Slovenia unlisted date (2004/2005) and signature combos

Slovenia adopts the euro tomorrow, so it’s fitting that we report on a half dozen previously unlisted date/signature combos:


200 tolars (US$1.10), 15. Januar 2004. Issued August 2, 2004. Like Pick 15, but new date and signatures (Mitja Gaspari, Guverner; Samo Nucic, Clan Sveta Banke).

1,000 tolars ($5.50), 15. Januar 2004. Issued August 2, 2004. Like Pick 32, but new date and signatures as above.

5,000 tolars (US$27.50), 15. Januar 2004. Issued August 2, 2004. Like Pick 33, but new date and signatures as above.

10,000 tolars (US$55), 15. Januar 2004. Issued April 4, 2005. Like Pick 34, but new date and signatures as above.


500 tolars (US$2.75), 15. Januar 2005. Issued June 20, 2005. Like Pick 16, but new date and signatures (Mitja Gaspari, Guverner; Ivan Ribnikar, Clan Sveta Banke).

1,000 tolars (US$5.50), 15. Januar 2005. Issued June 20, 2005. Like Pick 32, but new date and signatures as above.

Courtesy of Stane Straus and Christof Zellweger.



Moldova new date (2006) 10-leu note confirmed

10 leu (US$0.75), 2006. New date.

Lithuania to issue revised 10- and 100-lita notes


On December 29, 2006, the Bank of Lithuania announced plans to order 50 million 10-litas notes, 45 million 50-litas notes, and 50 million 100-litas notes.

Both the 10- (US$3.80) and 100-litas (US$38.15) notes will contain additional security features, and therefore the new year of issue will be 2007. The 50-litas (US$19.05) notes will be unchanged from the 2003 design (Pick 67).

Courtesy of Bank of Lithuania.

Brunei issues new 500- and 10,000-dollar polymer notes


BCMB B3 (P31): 500 dollars (US$404)
Orange. Front: Misai kucing (orthosiphon aristatus) java tea flowers; Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan; lagoon; Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (Yayasan) building. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan. Printer: (NPA). 175 x 80 mm. Polymer. 2006. Signature 1. Intro: 28.12.2006.


BCMB B5 (P33): 10,000 dollars (US$8,100)
Green and brown. Front: Pangarut timun dendang (passiflora foetida) flower; Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Legislative Council (Parliament) building in Bandar Seri Begawan. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan. Printer: (NPA). 181 x 90 mm. Polymer. 2006. Signature 1. Intro: 28.12.2006.
This note is tied with the 10,000-dollar note from Singapore for the circulating note with the highest face value in the world.

Courtesy of Stane Straus.

Australia new dates (2005 and 2006) confirmed

5 dollars (US$3.95), (20)05. Like Pick 57, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial DD. Polymer.

10 dollars (US$7.90), (20)06. Like Pick 58, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial BH. Polymer.

20 dollars (US$15.80), (20)05. Like Pick 59, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial CJ. Polymer.

50 dollars (US$39.45), (20)05. Like Pick 60, but new date. Signatures (I. Macfarlane, Governor; Henry, Secretary). Serial HE. Polymer.

Macedonia new date (00.01.2006) 10-denar note (B206f) confirmed

Macedonia_NBRM_10_denari_2006.01.00_B206f_P14f_ДД_705671_fMacedonia_NBRM_10_denari_2006.01.00_B206f_P14f_ДД_705671_r
Like B206e, but new date and signature (Petar Goshev, Governor).

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko.

Guatemala new date (25.8.2006) 20-quetzal note confirmed


20 quetzal (US$2.65), 25 de Agosto de 2006. Like Pick 108, but new date and watermark of Doctor Mariano Gálvez with electrotype denomination. Printer: De La Rue. 156 x 67 mm.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Jordan new date (2006) 50-dinar note (B234c) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2006.00.00_B234c_P38c_fJordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2006.00.00_B234c_P38c_r
Like B234b, but new date (AH1427/2006) and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Israel new date (2006) 200-new sheqalim note confirmed


200 new seqalim (US$47.75), 2006. Like Pick 62, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Hungary new sig/date (2006) 5,000-forint note (B576c) confirmed


Like B575b, but new date (2006) and new signatures (Péter Adamecz, Zsigmond Járai, Dr. György Surányi).
 
Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Hungary new date (2006) 10,000-forint note (B576h) confirmed


Like B576g, but new date (2006) and new signatures (Péter Adamecz, Zsigmond Járai, Dr. György Surányi).
 
Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Jordan new date (2005) 1-dinar note (B229b) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2005.00.00_B229b_P34b_fJordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2005.00.00_B229b_P34b_r
Like B229a, but new date (AH1426/2005) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Kazakhstan new 100-, 200-, and 500-tenge notes (B113b, B121a, B122a) confirmed



There are two different 100-tenge notes dated 1993. The original (B113a, top left) was issued in 1993. It features an intaglio rosette in the upper left corner of the front of the note. There is a second variety also dated 1993 (B113b, top right), but issued in 2001. It has the rosette in OVI.

There are two different 200-tenge notes dated 1999. The original (B119a, middle left) was issued in 2000. It features the denomination embossed on a rosette in the lower right corner of the front of the note. There is a second variety (B120a, middle right) also dated 1999, but issued in 2002. It has a latent image instead of embossing, and a different background design to the right of the portrait.

There are two different 500-tenge notes dated 1999. The original (B121a, bottom left) was issued in 2000. It features the denomination embossed on a rosette in the lower right corner of the front of the note. There is a second variety (B122a, bottom right) also dated 1999, but issued in 2002. It has a latent image instead of embossing, and a different background design to the right of the portrait.

Courtesy of Eduard Han.

Clydesdale Bank commemorates Robert the Bruce on 20-pound note


20 pounds (US$39.15), 25th March 2006. Issued December 21, 2006. Like Pick 228f, but RB prefix, new bank logo, Bruce’s original heraldic shield plus 700th anniversary 1306 - 2006 at right, and 700th anniversary of the enthronement of Robert the Bruce as King of Scots, which took place at Scone Palace on 25 March 1306 on back.

Courtesy of Noteboy.

Paraguay 100,000-guaraníe notes dated 2004 and 2005 confirmed


100,000 guaraníes, 2004. Like Pick 219, but B prefix, new date, new signatures (unknown, Gerente General; unknown, Presidenta), redesigned hologram, and vertical serial number now with novel numbering. Printer: De La Rue (with imprint).

100,000 guaraníes, 2005.  Issued December 2006. Like above, but C prefix, new date, new signatures (Ramon Arréllaga, Gerente General; Monica Perez, Presidenta), and hologram replaced by gold OVI. Printer: François-Charles Oberthur (with imprint).

Courtesy of Andrés Michelfelder.

