Solomon Islands 5 Dollars 2022 Pick 38b Polymer UNC Banknote
The Solomon Islands 5 Dollars Pick 38b is the 2022 variety of the polymer N$5 design originally introduced by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) on 2 May 2019, appropriately coinciding with World Tuna Day. legacy.cbsi.com.sb
Rather than featuring a political portrait, the banknote focuses on the country’s close relationship with the Pacific Ocean. Its theme is Traditional Fishing, highlighting both the economic importance of fishing and the need to manage marine resources sustainably. legacy.cbsi.com.sb
The note measures 131 × 67 mm and is produced on polymer substrate, giving it greater resistance to moisture and everyday wear than the paper N$5 note it replaced. legacy.cbsi.com.sb
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, P-38b is an attractive modern Oceanian banknote with strong wildlife and maritime themes.
Historical Background
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands began a major redesign of its banknote family during the 2010s. The N$50 was updated in 2013, followed by the N$100 in 2015 and the N$10 and N$20 in 2017. The new polymer 5 Dollars completed this redesign process in 2019. legacy.cbsi.com.sb
CBSI deliberately selected polymer for the heavily used N$5 denomination because of its improved durability. The bank described fishing as important both for subsistence food production and the formal economy, making it an appropriate subject for one of the country’s most frequently handled notes. legacy.cbsi.com.sb
The 2022 P-38b retains the 2019 design but carries the later signature combination of Dr. Luke Forau, Governor of the Central Bank, and Harry Kuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance. banknotes.com
Technical Specifications
- Country: Solomon Islands
- Denomination: 5 Dollars
- Original Design: 2019
- Variety: 2022
- Pick Number: P-38b
- Banknote Book: B221b
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of Solomon Islands
- Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
- Material: Polymer
- Dimensions: 131 × 67 mm
- Dominant Colours: Light blue, tan and multicolour
- Theme: Traditional Fishing
- Governor: Dr. Luke Forau
- Finance Secretary: Harry Kuma
- Type: Standard circulation banknote banknotes.com
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Coat of Arms of the Solomon Islands
- Yellowfin tuna
- Traditional fishing hook
- Transparent polymer window
- Coral reef patterns
- Maritime imagery
- 5 Dollars denomination
- CBSI inscriptions
- Serial numbers
The yellowfin tuna and traditional fishing hook were deliberately chosen to emphasise the importance of responsible and sustainable fishing to the islands. Numista
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Traditional spear-fishing scene
- Fishermen engaged in community fishing
- National flag of the Solomon Islands
- Central Bank emblem
- Marine imagery
- Five Dollars denomination
The scene highlights traditional fishing not simply as an economic activity but as an important part of community life and cultural heritage in the Solomon Islands. Numista
Security Features
The polymer N$5 incorporates several modern anti-counterfeiting features, including:
- Transparent polymer window
- Shadow image of a tuna
- Five fish visible through the polymer window when held against the light
- UV-fluorescent denomination 5
- UV-visible tuna image
- UV-reactive CBSI logo
- Fluorescent serial-number elements
- Raised tactile printing
- Two separate raised bumps to assist visually impaired users
- Fine-line security patterns
- Intaglio printing banknotes.com
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Solomon Islands 5 Dollars 2019 (2022) Pick 38b Polymer UNC banknote is especially attractive for collectors because it combines a colourful polymer design with distinctive Pacific wildlife and traditional cultural imagery.
It is particularly suitable for collectors of Solomon Islands banknotes, Oceanian currency, polymer notes, fish-themed banknotes, yellowfin tuna memorabilia, maritime currency and modern UNC world banknotes.
Collector’s Note
An important distinction is that P-38b is not a completely new 2022 design. The polymer N$5 design was originally introduced on 2 May 2019, while the 2022 variety is distinguished primarily by its later signature combination. Numista
The original 2019 variety carries the signatures of Denton Rarawa and Fred Fakari, whereas the 2022 P-38b / B221b variety carries Luke Forau and Harry Kuma. This makes the two issues an interesting pair for collectors specialising in signature varieties. Numista
The release date of the original design on World Tuna Day is also particularly appropriate: the yellowfin tuna is not merely decorative but directly reflects the economic, cultural and environmental importance of fishing to the Solomon Islands
