World Banknotes News

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) unveils new series of banknotes featuring Polymer substrates and enhanced security features. On December 4, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) marked a significant milestone with the launch of Tonga's new series of banknotes. The chosen date for the release holds special significance as it commemorates the birthday of King Tupou I, a key modernizer who reigned from 1845 to 1893. Produced in collaboration with De La Rue, the new banknote series incorporates both paper and polymer substrates, introducing updated security elements to enhance durability and deter counterfeiting. This redesign represents Tonga's first use of polymer in its currency since 2015. The series comprises 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-pa’anga notes, with the colors remaining unchanged. Notably, the 5- and 10-pa’anga denominations have transitioned to polymer due to its proven durability, particularly for extensively circulated notes. With one pa’anga being e...

Morocco’s central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib, has officially declared the issuance of the new MAD 200 banknote. The announcement aligns with the commemoration of the 80th Independence Manifesto, marking the formal manifesto for independence in 1944. Issued under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the new MAD 200 banknote aims to showcase Morocco’s economic and industrial progress. On the front, the banknote features the portrait of King Mohammed VI, accompanied by the striking image of the Mohammed VI bridge. Turning to the reverse side, the banknote highlights the construction of the Mohammed VI Tower and the Marrakech Menara International Airport. It also pays homage to Morocco’s industrial development and advancements in digital technology. Bank Al-Maghrib emphasized that the new banknote incorporates state-of-the-art security features, including a "three-dimensional dynamic security thread," color-changing magnetic ink, and front and back registration patterns, along with pro...

In the early 2010s, Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government commissioned the printing of a new family of banknotes in Sudan, presumably by Sudan Currency Printing Press, the state printer.  By 2013, Somalia’s new federal government announced the postponement of the introduction of these notes until an unspecified later date, pending the strengthening of financial institutions in Somalia. It remains unclear if Sudan had printed any notes for Somalia during this period. An article on Hiiraan Online dated June 13, 2018, stated that Bashir Isse Ali, the governor of the Somalia Central Bank, revealed that the government, in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund, was preparing to spend $41 million to print new 5,000-, 10,000-, 20,000-, and 50,000-shilling notes with advanced security features. In earlier interviews, he mentioned that 1,000- and 2,000-shilling notes were also under consideration. According to a Hiiraan Online article dated March 20, 2021, Abdusalam Omer Had...

Dennis Bergkamp, the iconic former Arsenal and Netherlands forward, is set to receive a distinctive tribute from the Netherlands. One of his most memorable goals will be featured on a new banknote in the country. Renowned as the linchpin of Arsenal during his illustrious 11-year tenure, Bergkamp is now poised to have his legendary goal immortalized on the new banknote. Since his arrival at Arsenal in 1995, he recorded an impressive tally of 315 goals in 315 matches across various competitions. His contributions were pivotal in securing three Premier League titles (including an unbeaten season), clinching four FA Cup victories, and guiding the team to the 2006 UEFA Champions League final. As reported by Olt Sports, the Dutch treasury has commissioned the Royal Enschede Company, their official currency minting entity, to produce a distinct eight-euro banknote. This unique currency will showcase Bergkamp adorned in the iconic Dutch jersey from the 1998 World Cup and capture the unforgetta...

In honor of the esteemed West Indian cricketer Sir Vivian Richards, a commemorative $2 banknote featuring the image of the former batting star has been produced and is set to circulate throughout Eastern Caribbean countries. Starting on December 6, these notes will be available at banks across the Eastern Caribbean. The tribute currency was unveiled during an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank in Antigua, Sir Vivian Richards’ birthplace. Meanwhile, Sir Vivian Richards expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “To be honored in such a manner is something dreams are made of,” Richards stated, as reported by islandpressbox.com. He was presented with the inaugural $2 bill featuring his likeness. Camillo Gonsalves, Chairman of the ECCB Monetary Council, emphasized that individuals prioritizing financial gain over representing West Indies or enhancing West Indies Cricket may not attain the same level of success or stature as Sir Vivian. The front of t...

The Cayman Islands has recently announced the release of a special commemorative banknote, with a face value of 70 dollars, to mark the one-year anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. This unique banknote is also a tribute to the remarkable Platinum Jubilee of the beloved queen. On the obverse side, the banknote elegantly showcases the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms and the Royal Cipher of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing her reign from 1952 to 2022. The reverse side of the note is adorned with three different portraits of Her Majesty, including a poignant depiction of her historic visit to the Cayman Islands in 1983. These images pay homage to her enduring connection with the people of the Cayman Islands. It's worth noting that this special banknote, printed by De La Rue, will not enter general circulation. Only 10,000 of these commemorative notes have been produced. Stay tuned for more information on how to obtain one for your collection. This unique piece serves as a last...