Hungary new dates (2005 and 2006) 1,000-forint notes (B573a/b) confirmed


1,000 forint (US$5.25), 2005. Issued April 10, 2006. Like B572, but new dates, new signatures (Péter Adamecz, Zsigmond Járai, Dr. György Surányi), copper holographic stripe, and iridescent stripe.

1,000 forint (US$5.25), 2006. Issued April 10, 2006. Like B573a, but new dates, new signatures (Henrik Auth, Zsigmond Járai, Dr. György Surányi), copper holographic stripe, and iridescent stripe.
 
Courtesy of Magyar Nemzeti Bank and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Estonia to print a new round of krooni notes

According to an article in The Baltic Times dated December 20, 2006: “Due to the ever-retreating prospects of joining the euro currency zone, the central Bank of Estonia has announced it will print a new round of bank notes. The currency supply was expected to be phased out and replaced by the euro. But the bank said the nation would need a new injection of notes prior to Estonia’s entering the eurozone. The first to be replenished will be the two and 10 kroon banknotes – which may come as a surprise to many Estonians, who find their wallets overflowing with the near-worthless paper money.”

No word on when the new notes would be released, nor what changes will be made to the design of same. The 2-kroon note (Pick 70a) is worth US$0.15 and the 10-kroon note (Pick 77a) is worth US$0.85.

Cuba issues new convertible peso series dated 2006

On 18 December 2006, the Banco Central de Cuba issued new convertible peso (CUC) notes. The front of each denomination remains similar to the previous family (Pick FX37 - FX45), which will be gradually withdrawn from circulation. Instead of the national shield which appeared on the backs of all denominations in the previous family, the new notes have individualized backs. Furthermore, an electrotype watermark of the denomination has been added to the watermark portrait of José Martí and BCC appears as a latent image. 150 x 70 mm.


1 convertible peso, 2006. Dark green, tan, and yellow. Monument to José Martí in Havana. Death of José Martí in combat atop horse at Battle of Dos Rios on back.


3 convertible pesos, 2006. Red, pink, and light green. Monument to Ernesto Che Guervara in Santa Clara. Battle of Santa Clara: tank, derailed train, and soldiers with grenade, machine gun, and rifle on back.


5 convertible pesos, 2006. Green, orange, and yellow. Monument to Antonio Maceo in Havana. Protesta de Baraguá: Cuban general Antonio Maceo Grajales and Spanish captain general Arsenio Martínez de Campos y Antón in hammocks on back.


10 convertible pesos, 2006. Brown, blue, and green. Monument to Máximo Gómez in Havana. Revolution Energetica: electric power plant, pick-up truck, and linesman on back.


20 convertible pesos, 2006. Dark blue, light blue, and yellow/green. Monument to Camilo Cienfuegos. Operation Miracle: eye doctors performing surgery and passengers deplaning a jet on back.


50 convertible pesos, 2006. Purple, orange, and yellow. Monument to Calixto García in Havana. Marchers carrying flags and banners that read “Trincheras de Ideas Valen Mas Que Trinchera De Piedra” and “La Batalla de Ideas” on back.


100 convertible pesos, 2006. Red, orange, and bright yellow. Monument to Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA): satellite dish, map, woman and man reading, oil refinery on back.

Courtesy of Banco Central de Cuba.

Bank of Scotland new date (2006) 5-pound note confirmed


Pick 119: 5 pounds, 1st January 2006. New date and new signatures (Dennis Stevenson, Governor; Colin Matthew, Treasurer).

Courtesy of John Martin (IBNS member 6727).

Bahamas new CRISP 50-dollar note (B342a) confirmed


50 dollars, 2006. Issued December 13, 2006. Like B332, but third denomination in CRISP (Counterfeit Resistant Integrated Security Product) family with larger island names, 3 mm windowed security thread printed BAHAMAS, solid security thread, 50 as latent image, THECENTRALBANK in microprinting, sand dollar in OVI, sand dollar as registration device, gold iridescent band with sand dollars on back. Orange, brown, and green. Signature: Wendy M. Craigg, Governor. Sir Roland T. Symonette as portrait and wmk, along with 50 as eletrotype wmk. Central Bank building on back. Printer: FCOF (with imprint). 156 x 67 mm.

Courtesy of the Central Bank of the Bahamas.

Vanuatu revised 1,000-vatu note confirmed


1,000 vatu, ND (2006). Like Pick 10, but without overprint of seal for 25th anniversary of independence. Arms with Melanesian chief standing with spear, flanked by “VT” as latent image. Signatures: Odo Tevi, Governor; Moana Carcasse Kalosil, Minister of Finance. Melanesian male head as wmk, “FF” serial number prefix, solid security thread, spiral registration device, and “BANQUE DE RESERVE DE VANUATU” in microprinting. 3 carvings at left, map of islands, and 3 men in outrigger sailboat at center on back. Printer: De La Rue (with imprint). 150 x 75 mm.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Romania new 200-leu polymer note (B284) confirmed


Pick 122: 200 lei, 1 decembrie 2006. Orange. Lucian Blaga (1895-1961) as portrait and wmk, poppies, open book with page from poems Self-portrait and 9 May 1895, coat of arms, NBR logo, signatures (Mugur Isarescu, Governor; unknown, Head Cashier), transparent window with pen and 200 embossed, denomination in gold-to-green OVI, registration device, security thread, and microperforations. Neolithic statue of the Thinker of Hamangia, rainbow, water mill with NBR latent image, sessile oak, NBR logo, vertical serial number in black, horizontal novel serial number in red, and iridescent stripe on back. Polymer. 150 x 82 mm.

Norway to outsource note printing in 2007

According to a November 28, 2006, article in the Norway Post, the Norges Bank will cease printing Norwegian banknotes in 2007. Central Bank director Harald Boehn says the bank is unable to produce notes as economically as printers abroad.

Norges Bank has entered into agreements for the delivery of notes with De La Rue in the UK and Francois-Charles Oberthur Fiduciaire in France. The contracts apply for the period 2007 – 2012. The first deliveries will probably be made in 2008.

Norges Bank expects to save in the order of NOK 10 million annually during the contract period. An expert on economic history, professor Francis Sejersted, questioned the decision to save “small sums” instead of continuing the tradition of producing the national symbols domestically.

In related news, security printer De La Rue announced interim pretax profits were up 59% on the strength of “exceptional” bank note printing volumes. DLR is involved in printing notes for 150 countries. For an excellent examination of how companies like De La Rue attempt to win over the business of central banks, I strongly suggest reading Moneymakers: The Secret World of Banknote Printing.

Uruguay issues revised 200- and 500-peso uruguayo notes dated 2006

The Central Bank of Uruguay is improving the security features of its current family of notes. The first two denominations in Series C, the $200 and $500, have been issued and other denominations are to follow.


200 pesos uruguayos (US$8.25), 2006. Issued November 2006. Like Pick 77, but new date, series C, and new security features, including Pedro Figari as watermark with denomination spelled out in script, iridescent stripe with $200 repeating, and latent image of Artigas, BCU, and 200 in upper right.


