...Scotland, The Royal Bank of Scotland - One Pound dated 01.05.1981

Alba

Scotland

The Royal Bank of Scotland Limited (RBS)
(Founded 1727, First issuing banknotes on 08.12.1727)

Currency : Pound Sterling (GBP)

 

Here is the only ₤1 note of the 1981 series I have in my collection. This note belongs to the Scottish castles series. The design for this Edinburgh was first introduced in 1969 with the ₤5 note. In 1970, the bank issued another ₤5 note with the same theme and design but with different colours. In 1972, it released a full set of banknotes all depicting different Scottish castles on the back. Since then, the bank went on and issued the Castle series, albeit different designs, until 2017. However, despite releasing banknotes featuring various Scottish castles, the bank ceased issuing the ₤1 note after the 2001 series. 

 

In my opinion, the Castle series is the best series of banknotes ever designed by the Royal Bank of Scotland's banknotes issued. The designs are simple, beautiful, and more importantly, they are not overcrowded with all kinds of features.

 

One Pound

 

Front - The Coat of Arms printed on the center right. The design for the Coat of Arms featuring a horse and a deer holding onto a shield. On top of the shield is a ribbon with the word 'FIRM' printed on it. It is believed this Coat of Arms was first developed in 1960 and only appeared on the 1966 banknote series. The bank ceased using this Coat Arms when the first polymer series was introduced in 2016. Since then, the bank has used the bank logo Daisy Wheel instead. It should be noted that the Daisy Wheel logo was first used in the 1971 series.

 

Signature - John B Burke

Dated - 1 May 1981

Watermark - Image of Adam Smith

Dimensions - mm x mm

 

Back - A bird-eye view of Edinburgh Castle. This castle was first built in the 11th century. Edinburgh castle is located on top of Castle Rock. This is a historical castle and was once the royal residence. Later it was then turned into an arsenal, a treasury, a national archive, a mint, a prison and a military fortress. Whilst this castle had gone through many conflicts over the past few centuries, today it is well known to the world for its annual Edinburgh festival for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo parade. No doubt this historical castle is a tourist attraction in the city of Edinburgh and each year attracts more than 2.0+ million visitors from all over the world.

...Moldova - 2015 First Prints Full Set Of 8 Notes With Same Signature

Republica Moldova

Republic of Moldova

 

Banca Națională a Moldovei

(National Bank of Moldova, Est. 1991)

Currency - Leu (MDL)

 

Posted here is a full set of 8 notes of the 2015 first series, all printed with the year date of 2015 and all signed by the same bank governor, Dorin Dragutanu. Subsequent reprints are also dated 2015 but with different signatures. Whilst I have posted a full set here for the first prints, the bank has not issued any reprints in full set for a given year since then. 

 

Interesting story about this country is that it is landlocked and surrounded by both Romania and Ukraine. Moldova was once part of Romania until in 1944 when the Russian incorporated this region into the Moldovian Soviet Socialist Republic. Moldova has a total land area of 33.843 km2 and yet only with a rather small population of 2.42 millions. Moldova is also the second poorest country in Europe. When this country declared independence on 28.08.1991, a large strip of land lying across the Dniester river declared independence and called themselves - Transnistria. War between Moldova and Transnistria broke out in March 1992 to July 1992 with both parties then agreed to a ceasefire. Despite this, the dispute is still unresolved. The reason for Transnistria wanting to breakaway from Moldova was that they were worried that Moldova may seek unification with Romania, and for that, Transnistria was not happy about it as they preferred to be part or associated with Russia and not to Romania. Both Moldova and Romania share the same national flag, except that Moldova's flag has the Coat of Arms in the middle of the flag.

