The history of banknotes in Tuvalu is relatively short, as this small Pacific island country gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. Since then, Tuvalu has undergone changes in its monetary system, going through different stages in terms of banknote issuance and circulation.
Current banknotes in circulation
Currently, Tuvalu does not issue its own banknotes. The country has used the Australian dollar as its official currency since 1966, when it was still a British colony. The banknotes in circulation are therefore the same as those used in Australia, with denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Australian dollars. These banknotes are known for their colorful design and advanced security features, including transparent windows and holographic elements.
Old banknotes and relevant facts
Prior to adopting the Australian dollar, Tuvalu used the Australian pound until 1966. Although Tuvalu has never issued its own banknotes, an interesting fact in its notaphilic history is the issuance of commemorative coins that have gained popularity among collectors. In 2018, Tuvalu released a one-ounce gold coin featuring Homer Simpson, part of a series of Simpsons-themed coins, demonstrating its innovation in the numismatic field despite not having banknotes of its own.