500 pesos uruguayos (US$20.60), 2006. Issued November 2006. Like Pick 82, but new date, series C, and new security features, including Alfredo Vaquez Acevedo as watermark with denomination spelled out in script, iridescent stripe with $500 repeating, and latent image of Artigas, BCU, and 500 in upper right.

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle.

Ghana new date (2006) 20,000-cedi note (B144c) confirmed

Ghana_BOG_20000_cedis_2006.08.04_B144c_P36c_EV_4530403_fGhana_BOG_20000_cedis_2006.08.04_B144c_P36c_EV_4530403_r
Like B144a, but new date (4TH AUGUST 2006).

Courtesy of Marcel Goudbeek (IBNS member 9246).

Bhutan issues new family of notes dated 2006

On November 20, 2006, The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan released its new “Series 2006” of redesigned notes.

The notes are printed by De La Rue in the UK on cotton paper. There is  intaglio microlettering in the line running horizontally parallel to the name of the issuing authority on the front of the note in Dzongkha and in English on the back.

The new series also has high relief marks to help blind people feel and recognize different denominations, and they feature a double coating of varnish to improve durability and prevent soiling and counterfeiting.


P27: 1 ngultrum (US$0.02), 2006. Issued November 20, 2006. Blue, red, and green. Front: Dragons. Back: Simtokha Dzong. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 120 x 60 mm.


P28: 5 ngultrum (US$0.11), 2006. Issued November 20, 2006. Yellow, brown, and red. Front: Birds and embossed cloverleaf. Back: Taktsang. Solid security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 125 x 60 mm.


P30: 20 ngultrum (US$0.45), 2006. Issued November 20, 2006. Yellow and green. Front: Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Back: Punakha Dzong. Solid security thread. Watermark: Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Printer: (TDLR). 130 x 65 mm.


P33: 500 ngultrum ($11.35), 2006. Issued November 20, 2006. Pink, orange, and green. Front: King Ugyen Wangchuck with Raven Crown. Back: Punakha Dzong. Windowed security thread with demetalized RMA 100. Watermark: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Printer: (TDLR). 155 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Phub Dorji and Gylfi Snorrason.

Colombia smaller 1,000- and 2,000-peso notes dated 2005 confirmed


1,000 pesos (US$0.45), 1° de noviembre de 2005. Issued November 17, 2006. Like Pick 450, but new date, new signatures (unknown, Gerente General; unknown, Gerente Ejecutivo), and smaller size. 130 x 65 mm.


2,000 pesos (US$0.90), 7 de marzo de 2005. Issued November 17, 2006. Like Pick 451, but new date, new signatures (unknown, Gerente General; unknown, Gerente Ejecutivo), and smaller size. 130 x 65 mm.

Courtesy of Banco de la República Colombia.

Canada issues 5-dollar note dated 2006 with upgraded security features


5 dollars, 2006. Issued November 15, 2006. Like Pick 101, but new date, new signatures (P. Jenkins, Senior Deputy Governor; and D.A. Dodge, Governor), and additional security features, including metallic holographic stripe, a watermark portrait, a windowed color-shifting security thread, a registration device, and enhanced fluorescence under UV light. Gone are the iridescent maple leaves and latent image of the denomination that appear on Pick 101. To increase its durability, the upgraded $5 note is printed on a slightly heavier paper and is coated with a protective varnish.

Courtesy of Dennis Lane.

Mexico to issue new polymer 50-peso note

The Bank of Mexico plans to issue a new family of banknotes designed primarily to improve security and ease identification by the blind through the use of different tactile marks and varying sizes for each denomination. The first note of this new series is the $50 (US$4.60), details of which were revealed today as follows.



50 peso, 5 Nov. 2004. Issued November 21, 2006. Series A. Signatures: Guillermo Ortiz Martinez, Junta de Gobierno; Maria Elvira Herendira Hernandez Barba, Cajero Principal.
José María Morelos as portrait and watermark, color-shifting butterfly, microtext, security thread, map of Mexico as registration device, and see-through window with embossed denomination. Aqueduct in Morelia, Michoacán on back, along with orange Monarch butterflies that fluoresce yellow under UV light. Polymer. 127 x 66 mm.



50 peso, 7 Sept. 2005. Issued November 21, 2006. Like above, but series B, new date, and new signatures (Guillermo Güemez Garcia, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal). Polymer.



50 peso, 7 Sept. 2005. Series C. Signatures: Everardo Elizondo Almaguer, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal.



50 peso, 7 Sept. 2005. Issued November 21, 2006. Like above, but series D, new date, and new signatures (Jose Julian Sidaoui Dib, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal). Polymer.


Faux watermark that appears on all notes to right of portrait.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Kazakhstan issues new note series

Today the National Bank of Kazakhstan began issuing a new series of notes. This completely redesigned series share similar design elements on front (vertical format) and back (horizontal), distinguished primarily by different color schemes and printed denominations. The previous series (Pick 20 - 27) featuring a portrait of Al-Farabi will circulate in parallel with the new series for a period of one year.

The front of each note features the Astan-Baiterek monument in center, with a fragment of printed music of the national anthem overprinted with the numerical denomination. National emblem at left, along with an opened palm, and flag at right. The back of each note features a different main image within the outline of Kazakhstan’s boundaries.

The following security features appear on all notes: watermark, metallic windowed security thread, registration device, intaglio printing, OVI, microprinting, fluorescent serial numbers, iridescent ink, latent image of denomination, and pink fibers that fluoresce red under UV light.


200 tenge, 2006. Orange and green. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Transport and Communication Ministry building; winged statue on bridge over river Ishim in Astana; Ministry of Defense building; steppe. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 200 and text. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 200 and deer. Printer: (BFoNBK). 126 x 64 mm.


500 tenge, 2006. Blue and gray. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Ministry of Finance building; Astana city hall; gulls over the sea. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 500 and text. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 500 and animal lying down. Printer: (BFoNBK). 130 x 67 mm.


1,000 tenge, 2006. Yellow and brown on m/c underprint. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Presidential Culture Center building; mesas. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 1000 ТЕҢГЕ and ornament. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 1000 and camel. Printer: (BFoNBK). 134 x 70 mm.


2,000 tenge, 2006. Green and blue. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Abai Opera-House building in Almaty; mountain lake. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 2000 and text along scrolling line. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 2000. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 139 x 73 mm.



5,000 tenge, 2006. Red and brown. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Independence Monument and Kazakhstan hotel in Almaty; mountains. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 5000 ТЕҢГЕ and ornament. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 5000. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 144 x 76 mm.


10,000 tenge, 2006. Violet and blue. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Akorda Palace (the presidential residence in Astana); canyons. Optiks security thread. Solid security thread. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 10000 and elk. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 149 x 79 mm.

All notes have the same watermark of a leopard head, along with electrotype denomination and different animals (such as the camel shown here).



Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Eduard Han.


Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new date (2006) £10 note confirmed



The (Scottish) Clydesdale Bank has issued a new £10 dated 14th March 2006, signed David Thornburn, Chief Operating Officer. At first glance it appears to be just a new date variety, but it is actually a new plate. Close examination reveals that the bank logo at center on the front has been redesigned with a much larger CB (compare detail above from Pick 226e at left with new note at right).

Courtesy of John Martin (IBNS member 6727).

Royal Bank of Scotland new date (2005) 5-pound note confirmed


The Royal Bank of Scotland has issued a new £5 dated 20th January 2005. The signature of the group chief executive remains that of Fred Goodwin, as on Pick 352d dated 27.6.2000.

Courtesy of John Martin (IBNS member 6727).

Peru issues revised 10-nuevos soles note dated 2005


On November 14, 2006, the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú issued a revised 10-nuevos soles (US$3.10) note dated 11 de Agosto de 2005. Like Pick 166, but new date, new signatures, and new security features: vertical denomination 10 at right in fuschia-to-green OVI, and old color-changing hexagonal planchettes replaced by iridescent stripe with 10 and BCRP repeating to left of portrait of José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzales.

Somalia new variety of 1,000-shilling note confirmed


A new variety of Somalia’s 1,000 shilling-note dated 1996 has been reported (above, top). This new notes differs from the previously reported Pick 37a (above, bottom) and 37b in that it uses different font for the serial numbers.

Furthermore, please note the most recent Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Volume III, 12th edition fails to mention that the left-hand signature of the bank chairman on Pick 37a (1990) differs from that on Pick 37b (1996).

For a detailed examination of all the signature varieties and different fonts used on Somali currency, visit Peter Symes’ excellent Reference Site for Islamic Banknotes.

Courtesy of Jose Manuel Peso (IBNS member 8180).

Kenya new varieties of 50-shilling note confirmed


The most recent Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Volume III, 12th edition, lists four dates of Kenya’s 50 shilling-note as Pick 41a. However, significant differences have been discovered in this and other recent denominations from Kenya.

The note dated 2nd February 2004 (above, top) has a windowed security thread that is wider than the one on the note dated 1st April 2003 (above, bottom), and this thread appears further to the right. Furthermore, the 2nd February 2004 note also has the denomination “50” visible in the watermark area under normal reflected light. This electrotype watermark appears on all subsequent date varieties (2nd August 2004, 1st June 2005, and 1st April 2006), all of which have a signature combination that differs from that which appears on the first two date varieties (the Governor is the same; only the Member signatory differs).

It has been reported that all Kenyan notes from 2004 onwards have the denomination as electrotype watermarks. It is also reported that all Kenyan notes from 2005 onwards have watermarks of stripes in all four corners. If confirmed, De La Rue is the likely printer because Cornerstone watermarks are a DLR trademark.

Malawi’s 20- and 200-kwacha notes dated 2004 were given new Pick numbers due to the addition of the denomination to the watermark. If the same standard applies to Kenya, the notes dated 2004 onwards deserve their own Pick numbers, too.

Courtesy of Jose Manuel Peso (IBNS member 8180).

Zimbabwe issues new variety bearer cheques


Collector Steve Milner (IBNS member 8137) has discovered a new variety in the Zimbabwe $10,000 note dated 1st August 2006 that differs slightly from the first release with AA serial number prefix (above, bottom). The new AB prefix variety has a space between “10” and “000” in the denominations printed in all four corners (above, top).

Also Steve informs me that Inside IBNS No. 4/06 erroneously reported that all new bearer cheques share the same expiry date of 31st July 2007. In fact, the $100 (Pick 38) and $500 (Pick 39) expire 31 December 2007. Furthermore, the cent issues (Pick 29 - 32) have an extra 500 in the watermark whilst all the dollar issues have RBZ.

Finally, Steve writes: “I am a IBNS member from the Perth chapter. My collecting interests are southern Africa, GB, replacements, and Australia. I have attached a couple of interesting Zimbabwe $100,000 bearer cheques. One is a replacement note (ZB prefix) for the “normal” note issued 1 June 2006. The other has an issue date of 1 October 2005 and the serial AA (AB also known to exist). This issue was apparently printed but not issued until after June 2006.

“I am trying to obtain both notes and the replacement for the earlier version, which I presume exists but has not been confirmed.

“An interesting point now concerns the 1 February 2006 issue of the $50,000 bearer cheque. This issue started with the serial AC. Is there a previous issue with the serials AA and AB dated sometime in 2005?

“This an interesting conundrum for collectors of southern African notes or ‘emergency issues’ as these bearer cheques are often called. Any information from your readers will be most welcome.”

Pakistan issues new 100- and 500-rupee notes (B235a, B236a)

The Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar launched Rs. 100 and Rs. 500 new design bank notes at a ceremony held today at SBP Head Office, Karachi. The launch of these notes is part of a campaign to eliminate counterfeiting of notes in the country.

The State Bank has taken advantage of the latest technology to make these notes virtually impossible to be forged by incorporating the state-of-the-art security features that are easy to recognize but almost impossible to counterfeit.

Some of the special security features added in the new design banknotes are anti-copy and anti-scan, microlettering, a latent image of the denomination which can be seen when the note is tilted, a windowed security thread that changes colors when seen against the light, and a registration device.

The launch of these high-tech notes is also expected to revolutionize the banking business in Pakistan as these notes are equipped with machine-readable features. This will facilitate automation of handling of notes by banks and use of equipment to detect counterfeiting while processing the notes. Due to presence of special features in these notes, ATMs that can receive as well as dispense cash can now be introduced in Pakistan.

The old design Rs.100 (B226) and Rs.500 (B227) will remain in circulation as legal tender along with the new design notes.

With this launch, the State Bank has already introduced new design notes of Rs. 10, 20, 100, 500, and 5,000 denominations. The State Bank plans to complete its current design upgrading campaign of notes when new designs of the remaining denominations of Rs. 50 and Rs. 1,000 are introduced early in 2007.


100 rupees (US$1.65), 2006. Issued 10 November 2006. Red, violet, and tan. Microlettering, windowed security thread, and denomination as latent image and registration device. Signature: Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor. Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Quaid-e-Azam residency in Ziarat on back. Printer: Security Printing Corporation.


500 rupees (US$8.25), 2006. Issued 10 November 2006. Teal, blue, and olive green. Microlettering, windowed security thread, and denomination as latent image and registration device. Signature: Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor. Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Badshahi Mosque in Lahore on back. Printer: Security Printing Corporation.

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle. Thanks also to Muhammad Rizwan for informing me that both of these notes are also available as specimens with all-zero serial numbers and the word “SPECIMEN” punched into the note in large letters.

Madagascar upgrades security on 5,000-ariary note



P91: 5,000 ariary (US$2.45), ND (2006). Issued October 2006. Like Pick 84, but with Omron rings (security feature consisting of patterns of yellow circles) on front and back. 150 x 75 mm.

