Set Description:
French Pacific Territories paper money is the common currency used in French Oceania, New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna.
The eight notes comprising the collection can be split into two distinct styles. The initial notes (P1-P4), issued from 1985-2013, were complex, colorful, artistic notes portraying the people, wildlife and culture of French Pacific islanders. Each denomination has between eight and thirteen signature varieties. All are found in specimen form as well.
The same designs used in P1-P3 are also found on notes of New Hebrides, New Caledonia and Tahiti. For instance, P1 uses the same design as New Caledonia P60, New Hebrides P19 and Tahiti P25. The only difference is the addition of either Nouvelles-Hebrides (New Hebrides), NOUMEA (New Caledonia), or PAPEETE (Tahiti) overprinted on the back.
Subsequent notes (P5-P8), issued in 2014, were more utilitarian. P5-P7 feature island flora & fauna while P8 portrays island architecture. They also have updated anti-counterfeiting devices and intaglio printing to aid the sight impaired. Each denomination has one or two signature varieties.
All eight notes are readily available in CU condition. The key note, and arguably the most attractive, is P4.
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