 

The Soviet Union (USSR) was officially dissolved on 26.12.1991, after a failed coup attempt in August 1991 carried out by the communist hardliners and military elites. The Soviet Union was originally made up of 15 nations. Whilst the breaking up of the USSR officially happened in December 1991, all the other 14 Soviet Republics had already declared their independence prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The 14 breakaway nations were - Armenia (September 1991), Azerbaijan (August 1991), Belarus (August 1991), Estonia (August 1991), Georgia (April 1991), Kazakhstan (December 1991), Kyrgyzstan (August 1991), Latvia (August 1991), Lithuania (March 1990), Moldova (August 1991), Tajikistan (September 1991), Turkmenistan (October 1991), Ukraine (August 1991) and Uzbekistan (August 1991). 

 

A quick glance at these notes, you can tell that they are not sophisticatedly designed with lots of security features like those we can see over the past 10-15 years. This set was issued on 12.10.2015. The colours used for this series are also limited, like some of the reverse sides are printed with one or two colours. Also there is no text printed to say that these are legal tender banknotes on the front. The Moldavian Leu is considered as an exotic currency as it is not widely traded due to high volatility and limited liquidity.

 

This set of 8 notes is printed by Banque de France in France. All notes were released on 12.10.2015 with the exception for the 5 lei, which was released on 11.12.2017.

One Leu

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 12.10.2015)

Watermark - Stephen the Great

Dimensions - 110mm x 58mm

Front - On the front, all notes are printed with the portrait of Stephen III or commonly known as Stephen the Great (Stefan cel Mare) wearing a crown over his head. In fact, all banknotes issued since 1992 printed with the portrait of him, which is quite common with many other countries that have the same leader or their head of state appearing on their banknotes.

 

Back - Capriana monastery which is located in Capriana. This monastery was founded in 1429, and is one of the oldest monasteries in Moldova.

 

 

 

Five Lei

 

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 11.12.2017)

Watermark - Stephen the Great

Dimensions - 114.5mm x 58mm

Front - Stephen III was born in January 1433 and died on 02.07.1504. Stephen III was the son of Bogdan II (b.1409-1451). Bogdan II was murdered in 1451, which was carried out by his brother and Stephen III's uncle Peter III Aaron. Instead of succeeding his father, Stephen III had to flee to Hungary when his uncle claimed the Moldavia throne. In 1457, Stephen III returned to Moldovia and defeated Peter III Aaron, was forced to seek refuge in Poland. In 1470, Peter III Aaron attacked Moldavia but was defeated by Stephen III who later executed him.

 

Back - St. Dumitru church (Biserica Sf. Dumitru) situated in Orhei. Orhei is located in the center east of Moldova. This church was completed in 1636.
 

 

 

Ten Lei

 

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 12.10.2015)

Watermark - Stephen the Great

Dimensions - 121.5mm x 61.5mm

 

Front - Stephen III was the Prince of Moldavia from 1457 until his death in 1504. He was succeeded by his son, Bogdan III the One-Eyed. In modern Romanians, Stephen III is regarded as one of the greatest national heroes and in 1992, the Romanian Orthodox Church canonised him as Stephen the Great and Holy (Stefan cel Mare si Sfant).

Back - Image of Hirjauca monastery, which was founded in 1740. As per the name, it is a monastery located north of the village of Hirjauca (center west of Moldova).

 

 

 

Twenty Lei

 

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 12.10.2015)

Watermark - Stephen the Great

Dimensions - 120mm x 62mm

 

Front - Stephen III's portrait is all printed to the left side of the note. His portrait shows him wearing a crown on his head. To his right are the words printed vertically - Stephen cel Mare, which means Stephen the Great in Romanian.

 

Back - Soroca castle (fort). The castle was first built in 1499 by Stephen the Great. As it is called, this castle is located in the town of Soroca in the north-east of the country, not far from the Ukraine border. The castle was originally constructed in timber and between 1543 to 1546, it was then rebuilt with stones. The castle was originally used for military purposes and today it is a main tourist attraction in the town.

