The Falkland Islands has debuted its first new banknote design in over four decades, it being a polymer banknote featuring King Charles III and iconic local wildlife, including a king penguin.
The redesign comes after a shortage of £5 notes prompted a public consultation last year. "Native plants and animals emerged as the public's favorite theme," said officials, who collaborated with banknote manufacturer De La Rue and a working group of local residents to bring the concept to life.
Falklands notes were last printed in the 1980s. The new notes will enter circulation on Falklands Day. The £5 note showcases King Charles III on the front alongside black-browed albatrosses and a king penguin. The back features the national flower, the pale maiden, Steeple Jason Island, and depictions of five penguin species.
The same design will be used for the new £10 and £20 notes, while existing £50 notes will remain in use, with stocks projected to last for another 90 years. "This design celebrates our unique heritage and wildlife," noted the working group.
Donald Ludwig, January 10, 2025
