Botswana new date (2007) 10-pula note (B120b) confirmed

Botswana_BOB_10_pula_2007.00.00_B120b_P24b_D-97_640652_fBotswana_BOB_10_pula_2007.00.00_B120b_P24b_D-97_640652_r
Like B120a, but new date (2007). Printer: De La Rue.

Courtesy of Antonio Tangredi.

New Zealand new date varieties confirmed


10 dollars (US$7.65), (20)06. Like P186b, but new date.


50 dollars (US$38.15), (20)04 and (20)05. Like P188b, but new dates with Alan Bollard signature.

100 dollars (US$76.35), (20)05. Like P189b, but new date with Alan Bollard signature.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Mexico new date (19.06.2006) 200-peso note confirmed


200 pesos (US$18.10), 19 JUN. 2006. Like P119, but new date and series DK.

Courtesy of Ricardo Ramirez.

Jamaica new date varieties confirmed


100 dollars (US$1.45), 15.01.2007. Like P80, but new date.


500 dollars (US$7.30), 15.01.2007. Like P81, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.



Jordan new date (2006 and 2007) varieties confirmed

1 dinar (US$1.40), AH1427/2006. Like B229b, but new date and new signatures.

5 dinars (US$7.05), AH1427/2006. Like B230a, but new date and new signatures.

20 dinars (US$28.25), AH1427/2006. Like B233a, but new date and new signatures.

50 dinars (US$70.65), AH1428/2007. Like B234c, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Egypt new date varieties confirmed


25 piastre (US$0.05), ٢٠٠٥/١٠/٣١ (2005/10/31), ٢٠٠٧/٩/٢٤ (2006/9/24), and ٢٠٠٧/٦/١١ (2007/6/11). Like P57d, but new dates.


50 piastre (US$0.10), ٢٠٠٥/٥/١٢ (2005/5/12) and ٢٠٠٧/٦/٢١ (2007/6/21). Like P62, but new dates.


1 pound (US$0.20), ٢٠٠٧/٣/٢٥ (2007/3/25). Like P50, but new date.


5 pounds (US$TK), ٢٠٠٧/٩/٥ (2006/9/5). Like P63, but new date.


10 pounds (US$TK), ٢٠٠٧/١١/٢٢ (2006/11/22). Like P64, but new date.


20 pounds (US$3.50), ٢٠٠٧/٧/١٤ (2006/8/14). Like P65, but new date.


100 pounds (US$18.25), ٢٠٠٧/٦/٤ (2007/6/4) and ٢٠٠٧/٦/١٣ (2007/6/13). Like P67, but new dates.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Trans-Dniester issues new series of notes

On December 22, 2007, the Trans-Dniester Republican Bank issued a new series of banknotes. The new notes feature the same people and places as the old notes, but the images have been modified to extend to the border. Furthermore, anti-counterfeiting features have been enhanced with the inclusion of a windowed security thread on all denominations. The existing 200- and 500-rublei notes will not be issued as part of this series as they already contain sophisticated security features. Both the new and old series will circulate without restrictions.


1 rouble (US$0.10), 2007. Portrait of Russian General Alexander Suvorov. Kitskansky Bridgehead memorial complex on back. 129 x 56 mm.


5 rublei (US$0.60), 2007. Portrait of Russian General Alexander Suvorov. KVINT distillery administrative building on back. 129 x 56 mm.


10 rublei (US$1.20), 2007. Portrait of Russian General Alexander Suvorov. Novo-Nyametsky monastery on back. 129 x 56 mm.


25 rublei (US$2.95), 2007. Portrait of Russian General Alexander Suvorov. Bendery fortress and memorial to Russian warriors on back. 129 x 56 mm.


50 rublei (US$5.95), 2007. Portrait of Ukrainian Poet Taras Shevchenko. Trans-Dniester Parliament building on back. 129 x 60 mm.


100 rublei (US$11.85), 2007. Portrait of Moldavian Prince Dmitry Kantemir. Cathedral of Christmas in Tiraspol on back. 129 x 60 mm.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Serbia to issue a new series of notes in 2010

In December 2007, the National Bank of Serbia announced a design competition open to the public to create a new banknote series containing nine denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 dinars. The new notes aren’t expected to be issued until 2010.

Zimbabwe issues three high-denomination bearer cheques


250,000 dollars, July 2007. Expires 30th June 2008. Issued December 20, 2007. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), solid security thread with repeating RBZ, and Zimbabwe bird as watermark with RBZ as electrotype. Great Zimbabwe ruins on back.



500,000 dollars (US$16.65), 1st July 2007. Expires 30th June 2008. Issued December 20, 2007. Green, light blue, and brown. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), solid security thread with repeating RBZ, and Zimbabwe bird as watermark with RBZ as electrotype. Three elephants on back.



750,000 dollars (US$25), 31st December 2007. Expires 30th June 2008. Issued December 20, 2007. Violet, light blue, and brown. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), holographic foil at left with giraffes, solid security thread with repeating RBZ 1000, and Zimbabwe bird as watermark with 1000 as electrotype. Elephant and falls on back.

Courtesy of Nick Brice.

Rwanda issues first-ever 2,000-franc note



2,000 francs (US$3.70), 31-10-2007. Issued mid-December 2007. Violet. Satellite dish and tower on front. Coffee beans on back. Holographic stripe at left, BNR as electrotype watermark and latent image, 2000 as registration device, fluorescent fibers, microtext, windowed security thread with 2000 repeating, signatures (Francois Kanimba, Governor; unknown, Vice Governor). Printer: De La Rue.142 x 72 mm.

Courtesy of Evzen Sknouril.

Malaysia issues new 50-ringgit note on 26.12.2007



50 ringgit (US$14.95), 2007. 20,000 special sets issued 26.12.2007 for RM60, and at face without packaging starting January 30, 2008. Green-blue. Portrait of the first king, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad at right, national flower hibiscus at center, songket weaving patterns in background and edges, signature (Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, GABENOR). Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj declaring independence, oil palm trees, microbiology technology, and 50th anniversary logo on back (logo will appear only on first 50 million notes). Security features include watermark portrait and 50 as electrotype watermark, fluorescent windowed security thread with repeating BNM RM50 (also as microtext), songket design as registration device, 50 as latent image, holographic stripe with 50 and hibiscus flower.

Courtesy of Hon H. Mak.

Georgia new date (2007) 1- and 10-lari notes confirmed


1 lari (US$0.60), 2007. Like P68, but new date and new signatures.


10 lari (US$6.25), 2007. Like P71, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Scotland new date (16.04.2007) Clydesdale £10 note confirmed


10 pounds (US$20.85), 16th APRIL 2007. Like P226, but new date.

Thailand issues new commemorative notes on sheet




16 baht (US$0.50), ND (2007). 15 million uncut sheets issued November 28, 2007, to commemorate King Rama IX’s 80th birthday. On the 1-baht note the king is giving a speech during his coronation in 1950 at the Sutthaisawan Pratat Hall; on the 5-baht note he’s in a royal procession by land, marking his 3th Circle Birthday Anniversary in 1963; and on the 10-baht note a large crowd is paying tribute during the 60th anniversary celebrations of the king’s accession to the throne in 2006. The back depicts various aspects of the king’s royal biography, activities, and talents. 147 x 229 mm.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Norway new date (2006) 100-krone note confirmed


100 kroner (US$18.20), 2006. Like P49, but new date.

Courtesy of Mirsad Delic.

Trinidad and Tobago new date (2006) 5-dollar note confirmed


5 dollar (US$0.80), 2006. Introduced 26.02.2007. Like Pick 42, but new date, watermark of blue crowned motmot, and blue vertical serial number.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Latvia revised (2007) 5-lat note confirmed



5 lats (US$10.55), 2007. Like P49, 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. 130 x 65 mm.

Courtesy of Jacek Tylicki.

Sweden revised 50-kronor note (2004) confirmed



50 kronor (US$7.95), (200)4. Issued March 15, 2006. Like P62, but new signatures (Jan Bergqvist and Lars Heikensten), 2-mm wide solid security thread with repeating 50, holographic stripe, microtext, Omron rings, 50 as registration device and electrotype watermark, irridescent stripe on back. Printer: Tumba Bruk. 120 x 77 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Swaziland new date (01.04.04) 20-lilangeni note confirmed


20 emalangeni (US$2), 01.04.04. Like P30, but new date and signature 11 (Majorzi V. Sithole, MINISTER FOR FINANCE; Martin S. Dlamini, GOVERNOR). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Sweden revised 1,000-kronor note confirmed



1,000 kronor (US$160), (200)5. Issued March 15, 2006. Like P60, but new signatures (Jan Bergqvist and Lars Heikensten), design bleeds to border, windowed Motion security thread, 2-mm wide solid security thread with repeating 1000, holographic stripe, microtext, 17th century warship in UV ink, Omron rings, 1000 as registration device and electrotype watermark, irridescent stripe on back. Printer: Tumba Bruk. 160 x 82 mm.

Australia new date (2007) 20-dollar note confirmed


20 dollars (US$17.85), (20)07. Like SCWPM 59, but new date and new signatures (Glenn R. Stevens, Governor; Dr. Ken Henry, Secretary to the Treasury).

Courtesy of Frank Robinson.

Trans-Dniester corrected 200-rublie note confirmed


200 rublei (US$23.70), 2004. Like TDRB B7a (P40), but with Ukrainian E on series prefix AA (top) corrected to I on series prefix AB (bottom) as 6th character, 1st word, 3rd line of text on front, and I instead of backwards N as 8th character, 2nd word, 3rd line. Prefix AB.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Trinidad and Tobago issue revised high denomination notes

Following a 26.02.2007 upgrade to its $1 and $5 notes, on 13.11.2007, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago completed its upgrade of its higher denominations with new security features, changing from the use of the greater bird of paradise watermark on all notes to watermarks that match the bird found on the individual denominations, plus changing the color of the vertical serial number at right from red to blue. The size (152.4 x 69.85 mm), signature (Ewart Williams, GOVERNOR), and printer (De La Rue) remain unchanged.

Bulgaria issues revised 20-lev note dated 2007



20 lev (US$14.95), 2007. Issued 12.11.2007. Like P118, but new date, new signature (governor), windowed security thread, fluorescent image, and modified watermark.

