The history of banknotes in Niue is relatively brief, as this small South Pacific island nation has primarily used New Zealand currency since its association with New Zealand. However, Niue has issued some commemorative and legal tender bills over the years, which has contributed to its unique numismatic heritage.
Current banknotes in circulation
Niue does not currently issue its own legal tender banknotes. The official currency is the New Zealand dollar, and the banknotes in circulation are the same as those used in New Zealand. These include denominations of 5, 10, 20, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, which feature modern designs and advanced security measures. Despite having no banknotes of its own, Niue retains the right to mint commemorative coins, which are highly prized by collectors around the world.
Old banknotes and special issues
Although Niue has not had a long tradition of issuing banknotes of its own, there have been some special and commemorative issues over the years. In 1991, a $5 bill was issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of free association with New Zealand. This bill, although legal tender, was primarily designed for collectors. In addition, in 2014, Niue authorized the issuance of a series of commemorative Star Wars banknotes, which, while not legal tender, became highly coveted collectibles among numismatic enthusiasts and fans of the film saga.
