Catalog
20 Dollars
| Issuer | Cook Islands |
|---|---|
| Year | 1987 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A finely engraved intaglio vignette occupies the centre of the note, presenting a traditional Cook Islands slit drum (pate) to the left and a conch shell resting against a turtle shell to the right, all rendered in detailed cross-hatched line engraving. The issuer name 'Cook Islands' appears in script at the upper left, and the denomination numeral '20' is printed at the upper right. A guilloche underprint in pastel orange, teal and yellow provides the background, with a small triangle watermark device at the lower left. |
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| Protection description | Triangle-shaped watermark visible at lower left on the reverse |
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| Comments |
The Cook Islands dollar was introduced in 1972 as a separate currency from the New Zealand dollar, though the two have remained at parity and New Zealand notes circulate freely on the islands alongside local issues. That practical reality has always undermined demand for Cook Islands paper — most residents and businesses simply use NZ currency, meaning locally issued notes have historically seen limited genuine circulation and frequently ended up in the hands of collectors rather than cashiers.
Note Printing Australia took over production of this series, though this 1987-dated note predates NPA's confirmed involvement with the Cook Islands contract.