Courtesy of Kevin Klauss.

Madagascar revised 2,000-ariary note confirmed


2,000 ariary (US$1.10), 2007. Like P83, but with addition of Omron rings on front and back, “MAP” overprint on new signature (Frederic Rasamoely, GOUVERNEUR), addition of “Madagascar naturellement” above watermark, and replacing upper left serial number with “MADAGASCAR ACTION PLAN 2007-2012.”

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Gibraltar new date (01.12.2006) notes confirmed


10 pounds (US$19.60), 1ST DECEMBER 2006. Like P26, but new date and new signature (Tim Bristow, FINANCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY).


20 pounds (US$39.25), 1ST DECEMBER 2006. Like P27, but new date and new signature (Tim Bristow, FINANCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY).


50 pounds (US$104.50), 1ST DECEMBER 2006. Like P28, but new date and new signature (Tim Bristow, FINANCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY).

Gibraltar has also issued new 20-pound notes with the same date and signature as above.

Courtesy of Morris Lawing and Christof Zellweger.

Costa Rica new sig/date (14.09.2005) 10,000-colon note (B551d) confirmed

Costa_Rica_BCCR_10000_colones_2005.09.14_B551d_P267d_A_62465197_fCosta_Rica_BCCR_10000_colones_2005.09.14_B551d_P267d_A_62465197_r
Like B551c, but new date (14 de setiembre de 2005) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Mexico new date (06.19.2006) 500-peso note confirmed


500 pesos (US$46.70), 19 JUN. 2006 and 15 FEB. 2007. Like P120, but new dates and new signatures (Guillermo Ortiz Martinez, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdas Ramons, Cajero Principal).

Courtesy of Ronny Hick and Kevin Klauss.

Qatar issues revised 100-riyal note


100 riyals (US$27.50), ND (2007). Issued September 26, 2007. Like P24, but new signatures (Abdullah Saud Al-Thani; Yousef Hussein Kamal) and Optiks instead of windowed security thread. Images on back shifted to make room for Optiks. Printer: De La Rue (without imprint).

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Vanuatua revised 200-vatu note confirmed


200 vatu (US$2.10), ND (2007). Like P8, but BB serial number prefix, new signatures (Odo Tevi, GOVERNOR; Willie Jimmy Tapagararua, MINISTER OF FINANCE), windowed security thread, and shortened printer imprint: De La Rue.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick and Kai Hwong.

Qatar issues revised 500-riyal note


500 riyals (US$137.40), ND (2007). Issued September 26, 2007. Like P25, but new signatures (Abdullah Saud Al-Thani; Yousef Hussein Kamal) and Optiks instead of windowed security thread. Images on back shifted to make room for Optiks. Printer: De La Rue (without imprint).

Courtesy of Jamal A. Alrefai.

Ghana new date (04.08.2006) 10,000-cedi note (B143c) confirmed

Ghana_BOG_10000_cedis_2006.08.04_B143c_P35c_ES_2059165_fGhana_BOG_10000_cedis_2006.08.04_B143c_P35c_ES_2059165_r
Like B143b, but new date (4th August 2006).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Swaziland new date (01.04.04) 10-lilangeni note confirmed


10 emalangeni (US$1), 01.04.04. Like P29, but new date and signature 11 (Majorzi V. Sithole, MINISTER FOR FINANCE; Martin S. Dlamini, GOVERNOR). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Maldives new date (01.07.2006) 5- and 10-ruffiyaa notes confirmed


5 rufiyaa (US$0.40), 1 July 2006/AH1427. Like P18, but new date, new signature (Qasim Ibrahim, Governor), and “DE LA RUE” imprint removed from back.


10 rufiyaa (US$0.80), 1 July 2006/AH1427. Like P19, but new date, new signature (Qasim Ibrahim, Governor), and “DE LA RUE” imprint removed from back.

India to issue 10-rupee note with A inset letter

According to a November 5, 2007, press release, the Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs.10 denomination banknotes with inset letter "A" in both numbering panels in Mahatma Gandhi Series with additional/new security features bearing the signature of Dr. Y.V. Reddy, Governor. Except for the change in the inset letter, the design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the banknotes issued earlier in Mahatma Gandhi Series with additional/new security features issued on April 27, 2006. All banknotes in the denomination of Rs.10 issued by the Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

No further details are available at this time. If anyone can provide information or images of the new note, please add a comment to this posting.

Papua New Guinea issues new polymer 20-kina note



20 kina (US$7.25), (20)07. Issued November 5, 2007. Parliament House and national crest (a stylised bird of paradise sitting on a kundu [drum] and a spear) as G-Switch. Boar’s head, toea arm band from the Central Province, a cowrie shell necklace from Madang, and a shell ornament from the Western Province on back. Intaglio printing, 20 embossed on see-through window, bank logo as latent image, black serial numbers and signatures (L. Wilson Kamit, GOVERNOR; Simon Tosali, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY) flouresce yellow/green under UV light, iridescent bird of paradise on back. Polymer.

Nigeria new date (2007) 100- and 200-naira notes confirmed


100 naira (US$0.80), 2007. Like P28, but new date, new signatures, and 6-digit serial number.


200 naira (US$1.60), 2007. Like P29, but new date, new signatures, and 6-digit serial number.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Lesotho new date (2006) 100-maloti note confirmed


100 maloti (US$15.30), 2006. Like P19, but new date and new signature (E. M. Matekane, GOVERNOR).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Lesotho new dates (2005 and 2006) 10-maloti notes confirmed


10 maloti (US$1.55), 2005 and 2006. Like P15, but new dates and new signature (E. M. Matekane, GOVERNOR).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Botswana new date (2005) 100-pula note (B123b) confirmed

Botswana_BOB_100_pula_2005.00.00_B123b_P29b_G-36_854392_fBotswana_BOB_100_pula_2005.00.00_B123b_P29b_G-36_854392_r
Like B123a, but new date (2005).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Kenya date varieties confirmed / new signatures expected


The Central Bank of Kenya has issued all denominations with dates of 1st APRIL 2006 and bearing the signature of the bank’s former governor, Andrew K. Mullei.

On March 4, 2007, Prof. Njuguna S. Ndung’j assumed the role of governor, so expect new signature varieties to surface as soon as old note stocks are depleted.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Venezuela unveils bolivar fuerte note designs

We now have confirmation that the PDF marked “Información Confidencial” reported ten days ago is authentic. Today the Banco Central de Venezuela has officially unveiled its new family of notes. The only thing that remains to be explained is why there is no 200-bolivar fuerte note as previously reported.

All notes will be released on January 1, 2008, and are dated 20 DE MARZO DE 2007 on front, along with signatures (PRESIDENTE BCV and PRIMER VICEPRESIDENTE BCV). Security features for each note includes intaglio printing with the denomination in OVI, watermark of portrait and electrotype watermark of denomination numerals, wide windowed security thread, registration device, microprinting, raised symbol for the blind, and latent image. Coat of arms on back.


2 bolivares fuerte. Blue and orange. Francisco de Miranda. Amazon Two river dolphins (inia geoffrensis) in foreground, Parque Nacional Médanos de Coro and Gusano flor in background on back.


5 bolivares fuerte. Light orange and tan. Pedro Camejo. Two giant armadillos (priodontes maximus) in foreground, palm trees in Los Llanos (flat plains) in background on back.



10 bolivares fuerte. Dark orange and brown. Cacique Guaicaipuro. American Harpy eagle (harpia harpyja) in foreground, Salto Ucaima y tepuyes Venado y Kurún (Parque Nacional Canaima) in background on back.


20 bolivares fuerte. Pink and aqua. Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi. Two hawksbill turtles (eretmochelys imbricata) in foreground, Montañas de Macanao in background on back.


50 bolivares fuerte. Green and yellow. Simón Rodrígues. Spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatos) in foreground, Laguna del Santo Cristo (Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada) in background on back.


100 bolivares fuerte. Rust and green. Simón Bolívar. Two black-hooded red siskin birds (carduelis cucullata) in foreground, Guaraira Repano (Parque Nacional El Ávila) in background on back.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalcinkaya.

Slovakia new date (01.08.2007) 1,000-korun note confirmed


1,000 korun (US$42.20), 1. AUGUSTA 2007. Like SCWPM 42, but new date and new signatures (Ivan Sramko and Milena Korenova).

Bulgaria's Cyrillic "evro" wins approval

According to an 18 October 2007 Reuters report, “Bulgaria won the right to spell the euro common currency as ‘evro’ in its Cyrillic language…The EU newcomer has fought hard for the right to spell the euro according to Cyrillic rules despite the European Central Bank’s insistence that the euro be spelled the same way across the 27-nation bloc. The Black Sea country argued that ‘evro’ is the correct transliteration of ‘euro’ into Cyrillic…The question of whether Bulgaria will be able to use ‘evro’ on banknotes if it enters the single currency zone—something that is not expected until well after 2010—remains open.”

Uganda to issue commemorative 10,000-shilling note in November



On 16 October 2007, allAfrica.com reported that the Bank of Uganda intends to issue a special 10,000-shilling (US$5.75) note ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to take place in Kampala, November 23-25, 2007.

“The note will be available for the public to transact business and for special collectors. It will, however, be in limited supply,” said Juma Walusimbi, BoU communications director. “The currency note will also be a special package offered to the heads of government who will attend CHOGM. The bank wants to be part of Uganda’s effort to host this very important international meeting,” he said, adding that it was normal practice for central banks to issue commemorative coins and notes for important occasions.

Courtesy of David White.

Slovakia new date (01.06.2006) 200-korun note confirmed


200 korun (US$8.45), 1. JÚNA 2006. Like SCWPM 41, but new date and new signatures (Ivan Sramko and Ján Mathes).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Philippines new date (2006) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$1.15), 2006. Like SCWPM 193, but new date and new signatures (GLORIA MARCAPAGAL-ARROYO, Pangulo ng Pilipinas; AMANDO M. TETANGC0, JR., Tagapangaslwa ng Bangko Sentral).

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos.

Philippines new date (2007) 20-peso note confirmed


20 pesos (US$0.45), 2007. Like SCWPM 182, but new date and new signatures (GLORIA MARCAPAGAL-ARROYO, Pangulo ng Pilipinas; AMANDO M. TETANGC0, JR., Tagapangaslwa ng Bangko Sentral).

