacing the Fijian Pound as Fiji established a modern monetary system within the post-colonial Commonwealth framework. For decades, its banknotes followed British tradition, prominently featuring Queen Elizabeth II. This continuity ended abruptly in 2013, when Fiji removed the monarch from all banknotes in a politically significant move following the 2006 coup and the country’s temporary suspension from the Commonwealth. The redesign replaced royal portraiture with indigenous symbolism and biodiversity, marking one of the most definitive numismatic shifts away from British influence. The series was further elevated in 2017 with the release of the globally renowned 7-dollar commemorative banknote celebrating Fiji’s Olympic rugby gold medal—an unprecedented denomination that has become a modern highlight in world paper money.
Design & Symbolism
Fijian banknotes present one of the most distinctive visual identities in contemporary currency design. The current “Flora and Fauna” series replaces monarchic imagery with highly specific national symbols, including the vivid Kula parrot (Collared Lory) and the rare Tagimoucia flower, found only on the island of Taveuni. These are set against intricate masi cloth patterns, which form the geometric and cultural foundation of the design. The palette is exceptionally vibrant—turquoise, coral, deep green and gold—printed by De La Rue to achieve strong chromatic depth. Technically, the series combines substrates: the 5-dollar banknote is issued in polymer, while higher denominations remain paper-based, enhanced with advanced security threads and hybrid features, creating both visual and tactile diversity across the set.
For collectors
For collectors, the Fijian Dollar offers one of the clearest “before and after” narratives in modern numismatics. Pre-2013 issues featuring Queen Elizabeth II contrast sharply with the post-2013 “Flora and Fauna” series, which is widely regarded as one of the most visually striking modern banknote sets. The inclusion of the 7-dollar rugby commemorative note adds a unique focal point, while the combination of De La Rue print quality, vivid coloration and culturally anchored design makes the series both accessible and highly collectible within Pacific and thematic collections.
The Fijian dollar remains a stable sovereign currency, defined by its 2013 transition to a modern biodiversity-based series.