In addition to the note reported above, Madagascar plans to add Omron rings to the 2,000- and 10,000-ariary notes to be issued in the coming months.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Sudan new 5,000-dinar note dated 2002 confirmed


5,000 dinars, 2002/AH1422. Peach and pink, orange on back. “BS” latent image in upper left, dome with tower wmk, registration device, holographic strip at far right. People’s Palace in Khartoum. Sail boat, headquarters of the Bank of Sudan, windowed security thread on back. 140 x 65 mm.

Courtesy of Morris Lawing (deceased).

Ireland’s Ulster Bank to issue £5 note featuring George Best


Northern Ireland’s Ulster Bank today announced that it will release a limited edition £5 (US$8) note featuring legendary football (soccer) star George Best. The bank plans to issue one million commemorative notes in November to coincide with the first anniversary of the death of the celebrated Northern Irishman and Manchester United star at age 59 due to multiple organ failure following decades of alcohol abuse.
Application forms will be available from Ulster Bank branches in Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland or online from this web site starting November 13. The commemorative notes will then be available to purchase at any Ulster Bank branch in Northern Ireland starting November 27.

Courtesy of Frank van Tiel.

Six Arab states plan to issue unified currency in 2010

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), consisting of six Arab states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates — plans to issue a unified currency in 2010.

South Korea to issue new 1,000- and 10,000-won notes in 2007





The Bank of Korea (BOK) announced that newly-designed 1,000- and 10,000-won notes with strengthened anti-forgery features will begin circulating on January 22, 2007. For more information, read this The Korea Times article and this one.

The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation has been delivering the new W1,000 notes to the BOK since May 19, 2006, and began printing the new W10,000 banknotes on July 7, 2006.

Update (12/22/06): Lawmakers were poised to approve the introduction of larger denominations as early as 2008.

United States unveils new signature $20 note dated 2006

Treasury Secretary “Hank” Paulson visited the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in Washington, DC on October 23, 2006, for the unveiling of the first paper currency with his signature. The signature, which he provided to the BEP on his first day in office this past July, uses his formal name: Henry M. Paulson Jr. The new $20 Series 2006 notes also bear the signature of Anna Escobedo Cabral, Treasurer. The notes are expected to be sent to the Federal Reserve for distribution as needed.

Nepal issues revised 20-rupee note (2006)


20 rupees (US$0.30), ND (2006). Issued October 20, 2006. Like Pick 47, but text at center in different location and slightly reworded, plus signature 16 (Bijay Nath Bhattarai, Governor).

Courtesy of Sagar Man Shrestha.

Hungary issues new 500-forint commemorative note (B580)


B580: 500 forint, 2006. Issued 20.10.2006, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution and war of independence. Front like B570, but new back with Parliament building, the tri-color national flag with a hole, registration device, and three dots in upper right-hand corner for the partially sighted. Watermark contains inscription of “50. EVFORDULO 1956. OCTOBER 23.”
 
Courtesy of Magyar Nemzeti Bank, banknoteshop@gmx.net, and Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle.

Serbia issues new 100-dinar note dated 2006


100 dinar, 2006. Issued October 20, 2006. Like Pick 41, but with new coat of arms and signature (Radovan Jelasic, guverner) on back. Blue, green, and ochre-yellow. Scientist Nikola Tesla, magnetic induction calculation formula, electrical discharge, and Tesla’s electric induction device. Tesla (from the photograph of Nikola Tesla from his Museum in Belgrade), electromagnetic engine, and “Tesla’s Dove” on back. 143 x 68 mm.
 
Courtesy of National Bank of Serbia.

Kazakhstan’s new note series misspells “bank”


Officials at the National Bank of Kazakhstan admit that there’s a problem with the new series of notes issued on November 15. The word “bank” on some of the new notes is misspelled with an alternate Kazakh form of the letter K (above, top), not the Cyrillic version (above, bottom), which has a slightly different pronunciation. Despite politicians’ calls to scrap the new issue, bank officials plan to release the error notes and then gradually withdraw them from circulation.

This error affects only some 2,000- and 5,000-tenge notes, and not the other denominations in this new series. Curiously, the misspelled “bank” appears on both sides of the KZT2,000 (US$15.65), but only on the face of the KZT5,000 (US$39.10).

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Eduard Han.

Sri Lanka new date (2005) 500-rupee note confirmed


500 rupees, 2005-11-19. Issued 17.10.2006. Like Pick 119, but new signatures (Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Finance; Mr Sunil Mendis, Governor), “H/112” prefix, and new security features including red-to-green 3-mm StarChrome windowed security thread with butterflies, and Cornerstone wmk.

Sri Lanka issues first ever 2,000-rupee note


2,000 rupees, 2005-11-02. Issued 17.10.2006. Peach, orange, and lime green on m/c unpt. Signatures: Dr Sarath L B Amunugama, Minister of Finance; Mr Sunil Mendis, Governor. Denomination in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Security features include red-to-green 4-mm StarChrome windowed security thread, heraldic lion with sword wmk, Cornerstone wmk, registration device, fluorescent ink, microlettering, and intaglio printing. Sigiriya Rock at center, Sesatha (ceremonial flag) at right. Sigiriya fresco and iridescent stripe on back (vertical format). Printer: De La Rue (with imprint). 164 x 82 mm. First ever Rs2,000 (US$18.70) denomination note for Sri Lanka.

Venezuela revised 50,000-bolívar note (B357a) confirmed


B357a: 50,000 bolivares, 2006. Issued October 16, 2006. Like B356a, but with “REPUBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA” in upper left, windowed security thread now 2.5 mm wide, new signatures (unknown, Presidente; unknown Primer Vice President), circle in gold to green OVI, “50MIL” added to José María Vargas wmk, denomination no longer fluoresces under UV. Printer: Casa de la Moneda, Venezuela (with imprint).

Poland issues new 50-zlotych “Pope note”


50 zlotych, 16 padziernika 2006. Issued October 16, 2006, the 28th anniversary of Karol Wojtya’s election to the papacy. Designed by Andrzej Heidrich and engraved by J.M. Kopecki. John Paul II holding crucifix-topped staff at right, world map in background. Signatures (Leszek Balcerowicz, Prezes; Mariusz Mastalerz, Glówny Skarbnik). Wmk of papal seal, security thread printed “50 ZL”, microlettering of countries visited by pope, Peter’s keys as registration device, “JP II” as latent image, papal seal fluoresces red and green under UV light, “JP” prefix. Inauguration of John Paul II with cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, a quotation from Letter to Poles, Jasna Góra Monastery and church on back. 2 million pieces issued in special folder for 90 zlotych. Printer: Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartociowych SA (with “PWPW S.A.” imprint). 144 x 72 mm.
 
Courtesy of Krzysztof Rene, Tomasz Jazwinski, and Jacek Tylicki.

