New Zealand new sig/date (2013) 10- and 20-dollar notes confirmed

10 dollars, (20)13. Like B132f, but new date and signature (Graeme Wheeler, who took over as governor from Alan Bollard on 26.09.2012).

New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2013.00.00_B33g_P187b_DA_13_271509_sig
20 dollars, (20)13. Like B133f, but new date and signature (Graeme Wheeler, who took over as governor from Alan Bollard on 26.09.2012).

Courtesy of Garry Craig and Scott de Young.

Tunisia to introduce new 5-dinar note in Q1 2014

According to an article on Investir en Tunisie dated 27 December 2013, Deputy Governor Mohamed Rekik announced that the Banque Centrale de Tunisie will introduce a new 5-dinar banknote in the first quarter of 2014.

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle.

Norway new sig/date (2013) 200-krone note confirmed

Norway_NB_200_kroner_2013.00.00_P50_A_101551101_sig
200 kroner, 2013. Like P50, but new date and signatures (Øystein Olsen / Trond Eklund).

Courtesy of Jan Ove Larsen.

South Africa new 200-rand note with Omron rings confirmed

South_Africa_SARB_200_rand_2013.11.06_B71a_PNL_GD_0461814_E_f
South_Africa_SARB_200_rand_2013.11.06_B71a_PNL_GD_0461814_E_r
200 rand, no date. Like note issued 06.11.2012, but with Omron rings added to front and back.

Courtesy of Shibu Paul - IBNS LM 208 (www.ebanknoteshop.com).

Bhutan new 1- and 10-ngultrum notes printed on Hybrid substrate

According to a Giesecke & Devrient press release, the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan switched the printer and substrate for its 1- and 10-ngultrum notes dated 2013. These notes (RMA B16b and B18b, respectively) are now printed by G&D, not TDLR, and are printed on Hybrid, not paper, substrate.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (Polymernotes of the World).

Morocco new 20- and 50-dirham notes (B515, B516) confirmed

Morocco_BAM_20_dirhams_2012.00.00_B15a_PNL_05_519271_f
Morocco_BAM_20_dirhams_2012.00.00_B15a_PNL_05_519271_r
B515 (PNL): 20 dirhams (US$2.35)
Purple, orange, and blue. Front: Denomination numerals as registration device; Moroccan door; coat of arms; King Mohammed VI; crown with star. Back: Train crossing Hassan II Bridge over the Bou Regreg river in Rabat; Hassan II Mosque and city buildings in Casablanca; denomination numerals as registration device. Color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized 20 and Bank Al-Maghrib in Arabic. Watermark: King Mohammed VI and electrotype 20. Printer: (DAS). 131 x 70 mm.
a. 1433-2012. Signature 9. Intro: 19.12.2013.

Morocco_BAM_50_dirhams_2012.00.00_B16a_PNL_02_120460_f
Morocco_BAM_50_dirhams_2012.00.00_B16a_PNL_02_120460_r
B516 (PNL): 50 dirhams (US$5.85)
Green, yellow, and blue. Front: Denomination numerals as registration device; Moroccan door; coat of arms; King Mohammed VI; crown with star. Back: Ouzoud Falls; tree, fruit, and bird; denomination numerals as registration device. Color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized 50 and Bank Al-Maghrib in Arabic. Watermark: King Mohammed VI and electrotype 50. Printer: (DAS). 138 x 70 mm.
a. 1433-2012. Signature 9. Intro: 19.12.2013.

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle and Manuel Rodriguez Cassanello (Numiscondor).

Hong Kong new date (01.01.2013) 1,000-dollar note confirmed

1,000 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2013. Like BOC B20b, but new date.

Courtesy of Hang.

India new date (2013) 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-rupee notes reported

According to press releases, the Reserve Bank of India intends to introduce the following new notes:

10 rupees, 2013. With L inset letter. Confirmed.
10 rupees, 2013. With R inset letter. Confirmed.
50 rupees, 2013. Without inset letter.
100 rupees, 2013. Without inset letter.
500 rupees, 2013. Without inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.


Latvia to adopt euro on 1 Janaury 2014

According to Latvijas Banka, Latvia will join the European Monetary Union on 1 January 2014 when it switches from the lat to the euro.

Courtesy of Brian Lema.

West African States new sig/date (2013) notes confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_2000_francs_2013.00.00_P316C_13150151513_sig
500 francs. (20)13. Like unlisted notes dated (20)12, but new date and signatures.