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos.

Burundi issues new date (01-05-2006) 1,000-franc note


1,000 francs (US$0.90), 01-05-2006. Like SCWPM 39, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Nigeria issues new date (2007) 20- and 50-naira notes


The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued new date varieties for the two highest denominations of its new family introduced on February 28, 2007, but which previously bore the date of 2006.

20 naira (US$0.15), 2007. Like the 2006 NGN20 reported in IBNS Journal 46.1 p23, but new date.

50 naira (US$0.40), 2007. Like the 2006 NGN50 reported in IBNS Journal 46.1 p23, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Brunei issues new date (2007) 1-dollar note


1 ringgit (US$0.70), 2007. Issued 27 September 2007. Like Pick 22, but new date. Polymer. Printer: (NPA).

Courtesy of Banknotes-International.

Hungary new sig/date (2007) 1,000-forint note (B573c) confirmed


Like B573b, but new date (2007) and new signatures (Dr. Karvalits Ferenc; Simor András; Dr. Király Júlia).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Israel to issue new polymer 20-new sheqalim note in 2008


According to the Bank of Israel’s annual report released on October 7, 2007, “To improve the life of the NIS 20 [US$4.95] banknote, the Currency Department released an improved banknote in 2006 printed on higher quality paper with additional coating. As part of this improved quality, the Currency Department will be issuing the next issue of NIS 20 notes based on polypropylene, a polymer which is becoming more popular in many countries due to its durability.” On September 23, 2007, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the bank is planning a trial run of 20 million NIS in polymer notes beginning in February 2008.

The bank’s annual report also stated, “In 2006 the Currency Department began planning a new banknote issue series, which includes many aspects, including changing the banknote design, improved security features and quality of banknote paper. The new series is planned to be issued in the next 4-5 years.”

Papua New Guinea issues new date (2007) 20-kina note


20 kina (US$6.90), (20)07. Like SCWPM 27, but no anniversary logo, new date, and new signatures (Leonard Wilson Kamit, GOVERNOR; Simon Tossali, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Hungary new sig/date (2007) 200-forint note (B568h) confirmed


Like B568g, but new date (2007) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Israel issues new date (2007) 100-new sheqalim note


100 new sheqalim (US$24.40), 2007. Like SCWPM 61, but new date and new signatures (Stanley Fisher, Governor; Aharon Fogel, Chairman).

Courtesy of Raphael Dabbah.

Sudan issues new 2-pound note dated 2006


2 pounds (US$1), July 9 2006. Light blue. Front: Civilization theme with pottery bowls, plates, and vases; map. Back: Bank logo; musical instruments. 2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBOS 2 LS and Arabic text. Watermark: Pigeon and electrotype LS 2. Printer: (Sudan Currency Printing Press). 144 x 64 mm.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Serbia issues revised 100-dinara note dated 2006


100 dinara (US$1.70), 2006. Like SCWPM 41, but new date, repositioned registration device, and Republic of Serbia coat of arms instead of National Bank of Serbia logo on back.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

India’s demand for high-denomination notes increases

India’s booming economy has pushed up demand for 500- and 1,000-rupee notes by approximately 20 and 50 percent, respectively, with the volume of almost all other denominations remaining steady. The cost of printing currency has more than doubled to Rs20 trillion during 2006-07, with the business split between Security Printing and Monitoring Corporation of India and Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran.

Australia’s Reserve Bank annual report findings

Australia’s Reserve Bank annual report findings Read More...

Philippines buys two “superline” note printers

According to Inquirer.net, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), has spent P4 billion (US$89 million) on two “superline” printing machines so it will not have to outsource the printing of banknotes. Two years ago, a European printer supplied 80 million 100-peso notes on which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s was misspelled as “Arrovo.” By printing locally, it’s hoped that such embarrassing errors will be a thing of the past. Also, the new printing machines will double the capacity of the Security Plant Complex in Quezon City to two billion notes annually. The new machines perform the entire cycle of banknote production, from layout to printing and bundling.

Nepal issues new 500-rupee note without king’s image


In addition to the Rs500 (which has an initial print run of 20 million notes), the NRB is preparing to issue new 50- and 100-rupee denominations in mid-2008 that also remove King Gyanendra’s name, image, and royal symbols. The new Rs500 still has the king’s portrait as watermark because the paper was ordered from an Indonesian manufacturer before April 2006 when the monarchy fell out of favor. Because the impoverished Himalayan country could not afford new paper, bank officials chose instead to obscure the king’s image by printing a rhododendron over the watermark.

500 rupees (US$7.85), ND (2007). Issued 27.09.2007. Tan, brown, purple, red, and green. Mount Everest at left, national flower rhododendron at right over wmk of King Gyanendra. Rhododendron at left and two tigers drinking melted snow at center on back. Signature 16, wide windowed security thread, NRB as registration device, intaglio printing. 160 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Madhur Grover.

Cape Verde issues new 1,000-escudo note

Cape Verde issues new 1,000-escudos note Read More...

Mauritius announces new banknote design contest

On September 25, 2007, Manou Bheenick, governor of the Bank of Mauritius, announced a design competition for a new family of banknotes to be issued in 2009 to celebrate the bank’s 40th anniversary. Under the theme of “Banknotes—Mirrors of our Motherland,” this eighth series of notes should relate to the islands’ history, culture, ecology, industry, architecture, and landscape. Rs30,000 will be awarded to the winner of the best design as chosen by a jury of eight local artists. The competition is open to Mauritian nationals only, and proposals must be submitted by October 31, 2007.

The bank will also conduct a study on the Mauritian people’s preferences about the patterns to include on these new notes. “The idea is to know what the Mauritian people want to see on the banknotes,” said Bheenick.

United States unveils new 5-dollar note design



5 dollars (US$5), 2006. Unveiled September 20, 2007. To be issued in “early 2008.” Green and light purple. Enlarged portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Wmk of large 5 to right of portrait, wmk of column of three smaller 5s to left of portrait. Security thread with repeating USA and 5 repositioned to right of portrait; glows blue under UV light. Omron rings. Microprinting. Signatures (Anna Escobedo Cabral, Treasurer of the United States; Henry M. Paulson, Secretary of the Treasury). Lincoln Monument on back with low-vision 5 printed in purple.

Estonia to issue new date 25-, 100-, and 500-kroon notes

Estonia to issue new date 25-, 100-, and 500-kroon notes Read More...

Iran considering knocking three zeros off the rial

On September 11, 2007, Iran’s central bank governor, Tahmasb Mazaheri, admitted that the bank is examining a proposal to knock three zeros off the rial to increase economic confidence and reduce the number of banknotes necessary to conduct cash transactions. Since the Islamic revolution of 1979, the exchange rate of the rial has gone from 70 rials to the dollar to 9,300 rials today. Iran’s largest denomination, the 50,000-rial note, was issued on March 12, 2007, and is worth approximately US$5.40.

Barbados issues notes with enhanced security features

On August 20, 2007, the Central Bank of Barbados issued 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-dollar banknotes with enhanced security features. The $100 with upgraded security features will be issued at a later, undisclosed date. The upgraded notes listed below will circulate with older issues, which remain legal tender.

2 dollars (US$1), ND (2007). Issued August 20, 2007. Like SCWPM 60, but broken trident added to map wmk, windowed security thread with CBB repeating, numeral in top left corner intaglio printed. Printer: De La Rue.

5 dollars (US$2.50), ND (2007). Issued August 20, 2007. Like SCWPM 61, but broken trident added to map wmk, windowed security thread with CBB repeating, numeral in top left corner intaglio printed. Printer: De La Rue.

10 dollars (US$5), ND (2007). Issued August 20, 2007. Like SCWPM 62, but broken trident added to map wmk, windowed security thread with CBB repeating, numeral in top left corner intaglio printed. Printer: De La Rue.

20 dollars (US$10), ND (2007). Issued August 20, 2007. Like SCWPM 63, but Pride of Barbados flower added to map wmk, wide windowed security thread with CBB repeating, thread fluoresces blue and text fluoresces yellow, numeral in top left corner intaglio printed, coat of arms and waves near flying fish fluoresce green and yellow under UV light. Printer: De La Rue.

50 dollars (US$25), ND (2007). Issued August 20, 2007. Like SCWPM 64, but Pride of Barbados flower added to map wmk, wide windowed security thread with CBB repeating, thread fluoresces blue and text fluoresces yellow, numeral in top left corner intaglio printed, coat of arms and waves near flying fish fluoresce green and yellow under UV light. Printer: De La Rue.

Mexico new 20-peso polymer note confirmed


20 pesos (US$1.85), 19 JUN. 2006. Issued August 20, 2007. Blue, green, and brown. Series A. Don Benito Juárez García as portrait and wmk, scales of justice and open book (las Leyes de Reforma en 1859) above signatures (Guillermo Ortiz Martinez, JUNTA DE GOBIERNO; Raul Valdes Ramons, CAJERO PRINCIPAL), 20 embossed on see-through window, 20 PESOS repeated on security band, color-changing bird, microtext, map as registration device, Omron rings, and UV inks. Monte Albán pre-Columbian archaeological ruins in Oaxaca, a pendent, and Dios del Rayo mask of Zapotec deity Cocijo on back. Printer: BANCO DE MEXICO. Polymer. 120 x 66 mm.

20 pesos (US$1.85), 19 JUN. 2006. Issued August 20, 2007. Like above, but Series B and signatures (Guillermo Güemez Garcia, JUNTA DE GOBIERNO; Raul Valdes Ramons, CAJERO PRINCIPAL).

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Guatemala issues new polymer 1-quetzal note


1 quetzal (US$0.15), 20 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2006. Introduced 20.08.2007. Green. Like Pick 99, but polymer with transparent window embossed with bank logo, new date, and new signatures (unknown, GERENTE GENERAL; Maria Antonieta Del Cid Navas de Bonilla, PRESIDENTA). General José María Orellana portrait on front, Banco de Guatelmala building on back. Printer: Canadian Bank Note (with imprint). Polymer. 60 million notes to be introduced over the next two years.

Courtesy of Dagoberto Robles, Tuyet Nhung Le, and Thomas Krause.

