50 cents 1969
Market Prices
23 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated 1969 Fiji 50 cents note (Pick P-58) in pristine condition, featuring a striking portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a detailed tropical landscape with a traditional Fijian bure on the reverse. The note exhibits the characteristic blue-green and multicolored printing of Thomas de la Rue's work, with fine engraving throughout and excellent preservation showing no wear, creases, or damage. This early Government of Fiji issue represents an important transitional piece in Fiji's monetary history before the Currency Board and Central Monetary Authority took over issuance.
Common. Despite being nearly 55 years old, this note remains common in the numismatic market. eBay sales data shows consistent availability with most examples trading between $2–$26 depending on condition, with UNC examples selling in the $15–$25 range (2015–2023). The Government of Fiji's 1969 issue had a substantial print run sufficient to meet circulation demands, and many examples survive in collectible condition. This Pick number represents a regular issue rather than a scarce or limited printing.
Issued in 1969 by the Government of Fiji during the post-independence period, this note reflects Fiji's status as a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. The obverse prominently displays the Fijian coat of arms and Her Majesty's profile, symbolizing the constitutional link to Britain, while the reverse celebrates Fiji's indigenous culture through the depiction of a traditional thatched bure dwelling surrounded by coconut palms and tropical vegetation. The legal tender inscription emphasizes the note's official status as currency for the young independent nation.
The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II in left-facing profile positioned on the right side of the note, rendered in classical numismatic portraiture style. The Fijian coat of arms occupies the center upper portion, displaying two figures flanking a shield with a rampant lion at the apex, representing the nation's heraldic identity. The reverse showcases a detailed tropical landscape dominated by a traditional Fijian bure—a distinctive thatched-roof dwelling with characteristic architectural features—positioned centrally and surrounded by lush coconut palms and tropical foliage, with mountains and water visible in the atmospheric background. The composition employs fine geometric border patterns and ornamental circular designs to frame the central imagery, with watermark areas visible as blank ovals on both sides.
Front: '50¢' and 'FIFTY CENTS' (denomination); 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuer); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal declaration); 'For the GOVERNMENT of FIJI' (authorization); Serial number 'A/2346037' (appears twice). Back: '50¢' and 'FIFTY CENTS' (denomination); 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuer); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer identification).
Intaglio (recess) engraving, executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London—the method evident from the fine line work, precise detail in the portraiture and landscape elements, and the crisp geometric security patterns visible throughout. The multicolored printing technique demonstrates sophisticated color registration typical of high-security currency production of this era.
This example carries serial number A/2346037, which appears to be a standard circulation issue. PMG records indicate one catalogued variant for P-58 (designated P-58a) printed by TDLR. No distinguishing overprints, special signatures, or date variations are evident in this specimen, indicating it represents the standard issue variety of this denomination and year.
