Banknote Billet Tahiti 20 francs 1951

This 20 franc banknote was issued in 1963 by the Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer (IEOM), an institution whose issuing headquarters was located in Papeete, the administrative capital of French Polynesia, then known as the territory of Tahiti. This is a specimen example, a designation given to banknotes produced for reference or official presentation purposes, and not intended for general circulation. Such examples generally bear specific markings or perforations distinguishing them from ordinary banknotes put into circulation.

The banknote belongs to series O.0, an indication relating to the serial numbering specific to this type of issue. Specimen banknotes are characteristic of the banking and monetary practices of the era, used in particular to allow financial institutions and authorities to recognise authentic denominations in circulation within the relevant territories.

The iconography of banknotes issued for the French Pacific territories during this period generally reflects the cultural and natural characteristics of these islands, with depictions related to the fauna, flora or local populations, in a graphic style typical of French fiduciary productions of the 1960s, created by specialist printing workshops.

The CFP franc (franc of the French Pacific Territories), also referred to as the Pacific franc, constitutes the monetary unit to which this banknote belongs. Introduced in 1945, this monetary system was designed for the French Pacific territories, including Tahiti, New Caledonia and Wallis-and-Futuna.