Pakistan’s new 1,000-rupee note (B238a) creates controversy


On 8 August 2007, Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain asked a National Assembly standing committee to probe and report within a month on why the new 1,000-rupee note (B238a) carries an imprint of the national flag in lilac (like the Turkish flag) rather than green, and why packs of note are now bound with a paper band and not stapled as was the past norm.

The State Bank of Pakistan explained that the Pakistani flag does not appear on any SBP notes (the flag has a white band to the left of the field of green); the crescent and five-pointed star is merely a security feature printed with optical variable ink (OVI) that changes color from magenta to green when the note is tilted. Furthermore, the SBP pointed out that bundling notes is the international standard and the practice of stapling notes has been halted in an effort to increase the longevity of the nation’s notes.

Courtesy of Muhammad Rizwan.

Somaliland new date (2002) 100-shilling note confirmed


100 shillings (US$0.10), 2002. Like SCWPM 5c, but new date. Signature 3 (Abdirahman Dualle, GUDDOOMIYAH; Abdi Mohamoud Gullet, LACAGHAYAHA).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Canadian Journey 20-dollar error note surfaces


Winston Brown of Toronto, Ontario, has recently gone public with a dramatic example of a modern error. The $20 from 2004’s Canadian Journey series has the holographic stripe on the front right, the windowed security thread on the back right, and the watermark is upside down (compare top pair of images with normal note below).

The Bank of Canada has confirmed that the note is genuine and postulates that the error is a result of an uncut sheet of banknote paper being being rotated 180 degrees before being fed into its presses in Ottawa. Since each sheet contains 45 notes, there must have been 44 other examples of this error with serial numbers similar to that found on Brown’s note: EZM7459230. However, his note was found in circulation in 2006 (though a 2004 issue, the note is dated 2006 on the back), and Brown isn’t aware of any other similar notes that have surfaced to date. It’s possible they escaped notice and may be lost, destroyed, collected, or waiting to be discovered.

Brown intends to sell his error note via auction at some point in the future. Interested parties may contact him via email: w_brown_2007@hotmail.com.

Courtesy of Winston Brown.

Latvia issues revised 20-lat note dated 2007


20 lats (US$39.10), 2007. Like Pick 51, but new date, new signature (Rimsevics, Governor), and wider windowed security thread on back.

Courtesy of Gunars Troska.

Czech Republic issues revised 2,000-korun note


2,000 korun (US$93.65), 2007. Issued July 2, 2007. Like Pick 22, but new date, new signature (Tuma, GUVERNER), and many additional security features, including bichrome patterned iridescent strip of overlapping gold and blue, series other than A and B, Omron rings, 2000 and small ornament added as electrotype wmk, 3.0-mm windowed puce-to-green security thread with hatched CNB 2000 Kc, and additional UV features. Printer: State Printing Office, Prague.

Courtesy of Czech National Bank.



Hong Kong issues new 10-dollar polymer note


10 dollars (US$1.30), 1st April 2007. Issued July 2007. Like Pick 400, but new date, new signatures (Henry Tang Ying-yen, FINANCIAL SECRETARY; Joseph Yam Chi-kwong, MONETARY AUTHORITY), larger tactile denomination in corners, see-through window with numeral 10, watermark-like image of bauhinia flower in clear window, watermark-like image of numeral 10, ribbon printed in pink-to-purple OVI, irridescent band with bauhinia flower and HK10 moved to center of note. Rearing horse as registration device, denomination as latent image. Polymer. 133 x 66 mm.

Courtesy of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Brunei issues new 20-dollar polymer commemorative note


The above note commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between both Brunei and Singapore. The note is available individually, in uncut sheets of three or 24 notes (200 and 25 sheets produced, respectively), and in a limited edition of 2,000 sets with similar Singapore notes bearing matching serial numbers. 

20 ringgit (US$13.10), 2007. Issued 27 June 2007. Orange. Novel serial numbers, A prefix, see-through window with red crest, and gold OVD with HB as latent image. Portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at right, Ipomoea Pes-capre (plant that symbolises the treaty) at center. On back: Singapore’s splanade and buildings along the city’s waterfront at left; the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, Royal Barge, and water village at right. Polymer. 149 x 72 mm.

20 ringgit (US$13.10), 2007. As above, but paired in folder with Singapore note with matching serial number, BND prefix, and 40TH ANNIVERSARY CURRENCY INTERCHANGEABILITY AGREEMENT overprint in brown.

Courtesy of Noorilham MD. Tahir.

Singapore issues new 20-dollar polymer commemorative note


The above note commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between both Brunei and Singapore. The Monetary Authority of Singapore will issue a total of 3 million individual notes, and is also selling 10,000 limited edition sets with similar Brunei notes bearing matching serial numbers for S$88. 

20 dollars (US$13.10), 2007. Issued June 27, 2007. Orange. Novel serial numbers, A prefix, two embossed see-through windows, gold lion with latent image of arms, security thread shaped like Singapore isalnd, and red-to-gold OVD. Portrait of Encik Yusof bin Ishak at right, Dendrobium Puan Noor Aishah orchids at center, Ishak wmk at left. On back: Singapore’s splanade and buildings along the city’s waterfront at left; the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, Royal Barge, and water village at right. Polymer. 149 x 72 mm.

20 dollars (US$13.10), 2007. As above, but paired in folder with Brunei note with matching serial number, SGD prefix, and 40th Anniversary Currency Interchangeability Agreement overprint in red.

Courtesy of Noorilham MD. Tahir.

Bank of Scotland unveils new note family featuring bridges

The Bank of Scotland announced that it intends to release a new family of banknotes in the autumn of 2007 (they are all dated 17th SEPTEMBER 2007). The new notes—printed by De La Rue—will retain the color scheme and physical size as the current series. This is the first new complete family of notes issued by the bank since 1995. The old notes will be slowly withdrawn from circulation.

The front of the new notes all share a portrait of Sir Walter Scott at center, and to the left a larger image of the Bank of Scotland’s head office on The Mound, Edinburgh. The notes also bear new signatures (Dennis Stevenson, Governor; Colin Matthew, Treasurer), Scott as watermark along with the numerals of the denomination as an electrotype watermark, Cornerstone watermarks, microprinting, four thistles in UV ink, the bank logo as registration device, intaglio printing, and vertical and horizontal novel serial numbers.


5 pounds (US$10). Blue. Thin windowed security thread, iridescent band at right. Brig o’ Doon over the Doon River near Alloway in Ayrshire on back. 135 x 70 mm.    


10 pounds (US$20). Brown. Thin windowed security thread, iridescent band at right. Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Railway line between Fort William and Mallaig on back. 142 x 75 mm.


20 pounds (US$40). Pink. Wide windowed security thread that changes red to green when tilted, hologram of bank logo and denomination. Forth Bridge in Queensferry on back. 149 x 80 mm.


50 pounds (US$100). Green. Wide windowed security thread that changes red to green when tilted, hologram of bank logo and denomination. Falkirk Wheel rotating boat lift on back. 156 x 85 mm.


100 pounds (US$200). Red. Wide windowed security thread that changes red to green when tilted, hologram of bank logo and denomination. Kessock Bridge over the Moray and Beauly Firths between Inverness and the Black Isle on back. 163 x 90 mm.

Courtesy of the Bank of Scotland.

Brunei issues new 1,000-dollar polymer note


BCMB B4 (P32): 1,000 dollars (US$810)
Light green, brown, deep pink. Front: Akar bilaran (merremia borneensis) flower; Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah wearing uniform and cap; coat of arms. Back: Ministry of Finance building in Bandar Seri Begawan. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): Sultan. Printer: (NPA). 166 x 76 mm. Polymer. 2006. Signature 1. Intro: 21.06.2007.

Courtesy of Noorilham MD. Tahir.

Bhutan issues new 10- and 100-ngultrum notes dated 2006

On November 20, 2006, The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan released the first of its new “Series 2006” of redesigned notes. These two new denominations add to the series.

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.


10 ngultrum (US$0.25), 2006. Issued 2007. Front: Jigme Singye Wangchuck; Dungkar (conch), one of eight good luck symbols. Back: Paro Rinpung Dzong. Solid security thread. Watermark: Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Printer: (TDLR). 125 x 65 mm.


100 ngultrum (US$2.45), 2006. Issued 2007. Green. Front: Jigme Singye Wangchuck; Norbu Rimpochhe, one of seven auspicious gems. Back: Tashichho Dzong, dragons in upper corners. Windowed security thread with demetalized RMA 100. Watermark: Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Printer: (TDLR). 145 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Phub Dorji and Gylfi Snorrason.

Armenia issues revised 20,000-dram note

Armenia issues revised 20,000-dram note Read More...

Lithuania issues new date (2007) 20-lita note


20 litu (US$7.80), 2007. Issued June 11, 2007. Like Pick 66, but new date, iridescent strip with LTL and 20 as PEAK (printed embossed anticopy key), and no mircoperforations. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH. 135 x 65 mm.

Courtesy of Valdemar Griskevic.


Guinea issues new 10,000-franc note dated 2007


10,000 francs (US$2.55), 2007. Issued June 11, 2007. Green, blue, and brown. Portrait of young girl at left, arms at center, three shells and pineapple at lower right. Field with trees in background at center, “Lady of Maali” rock formation on Mount Loura at right on back. Watermark of a young girl with the letters RG (Republic of Guinea), 3-mm red-to-green windowed security thread printed GNF 10000, registration device, UV printing, and signatures (unknown, MINISTRE DES FINANCES; Aboubakar Kagbe Toure, GOUVERNEUR BANQUE CENTRALE). 153 x 78 mm.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Papua New Guinea issues new 2-kina polymer note


2 kina (US$0.68), (20)07. Green, yellow, and light blue. National Parliament building, two see-through windows, and signatures (L. Wilson Kamit, GOVERNOR; Simon Tosali, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY). Back like Pick 21, though slightly redesigned. Polymer.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Serbia issues new date (2007) 500-dinar note


500 dinars (US$8.30), 2007. Issued June 4, 2007. Like Pick 43a, but new date and Republic of Serbia coat of arms instead of National Bank of Serbia logo.
 
Courtesy of Igor Dolasevic.

Ukraine new 200-hryvnia note (B852a) confirmed


200 гривень (hryven), 2007. Issued May 28, 2007. Lesya Ukrainka as portrait and wmk, security thread, 200 as registration device, tactile bars for the sight-impaired, plus UV, IR, and magnetic elements. Tower of the Lutsk lock on back. 148 x 75 mm.
 