Latvia issues revised 5-lat note dated 2006


5 lats, 2006. Issued October 12, 2006. Like Pick 49, but new date, new signature (Rimsevics, Governor), and new security features, including two relief inscriptions of the nominal value imprinted above the oak-leaf registration device, parallelagram of “LATVIJAS BANKA” microprinting beneath large “5” in OVI at left. Starting serial number suffix apparently “R” with replacement notes presumably continuing to use “Z” suffix.

Courtesy of Girts Eisters (IBNS member 9639).

Bank of Israel publishes new book on notes and coins

The Bank of Israel has published a new book, “Banknotes and Coins of Israel 1927-2006.” The fruit of intensive research, the book is published by the Currency Department of the Bank of Israel.
 
The book details the entire series of banknotes and coins issued during the period covered. Each note and coin is presented pictorially, and accompanying text describes both the design of motif and the choice behind it. The publication is unique in its technical detail of the notes and coins––size, cover, security measures against counterfeiting, designers and periods of circulation––as well additional background material including the original photographs which provided the source of the designs of the banknotes and coins. Next to the photos of each coin is an example of the original coin––usually an ancient Hebrew coin––upon which the modern coin was based.
 
The book has a foreword by the Governor of the Bank, Professor Stanley Fischer, and was written by Yigal Arkin, a collector and researcher of means of payments, with scientific editing by Dr. Rachel Barkay, numismatic curator of the Bank of Israel.
 
This colorful, hardback, richly illustrated book has colored margins for ease of reference. The Bank of Israel hopes that such an extensive compendium will provide both a source of information and enjoyment to the public, and will help to increase general knowledge of the banknotes and coins of both the modern-day Israel and of the young state-in-the-making.
 
The book is available in both Hebrew and English and is priced at NIS 98 (approximately US$23).
 
Though the book will shortly be for sale at stores, currently it can only be purchased directly from the Bank of Israel. To buy the book, payment can be either by credit card from the Publications Unit of the Bank of Israel: Tel: 02-6552767; Fax: 02-6552984; email: matikahn@boi.gov.il; or by sending a check (payable to the Bank of Israel) to: The Bank of Israel Publications Unit P.B. 780 Jerusalem 91007.

Bangladesh issues smaller 5-taka note dated 2006


Pick 46: 5 taka, 2006. New date. Issued October 8, 2006. Like Pick 25, but reduced size (118 x 62 mm), new signature (Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Governor), and 3-mm windowed security thread.

The 5-taka note was discontinued some years ago and has now been re-introduced, reportedly as a temporary emergency issue printed on 100-taka paper due to lack of coinage.

Courtesy of Morris Lawing.


Mongolia issues first ever 20,000-tögrög note (B427)



B427: 20,000 tögrög (US$17.10).
Light green and yellow. Front: Chinggis Khaan; holographic Soyombo symbol; warrior on horseback. Back: State Nine White Banners. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized MONGOLBANK. Watermark: Chinggis Khaan and electrotype МБ. Printer: G&D (w/o imprint). 152 x 72 mm. 2006. Signature Unknown. Introduced 02.10.2006.
 
More details can be found in this UB Post article.

Comoros new 500-franc note (B306) confirmed


500 francs, 2006. Issued September 2006. Pink, blue, green, and m/c. Lemur at center. Security thread, registration device, four stars with half-moon wmk. Signatures: unknown, Le President Du Conseil D’Administration; unknown, Le Gouverneur. Flowers on back. Printer: Banque de France (without imprint).
 
Courtesy of Paul van Bodegraven.

Mexico to release new family of notes starting in November 2006


In September 2006, the Bank of Mexico outlined its plans to issue a new family of banknotes designed primarily to improve security and ease identification by the blind through the use of different tactile marks and varying sizes for each denomination. The colors and overall designs of the current series of notes will remain unchanged to avoid confusion. The lone exception is the new $500, which will feature Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo.

All of the new notes will be 66 mm tall. However, the 20-peso note will be 120 mm in length, and each larger denomination will be 7 mm longer, culminating in a 1,000-peso note measuring 155 x 66 mm, the same size as the current series of notes (Pick 116 - 121).

The first note of the new series will be the $50, to be released in November 2006, followed by the $20 in 2007. Both of these denominations will be printed on polymer, which — in the bank's experience with the current polymer $20 (Pick 116) — lasts three times longer than paper.

The remaining denominations will be printed on paper, with the $200 and $1,000 appearing in 2008, and the $100 and $500 slated for 2009. The current notes will remain legal tender and will be gradually removed from circulation.

Bangladesh issues smaller 10-taka note dated 2006


Pick 47: 10 taka, 2006. New date. Issued 21.09.2006. Like Pick 39, but reduced size (123 x 60 mm versus 130 x 60 mm), new signature (Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Governor), and signature in blue instead of red.

Courtesy of Morris Lawing.


Ukraine new 500-hryvnia note (B853a) confirmed


500 гривень (hryven), 2006. Issued 15 September 2006. Signature 4: Stelmah. Grigory Skovoroda as portrait and wmk, fountain in center. Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and seal, Pythagorian triangle on back. 154 x 75 mm.
 
Courtesy of  Yury Akhtemenko.

Nepal issues 50-rupee note to celebrate bank’s 25th anniversary


50 rupees (US$0.70), ND (2006). Issued September 8, 2006, to celebrate the Nepal Rastra Bank Golden Jubilee Year 2005. Yellow, red, and green. Signature: Bijay Nath Bhattarai, Governor. Serial number prefix: KHA/ 97 to GA/17 (20 million pieces). Registration device. Windowed security thread. King Gyanendra dressed in Daura Suruwal (national dress) as portrait and wmk, Nepal Rastra Bank building at left, Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) at center, Ashok Stambha (Lumbini) at right. Pair of danphe (national bird) and Mt. Amadablam at center, NRB logo at top left, arms at right on back.

Courtesy of Jaya Hari Jha.

Bahamas new CRISP 20-dollar note (B341a) confirmed


20 dollars, 2006. Issued September 6, 2006. Like Pick 65, but second denomination in CRISP (Counterfeit Resistant Integrated Security Product) family with larger island names, 3 mm windowed security thread printed BAHAMAS, solid security thread, 20 as latent image, THECENTRALBANK in microprinting, sand dollar in OVI, sand dollar as registration device, gold iridescent band with sand dollars on back. Charcoal, red, and green. Signature: Wendy M. Craigg, Governor. Sir Milo B. Butler as portrait and wmk. Nassau Harbor in New Providence on back. Printer: FCOF (with imprint). 156 x 67 mm.

Courtesy of Morris Lawing.

Solomon Islands new $100 and revised $2 notes (B215a, B220a) confirmed

On 2 September 2006, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands issued the nation’s first ever $100 note, as well as a revised $2 note. The $100 note honors the country’s rural sector, according to a speech given by CBSI governor Rick Hou. The $2 note is like B213, but is now printed on paper, polymer having proven to be disappointing in regards to color retention.