1,000 francs. (20)13. Like P315C, but new date and signatures.

2,000 francs. (20)13. Like P316C, but new date and signatures.

5,000 francs. (20)13. Like P317C, but new date and signatures.

10,000 francs. (20)13. Like P318C, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Murtaza Karimjee.


Mexico new sig/date (24.04.2013) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2013.04.24_PNL_G_T9409383_sig
50 pesos, 24 ABR. 2013. Like unlisted note dated 12 JUN. 2012, but new date and signatures. Series G.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Congo Democratic Republic new sig/date (30.06.2013) 1,000-franc note confirmed

Congo_Democratic_Republic_BCC_1000_francs_2013.06.30_B23b_PNL_Q_8963727_C_sig
1,000 francs, 30.06.2013. Like BCC B23, but new date and signature (Deogratias Mutombo Mwana Nyembo, who took over as governor from Jean-Claude Masangu Mulongo on 14.05.2013).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Mexico new sig/date (12.09.2011) 200-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_200_pesos_2011.09.12_P125_AF_F4214087_sig
200 pesos, 12 SEP. 2011. Like P125, but new date and signatures. Serie AF.

Mexico_BDM_200_pesos_2011.09.12_P125_AH_Q3044774_sig
200 pesos, 12 SEP. 2011. Like P125, but new date and signatures. Series AH.

Courtesy of Ricardo Gonzalez Ramírez and Alberto Rios.

Trans-Dniester new 25- and 100-ruble notes confirmed

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_25_rubles_2012.00.00_B12b_P45_AB_1005889_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_25_rubles_2012.00.00_B12b_P45_AB_1005889_r

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_100_rubles_2012.00.00_B14b_P47_BB_1017225_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_100_rubles_2012.00.00_B14b_P47_BB_1017225_r
According to a Russian-langauge post by the Trans-Dniester Republican Bank dated 11 December 2013, new 25- and 100-ruble notes have been issued like TDRB B12a and B14a, respectively, but dated 2007 МОДИФИКАЦИЯ (modified) 2012 and with wider windowed security threads.

Courtesy of Vladimir Kozin and Vadim Tislenko.

Kazakhstan new 20,000-tenge note postponed

Kazakhstan_NBK_20000_tenge_2013.00.00_PNL_fKazakhstan_NBK_20000_tenge_2013.00.00_PNL_r
According to an article on Kapital.kz dated 18 December 2013, the National Bank of Kazakhstan has decided not to introduce a 20,000-tenge note at this time due to fears of inflation. At present the largest denomination is the 10,000-tenge note (US$65).

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle.

England announces new 5- and 10-pound notes to be printed on polymer

According to a press release dated 18 December 2013, the Bank of England intends to print new 5- and 10-pound notes on polymer. The 5-pound note featuring Sir Winston Churchill will be issued in 2016, followed in 2017 by the 10-pound note featuring Jane Austen.

Colombia new date (19.08.2012) 5,000-peso note confirmed

5,000 pesos, 19 DE AGOSTO DE 2012. Like P452, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Colombia new date (15.08.2012) 2,000-peso note confirmed

2,000 pesos, 15 DE AGOSTOS DE 2012. Like P457, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Mexico new sig/date (19.12.2012) 100-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_100_pesos_2012.12.19_P124_X_L2171909_sig
100 pesos, 19 DIC. 2012. Like P124, but new date and signatures. Series X.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.


Tunisia new 10-dinar note confirmed

Tunisia_BCT_10_dinars_2013.03.20_B35a_PNL_D-1_9385421_fTunisia_BCT_10_dinars_2013.03.20_B35a_PNL_D-1_9385421_r
BCT B35 (PNL): 10 dinars (US$6.40)
Light blue and yellow. Front: Poet, Aboul El Kacem Chebbi. Back: Arches of Medesa Bacchia school in Tunis. Holographic stripe with Aboul El Kacem Chebbi, quill, and crescent moon and star. Windowed security thread with demetalized design. Watermark: Olive tree and electrotype 10. Printer: Unknown. 148 x 73 mm.
a. 2013-3-20. Signature 10. Intro: 28.11.2013.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).