Fifty Lei

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 12.10.2015)

Watermark - Stephen the Great

Dimensions - 120mm x 62mm

Front - To the left of the portrait of Stephen III are printed with three words vertically - Stefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great). On the center bottom are printed with the following warning text - „FALSIFICAREA ACESTOR BILETE SE PEDEPSEŞTE CONFORM LEGILOR" which means - Counterfeit of this banknote is punished according to the law.

Back - Hibovat monastery, founded in 1730 is located north of the village of Hirbovat.

One Hundred Lei

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 12.10.2015)

Watermarks - Stephen the Great and electrotype BNM

Dimensions - 134mm x 66.5mm

Front - In the middle for each note is printed with the denomination value. To the center right is the Coat of Arm of Moldova. Below that is the signature of the bank's Governor, and at the bottom is a round design with the following words - PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI... (translated - “near a low foothill at Heaven’s threshold”)

Back -Tigjina Fortress is a 15th century fortress located on the right bank of the Dniester River in Bender, Moldova. This fortress was built during the reign of Prince Stephen the Great. 

 

Two Hundred Lei

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 12.10.2015)

Watermarks - Stephen the Great and electrotype BNM

Dimensions - 133.5mm x 67mm

Front - Like all notes printed, they all have the watermark of Stephen the Great. However, the higher denominations of 100, 200 and 500 lei all also have the electrotype BNM letters (Banca Nationala A Moldovei) incorporated as additional security features. For the three notes of 100, 200 and 500 lei, the bank's name in full is printed on the front and on the back of each note. For the rest or lower denominations, it only got printed on the back.

Back - Image of Chisinau City Hall, which was built in 1901. This building is located in central Chisinau and was rebuilt after it was badly destroyed during the Second World War (1939-1941). Chisinau is the largest city and is also the capital city of Moldova.

Five Hundred Lei

Governor - Dorin Dragutanu (tenure 2009-2016)

Date - 2015 (released on 12.10.2015)

Watermarks - Stephen the Great and electrotype BNM

Dimensions - 133.5mm x 66.5mm

 

Front - This is the largest denomination printed for this series. The 1000 lei was not issued or included for this series. Moldova's currency is not a strong currency on the international stage and is almost at par with the South African Rand.

 

Back - Chisinau cathedral or Cathedral of Christ's Nativity. This cathedral was built in the 1830s. This building was partly damaged during the Second World War, and was used as an exhibition center during the Soviet era. Like the Chisinau City Hall, this cathedral is also located in the center of Chisinau and is within a short walking distance (5 minutes walk) between these two buildings.

...Belarus - 80 Rubles Commemorative 80th Anniversary Of The Victory Of The Soviet People In The Great Patriotic War 1945-2025

Рэспубліка Беларусь

Republic of Belarus

Нацыянальны банк Рэспублікі Беларусь
(National Bank of The Republic of Belarus)
Currency - Ruble (BYN)

 

This is a commemorative note of 80 rubles reportedly released on 31.03.2025 for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War or the Second World War (1939-1945). I believe this note celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany in Belarus (Belorussian SSR) in mid-April 1945.

A total of 80,000 sets have been issued at a price at 120 rubles per set. The note that I have posted here came in a folder. It is not sure if all are issued this way, as the notes are available in the market with and without the folder. According to one source, a total of 200,000 pieces were issued with 80,000 issued in a folder, and 120,000 as singles. In addition to the 80 rubles note, coins of 1 (copper-nickel 5,000 pieces) and 20 rubles  (silver 2,500 pieces) were also released for this celebration.

Belarus was once part of the Soviet Union and it became independent on 25.08.1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. When the Second World War (WW2) started in September 1939, the Soviet Union invaded and occupied Eastern Poland. During the invasion, the Soviet Union annexed Western Belorussian and incorporated it into the Belorussian SSR. In 1941, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union and remained under the Nazi control until 1944. World War II in Europe ended on 08.05.1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally.

