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10 Shillings 1941, Fiji

in Krause book Number: P38e
Years of issue: 01.01.1941
Edition: 50 000
Signatures: Commissioners of currency: Mr. Robertson, Mr. Hayward, Mr. Banting
Serie: HM The King George VI
Specimen of: 01.03.1937
Material: Unknown material
Size (mm): 175 x 88
Printer: Bradbury, Wilkinson & Company Limited, New Malden

* All pictures marked magnify are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.

** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.

10 Shillings 1941

Description

Watermark:

Native Fijian

Native Fijian.

Avers:

10 Shillings 1941

HM The King George VI HM The King George VI.

George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George, 14 December 1895 - 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the Commonwealth.

This portrait of His Majesty is made by photographer Bertram Park (1883-1972) in March 1938, and it is one of the more widely used images of The King.

I found this image here "Stamp Community Family". The portrait on banknote is, probably, taken from this photo session. Reliable sources say, that the photo shoot was dated March 1938. However, there are notes with this portrait, issued earlier then March 1938. From this I conclude, that the photo shoot was held earlier and released to the public only in March 1938.

Fiji coat

On the top is coat of arms of Fiji. Was granted by Royal Letters Patent on 4 July 1908. It was featured on the colonial ensign and its shield remains on the current flag of Fiji.

The colours and objects on the coat of arms carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. The Cross of St. George-which divides the shield quarterly-and the golden lion at the top represent the United Kingdom, the former colonial power that ruled over Fiji. The cacao pod held in the lion's paw, along with the sugarcane, coconut palm and bananas occupying three of the four quadrants, represent the country's natural resources, since these are key agricultural crops in Fiji. The bottom left quadrant contains a dove that symbolizes peace - this was utilized on the country's flag during the reign of King Cakobau, whose government was the last before the commencement of British rule.

The crest at the top depicts a Takia - a traditional Fijian canoe - while the supporters grasping the shield on both sides are Fijian warriors. According to legend, they are twins - the older brother is clutching a spear, while the younger one holds a war club. At the bottom is the country's motto - Fear God and honour the Queen (Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na Tui).

Denominations in numerals are in all corners, in numeral and in words centered.

Revers:

10 Shillings 1941

Stylized pattern.

"GOVERNMENT OF FIJI" in the middle.

Comments:

Interesting Facts About Fiji:

1)English is Fiji's official language (although Fijian is also spoken) and the literacy rate among adults is almost 94 percent.

2)Fiji's 333 islands (about 110 of them inhabited) are home to approximately 883,000 people, three quarters of whom live on the main island of Viti Levu.

3)About 57 percent of Fiji's population is native Melanesian or Melanesia/Polynesian mix, while 37 percent is descended from indentured Indians brought to the islands in the late 19th century by the British to work the sugar cane plantations.