the fourth portrait of the Queen to appear on Fijian currency. In 2009, the demonetization of the 1 and 2 cent coins was made official and a new coin set of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent coins with reduced size were introduced. The old coins based on the Australian size standard were withdrawn from circulation. The reformed coins were introduced to save on production costs. The new 50 cent piece is also round with reeded edges rather than twelve-sided. On 2 March 2011, it was announced that Fiji would drop Queen Elizabeth II from its coins and notes, instead opting for local flora and fauna. The removal was seen as retaliation for Fiji's suspension from its full membership of the Commonwealth. The new set, which was unveiled on 12 December 2012, was issued on 2 January 2013. The new series of Fijian coins include a bi-metallic (brass-plated steel) coin intended to replace the note, and a thinner, reduced weight coin. The new series of Fijian dollar banknotes feature Fijian flora and fauna to replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. One change in the redesign of the Fijian dollar banknotes was the note. Originally printed on paper, it is now issued as a polymer banknote. Polymer plastic-coated notes were introduced in 2007, featuring images of local people, culture, trade and industry. Their sizes vary among denominations A new series of notes, the "Flora and Fauna" design series, was introduced in 2013, featuring endemic flora and fauna. The image of Queen Elizabeth II no longer features in the new banknote series. The note, now coined, ceased to be legal tender on 31 March 2013 and the note is now printed in green, a change from its previous tawny and brown colour scheme. The new note, the first banknote from the "Flora and Fauna" design series, entered into circulation on 2 April 2013. See also Economy of Fiji References External links The Reserve Bank of Fiji Main Page Banks are collecting Fiji coins New Banknotes Leaflet describing the security features of the Fijian dollar banknotes Fiji to drop Queen from currency, telegraph.co.uk Coins of Fiji from worldcoingallery.com Currencies of the British Empire Currencies of the Commonwealth of Nations Currencies of Fiji 1867 introductions Currencies introduced in 1969 1969 establishments in Fiji