 

Eighty Rubles

Front - Courage monument of the Great Fortress Hero memorial complex. This monument is the central object of the Best Fortress Hero Memorial Complex in Belarus. This monument is located in the Ceremonial Square, and the monument is a symbol of courage and valor and serves as a place of remembrance for those who defended the country during the last great war. To the right of the monument is an image of a church and in the background is an incomplete outline map of Belarus. To the right is a flying dove over the globe and below that is the Mother Homeland status which represents love and royalty to the country. The year dates of 1945 and 2025 are printed. You will need to tilt the note to see these two year dates. On top of the note (central top) the year date of 2025 is printed. There are no signatures printed on the note.

Signature - N/A

Date - 2025

Quantity Issued - 80,000 pieces/set

Issue Price - 120 rubles each

Watermarks - Apple blossom and electrotype 80

Sizes - 152mm x 70.5mm

Back - Image of a mother's hand holding a child's hand against the background of national ornament, an image of the Minsk Gate architectural complex and apple blossom. To the far right are three flying storks. The year date of 2025 is also printed in the central top of the note. 

This is the folder that comes with the note. Inside is a hard plastic case that can showcase the note. This hard cover folder is very nicely produced for this commemorative note.

...Transnistria - One Ruble 2024 100th Year The Formation Of The Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (MASSR)

Република Молдовеняскэ Нистрянэ

Приднестровская Молдавская Республика

(Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic)

 

Transnistrian Republican Bank (Est.1992)

Currency : Ruble (RUP)

 

And the story continues.....

 

Here is another low value commemorative banknote of 1 ruble. issued in October 2024 for the celebration of 100th year since the formation of MASSR (Памятная банкнота 100 лет со дня образования МАССР).

The Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (MASSR) was formed between 1934 and 1940 as an autonomous republic of the Ukrainian SSR. The MASSR encompassed the modern territory of Transnistria as well as the present day Podilsk Raion of Ukraine. During World War II, the Soviet Union took parts of the MASSR's region and dissolved the autonomous territory of MASSR. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1990, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Transnistria) was established, hoping that they would still be part of Russia should Moldova decide to seek unification with Romania. Moldova then became independent in 1991, and shortly after that arms conflict started between the two parties in March 1992. Ceasefire was declared in July 1992, but the unresolved dispute is still unresolved until today.

 

The Transnistria currency of ruble is not negotiable outside its territory. A total of 1,500 pieces were issued, of which 1,490 pieces are packed in booklets.

 

One Ruble

Signature - N/A

Date: 2012 (2024 issue)

Watermarks - Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov and electrotype ПРБ

Quantity - 1500 pieces with 1490 sets in folders

Dimensions - 130mm x 56.5mm

Front - The format and design of this note is similar to the 2012 series. A portrait of the Russian General Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov (b.1730-1800) in military uniform. General Suvorav was a Russian born military hero holding the rank of Field Marshal Generalissimo. He was born in Moscow and joined the army at the age of 17 and was promoted to the rank of colonel when he was 32 years old. By 1787, he was then promoted to the rank of General. During his lifetime, he was involved in at least 57 battles/wars with the majority of these conflicts ending in victory in his favour. He died at the age of 70 years old and was buried in the city of St Petersburg. He was the fourth Generalissimo of Russia. 

 

To the right of the note where the watermark area is, is printed with a special marking in the form of a three-line inscription "100 лет со дня образования" (100 YEARS SINCE THE DAY OF FORMATION) in red in the right field of the front side of the banknote, and a color cartographic image of a part of the Northern Black Sea region with the territory of the MASSR, the inscriptions "MASSR" and "DNIESTER" located on the right.

Back - Kitskansk Bridgehead memorial or Chiţcani monument in Chitcani. This monument was built in 1972 (opened 09.05.1972) to commemorate victory against the German invasion during the Second World War in 1944. Chitcani is situated north of Tiraspol, the capital city of Transnistria.

