2 dollars 1986 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (which typically has smaller print runs than circulation notes), the market pricing data shows UNC examples trading in the $2.59 to $49.99 range with a 2019 catalog value of $25 USD. The wide range of eBay listings and the existence of multiple PMG-catalogued variants (P-13a and P-13a*) indicate reasonable availability in the collector market. Specimen notes from major security printers like TDLR from the 1980s are generally not scarce. The specimen designation actually increases collector interest relative to a regular circulating note, but does not confer rarity status.

Issued in 1986, shortly after Solomon Islands gained independence in 1978, this banknote represents the young nation's establishment of its own currency identity under the Central Bank of Solomon Islands. The heraldic coat of arms on the obverse symbolizes the nation's sovereignty and cultural pride, while the reverse's depiction of traditional fishing canoes reflects the economic and cultural importance of maritime activities and traditional ways of life in Solomon Islands society during this period.

The obverse features the coat of arms of Solomon Islands positioned at the center-right, composed of heraldic elements including a dragon or serpent figure and a shield with cross design, crowned with an eagle or bird figure—symbolizing national sovereignty. Two signature lines represent the Governor and Director of the Central Bank. A traditional Solomon Islands outrigger canoe with multiple paddlers appears in the lower center as a decorative motif. The reverse showcases the primary design element: a detailed scene of fishermen in a traditional outrigger canoe navigating waters depicted with wave patterns, accompanied by marine and cultural symbols including shell motifs and crown ornaments. The denomination numeral '2' appears in all four corners of both sides. Fine line engraving and geometric patterns throughout provide decorative and security elements.

Front Side: 'SOLOMON ISLANDS' (country name); '2' (denomination); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR TWO DOLLARS IN SOLOMON ISLANDS' (legal tender declaration); 'Central Bank of Solomon Islands' (issuing authority); 'Governor' and 'Director' (signature titles); 'TO LEAD IS TO SERVE' (national motto); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen designation); Serial numbers in format 'B000000' and 'B000090'. Back Side: 'SOLOMON ISLANDS' (country name); '2' (denomination); 'Two Dollars' (denomination in words); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen designation).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) combined with multicolor offset lithography, evidenced by the fine line patterns, intricate geometric designs, and complex color layering visible throughout the note. The printer for this variant (P-13a) is identified as TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), a premier security printer. Multiple color separation layers were used to achieve the green, pink, gray, and white color scheme on the obverse and green, light blue, and white on the reverse. The specimen overprint was applied in red as a final stage.

This is the specimen variant of Pick P-13 (designated P-13s). PMG has catalogued two variants under the base Pick number: P-13a and P-13a* (replacement note), both printed by TDLR. The visual analysis confirms this is a specimen note, indicated by the prominent red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprinting across both obverse and reverse. Specimen notes typically feature serial numbers in a special format (noted as B000000 and B000090 in the inscriptions). According to external references, a similar note with ascending serial number size exists (P-18), and a later variant with flag added (P-25) was subsequently issued. Replacement notes are identified by the Y/1 serial number prefix, which does not appear to be present on this example.