B220a: 100 dollars (US$13.10), ND (2006). Issued September 2, 2006. Light brown, red, and peach. Falcon head wmk, flag, windowed security thread, coat of arms, holographic security emblem, and registration device. Coconut harvesting, palms, ray on back. 160 x 72 mm.


B215: 2 dollars (US$0.25), ND (2006). Issued September 2, 2006. Like Pick 23, but printed on paper, no commemorative seal, flag and pole added to left of center, and novel serial numbers. 140 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Morris Lawing.

Paraguay new 20,000-guaraníe note (B843a) confirmed


20,000 guaranies, 2005. Issued 31.08.2006. Sky blue and gray. “A” prefix, novel serial numbers at left, “BCP” registration device and latent image, windowed security thread, denomination fluoresces under UV light. Signatures: Ramon Arréllaga, Gerente General; Monica Perez, Presidenta. Woman holding vase at right. Central Bank of Paraguay building on back. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient, Germany (with imprint). 157 x 67 mm.
 
Courtesy of Fernando Chilavert and Andres Michelfelder.

Ukraine revised 10-hryvnia note (B848a) confirmed


10 гривень (hryven), 2006. Issued August 25, 2006. Like B847, but new date and signature 4 (Stelmah) instead of signature 5 (Tigipko). Hetman Ivan Stepanovych Mazepa (1644 - 1709) as portrait and wmk. Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves), books, candle, inkwell, pen, paper, tambourine, and lute on back. 124 x 66 mm.
 
Courtesy of Mikhail Istomin.

Philippines ceases outsourcing note printing

According to a 15 August 2006, article in The Manila Times, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will cease outsourcing the printing of bank notes in 2007 in the wake of an embarrassing mistake made public last November.

In an attempt to ensure a sufficient supply of 100-piso (US$1.95) bank notes during the 2005 Christmas season, last year the BSP contracted the services of an unnamed French security printer. The move was supposed to be economical, too, since the French printer’s cost of production was reportedly half that of the BSP.

Unfortunately, the outsourced 100-piso notes (Pick 194c) delivered to the BSP bore President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s surname misspelled as “Arrovo.” Approximately 1,000 of these error notes were released into circulation before the mistake was caught. They remain legal tender in the Philippines, but are valued at US$20 in uncirculated condition, according to the 12th edition of the SCWPM.

Said an unnamed source, “It’s both the printer and BSP’s fault, because BSP sent its staff abroad who handles outsourcing of bank notes. However, the French printer shoulders the printing cost.”
 
A new story in the Manila Standard Today reports that 2.14 million error notes were released, and that the printer in question is Francois Charles Oberthur Fiduciare. Oberthur has reportedly agreed to shoulder the cost of a quarter of the initial print run of 77.9 million notes and will replace three quarters of that amount.

Vietnam issues two new polymer notes

On August 15, 2006, the State Bank of Vietnam announced it would issue two new polymer notes. The 200,000-dong note is the first of that denomination in the nation’s history. The current paper 10,000-dong note (Pick 115) remains legal tender; all smaller bank notes are being replaced by coins. SBV has announced that it will eventually convert all its denominations to polymer.


10,000 dongs, (20)06. Issued August 30, 2006. Purple, light green, and light blue. President Ho Chi Minh. “Treehouse” wmk, curved security thread, registration device, microprinting, and “VN” latent image. Off-shore oil rigs on back. Polymer. 132 x 60 mm.


200,000 dongs, (20)06. Issued August 30, 2006. Red, green, and peach. President Ho Chi Minh as portrait and wkm. Curved security thread, registration device, OVI, and microprinting. Junk in Ha Long Bay on back. Polymer. 148 x 65 mm.

Tanzania issues corrected 1,000-shilling note



1,000 shillings, ND (2006). Issued 8 August 2006. Like Pick 36 (above, left), but with portrait of President Julius K. Nyerere corrected to show the shirt button on the “masculine” side (above, right). 135 x 66 mm.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Russia issues new 5,000-ruble note dated 1997 (Pick 278)


5,000 rubles, 1997. Issued July 31, 2006. Red and brown. Statesman Nikolay Nikolayevich Muravyov-Amursky’s Monument in Khabarovsk at center with commercial ship in background; his bust as wmk. Automobile bridge across Amur River (the border between Russia and China negotiated by Muravyov) on back. Denomination appears in microperforations. Windowed security thread. Khabarovsk coat of arms in crimson to golden green OVI. Microprinting: “CBRF,” silhouettes of tigers, bears, fish, and trees. 157 x 69 mm.
 
Courtesy of Mikhail Istomin.

Serbia issues new 20-dinar note dated 2006


20 dinar, 2006. Issued July 18, 2006. Green, ochre-yellow, and black. Signature: Radovan Jelasic, guverner. Petar II Petrovi Njego, with a line sketch of the Cetinje monastery at right. Figure of Petar II Petrovi Njego, detail from the decorative miniature featured on the first Slavic Octoechos, printed in Cetinje in 1494, mountain range of Komovi on back (vertical format). 135 x 64 mm.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Serbia issues revised 1,000-dinar note dated 2006


1,000 dinar, 2006. Issued July 18, 2006. Like Pick 44, but with new Serbian coat of arms below serial number on back (vertical format), and new signature: Radovan Jelasic, guverner. 151 x 72 mm.
 
Courtesy of Igor Dolasevic.

Bangladesh issues smaller 100-taka note dated 2006


Pick 49: 100 taka, 2006. Issued 16.07.2006. Light blue, dark blue, and brown. Like Pick 44, but reduced size and security thread now 3 mm wide. National Mausoleum and Sixty-dome Mosque in Bagerhat. Signature: Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Governor. Bengal tiger and bank symbol of as wmk. Banganabdhu Multipurpose bridge on back. 140 x 62 mm.
 
Courtesy of Peter Symes.


Gambia issues new note series


The following text is from a press release issued by the Central Bank of The Gambia on 14 July 2006:
“As part of continuing efforts to improve the security, durability and aesthetic quality of The Gambia’s banknotes, the Central Bank of The Gambia is pleased to announce the introduction of new design legal tender banknotes with effect from Thursday, 27 July 2006.