Sarawak chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Sarawak chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 9-page catalog covers notes issued by the Sarawak Government Treasury from 1858 to 1919, and the Government of Sarawak from 1880 to 1945. Revised 7 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
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Kazakhstan new 1,000-tenge commemorative note (B142a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2013.12.12_B142a_P44_AA_1925801_fKazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2013.12.12_B142a_P44_AA_1925801_r

According to a press release dated 12 December 2013, "In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No.2155 of 30 March 1995 “On the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, based on the decision of the Management Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Resolution No. 263 of 11 November 2013 of the Management Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Determination of the Design and Date of Circulation of the Commemorative Banknote of KZT 1,000 Nominal Value, Dedicated to Kultegin – the Monument of Turkic Runic Writing” signed by Kelimbetov K.N., the Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan), announces the issue, effective from 12 December 2013, of the commemorative banknote of KZT 1,000 (one thousand tenge) nominal value, dedicated to “Kultegin” – the monument of the Turkic runic writing.
The commemorative banknote of KZT 1,000 (one thousand tenge) nominal value of the sample of 2013, dedicated to “Kultegin” – the monument of the Turkic runic writing, is made of the paper of size 134 х 70 mm. The prevailing color of the banknote is yellow-brown.

The obverse side of the banknote is a follows: the prevailing images are vertical. The key images are: the monument “Қазақ Елi” (“Kazak Eli”) on the right side of the banknote and images of the flying doves in the bottom right. In the middle of the left part there is a fragment of Kultegin sculpture. In the upper part there are the images of the symbols of state of the Republic of Kazakhstan: the National Emblem and State Flag. The digital notation of the nominal value is printed at the upper left; and below it there is a legend in the state language warning about responsibility for counterfeiting: "Банкноттарды қолдан жасау заңмен қудаланады" (Banknottardy koldan zhasau zanmen kudalanady). To the left there is a horizontally located literal notation of the nominal value in the state language and a legend "ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ" (KAZAKHSTAN ULTYK BANKI).

The reverse side is as follows: the prevailing images are horizontal. The key images are: petroglyphic drawings of Turkic warriors and the monument of Turkic writing in the background. Lower left and right top there is a digital notation of the banknote nominal value and in the bottom center there is a literal notation of the nominal value in the Russian language. On the left side there is a holographic band of 12 mm wide with the image of a fragment of the State Flag, the National Bank’s logo and a legend “Ескерткіш теңге” (Eskertkish tenge). A legend “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ" (KAZAKHSTAN ULTYK BANKI) is printed in the top middle. In the lower left corner, under the digital notation of the banknote nominal value, there is a legend “Подделка банкнот преследуется по закону” (“Counterfeiting is prosecuted under the law”).

The circulation of the commemorative banknote of KZT 1,000 (one thousand tenge) dedicated to Kultegin – the monument of Turkic runic writing - is 10,000,000."

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Arsentij Khonin.

Russia adopts symbol for ruble currency

Russian ruble symbol
According to an article on Lenta.ru dated 11 December 2013, the board of directors of the Bank of Russia has adopted a lowercase barred "p" as the symbol for Russia's currency, the ruble. The bank intends to mint coins with the new symbol in 2014 and it will also appear on future banknotes.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin and Andrey Kuvaldin.

Philippines new date (2013) 1,000-peso note confirmed

1,000 pesos, 2013. Like P211, but new date.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Pakistan new date (2013) 20- and 500-rupee notes (B233i, B237g) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2013.00.00_B233i_P55_EJ_8007417_fPakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2013.00.00_B233i_P55_EJ_8007417_r
Like B233h, but new date (2013).

Pakistan_SBP_500_rupees_2013.00.00_B237g_P49Ae_BW_5508807_fPakistan_SBP_500_rupees_2013.00.00_B237g_P49Ae_BW_5508807_r
Like B237f, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Guinea new font variety 1,000-franc note confirmed

Guinea_BCRG_1000_francs_2010.03.01_B33a_P43_JT_753418_snGuinea_BCRG_1000_francs_2010.03.01_B33b_P43_LV_867002_sn
1,000 francs, 1 MARS 2010. Like BCRG B33a, but 3-mm (not 4-mm) tall prefix letters in vertical serial number at right and different font in horizontal serial number at left (B33a, top; B33b, bottom). Also, Cornerstone watermarks removed, possibily indicating someone other than DLR printed the new variety.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Moldova new 200-leu commemorative note confirmed

This note commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Moldovan leu, which was introduced on 29 November 1993. It is like the preceding issue, but with 20 DE ANI at lower center front, and denomination as registration device. The bank packaged 200,000 notes in sleeves and sold them at 15% over face value.

