The Fiji 7 Dollars 2020 commemorative banknote

The Fiji 7 Dollars banknote, issued in 2022, celebrates Fiji’s historic achievements in rugby at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Fiji’s national rugby teams made history as the men’s rugby 7s team secured a gold medal, while the women’s rugby 7s team (Fijiana) won a bronze medal. This commemorative banknote was released by the Reserve Bank of Fiji to honor these victories, marking a significant moment in the country’s sporting legacy.

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Fiji Rugby 7s Gold Olympians 2020

Fiji’s men’s rugby 7s team won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), successfully defending their title from the 2016 Rio Olympics. Rugby 7s is Fiji’s national sport, and the team’s victory was a moment of immense pride for the country.

In the final match, Fiji defeated New Zealand 27-12, showcasing their exceptional speed, skill, and teamwork. The win further cemented Fiji’s dominance in rugby 7s, making them back-to-back Olympic champions. The victory was also emotional as players dedicated their success to the Fijian people, many of whom faced hardships due to the pandemic.

The Fijiana rugby team also made history by securing their first-ever Olympic bronze medal, defeating Great Britain 21-12. Their performance demonstrated resilience and determination, inspiring future generations of women in Fijian sports.

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Overview of the Front and Back of the Banknote

This 7-dollar note is unique not only because of its unusual denomination but also due to its striking design celebrating Fiji’s rugby triumphs. The note features both the men’s and women’s teams, highlighting their incredible achievements.

Front (Obverse) of the Note:

• Depicts Fiji’s gold-medal-winning men’s rugby 7s team, standing together in their Olympic uniforms, holding their gold medals and victory bouquets.
• Features a portrait of team coach Gareth Baber, wearing sunglasses, in a thoughtful pose.
• Shows Jerry Tuwai, Fiji’s rugby 7s captain, in an action pose wearing the national team’s jersey.
• The gold medal emblem is included to signify the Olympic victory.
• The denomination “SEVEN DOLLARS” is printed in bold at the center-bottom of the note.

Back (Reverse) of the Note:

• Honors the Fiji’s gold-medal-winning men’s rugby 7s team, celebrating their bronze medal achievement.
• The image shows the team in a huddle, lifting a rugby ball together, symbolizing teamwork and victory.
• The bronze medal emblem is printed on the lower left side to recognize their success.
• The signature of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji is present.
• The denomination “SEVEN DOLLARS” is repeated on the back.

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Design Features

Obverse (Front):

• Gold color dominates the front side to reflect the gold medal victory.
• Dynamic action imagery of rugby players, a tribute to their physical and tactical prowess.
• A realistic portrait of Gareth Baber, highlighting his role in leading the team to victory.
• The Fiji Rugby logo and a holographic rugby ball enhance authenticity.

Reverse (Back):

• Brown-bronze color scheme representing the women’s bronze medal win.
• The team’s celebratory moment, symbolizing unity and sportsmanship.
• Clear detailing of the Fijiana team’s jerseys and expressions of triumph.

Color Scheme:

• Gold and yellow tones dominate the front to symbolize the men’s gold medal.
• Brown and bronze hues on the back represent the women’s bronze medal.

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Dimensions

• Width: 140 mm
• Length: 67 mm
• The dimensions are slightly larger than standard Fijian banknotes to distinguish it as a special commemorative issue.

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Security Features

This commemorative banknote includes advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity.

1. Holographic Elements:

   • A holographic rugby ball that shifts color when tilted.

2. Watermark:

   • A transparent watermark of Fiji’s rugby logo can be seen when held up to the light.

3. Microtext Printing:

   • Fine, microscopic text detailing “FIJI RUGBY 7s” embedded within the design.

4. Raised Printing:

   • The denomination “7” and key design elements have a tactile texture, making them identifiable by touch.

5. Color-Shifting Ink:

   • Certain areas of the note change color when viewed from different angles.

6. Security Thread:

   • A thin metallic strip runs vertically through the note.

7. UV (Ultraviolet) Features:

   • Hidden elements visible only under UV light, ensuring anti-counterfeiting protection.

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Circulation and Collectibility

Legal Tender:

The 7-dollar note is legal tender in Fiji, meaning it can be used for transactions, though many prefer to keep it as a collector’s item due to its limited issuance and historical significance.

Limited Edition & Collectibility:

• The Reserve Bank of Fiji released this commemorative note in limited numbers, increasing its rarity and value among collectors.
• Rugby fans and numismatics enthusiasts worldwide seek this banknote, driving up demand in the collector’s market.
• The unique 7-dollar denomination adds to its novelty, as Fiji’s rugby 7s team is deeply symbolic in national pride.

Market Value:

• Due to its limited production, the note’s value in the collector’s market is expected to appreciate over time.
• Special uncirculated versions may be sold at a premium price.