The National Reserve Bank of Tonga is launching an upgraded family of six banknotes that have been printed by De La Rue. The notes bear the portrait of the new King and are issued to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Tupou VI.
Monday 29 June 2015: the National Reserve Bank of Tonga is today launching an upgraded family of banknotes into circulation. The 6 denominations are similar to the existing notes in circulation but bear the portrait of His Majesty King Tupou VI which replaces that of his late Brother King Tupou V.
The 6 denominations – 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pa’anga – have similar security features to the existing notes, with De La Rue’s award winning Optiks™ security thread on the 2 top value 50 and 100 pa’anga and colour changing StarChrome® on the lower denominations. The new and old notes will co-circulate for a period of time until the older notes are withdrawn from circulation at the end of the year.
Commenting on the announcement, Governor of the National Reserve Bank Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa said “We are proud that the upgraded banknotes bear a portrait of our new King Tupou VI and wish to thank De La Rue for their assistance in bringing these new banknotes to launch”.
Ruth Euling, De La Rue’s Global Sales Account Director said “Our relationship with Tonga dates back to 1921 and we are therefore honoured to have continued to work with this valued customer on this upgraded family of banknotes”.
StarChrome® is a registered trademark and Optiks™ is a trademark of De La Rue International Limited
ENDS
For information:
Clare Lloyd Williams
Marketing Communications Manager, Currency
Tel: +44 (0) 1256 605000
About De La Rue plc:
De La Rue is a leading commercial banknote printer, security paper maker and provider of security products and software solutions and, as a trusted partner of governments, central banks and commercial organisations around the world, is at the forefront of the battle against the counterfeiter.
As the world's largest commercial banknote printer, De La Rue provides customers with a fully integrated range of sophisticated products and services which are available either individually or as a whole. This includes a leading design capability, production of innovative security components, manufacture of security paper and polymer substrates and sophisticated printing of banknotes, all contributing to trust in the integrity of currencies.
De La Rue is the world's largest commercial passport manufacturer in an environment of increasing global concern over security at national boundaries and border control. De La Rue also produces a wide range of other security products, including tax stamps for governments who are seeking to combat illicit trade and collect excise duties. Other products include authentication labels, assuring purchasers of product validity, and government identity documents. In addition the Group manufactures high speed cash sorting and banknote inspection equipment.
The company also provides a range of specialist services and software solutions including government identity schemes, product authentication systems and cash management processing solutions.
De La Rue is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LON:DLAR). For further information visit www.delarue.com
About the National Reserve Bank of Tonga:
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (Reserve Bank) was established on 1 July 1989 as the central bank of Tonga. The principal objectives of the Reserve Bank shall be to maintain internal and external monetary stability, promote financial stability and promote a sound and efficient financial system. The Reserve Bank shall conduct its activities in a manner that supports macroeconomic stability and economic growth.
