Polymer Banknote from the Dominican Republic? [solved]

Does anyone know if this (N#204789 ) is the only polymer banknote ever produced for the Dominican Republic? If so why was it produced, were they testing out if they wanted to switch over from paper to polymer, was it just a commemorative thing, or what?

I see it was printed at Oberthur Fiduciaire (Francois-Charles Oberthur Fiduciaire; FCO; Oberthur Technologies), France (1984-date) instead of 
De La Rue where the rest of the Dominican banknotes were printed at. 

Anyway, was just curious if anyone had any thought, ideas, or comments on this one as I found it kind of interesting.

I just found this article regarding the first polymer banknote issued.

https://www.voronoiapp.com/money/Polymer-Banknotes-Around-the-World-1733

As for your questions, I believe it was the only polymer note issued in the country. As to why, I believe it would be the same reasons as stated in the link below.

https://www.plastemart.com/plastic-technical-articles/An-increasing-number-of-countries-are-switching-to-polymer-bank-notes-will-US-and-EU-follow/1683#

Whether it was for testing, only the central bank can answer that. Was it a success, again the central bank can answer that. If you know anyone living in the country, perhaps they can tell you what they feel about polymer notes instead of paper. The note was not issued as a commemorative series. 

Enjoy

Awesome, thank you for the answers! I just thought it would be cool to have the only polymer banknote from the D.R. in my collection. 

I wonder why they haven't made any more since then, but I guess only the central bank can answer that.

Thanks again,

-Parker

.. I just thought it would be cool to have the only polymer banknote from the D.R. in my collection. 

 

I wonder why they haven't made any more since then, but I guess only the central bank can answer that.

Often the answer lies in politics & economics.  Politics comes into play if there is a strong lobby group which represents the paper-cotton substrate (as is the case in the US with Crane).  Economics comes into play because polymer notes are 3 - 5X more expensive (per note) to produce (compared to paper) but last so much longer (often 5 - 10X longer).   It's that “pay me now or pay me later” argument but most governments are too busy balancing the books to give environmental concerns a chance too.

This political power play also occurred after the release of the polymer 1000 Piso in the Philippines. Many of the older generation preferred their older designed 1000 Piso (with their national heroes) while the younger generation prefer the new polymer design. I talked to many Filipinos & most wanted the older design to continue (but just about any younger Filipino wanted the new plastic note). I also read articles on the cotton-flax substrate & discovered that the lobby group who made the paper notes is firmly entrenched. I will be very surprised if the bank changes to polymer. They even had this active media campaign (to try to convince the population that the notes were better) when I was there last.

I visited the DR a couple years ago and talked to a hotel clerk who remember your 20 Pesos & she said that she really liked it but that it took a while to get used to (because it often stuck to other polymer notes).  This is common when using (counting) polymer so often there's a bit of a transition/adjustment period before people totally adopt something new. The 20 Pesos is a coin now & I tried (in vain) to get a decent 100 Pesos while there but most were heavily circulated rags.  I think that 100 (or 50 Pesos) denomination would be great as polymer.  I suspect that the "bottom line" (expense) did the 20 polymer Pesos in.