“According to international best practice, central banks introduce significant banknote design and security feature changes every six to eight years. This continuous cycle of design change enables central banks to be proactive in meeting threats from counterfeiters and maintaining public confidence in their currencies. The Gambia’s banknote design upgrade was postponed because of the scheduled implementation of monetary union in the West African Monetary Zone by July 2005 and the planned eventual introduction of a single currency for the Zone. However, in May 2005, the deadline for the launch of monetary union was rescheduled to December 2009. Since then, the Central Bank has been collaborating with its banknote printers, De La Rue Currency [www.delarue.com], to upgrade The Gambia’s banknotes.
“The Gambian currency has undergone a series of changes since it was introduced in 1971. These include reduction in size, use of more sophisticated inks and dyes, improved security features and printing techniques, and the introduction of higher denomination notes, the D50 and D100. The last major design change was done in 1996 when the portrait of the former Head of State [Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara] was replaced with generic images.
“The new design banknotes will be similar to the current family of banknotes [Pick 20 - 24] to maintain continuity but will include improvements in the design, paper thickness and security features.
“The design of the banknotes would be modified to remove all the ‘white paper’ areas. The notes would be printed all over. This makes the notes less susceptible to accumulating dirt and would thus last longer. In addition, the box-like borders, especially on the back of the notes, have been removed to give the notes a more ‘open design’ look. The Gambia’s banknotes have contained these borders since 1971. This makes them look outdated. An ‘open design’ gives the banknotes a more modern look. The vignette on the back of the D10 banknote now features the Central Bank building.
“In addition to design changes, steps have also been taken to improve durability. The most important of these is to increase the paper thickness. In addition, the D5 and D10 would be coated with a special varnish after printing. This should extend the average circulation life of the banknotes. The security features of the D100 would also be upgraded by the inclusion of a silver foil on the front of the note with the image of 100 embossed into the foil. The Central Bank will continue to honour the existing banknotes at face value as long as they remain in circulation. The new family of banknotes will circulate side by side with the current existing banknotes. The current existing banknotes will continue to be legal tender until such a time as the stock is retired from circulation. As notes are returned to the Central Bank through the usual distribution channels, those in poor condition will be phased out of circulation. It is anticipated that this gradual phasing out will take several years to complete. A program of gradual introduction of the new design banknotes is considered the most cost-effective and practical means of undertaking this important exercise.”

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Mauritius issues new date (2004) 1,000-rupee note


1,000 rupees, 2004. New date. Issued July 12, 2006.

Bulgaria issues revised 50-lev note dated 2006


50 leva, 2006. Issued 03.07.2006. Like Pick 119, but series B, new signatures: Ivan Iskrov, Governor; Stefan Tzvetkov, Chief Cashier. New security features include latent image of “50” to the left of Pencho Slaveykov’s collar, golden to green OVI on National Library building under Slaveykov’s signature. Printer: BNB Printing Works, Bulgaria. 136 x 76 mm.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Pakistan issues new 5,000-rupee note (B239a)


B239 (P51): 5,000 rupees (US$49)
Orange, brown, and red. Front: Urdu text; Mohammed Ali Jinnah wearing national dress (sherwani); OVI flag. Back: English text; bank logo; Faisal mosque in Islamabad. Windowed security thread with demetalized 5000. Watermark: Mohammed Ali Jinnah and electrotype 5000. Printer: (Pakistan Security Printing Corporation). 165 x 65 mm.
a. 2006. Sig. 15. Prefix A - J. Intro: 27.05.2006.
 
Courtesy of R. K. Lodha.

Serbia issues new 10-dinar note dated 2006


10 dinar, 2006. Issued May 19, 2006. Ochre-yellow, brown, and green. Signature: Radovan Jelasic, guverner. Vuk Stefanovic Karadic, the creator of contemporary Serbian alphabet, his writing kit, and an open book (exhibits from the standing collection of the Museum devoted to Vuk S. Karadic and Dositej Obradovic). Members of the First Slavic Congress held in Prague in 1848 and vignette of the letters Karadic introduced on back (vertical format). 131 x 62 mm.

Caaourtesy of Chris Twining.

Botswana new 50-pula note (B122) confirmed

Botswana_BOB_50_pula_2005.00.00_B122a_P28a_F-29_630973_fBotswana_BOB_50_pula_2005.00.00_B122a_P28a_F-29_630973_r
50 pula (US$8.45), 2005. Issued mid-March 2006. Like P22 with enhanced security features: additional intaglio printing, silver dual-image hologram alternates between 50 and a kingfisher, 50 and rearing zebra as main watermark and Cornerstone watermarks in each corner, red-to-green StarChrome windowed security thread printed BOB 50. Serial number at right is now vertical. Beige and green on m/c underprint. President Seretse Khama (1921 - 1980) at left, malachite kingfisher at center, arms on right. Man in canoe, fish-eagle, and Okavango Delta on back. Printer: De La Rue (with imprint).
 
Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Uganda issues new 10,000-shilling note dated 2005


10,000 shillings, 2005. Issued 02.01.2006. Green and red on m/c unpt. Musical instruments at left. Owen Falls dam, kudo on back. Like Pick 41 with upgraded security features. “10000” in bottom left corner in magenta to green OVI. “10000” added to existing wmk. of crested crane. New Cornerstone wmk. of diagonal bars in four corners. On back, color of kob (antelope) was bright brown, is now dull brown. Likewise, color of grass was brown, is now green, and the end of horizontal bar below kob was brown, is now green. “TEN” and “SHI” printed in red, with rest of word in green. Printed on high-quality cotton paper with protective coating. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 156 x 76 mm.

Lebanon issues new 1,000-pound note dated 2004


1,000 livres, 2004. Issued 2006. Green. Signatures: Ahmed Jachifirst, First Assistant to the Governor; Madi Sakkaor Chakka, Governor. Various historical alphabets in grid. Cedar tree, alphabets, and bar code on back. 116 x 60 mm.
 
Courtesy of Jorge Rabbath.

Kuwait new signatures 10-dinar note confirmed


10 dinars, L.1968 (2006). New signatures: Badr Yaakub Al Houmaithy, Finance Minister; Shaikh Salem A. Al Sabah, Bank Governor.
 
Courtesy of Ahmad A. Al-Azemi.

Moldova new date (2006) 1-leu note confirmed

Pick 8: 1 leu, 2006. New date.
 
Courtesy of Gary Snover.

Nepal issues revised 100-rupee note (2006)


100 rupees (US$1.40), ND (2006). Like Pick 49. Signature 16. Slight change to three lines of text at center, and new font for serial numbers.
 
Courtesy of Jaya Hari Jha.

Zambia new date (2006) 50-kwacha note (B138f) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2006.00.00_B138f_P37e_BF-03_3433251_fZambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2006.00.00_B138f_P37e_BF-03_3433251_r
Like B138e, but new date (2016).

Courtesy of Chris Twining and Menelaos Stamatelos.

Comoros new 10,000-franc note (B310) confirmed


10,000 francs, 2006. Yellow, vanilla, and m/c. Friday mosque in Moroni at left, Al-Habib Seyyid O. Bin Sumeit at center. Solid security thread, thick metallic band, registration device, microprinting, four stars with half-moon wmk. Signatures: unknown, Le President Du Conseil D’Administration; unknown, Le Gouverneur. Cananga tree ylang-ylang flowers and turtle on back. Printer: Banque de France (without imprint).
 
Courtesy of Alessandro Ferri and Paul van Bodegraven.