Prior to 2015:

The first set I completed was from the Falkland Islands.  I had found that compared to other Commonwealth territories bearing QEII portraits, the Falkland Islands, Belize, Jersey & Guernsey to be fairly inexpensive.  Recent Canadian & Australian series featuring her image were inexpensive too, but I wasn't in search of these fairly common varieties. 

Fortunately, not long after I considered World notes, I put a low bid on an older series from the Falkland Islands & won.  What I soon discovered was that small island nations (like the Falklands) had tiny 32,000 note issues. Many of their more modern series would be tough as well! So I could rest assured that no matter what I bought from this nation, it would be "tough" or scarcer than a lot of large nations (which would require more homework to discover what to collect).

August 2025:

It took me about 5 years to complete this Falkland Island set. My limitations were: TPG* GEM UNC only for the QEII profile series & no  specimens. Later versions - I did not care whether the later versions were graded (or ungraded) so long as the note was Choice UNC & the price was right. Later versions were low on my priority list. 

You may also note that after each date (below) I have placed either 1 of 2 possible codes (T or E). The letters (T = Tough, or E = Easy) are a generalization on how "difficult T" or "easy E" it was to obtain/buy each TPG note in UNC. Although I put both "E" next to the lower denominations (P-10a 50 Pence & P-8a 1 Quid) these notes were not overly easy to source (NRI of 73 for P-10a & NRI of 63 for P-8a). It was more a matter of time to wait for high grades to become available. It was simply a matter of patience to find a seller who would list a PMG UNC gem! Fortunately, I found both the 50 Pence and One Pound on World Banknote Auctions & at a time when the larger denominations were being offered.  This made the two lower denominations affordable since more attention was drawn to the FIVE & TEN.  I won both larger denominations (the FIVE & TEN pound notes) on eBay. They were expensive but far less dear than World banknote auction listings (which was quite nice)! 

*collectible* - I realize that collectible is a relative term. I am trying to keep the definition to UNC (original eye appeal) & tougher to obtain (expensive, high NRI & only few sellers) but also don't wish to dismiss the less collectible issues in high grades. Some of the differences between one collectible version and the next is like splitting hairs!  Sometimes, especially when acquiring a set, getting a "gap-filler" is certainly preferable to not trying to acquire the set in the first place! 

*TPG (Third Party Graded: I wanted this set to be certified by PMG to ensure I was getting original UNC notes rather than processed)

Conclusions:

• Research I used my own Sites & Forums [Numista NRI # Numista Rarity Index #] auction results, past sales, (etc), & forum chatter to come to the conclusion that Falkland's early QEII profile series would be the toughest set to acquire (in high grades).  It wasn't that they were that tough- just not super popular (compared to Rhodesia, Seychelles, etc) so demand was tepid in comparison.  I soon realized I could definitely afford this set! Over a relatively short period of time, I won the 50 Pence, the One pound & the two higher denominations (5 & 10 Pounders) took a little bit longer. 

• Understand how NRI* numbers (Numista Rarity Index) can either help or create more confusion. Numista volunteers may unwittingly skew the NRI numbers so that they may in fact be misleading (for example- some Numista Contributors may have combined 2 or 3 Pick numbers).  I don't rely on NRI numbers completely ansd in the case of my Falklands set, the NRI was too new to be useful (I had not even joined Numista & the banknote catalogue hadn't started).  The low # issued came from the low population (forum chatter) & it was pretty much a "no-brainer" that I would be getting tough low-issued notes!

• Go for the highest grade you can afford (this shouldn't be too tough for Falkland Islands).

• Set some LIMITS (for me, it was only PMG/TPG examples).  No specimens (or strictly regular issued series) would make up the set. After I finished my first older profile set, I then started to pick up some Modern P-12 (Commemorative $5.00) & more recent issues. I am not sure whether I wish to complete the 2nd set of Falkland Island notes.

My collector radar was set for:

• Discontinued series All "squarish" formatted Falkland notes (with QEII's profile) were phased out & these were my priority over the more common rectangular 1980's series (QEII looking strait out (such as P-12) and the recently issued series).

• UNC gems (all examples are PMG Gem 65 or better for the four note set)

• First "Signatures" all notes are from the shorter first signatures with the exception of the last 10 Pound (P-11) note (last date).

Remember to:

• Ignore the hype generated by social media & focus on what matters to you! In my case, I wanted notes that capture the early classic designs (with simple, no-text reverses).

August 2025:

I will be adding more personal spotlights to sets I have acquired in upcoming months. In the meantime, enjoy my carousel of the more recent Falkland series!

For my early set, I bought most of my early Falkland Islands notes on eBay True auction style offerings. Today, that would be near impossible since the majority of listings are Buy it Now (BIN) and overly expensive.  At the time I was hunting for the early Falkland Island series, I was not overly concerned about signatures (or other varities) since it was quite clear that any note in high grade was the best bet (& tough to boot).  

Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at notaphilyc@gmail.com 

LIST of WORLD Available