Courtesy of Mikhail Istomin. Information courtesy of Dmitri Kharitonov.

Malta new signature variety 5-liri note confirmed


5 liri (US$15.65), L.1967. Like Pick 46, but new signature (Michael C. Bonello, Gvernatur). SCWPM has incorrect middle initial of P in listing for Pick 47c.

Norway new date 50- and 200-krone notes confirmed


50 kroner (US$8.30), 2005. Like Pick 46, but new date (on back), new signatures (Svein Gjedrem, Governor; Trond Eklund, Cashier’s Department Director), wider security thread printed Norges Bank, and Omron rings on front.



200 kroner (US$33.20), 2004. Like Pick 50, but new date (last four digits of number in lower left on front), and new signatures.


Latvia issues revised 100-lat note dated 2007



100 lats (US$194), 2007. Issued May 21, 2007. Like Pick 47, but new date, new signature (Rimsevics, Governor), and new security features, including serial number repeated in red in upper front left, horizontal band with 100 in greyish-brown print, 100 at lower left in larger reddish-brown OVI (also heat sensitive), vertical translucent band to left of portrait, transparent window with red semicircle of the Sun and Ls, silver Sun semicircle between the transparent window and the registration device, wider windowed security thread (with holograms and Ls 100), and 100 Ls as latent image in ornamental band on back right margin. Replacement notes suffix Z.

Courtesy of Girts Eisters (IBNS member 9639) and Frank van Tiel.

Saudi Arabia unveils new family of notes

With today’s release of the SAR 50 and 100, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency has begun circulating its 5th Issue of notes. The new SAR 5 and 10 will appear at the beginning of July, followed by the SAR 500 in September, and ending with the SAR 1 in December.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2007.00.00_B130a_P31a_026_424102_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2007.00.00_B130a_P31a_026_424102_r
B130 (P31): 1 riyal (US$0.25)
Light green. Front: Arabic text; front of first Islamic dinar coin; King Abdullah. Back: English text; SAMA headquarters building; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Windowed security thread with demetalized SAMA 1. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 1, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 133 x 63 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 018 - 475. Intro: 31.12.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2007.00.00_B131a_P32a_029_506803_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2007.00.00_B131a_P32a_029_506803_r
B131 (P32): 5 riyals (US$1.35)
Violet. Front: Arabic text; Ras Tanorah oil refinery; King Abdullah. Back: English text; Jubayl Port in eastern region; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Windowed security thread with demetalized SAMA 5. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 5, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 145 x 66 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 007 - 129. Intro: 16.07.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2007.00.00_B132a_P33_030_874779_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2007.00.00_B132a_P33_030_874779_r
B132 (P33): 10 riyals (US$2.65)
Brown. Front: Arabic text; King Abdulaziz’s palace in Almoraba area; King Abdullah. Back: English text; King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh with palm trees; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Windowed security thread with demetalized SAMA 10. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 10, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 150 x 68 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 016 - 142. Intro: 16.07.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2007.00.00_B133a_P34a_031_018768_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2007.00.00_B133a_P34a_031_018768_r
B133 (P34): 50 riyals (US$13)
Dark green. Front: Arabic text; Al Sakhra Dome mosque; King Abdullah. Back: English text; Al Aqsa mosque in Al Quds Al Shareef (Jerusalem); national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 50 and Arabic text between wavy lines. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 50, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 155 x 70 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 008 - 079. Intro: 21.05.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2007.00.00_B134a_P35a_041_393094_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2007.00.00_B134a_P35a_041_393094_r
B134 (P35): 100 riyals (US$27)
Red. Front: Arabic text; green dome and minaret of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina; King Abdullah. Back: English text; Al-Masjid al-Nabawi; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 100 and Arabic text between wavy lines. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 100, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 160 x 72 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 008 - 041. Intro: 21.05.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2007.00.00_B135a_P36a_015_516087_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2007.00.00_B135a_P36a_015_516087_r
B135 (P36): 500 riyals (US$133)
Blue. Front: Arabic text; Ka’aba (cube); King Abdul Aziz. Back: English text; Ka’aba (cube) in the courtyard of the Holy Mosque in Mecca; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 500 and Arabic text between wavy lines. Watermark: King Abdul Aziz, electrotype 500, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 166 x 74 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 004 - 097. Intro: 17.09.2007.
 
Courtesy of Ghassan Samman and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.

Singapore issues new 5-dollar polymer note



The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will issue new $5 polymer notes from 18 May 2007. This is the third denomination in the Portrait Series to be converted from paper into polymer. The $5 polymer notes will circulate alongside the $5 paper notes, both of which will remain legal tender.

As with the $2 and $10 polymer notes, MAS has retained the portrait series design for the $5 polymer notes as it is familiar to the public. The $5 polymer and paper notes have the following similarities:
• Portrait of Singapore’s first President, the late Encik Yusof bin Ishak, on the front, and images of the Garden City theme at the back. • Same colour (predominantly green). • Same size (133 mm x 66 mm).

The $5 polymer notes also include security features unique to polymer technology which are similarly found in $2 and $10 polymer notes. They are:
• Two see-through windows – one on the top-left hand side, and the other at the bottom-right corner. • A stylised gold Singapore Lion symbol with a hidden image, beside the top-left hand window.  An image of the Singapore Arms will appear at varying angles. • The security thread in the shape of the Singapore island.

Papua New Guinea issues revised 20-kina note polymer


20 kina (US$6.60), ND (2006). Like Pick 27, but without commemorative logo at left, and new signatures (Leonard Wilson Kamit, Governor; Simon Tossali, Secretary). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Haiti new date (2006) 10-gourde note confirmed


10 gourdes (US$0.25), 2006. Like Pick 272, but new date and new signatures (Raymond Magliore, Gouverneur; Philippe W. Lahrens, Gouverneur Adjoint; and Charles Castel, Director General).

Courtesy of Garry Saint (www.numismondo.com).

IACA announces winners of Excellence in Currency Awards

On May 8, 2007, the International Association of Currency Affairs honored seven individuals and companies at the first ever Excellence in Currency Awards ceremony that took place in Bangkok, Thailand.

•Lifetime Achievement Award: Thomas Ferguson, former director of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

•Best New Bank Note Award: The National Bank of Kazakhstan, for its complex and highly secure new series launched in November 2006. Runners up were the Central Bank of Sweden, for the new 1,000 kronor launched in March 2006, and the Bank of Mexico, for the new polymer 50-peso banknote issued in November 2006.

•Best New Coin Award: The Royal Canadian Mint, for the Canadian quarter (25 cents) with an image of a pink ribbon in its centre, a collaboration with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

•Best New Currency Feature: Crane’s Motion, an optically variable feature incorporating a micro-lens array for security threads that first appeared on the Swedish 1,000-kronor banknote and has recently been chosen as the primary overt feature for the new US$100.

•Best New Currency Product: KBA GIORI, for ONE, a complete suite of products from banknote digital design through to direct intaglio and offset plate making.

•Best Currency Public Education Program: The US BEP, for its “Color of Money” introduction of the new $10.

•Best Currency Website: The Bank of England, for its newly-designed website, www.bankofengland.co.uk.

Hong Kong new date (01.01.2006) 50-dollar note confirmed


50 dollars (US$6.40), 1 January 2006. Like Pick 208, but new date, new signature, and new title (Executive Director).

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Egypt issues first-ever 200-pound note


200 pounds (US$35), 2007/4/3. Issued May 7, 2007. The Mosque of Qani Bay 908 H (1503), scribe wmk along with electrotype denomination, signature 21b (Farouk El Okdah, Governor), 1.5-mm solid security thread, 3-mm windowed security thread, Omron rings, OVI circle in upper left, 200 as latent image and registration device. The Seated Scribe 5th Dynasty on back. 175 x 80 mm.

Courtesy of Samia Mehilba and Dr. Ali Mehilba.

Ghana unveils new note family due 1 July 2007

On 3 May 2007, the Bank of Ghana unveiled the following new family of notes was scheduled for issuance on 1 July 2007.  On the front they all feature the printed date of 1st JULY 2007, an image of Independence Arch, the signature of Governor Dr. Paul Acquah, and a conjoined portrait of the “Big Six:” Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi-Lamptey, and William Ofori Atta. All of the notes have the following security features: windowed security thread, novel serial numbers, registration device, portrait of Tetteh Quarshie and cocoa pod as wmk, denomination as latent image and intaglio printed in gold ink, and iridescent band.


1 Ghana cedi (US$1.10), June 2007. Red. Front: Freedom and Justice arch in Independence Square; Kwame Nkrumah; Ebenezer Ako Adjei; Edward Akufo-Addo; Joseph Boakye Danquah; Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi-Lamptey; William Ofori Atta. Back: Akosombo Dam. Windowed security thread with demetalized GHANA 1. Watermark: Tetteh Quarshie, cacao pod, and Cornerstones. Printer: Unknown. 137 x 65 mm.


5 Ghana cedis (US$5.40), June 2007. Blue. Front: Freedom and Justice arch in Independence Square; Kwame Nkrumah; Ebenezer Ako Adjei; Edward Akufo-Addo; Joseph Boakye Danquah; Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi-Lamptey; William Ofori Atta. Back: University of Ghana; tower; buildings; sculpture. Windowed security thread with demetalized GHANA 5. Watermark: Tetteh Quarshie, cacao pod, and Cornerstones. Printer: Unknown. 141 x 68 mm.


10 Ghana cedis (US$10.80), June 2007. Green. Front: Freedom and Justice arch in Independence Square; Kwame Nkrumah; Ebenezer Ako Adjei; Edward Akufo-Addo; Joseph Boakye Danquah; Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi-Lamptey; William Ofori Atta. Back: Bank of Ghana headquarters buildings. Holographic patch. Windowed security thread with demetalized GHANA 10. Watermark: Tetteh Quarshie, cacao pod, and Cornerstones. Printer: Unknown. 145 x 71 mm.