List of all commemorative banknotes issued:

2009 - 15 Years of National Currency;

2014 - 20 Years of National Currency, 2020 sets (4 notes);

2015 - 70 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWll), 7070 sets, 2000 sets in folders (2 notes);

2015 - 25 Years of Transnistria Republic, 2525 sets, 2000 sets in folders (4 notes);

2017 - 100 Years of the Great October Socialist Revolution, 5,000 sets, 2017 sets in folders (2 notes);

2017 - 100 Year of KGB/State Security Bodies, 2500 sets in folders;

2017 - 100 Years of Police Force, 2500 sets in folders;

2018 - 100 Years of Border Troops, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folder;

2018 - 100 Years of Armed Force/State Police, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folders (Text - 27 Yrs of the Armed Forces of the PMR);

2019 - 30 Years of Soviet Troops withdrawing from Afghanistan, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary Years of Liberation from Nazi Invaders, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary of Jassy-Kishinev Operation, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 25 Years of National Currency, 200000 pieces, 2500 sets in folders (2 notes);

2020 - 75 Years of End of World War ll (1945-2020), 2500 sets in folders;

2020 - 30th Year of Formation of Transdniestr, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the First PMR bank, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders issued;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the PMR Financial System, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2023 - 100th Year of the 2023 - 100th Year of Gold Chervonets, 2500 sets, 2490 sets in folders;

2024 - 30th Anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;

2024 - 100th Year of Formation of the MASSR, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;

 

...Moldova - 1992 Series Full Set of Three Notes

Republica Moldova

Republic of Moldova

 

Banca Națională a Moldovei

(National Bank of Moldova, Est. 1991)

Currency - Leu (MDL)

Another full set of banknotes. These are much easier to get as it only contains three notes in a set.

Here, I have posted a full set of  three notes all printed with the year date of 1992. These notes were first released on 20.09.1993 with the 5 lei and with the remaining two notes issued on 29.11.1993.

These three notes replaced the previous Cupon series of four notes, and for the first time, it had printed with the currency of Leu, which is the same as Romania's currency.

Like those Cupon series, the designs on all three notes are the same, albeit with different values and colours. 

As this is a full set and it is still fairly affordable to buy after so many years. I understand that these notes are still legal tender in the country. 

All notes bear the signature of Leonid Talmaci who was the first Governor of the National Bank of Moldova. He was appointed to the role on 04.06.1991 until 06.11.2009.

One Leu

 

Governor - Leonid Talmaci (tenure 1991-2009)

Date - 1992 (released on 29.11.1993)

Watermark - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 123mm x 62mm

Front - On the front, all notes are printed with the portrait of Stephen III or commonly known as Stephen the Great. In fact, all banknotes issued since 1992 printed with the portrait of him, which is quite common with many other countries that have the same leader or their head of state appearing on their banknotes.

Back - On the back, they are all printed with the Soroca castle or fort. The castle was first built in 1499 by Stephen the Great. As it is called, this castle is located in the town of Soroca in the north-east of the country, not far from the Ukraine border. The castle was originally constructed in timber and between 1543 to 1546, it was then rebuilt with stones. The castle was originally used for military purposes and today it is a main tourist attraction.

Also printed on the back vertically to the left next to the denomination value are the following texts - “Pe-un picior de plai, pe-o gură de rai” (translated - “near a low foothill at Heaven’s threshold” or according to Google translates - "On a foot of grass, on a mouth of heaven"). 

 

Five Lei

 

Stephen the Great

Governor - Leonid Talmaci (tenure 1991-2009)

Date - 1992 (released on 20.09.1993)

Watermark - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 124mm x 61mm

Soroca castle

Ten Lei

Stephen the Great

 

Governor - Leonid Talmaci (tenure 1991-2009)

Date - 1992 (released on 29.11.1993)

Watermark - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 113mm x 61mm

Soroca castle