5 Dollars 2013, Fiji
| in Krause book | Number: 115 |
| Years of issue: | 02.01.2013 |
| Edition: | -- |
| Signatures: | Governor Reserve Bank of Fiji: Mr. Barry Whiteside |
| Serie: | 2012 Issue |
| Specimen of: | 2012 |
| Material: | Polymer |
| Size (mm): | 137 х 67 |
| Printer: | TDLR (Thomas de la Rue & Company), London |
* All pictures marked 
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.
Description
Watermark:
In transparent plastic window - the head of native Fijian man.
Avers:
Centered is The Red-throated Lorikeet (Charmosyna amabilis). It is a critically endangered lorikeet endemic to Fiji. It is 18 cm long and is bright green overall, with red cheeks, throat and thighs.
This bird has been found on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. Ten specimens were collected in 1923, but it was last recorded in 1993, although it may also have been seen on Mount Tomanivi on Viti Levu in 2001. A search of Viti Levu in 2001-2 failed to find any birds, as did a second series of surveys in 2003.
Above is the ornament line.
In the lower left corner is a salt basket "Kato ni Masima".
Domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device.
The larger, massive domodomo (horned masthead) comes from the last ocean going double hulled canoe, called the Ramarama, a final link in a chain of great drua of the same name, built for the Tui Cakau by his mataitoga, the descendants of a clan of Samoan canoe builders (the Lemaki) who were brought to Fiji from Tonga in the late 1700s. The final Ramarama was built between 1872 and 1877, drua of her size and quality generally being under construction for 5-7 years. On completion she was presented by the Tui Cakau to Ratu Seru Cakobau, Vunivalu of Bau. After Ratu Cakobau’s death in 1883 she was returned to Somosomo where she finally decayed and was broken up in 1892. The main hull of the Ramarama was 30.2 meters long, the total length of the mast 19.8 meters and this domodomo is 4.3 meters long.
The smaller domodomo is about 2 meters long and would have come from a drua or camakau about 15 meters long. The hardwood Intsia bijuga (vesi) masthead was lashed to a mast made of a much springier wood. (virtual.fijimuseum.org.fj)
In the top right corner is the coat of arms.
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 colors 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 top left and bottom right. Serial numbers are in top left corner horizontally and on the right side vertically. In words under ornament line, on the top of banknote.
Revers:
The Fiji crested iguana. Photo from site megaobzor
On the left side, centered - The Fiji crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis). It is a critically endangered species of iguana native to some of the northwestern islands of the Fijiian archipelago, where it is found in dry forest.
Mote to the right is Balaka. It is a genus of about seven species in the palm family, Arecaceae or Palmae. Five species are native to the islands of Fiji and two to Samoa. Endemic to Fiji. They are widely distributed throughout rainforest areas in Vanua Levu and Taveuni Islands with high rainfall from 140 meters and more in elevation.
Then, to the right - Masiratu or Degeneria Vitiensis.
The masiratu is a large, tropical canopy tree belonging to an ancient family of flowering plants closely related to the magnolias. Indeed, the glossy, light green leaves are magnolia-like in appearance with a simple leaf shape and alternate arrangement on the stem. Its primitive, off-white flowers are four to eight centimeters across, and contain a single carpel and numerous leaf-like stamens, some of which are sterile (staminodes) and covered with a bright-yellow, oily fluid. The fruit are kidney-shaped, about six to twelve centimetres long, and contain numerous red or orange seeds embedded in a spongy pulp. Upon ripening, the fruit opens like an oyster, exposing the seeds which dangle from short stalks.
Endemic to the Fijian islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
Lower - denomination in words.
Denominations in numerals are bottom left and top right.
In lower right corner and right, lower, from center are, again, Domodomo (as registration device).
Comments:
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