Moldova_BNM_200_lei_2013.00.00_B17a_PNL_G_001141_f
Moldova_BNM_200_lei_2013.00.00_B17a_PNL_G_001141_r
BNP102 (PNL): 200 lei (US$17)
Gold, pink, and brown. Front: Ştefan cel Mare; coat of arms; Victory token; bank logo; denomination as registration device. Back: Bank logo; Ştefan cel Mare coat of arms; crescent moon between columns of Traian and Infinity; Primăria Municipiului Chişinău (city hall of Chişinău). Solid security thread. Watermark: Ştefan cel Mare. Printer: (French). 133 x 66 mm.
a. 2013. Signature 2. Intro: 29.11.2013.

Courtesy of Vladimir Kozin.

Cambodia new 2,000-riel commemorative note confirmed

Cambodia_NBC_2000_riels_2013.11.08_B26a_PNL_1395391_f
Cambodia_NBC_2000_riels_2013.11.08_B26a_PNL_1395391_r

2,000 riels, ២០១៣ (2013). Note commemorates 60 years of Cambodia’s independence. Intro: 08.11.2013. More info in Khmer press release.

Courtesy of Allan Lim (www.artofangkor.com/ccc) and Thomas Augustsson.

United States new sig/date (2013) 5-dollar note confirmed

United_States_FR_5_dollars_2013.00.00_PNL_ML_48354740_A_sig
5 dollars, 2013. Like P531, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Kevin Bautista.

Pakistan new date (2013) 5,000-rupee note (B239f) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_5000_rupees_2013.00.00_B239f_P51_P_4355266_fPakistan_SBP_5000_rupees_2013.00.00_B239f_P51_P_4355266_r
Like B239e, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Seychelles new sig/date (2013) 10- and 100-rupee notes confirmed

Seychelles_CBS_10_rupees_2013.00.00_B9c_P36_AH_005001_sig
10 rupees, 2013. Like B409, but new date and signature (Caroline Abel).

100 rupees, 2013. Like B417, but new date and signature (Caroline Abel).

Courtesy of Murtaza Karimjee (http://www.africanbanknotes.blogspot.com).

Philippines new 100-peso National Year of Rice commemorative note confirmed

Philippines_BSP_100_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_*_1391197_LOGO
100 pesos, 2013. Like P194, but with black NATIONAL YEAR OF RICE overprint.

Courtesy of Andrew Quirke.

Paraguay new date (2011) 20,000-guaraní note (B852b) confirmed

20,000 guaraníes, 2011. Like B852a, but new date. Prefix D.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Venezuela new date (31.01.2012) 50- and 100-bolívar notes confirmed

Venezuela_BCV_50_bolívares_2012.01.31_P92_P_52679068_sig
50 bolívares, 31 DE ENERO DE 2012. Like P92, but new date. SIgnatures Nelson José Merentes Díaz and Eudomar Tovar.

Venezuela_BCV_100_bolívares_2012.01.31_P93_L_43926661_sig
100 bolívares, 31 DE ENERO DE 2012. Like P93, but new date. SIgnatures Nelson José Merentes Díaz and Eudomar Tovar.

Courtesy of Jean-Claude Royaud.

Norway's new notes to feature "The Sea" theme

According to a press release dated 30 November 2013, "The new banknote series will feature the sea as the theme, reflecting its importance for Norway's business sector and economic prosperity.

Norges Bank started work on the new banknote series in autumn 2012. This will be the eighth series. There is a need to enhance banknote security to ensure that current and future Norwegian banknotes are resistant to counterfeiting. The work is well underway and a number of important decisions concerning the new series were made by Norges Bank's Executive Board in the fourth quarter of 2013. The theme, denomination breakdown, material, colours, language and size of the notes have now been decided.

"Finding a theme for the new banknote series has been an extensive and exciting process, with a creative input of ideas from various contributors," says Trond Eklund, Director of Norges Bank's Cashier's Department.

Norges Bank has sought to find a theme that runs through the banknote denominations, binding them together into a banknote series. "The Sea" provides a virtually infinite array of visual possibilities. The theme will be reflected both on the obverse and reverse face of the notes, breaking with the tradition of portraiture.

"We have chosen a theme we consider to be original and particularly relevant for Norway, which is a small country but a major coastal nation. Norway has a total coastline of 83 000 km, the longest in Europe. The use of marine resources, combined with the use of the sea as a transport artery, has been crucial to the development of Norway's economy and society," says Eklund.