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is excited to announce its plans to release a new limited-edition $10 commemorative banknote to mark a significant event in the history of the Solomon Islands nation—the XVII Pacific Games 2023, scheduled to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in November. Here are some important details about this commemorative banknote: Design and Production: The new $10 banknote has been crafted using Safeguard polymer by De La Rue, a renowned currency and security printing company in the UK. This choice of material is known for its durability and intricate security features that make counterfeiting extremely difficult. Purpose: This commemorative banknote has been designed to commemorate the XVII Pacific Games 2023, a momentous occasion for the Solomon Islands. Once officially launched, this banknote will be available for both everyday use in circulation and as a collector's item, serving as a special memento to celebrate and remember the PG 2023. Off...

Japan will issue new banknotes as early as July next year in their first renewal since 2004. Newly-designed banknotes will circulate from July 2024, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. The Finance Ministry announced in 2019 that new ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 notes would change sometime between April and September 2024. The face of Eiichi Shibusawa, known as "the father of Japanese capitalism," will be on the new 10,000 yen bill; the new 5,000 yen note will carry Umeko Tsuda, an educator who pioneered women's higher education, while the new 1,000 yen note will feature microbiologist Shibasaburo Kitasato, who developed a serum therapy for tetanus.   The reverse of the three banknotes will adopt images of the Tokyo Station building, wisteria and a work on Mt Fuji by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, respectively. The new banknotes include anti-forgery technology that is being used for the first time in the world.

The Egyptian State Information Service announced the release of a new LE20 polymer banknote ahead of Eid al-Adha. An official statement said on Monday: “The new plastic currency was printed at the new Central Bank of Egypt printing press in the Administrative Capital, based on holograms and watermarks that were manufactured at the NASPS complex in the Administrative Capital”.  “The design of the new banknote is distinguished by its support for people of determination, after adding the Braille method,” it added. CBE had approved the LE10 plastic banknote before Eid al-Adha 2022.  People used to hand new banknotes to children as “Eidiya” (Eid gift) as part of Eid traditions. The Deputy Governor of CBE Khaled Farouk previously told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the Central Bank is already working on polymer notes that will be printed in the near future. He explained that the CBE has already imported equipment and devices intended for processing denominations using the Braille method. Far...

Bulgaria has announced the withdrawal of the 20 Leva banknote, originally issued in 2005, from circulation. Effective February 1, 2023, these banknotes will no longer be considered legal tender. The 20 Leva banknote was issued as a commemorative note on the occasion of the 120th Anniversary of the Issue of the Bulgarian Leva Currency (P-121). Notably, this banknote is crafted from a hybrid material with embedded plastic elements, showcasing advancements in currency technology. In accordance with Article 26 of the Law on the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), the BNB Governing Council has resolved to withdraw the BGN-20 banknotes from the 2005 series from circulation. These banknotes will lose their legal tender status effective from February 1, 2023.  From this specified date, individuals can exchange the BGN 20-denominated banknotes from the 2005 series at the Bulgarian National Bank counters at their full face value. There will be no limit on the amount for exchange, and individuals ...

The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) put into circulation a new series of redesigned XAF (franc) banknotes on 15 December 2022, to celebrate the bank’s 50th anniversary. The new notes will circulate in the Central African States of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Five denominations of the banknotes 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 & 10,000 are issued. All five denominations of the franc banknotes (XAF 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000) have been redesigned and upgraded.  For the first time, the notes will represent all four official languages spoken in the BEAC region: French and Arabic (on the front sides), English and Spanish (on the reverse sides).  The 2002 series of BEAC banknotes will be gradually withdrawn from circulation as they are returned to BEAC counters starting January 2024. Until then, they will continue to be valid legal tender.