20 Ghana cedis (US$21.55), June 2007. Purple. Front: Freedom and Justice arch in Independence Square; Kwame Nkrumah; Ebenezer Ako Adjei; Edward Akufo-Addo; Joseph Boakye Danquah; Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi-Lamptey; William Ofori Atta. Back: Supreme Court building. Holographic patch. Red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized GHANA 20. Watermark: Tetteh Quarshie, cacao pod, and Cornerstones. Printer: Unknown. 149 x 74 mm.


50  Ghana cedis (US$53.90), June 2007. Brown. Front: Freedom and Justice arch in Independence Square; Kwame Nkrumah; Ebenezer Ako Adjei; Edward Akufo-Addo; Joseph Boakye Danquah; Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi-Lamptey; William Ofori Atta. Back: Christianborg Castle (seat of government) building. Holographic patch. Red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized GHANA 50. Watermark: Tetteh Quarshie, cacao pod, and Cornerstones. Printer: Unknown. 153 x 77 mm.

Sudan issues new 5-pound note


5 pounds (US$2.50), July 9 2006. Issued May 2007. Pink. Front: Future theme with modern architecture and satellite; map. Back: Bank logo; electrical tower; hydroelectric dam; solar panel; wind turbine. 2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBOS 5 LS and Arabic text. Watermark: Pigeon and electrotype LS 5. Printer: (Sudan Currency Printing Press). 150 x 69 mm.

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko.

Sudan issues new 20-pound note


20 pounds (US$10), July 9 2006. Issued May 2007. Dark red. Front: Industrial development theme with wrench, three pyramids, irrigation wheel, and oil drilling platform; map. Back: Bank logo; factory, satellite dishes, and fruit (bananas, papayas, flowers, pineapples, citrus, grapes, corn). Holographic stripe. 2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBOS 20 LS and Arabic text. Watermark: Secretary bird and electrotype LS 20. Printer: (Sudan Currency Printing Press). 160 x 74 mm.

Courtesy of Aziz Al Sati.

Guinea revised (2006) 500-franc note confirmed


500 francs (US$0.10), 2006. Like Pick 36, but new date, Cornerstone watermarks, solid security thread, full bleed color (no white borders), and smaller size. 133 x 63 mm.
 
Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Chile new date (2006) 5,000-peso note (B293aa) confirmed


5,000 pesos (US$9.25), 2006. Like Pick 155, but new date, two horizontal sorting bars in lower left corner on front, and new signatures (Vittorio Corbo Lioi, PRESIDENTE; Leonardo Hernández Tagle, GERENTE GENERAL).

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.


Peru new date (28.10.2004) 20-nuevo sol note confirmed


20 nuevos soles (US$6.30), 28 de Octubre de 2004. Like Pick 169, but new date, new signatures, and FCOF printer imprint on back. 

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Peru new date (28.10.2004) 100-nuevo sol notes confirmed


100 nuevos soles (US$31.55), 28 de Octubre de 2004. Like Pick 169, but new date, new signatures, and FCOF printer imprint on back. 

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Costa Rica new sig/date (27.09.2004) 10,000-colon note (B551c) confirmed

Costa_Rica_BCCR_10000_colones_2004.09.27_B551c_P267c_A_37913961_fCosta_Rica_BCCR_10000_colones_2004.09.27_B551c_P267c_A_37913961_r
Like B551b, but new date (27 de setiembre de 2004) and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Guatemala new date (25.8.2006) 100-quetzal note confirmed


100 quetzals (US$13.10), 25 de Agosto de 2006. Like Pick 104, but new date, and new signatures. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Trinidad and Tobago new date (2006) 1-dollar note confirmed


1 dollar (US$0.15), 2006. Introduced 26.02.2007. Like Pick 41, but new date, narrower (1.2 mm vs. 2 mm) windowed security thread, watermark of sacred ibis, and blue vertical serial number.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Rwanda revised 100-franc note (01-09-2003) confirmed


100 francs (US$0.20), 01-09-2003. Like Pick 29, but new date, date at front lower left, and bank name, counterfeiting warning, and denomination in English in addition to French.

Courtesy of David F. Cieniewicz (www.banknotestore.com).

Dominican Republic revised 50-peso oro note (2006) confirmed


50 pesos oro (US$1.55), 2006. Like Pick 170, but new date, new signatures, non-novel horizontal serial numbers, no watermark, and ClearText security thread instead of windowed thread.

Courtesy of Gary Snover.

Dominican Republic revised 100-peso oro note (2006) confirmed


100 pesos oro (US$3.15), 2006. Like Pick 171a, but new date, new signatures, non-novel horizontal serial numbers, and ClearText security thread instead of windowed thread.

Courtesy of Gary Snover.

Maldives new date (01.07.2006) 500-rufiyaa note confirmed


500 rufiyaa (US$39.05), 1 July 2006. Like P23, but new date, new signature (Qasim Ibrahim, Governor), Cornerstone watermark, 500 as electrotype watermark, windowed 3mm StarChrome security thread changes red to green. Printer: De La Rue.

As of May 10, 2007, all 500-rufiyaa notes issued on or before May 1, 1996 (P17 and 23) ceased being legal tender. The deadline for exchange was November 8, 2007.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Mexico new date (19.06.2006) 50-peso note confirmed


50 pesos (US$4.55), 19 Jun. 2006. Like Pick 122b, but Series E, new date, and new signatures (Jesus Marcos Yacaman, Junta de Gobierno; Raul Valdes Ramons, Cajero Principal). Polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Comoros 1,000-franc note named IBNS Bank Note of the Year


The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) is proud to announce the winner of the 2007 IBNS Bank Note of the Year, awarded to the finest banknote issued in 2006. This year’s award goes to the 1,000-franc note issued by the Banque Centrale des Comores, the central bank of the Comoros, an archipelago located between Madagascar and the east coast of southern Africa. Commendations go to the 10,000-tenge note from Kazakhstan and 100-dollar note from the Solomon Islands.

The IBNS Bank Note of the Year is awarded to the banknote which, in the eyes of the judges, has a high level of artistic merit, an imaginative design, and features that present the best of modern security printing (taking into account the value of the note). The Comoran 1,000-franc note impressed the judges with innovative design, well-balanced color, and sensible use of modern security features.

The front of the 1,000-franc note is dominated by a coelacanth, a pre-historic fish long thought to be extinct, that was found living in the waters off the Comoros in recent years. Its discovery put the Comoros at the centre of the scientific world for a short time and remains one of the small country’s claims to fame. Below the piscine curiosity is an aerial view of several islands that make up the country. Predominantly blue, there are red and green elements to the design on the front of the note.

Poetry is common to the entire series of notes to which the 1,000 franc belongs, with a verse appearing on the front and the back of each note. The verse on the front of the 1,000-franc note can be translated from French as:

From our feelings, what you expect I understood
For it is a love that is so absolutely exclusive
That, not to lose you, I hereby consent.
Truthfully, it will be a love
That our times have never seen.

Continued on the back of the note is a further verse which translates as:

I claim these different names which are ours
and if I speak the rainbow
It is to better greet our Indian Ocean sea-mother
whose waves of pleasures brings
to insularity abundance and joy

The final line below the verse identifies the author, Mab Elhad, and the book in which his verse appears: Kaulu la Mwando (meaning First Word in the Comoran language). The book was published in 2004 and the verses of the author, a Comoran policeman, celebrate his Comoran life and nationality.

The back of the award-winning note is dominated by a Comoran man in a canoe, surrounded by red and blue designs of differing character. While the name of the issuing authority is in Arabic on the back of the note, the warning to counterfeiters is in French (reflecting the nation’s French past).

Despite a low face value (approximately US$2.70 at current exchange rates), the 1,000-franc note sports an impressive array of security features. Portions of the design are printed with the intaglio process, imparting a tactile element to the raised ink, along with the latent image created by the BCC embossed above the signatures. Counterfeiting is made more difficult through the use of microtext, incorporation of a perfect-registration device, and the inclusion of Omron rings. The paper contains an embedded security strip that fluoresces under UV light, and a watermark of a crescent moon, four stars, and the letters BCC. Finally there is an iridescent band on the front of the note that can be seen only when tilting the note at an angle to the light.

While the elements of the design, the security features, and the production of the note are not unusual as individual elements, it is the sum of the whole that lifts the note above the ordinary and which made this note a clear winner as the IBNS Bank Note of the Year.

Every nation should strive to create individual masterpieces for their paper money; unfortunately this is not always the case. However, with the issue of the new series by the Comoros, it is pleasing to see that at least one issuing authority is successful in meeting the expectations of banknote enthusiasts around the world. The IBNS congratulates the Banque Centrale des Comores and the designers of its 1,000-franc note.



Egypt new date (16.04.2007) 50-pound note confirmed


50 pounds (US$8.85), 2007/4/16 (in Arabic). Like SCWPM 66, but new date.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Georgia new 200-lari note confirmed


Yellow. Front: Partisan Kaikhosro (Kakutsa) Cholokashvili; fragments of relief images of Georgian cultural artifacts. Back: Sokhumi, capital of breakaway region of Abkhaz; relief fragments of the iconostasis found in the Tsebelda village of Gulribshi region. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 200. Watermark: Kaikhosro Cholokashvili with electrotype 200 GEL. Printer: (G&D). 146 x 72 mm. 2006. Signature 4. Intro: 15.04.2007.

This is the first regular issue note to use LOOK (Laser Originated Optical Key), a security feature that creates laser-induced effects in the substrate, print color, foil, and varnish.

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle.

Peru new date (2001) 10-nuevo sol note confirmed


10 nuevos soles), 1 de Marzo del 2001. Like Pick 166, but new date, new signatures (above top), and FCO printer imprint on back.

10 nuevos soles, 27 de Setiembre del 2001. Like Pick 166, but new date, new signatures (above bottom), 10 in watermark, and DE LA RUE printer imprint on back.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Peru new date (12.10.2000) 20-nuevo sol note confirmed


20 nuevos soles (US$6.30), 12 de Octubre del 2000. Like Pick 169, but new date, new signatures, and B A BANKNOTE printer imprint on back.

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Macedonia new date (00.01.2007) 10-denar note (B206g) confirmed


Like B206f, but new date and signature (Petar Goshev, Governor).

Courtesy of Ömer Yalcinkaya.

Isle of Man new signature 10-pound note confirmed


10 pounds (US$20), ND. Like Pick 44, but new signature (P.M. Shimmin, Chief Financial Officer).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Ömer Yalcinkaya.

Fiji issues new note family


2 dollars (US$1.25), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Green. Front: Mohar (sovereign locket); domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms. Back: Grandstands and track; schoolchildren in Korobasabasaga; mountains; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 2, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 131 x 67 mm.


5 dollars (US$3.10), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Brown. Front: Katoni Masima; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms. Back: Crested iguana; balaka palm tree; masiratu flower; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 5, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 136 x 67 mm.


10 dollars (US$6.20), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Purple. Front: i Buburau ni Bete; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; Kaleidoscope foil star; coat of arms. Back: Joske’s Thumb mountain; palm trees; Grand Pacific Hotel building and cars; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 10, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 141 x 67 mm.


20 dollars (US$12.40), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Blue. Front: Foa; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; holographic fan; coat of arms Back: Fish processing; cutting lumber; mining; train; Mount Uluinabukelevu; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 20, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 146 x 67 mm.


50 dollars (US$31.05), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Orange. Front: Wasekaseka; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; holographic turtle; coat of arms Back: Nine men; Tubetube; Yaqona Vakaturaga; domodomo; bank logo. 3-mm windowed security thread with demetalized RBF and domodomo. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 50, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 151 x 67 mm.


100 dollars (US$62.10), ND (2007). Issued April 10, 2007.
Yellow. Front: Buli Kula; domodomo (canoe masthead) as registration device; Queen Elizabeth II; coat of arms. Back: Two women singers and man with guitar; map of 180° meridian; two snorklers, sailing ship, and fish; domodomo; bank logo. 18-mm Optiks security thread. Watermark: Fijian head, electrotype 100, and Cornerstones. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 67 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause, Ömer Yalcinkaya., and Morris Lawing.

Switzerland new signature (2004) 50-franc note confirmed


Like previously-reported 50 franken dated (20)04, but with new signature for Un membre de la Direction générale.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

India new date (2005) 50-rupee note with R inset letter confirmed


50 rupees (US$1.15), 2005. Like Pick 90, but new date, new signature (Dr. Y. V. Reddy, Governor), and with inset letter R.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

India new date (2007) 100-rupee note without inset letter confirmed


100 rupees (US$2.25), 2007. Like Pick 91, but new date, new signature (Dr. Y. V. Reddy, Governor), and without inset letter.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

Hong Kong new date (01.01.2006) 100-note confirmed


100 dollars (US$12.80), 1 January 2006. Like Pick 209, but new date, new signature, and new title (Executive Director).

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Slovakia new date (25.08.2005) 1,000-korun note confirmed


1,000 korun (US$39.25), 25 Augusta 2005. Like Pick 42, but new date, and new signatures (Ivan Šramko, Governor; Jan Mathes, Executive Director, Currency Division). Printer: De La Rue.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Peter Jarabek (National Bank of Slovakia).

Papua New Guinea issues 10-kina note with 8-digit serial number


10 kina (US$3.30), ND. Like Pick 26 (above, bottom), but serial number has eight—not six—digits, uses different font, and is positioned different.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

Uruguay new date (2004) 1,000-peso uruguayo note confirmed


1,000 pesos uruguayos (US$41.15), 2004. Like Pick 79, but new date, new signatures, series B, and printer imprint De La Rue on back.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Malawi new date (01.12.2005) 5-kwacha note (B136c) confirmed


Like B136b, but new date (1st December 2005) and new signature.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

England issues new 20-pound note featuring Adam Smith



Today the Bank of England issued a new £20 featuring Adam Smith, one of the fathers of modern economics. This is the first design in a new series of notes from the bank known collectively as “Series F.”

The new notes will circulate in parallel with the current £20 (Pick 390), which will be progressively withdrawn from circulation. Measuring 149 x 80 mm, the new £20 is the same size as the current note. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is retained on the front, but the new note features a brighter color purple, as well as a large silver holographic strip, a registration device, additional intaglio printing, improved watermark, and more UV features to deter counterfeiters. The new note bears the signature of Andrew Bailey, Chief Cashier.

A portrait of Smith appears on the back of the new note, along with an engraving showing “The division of labour in pin manufacturing” with the parenthetical quote “and the great increase in the quantity of work that results” drawn from his major work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The image of Adam Smith is based on a likeness of the portrait of him by James Tassie — Scottish National Portrait Gallery — and reproduced by permission; and the image of pin manufacturing is based on an original image, and by permission of The British Library. Adam Smith (1723 - 1790) is the first economist and the first Scotsman to appear on a Bank of England note.

Pick 392: 20 pounds (US$38.60)). Issued March 13, 2007. Bright purple. Series F. QEII portrait, holographic stripe, registration device, additional intaglio printing, improved wmk, and more UV features. Signature: Andrew Bailey, Chief Cashier. Portrait of economist Adam Smith and illustration of “The division of labour in pin manufacturing” on back. 149 x 80 mm.

Bangladesh new date (2004) 2-taka note confirmed


2 taka (US$0.05), 2004. Like Pick 6C, but new date, new signature. Printer: Security Printing Press, Bangladesh. 100 x 60 mm.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.


Bulgaria new date (2005) 2-lev note confirmed


2 leva (US$1.35), 2005. Like Pick 115, but new date, new signatures, and series B. 116 x 64 mm.

For more information, visit the Bulgarian National Bank.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

Chile new date (2005) peso notes confirmed


Although all are dated 2005, the 1,000- and 5,000-peso notes have a different signature combination than that which appears on the 10,000-peso note.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

Malawi new date (01.03.2004) 5-kwacha note (B136b) confirmed


Like B136a, but new date (1st March 2004) and new signature.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

Rwanda new 5,000-franc note confirmed


5,000 francs (US$9.15), 01-04-2004. Purple, violet, and pink. Gorilla, holographic stripe, latent image, electrotype BNR and bank logo as wmk, 5000 as registration device and in OVI, signatures (unknown, Visi-Guverineri wa mbere; unknown, Guverineri). Containers and windowed security thread on back.146 x 73 mm.

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

Sri Lanka new date (2004-07-01) 20-rupee note confirmed


20 rupees (US$0.20), 2004-07-01. Like Pick 116, but new date and new signature. Printer: De La Rue 130 x 65 mm.
 
Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.

Iran issues new 50,000-rial note featuring nuclear insignia


50,000 rials (US$5.40), ND (2007). Issued March 12, 2007. Orange and lemon. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as portrait and watermark along with electrotype denomination, 2.5 mm windowed security thread, and registration device. Map of Persian Gulf with electrons orbiting an atom, and a legend from Prophet Mohammed: “If the science exists in this constellation, men from Persia will reach it,” on back. 166 x 79 mm.

Courtesy of Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hamid Reza Ebrahimi.

Peru issues revised 50-nuevos sole note


On March 12, 2007, the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú issued a revised 50-nuevos soles (US$15.70). Like Pick 169A, but new date, new signatures, and new security features: vertical denomination 50 at right in fuschia-to-green OVI, and old color-changing hexagonal planchettes replaced by iridescent stripe with 50 and BCRP repeating to left of portrait, plus a windowed security thread.

Egypt new date (16.01.2006) 20-pound note confirmed


20 pounds (US$3.50), 2006/1/26 (in Arabic). Like Pick 65, but new date and signature 22.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Zimbabwe new date (2004) 500-dollar note confirmed


500 dollars, 2004. Like Pick 11, but new date, BB prefix, and new signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor).

Courtesy of Sean Morgan.

India to issue revised 20-rupee note with R inset letter


Today the Reserve Bank of India announced that it will soon issue a 20 rupee (US$0.45) note with inset letter R within the serial number panels.

Except for the change in the inset letter, the design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the banknotes issued earlier in Mahatma Gandhi Series with additional/new security features issued on August 17, 2006. All banknotes in the denomination of Rs20 issued by the RBI in the past will continue to be legal tender.

Courtesy of Frank van Tiel.

Guinea issues new date (2006) 1,000- and 5,000-franc notes


P37b: 1,000 francs (US$0.20), 2006. Like Pick 37, but new date, Cornerstone watermarks, and smaller size. 139 x 68 mm.


P38b: 5,000 francs (US$0.90), 2006. Like Pick 38, but new date, Cornerstone watermarks, and smaller size. 151 x 76 mm.
 
Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Clydesdale Bank issues new date (14.3.2006) 10-pound note


10 pounds (US$19.45), 14th March 2006. Like Pick 226, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Zimbabwe issues new $5,000 note dated 1.2.2007


On March 1, 2007, Zimbabwe introduced a new Z$5,000 (US$20) temporary bearer cheques to replace the expired version of this denomination. These note carries the issue date of 1st February 2007, with an expiration date of 31st July 2007. 147 x 74 mm.

A new Z$50,000 has also been released, with a date of 1st March 2007.

Courtesy of Nick Brice.

Zimbabwe issues new $50,000 note dated 3.1.2007


50,000 dollars (US$200), 1st March 2007. Expires 31st July 2007. Red and brown. RBZ logo, signature (Dr. G. Gono, Governor), and RBZ as electrotype watermark. Elephant and falls on back.

Courtesy of Nick Brice.

Nigeria issues redesigned naira notes dated 2006

On February 28, 2007, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued redesigned notes for the denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 naira.


5 naira (US$0.05), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Purple. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa portrait, coat of arms, arms and CBN as wmk, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Three male drummers; denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. 130 x 72 mm.


10 naira (US$0.10), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Red. Alvan Ikoku portrait, coat of arms, arms and CBN as wmk, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Two women carrying bowls on their heads; denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. 130 x 72 mm.


20 naira (US$0.15), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Green. General Murtala R. Muhammed portrait, coat of arms, arms in clear window, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Ladi kwali (pottery works); denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. Polymer. 130 x 72 mm.


50 naira (US$0.40), 2006. Issued February 28, 2007. Blue. Faces of woman and three men, coat of arms, arms and CBN as wmk, signature 14 (Charles C. Soludo, Governor; unknown, Director of Currency and Branch Operations), microprinting, register device. Three men cleaning fish; denomination in Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba; and striped map on back. 130 x 72 mm.
 
Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Jersey 1-pound note with 3-character prefix confirmed


1 pound, no date. Like Pick 26, but serial number prefix comprised of three, not two, characters.

Courtesy of Jose Manuel Peso.