Bangladesh Bank is set to release a 50 Taka commemorative note in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to unveil the commemorative Tk50 banknotes during a discussion program organized by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on December 18, 2022, as stated in the press release. According to officials from the Bangladesh Bank, the new commemorative notes will be made available at the Bangladesh Bank's Motijheel office starting from December 19, 2022, and will subsequently be distributed to other branch offices. The banknote features the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the obverse side, with a photograph of Jatiya Sangshad Bhaban in the background, while the logo of the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh is positioned on the right side.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a historic announcement as she revealed the new $1 and $5 bills, which bear the signatures of two women for the first time in American history. Yellen’s signature will appear alongside that of National Treasurer Lynn Malerba, the first Native American to hold this position. Both officials signed sheets of bills in denominations of $1 and $5, marking a historic moment. The new banknotes are set to be delivered to the Federal Reserve this month and will enter circulation next year. The Fort Worth facility, one of two in the United States, is responsible for printing over 50% of US paper currency each year. The other facility, located in Washington, will commence printing the new bills in January or February, according to a senior Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) official. "We’ve made progress in providing greater economic opportunity for women at Treasury and in the economics profession. But we know that much more needs to be done," Ye...

Peruvian banknotes and coins serve as compelling repositories of history, capturing the essence of the nation's rich heritage. Each denomination bears witness to the narrative of Peru through the inclusion of portraits of distinguished Peruvian figures, iconic historical sites and buildings, as well as depictions of the diverse flora and fauna that characterize the country. In this way, the currency becomes a tangible reflection of Peru's cultural and natural legacy, offering a visual journey through time and showcasing the nation's identity on a global stage. Earlier this year, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru introduced newly designed 20 and 50 Soles banknotes. Building on this initiative, in the preceding year of 2021, the bank also unveiled updated 10 and 100 Soles banknotes. These notes showcase a fusion of ultra-modern designs, seamlessly integrating historical elements with contemporary, visually striking aesthetics. The innovative approach in the design captures a h...

Barbados to issue a new series of redesigned polymer banknotes into circulation on Dec 5, 2022 in the denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Dollars.  The upcoming banknotes bear a striking resemblance to the current paper currency in circulation, maintaining a design continuity. However, a notable shift is introduced with a new vertical orientation, aligning with the popular trend in recent years. The color schemes remain consistent with the existing series, and the portraits continue to feature figures of significance. Specifically, the $2 note in blue showcases scientist and agronomist John Redman Bovell, while the green $5 note highlights senator and cricketer Frank Worrell. The $10 note in brown features physician and politician Charles Duncan O'Neal, and the purple $20 note portrays Samuel Jackman Prescod. Moving on, the orange $50 note pays tribute to Errol Barrow, the first prime minister of Barbados, and the grey $100 note features politician Sir Grantley Adams.  On t...

Earlier this month the Central Bank of Algeria released a new Algeria 2000 Dinar commemorative banknote to celebrate the 31st Arab League Summit held in the capital Algiers. The summit, conducted on November 1-2, 2022, focused on discussions pertaining to issues within the Arab world. This significant event also marked the commemoration of 60 years of independence from France in 1962. The banknote, distinguished by its vibrant green color, incorporates both Arabic and English text. On the obverse side, the banknote features a captivating image of the Martyr’s Memorial situated in the capital city of Algiers. Additionally, the official seal of the Arab League is prominently displayed, accompanied by a map depicting the member countries of the Arab League. The reverse side, the note showcases the Tikoubaouine Arch from Tassili N’Ajjer National Park. Positioned at the center is the imposing Great Mosque of Algiers, while the majestic Hoggar Mountains form a subtle backdrop, adding depth a...

The issuance of new banknotes will be based on reasonable monetary policies that are balanced with economic growth and market necessity, according to the central bank’s announcement, which was released on Saturday, October 22. The old banknotes will be systematically accumulated and withdrawn from circulation in accordance with already existing procedures, the announcement said.  The new banknotes’ printing location and process are undisclosed. However, Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, stated during a virtual meeting that Washington is collaborating with international organizations, particularly the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to develop the framework for printing Afghan currency. He added that the decision to transfer and replace old currency with new currency was made on Thursday, but he added that he was unsure of the precise date that it would be made available to the public.

The Central Bank of Liberia released all the denominations in its updated banknote series of $20, $50, $100, $500, & $1,000. The $5 and $10 bills were replaced with coins of the same denominations ($1,000 Liberian is the equivalent of $6.50 in United States currency).  Liberia’s 18th president, William V.S. Tubman, is on the $20 note, which has a reverse showing men and women at an outdoor market. The $50 note depicts the 20th president, Samuel Kanyon Doe, and a man tending to an oil palm tree.  The Liberian Dollar is the official currency of the Republic of Liberia. However, the United States Dollar is a legal tender in Liberia and is used along side the Liberian Dollar currency.