Sri Lanka new date (2005-11-19) 20-rupee note confirmed


20 rupees (US$0.25), 2005-11-19. Like Pick 116, but new date and new signature. Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited.
 
Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Pakistan issues new 1,000-rupee note (B238a)

Pakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2006.00.00_B238a_P50a_A_0044992_fPakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2006.00.00_B238a_P50a_A_0044992_r
B238 (P50): 1,000 rupees (US$9.80)
Purple, light green, and light blue. Front: Urdu text; Mohammed Ali Jinnah wearing national dress (sherwani); OVI flag. Back: English text; bank logo; trees, clock tower, and buildings at Islamia College University in Peshawar. Windowed security thread with demetalized 1000. Watermark: Mohammed Ali Jinnah and electrotype 1000. Printer: (Pakistan Security Printing Corporation). 155 x 65 mm.
a. 2006. Sig. 15. Prefix A - F, M. Intro: 26.02.2007.

Courtesy of Muhammad Rizwan.

Switzerland settles on designer of new notes for 2008


According to a February 26, 2007, press release, the Swiss National Bank is preparing a new family of banknotes designed by Zurich-based graphic artist Manuela Pfrunder, who placed second in the SNB’s design competition in November 2005.

Pfrunder’s original designs for the six denominations (the 10 Swiss franc is shown above) will require extensive reworking, both artistically and technically, before production begins in mid-2008.

Courtesy of Swiss National Bank.

Cape Verde issues new 500-escudo note dated 25.02.2007


500 escudos (US$5.95), 25 de Feverelro de 2007. Green, yellow, and red. Front (veritcal): Chemist Roberto Duarte Silva; chemical symbols; serpent wrapped around a chalice; mortar and pestle; coat of arms. Back (vertical): Trapiches - Ilha de Santa Antão (sugar cane press island of Santa Antáo); mortar and pestle. Solid security thread and 4-mm windowed security thread with demetalized BCV 500. Watermark: Roberto Duarte Silva with electrotype 500. Printer: FCOF. 130 x 65 mm.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

India issues new date (2006) notes without inset letters

India has released Rs10, Rs20, Rs100, and Rs500 denominations dated 2006 at bottom center on back, and without an inset letter within the serial number in the upper right on front.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Chris Twining and Ömer Yalcinkaya.

Mauritius new date (2006) 1,000-rupee note confirmed


1,000 rupees (US$30.70), 2006. Like Pick 59, but new date.

Courtesy of Paul van Bodegraven.

Mauritius issues new date (2006) 50-rupee note


50 rupees (US$1.55), 2006. Like Pick 50, but new date.

Courtesy of Chris Twining.

Comoros new 5,000-franc note (B309) confirmed


5,000 francs (US$13.15), 2006. President Djohr, security thread, Omron rings, holographic stripe, watermark, and registration device. Tree, shore, and nautilus on back.

Courtesy of Paul van Bodegraven.

United Arab Emirates issues new date (2006) notes


The United Arab Emirates Central Bank has issued new 2006 dates for all four denominations of its banknote family.

The 50- and 100-dirham notes appear to be unchanged from the current Pick 26 and 27, respectively, except for the new dates on the back.

The 500- and 1,000-dirham notes are like Pick 28 and 25, respectively, but in addition to the new dates, they also now incorporate the denomination in the holographic security stripe at right.

Courtesy of Amal Mehilba.

Bangladesh issues new date (2007) 2-taka note


On 27 January 2007, the Bangladesh Bank issued a 2 taka (US$0.03), 2007. Like Pick 6C, but new date, new signature (Siddique ur Rehman Chaudhry, Finance Secretary), and windowed security thread. Shaheed Minar on front, magpie robin (Doyal) on back. Tiger head and bank logo as wkm. Printer: Security Printing Press, Bangladesh. 100 x 60 mm.

Courtesy of Mohammed J. Islam and Ronny Hicks.


Vanuatu issues revised 500-vatu note


500 vatu, ND (2006). Like Pick 5, but new signatures (Governor, Odo Tevi; Minister of Finance, Moana Carcasses Kalosil) windowed security thread, BB prefix, and De La Rue printer imprint.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Kai Hwong.

South Korea issues new 1,000- and 10,000-won notes




The Bank of Korea (BOK) issued newly-designed 1,000- and 10,000-won notes with strengthened anti-forgery features (including watermarks shown above) on January 22, 2007. For more information, visit the BOK’s web site dedicated to the new family of notes.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Pakistan new date (2006) 20-rupee note (B232b) confirmed


Like B232a, but new date. Prefix E.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Pakistan to reissue 5-rupee note

Pakistan_SBP_5_rupees_1997.00.00_B229a_P44_COM_1834530_fPakistan_SBP_5_rupees_1997.00.00_B229a_P44_COM_1834530_r
Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet has asked the State Bank of Pakistan to prepare a new 5-rupee note (US$0.08) for introduction to replace the old Rs5 (B229) that was withdrawn from circulation on 1 July 2005.

Cuba revised, new date (2006) 20-peso note (B908a) confirmed


Like B907 (directly above), but new date (2006), low-vision dots in upper right, and lower serial number now to right of signature, not in border.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Belize new sig/date (2006) 50-dollar note (B328b) confirmed

Belize_CBB_50_dollars_2006.11.01_B328b_P70b_DB_814706_fBelize_CBB_50_dollars_2006.11.01_B328b_P70b_DB_814706_r
Like B328a, but new date (1st November 2006) and new signatures. Prefix DB.

Courtesy of Dan Bellan.

Vietnam to issue more cotton notes

Despite previously announcing its intention to eventually convert all its bank note denominations to polymer, the State Bank of Vietnam recently announced it would issue low-denomination cotton notes in the face of strong public opposition to the usage of coins. There is no word yet on exactly what new denominations will be released, nor when.

Pakistan directed to redesign its new family of notes


On 10 January 2007, the subcommittee of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to change the colors and designs of the new family of banknotes, especially the Rs20 and Rs5,000 denominations.

“The identical colours, designs, and sizes [sic] of new currency notes, especially those of Rs20 and Rs5,000 denominations, are very deceptive and are creating problems for the people. The SBP should consider changing the colours and designs of these notes,” said Riaz Fatiana, chairman of the subcommittee.

SBP’s roll out of the new family of notes began in August 2005 with the Rs20 and is expected to be completed in 2007 with the introduction of the Rs50 and Rs1,000. The new family of notes all feature the portrait of Quaid-e-Azam in Sherwani on the front, with different structures on the back. All of the notes are 65 mm tall, but their length graduates by 8 mm per denomination, from 115 mm for the Rs10 up to 163 mm for the Rs5,000.

Sudan issues new note family

The Central Bank of Sudan issued the first three denominations of a new family of six Sudanese pound bank notes on January 9, 2007. The design of the new currency reflects the unity, cultural diversity, peace, and industrial development in Sudan. The 2-, 20-, and 100-pound notes are scheduled for issuance in May.


1 pound, July 9 2006. Issued January 9, 2007. Light brown. Front: Peace theme with sunflower; dove in flight; Central Bank of Sudan headquarters building in Khartoum; drums; map. Back: Bank logo; two doves in flight. 2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBOS 1 LS and Arabic text. Watermark: Pigeon and electrotype LS 1. Printer: (Sudan Currency Printing Press). 139 x 64 mm.


10 pounds, July 9 2006. Issued January 9, 2007. Violet. Front: National unity theme with map, tree in Tabaldia, clasped hands, watusi cattle, mountains, and camel. Back: Bank logo; Presidential Palace building in Khartoum. Holographic stripe. 2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBOS 10 LS and Arabic text. Watermark: Secretary bird and electrotype LS 10. Printer: (Sudan Currency Printing Press). 155 x 69 mm.


50 pounds, July 9 2006. Issued January 9, 2007. Yellow. Front: Natural resources theme with fish, rhinoceros, elephants, ape in tree, water buffalo, zebras, and giraffe; map. Back: Bank logo; camels, goats, and cattle. Holographic stripe. 2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized CBOS 50 LS and Arabic text. Watermark: Secretary bird and electrotype LS 50. Printer: (Sudan Currency Printing Press). 165 x 74 mm.

Courtesy of Evžen Šknouril.

Cuba new date (2003) 1-peso note (B90c) confirmed


A new Cuban 1-peso note has been reported. At first glance, this appears to be just a new date (2003 versus 2002) variety of Pick 121. However, closer examination reveals subtle differences. On the front, the series letters (GD in example above) are green, not red. On the back, the yellow underprint is missing (compare P121 detail above left with that of 2003 issue above right). It is unclear as to whether this is an intentional design change or a printing error. Readers with other examples of the new note are encouraged to share their information.

Courtesy of Frank van Tiel.

Nicaragua issues new date (10 de Marzo de 2006) series


Banco Central de Nicaragua has replaced the 10-cordobas note (Pick 191) with a coin, and released a new series of 20-, 50-, 100-, and 500-cordobas notes. This new series is identical to the 2002 issue (Pick 192 - 195), except for the new date (10 de Marzo de 2006) and  new signatures (see detail above).

Courtesy of Gustavo Adolfo Rios Espinoza.

Estonia issues revised 2- and 10-krooni notes dated 2006

The central Bank of Estonia has issued a new series of 2- and 10-krooni bank notes with a few renewed security features. Existing notes of the same denomination remain legal tender.

"Until now the latest Estonian bank notes were the 25-kroon notes printed in 2002. The new 2- and 10-kroon bank notes will not be the last ones Eesti Pank will issue before the euro changeover. At present, we are also preparing to order additional 25-, 100- and 500-kroon bank notes," said Andres Lipstok, Governor of Eesti Pank.


2 krooni (US$0.15), 2006. Issued 3 January 2007. Like Pick 70, but new date, new signatures (Andres Lipstok, Governor; Mart Sõrg, Chairman), and K. E. von Baer as watermark. Printer: (Giesecke & Devrient). 140 x 69 mm.


10 krooni (US$0.85), 2006. Issued 3 January 2007. Like Pick 77, but new date, new signatures (Andres Lipstok, Governor; Mart Sõrg, Chairman), Jakob Hurt as watermark, tactile feature for visually impaired in the lower right, and serial numbers now on back. Printer: (De La Rue). 140 x 69 mm.

Courtesy of Michael Perelman.