The current denomination breakdown of 50 – 100 – 200 – 500 – 1000 and the current main colours will be retained for the new series. All the notes, which will be printed on cotton paper, will be 70 mm in height, but the width will increase with each denomination by 7 mm. This means that the 50 krone note will be 126 mm wide, while the 1000 krone note will be 154 mm wide. The Bank's official name will continue to be written in Norway's two official written languages, Bokmål and Nynorsk, i.e. Norges Bank and Noregs Bank.

In order to attract as many creative and interesting design proposals as possible, Norges Bank is now in the process of launching a design competition. The competition will be run in two stages; first a pre-qualification competition and then the final competition between five to eight participants to select the winning design."

Courtesy of Håkon Meidell-Pritzier Hagelund, Stein Langørgen, Cleo Phas, and Fredrik Steen.

Japan seeks to print notes for other countries

According to an article on Bernama dated 29 November 2013, Japan's Ministry of Finance has launched a promotion campaign in the hope of attracting orders to print banknotes and passports for other countries by highlighting Japan's cutting-edge anti-counterfeit technologies. Japan's only experience printing notes for other countries was when it printed South Korean notes during the Korean War.

Sri Lanka commemorative 500-rupee note confirmed

Sri_Lanka_CBSL_500_rupees_2013.11.15_B29a_PNL_T-52_189757_f_1Sri_Lanka_CBSL_500_rupees_2013.11.15_B29a_PNL_T-52_189757_r_1
According to a press release dated 8 November 2013, on 15 November the Central Bank of Sri Lanka began issuing 5 million 500-rupee notes commemorating the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Sri Lanka from 15 to 17 November 2013. The note is like the preceding issues, but with a purple CHOGM 2013 Sri Lanka logo instead of a butterfly at the lower left front, decorative artwork flanking the electrotype watermark, new date, and serial numbers from T/51 000001- T/55 1000000.

A limited number of commemorative notes with low serial numbers packaged in a folder will be sold at a price of Rs. 800 each at the Economic History Museum, at No. 54 Chatham Street, Colombo 1, and the Central Bank Provincial Offices at Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Matale, Matara, and Trincomalee.

Courtesy of Dilminidu Samarasekara.

Russia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Russia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Russia from 1992 to present. Revised 12 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Bangladesh new date (2012) 5-taka note confirmed

5 taka, 2012. Like BB B48b, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.


Switzerland new sig/date (2012) 50-franc notes confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_50_francs_2012.00.00_P71_12_E_6346191_Studer-Zurbrügg_sig
50 francs, (20)12. Like P71, but new date and signatures (Jean Studer and Fritz Zurbrügg).

Switzerland_SNB_50_francs_2012.00.00_P71_12_R_0813710_Studer-Danthine_sig
50 francs, (20)12. Like P71, but new date and signatures (Jean Studer and Jean-Pierre Danthine).

Switzerland_SNB_50_francs_2012.00.00_P71_12_T_1365393_Studer-Jordan_sig
50 francs, (20)12. Like P71, but new date and signatures (Jean Studer and Thomas Jordan).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

European Central Bank to unveil new 10-euro note 13.01.2014

According to a press release dated 26 November 2013, the European Central Bank will unveil its new Europa series 10-euro note on 13 January 2014 and issue the note later in the year.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Nigeria may dump polymer for paper in 2014

According to various news sources dated 26 November 2013, the Central Bank of Nigeria has announced its intention to revert to paper from polymer for its banknote substrate. Nigeria has been issuing low-denomination (5 to 50 naira) notes on polymer since the introduction of the 20-naira note (CBN B32a) on 28 February 2007. In justifying the move, the bank cited the fading of the notes and the bribery scandal surrounding Securency, the substrate supplier. The switch back to paper is expected to begin in 2014 and take place gradually, with the new notes printed by the state-run Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company rather than abroad.

Chile new sig/date (2012) 20,000-peso note (B300c) confirmed

Chile_BCC_20000_pesos_2012.00.00_P165_DE_00141360_sig
20,000 pesos, 2012. Like P165, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).


Mexico new sig/date (10.01.2012) 500-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_500_pesos_2012.01.10_P126_T_P4811676_sig
500 pesos, 10 ENE. 2012. Like P126, but new date and signatures. Series T, U.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Lebanon new 50,000-pound commemorative note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2013.11.22_B38a_PNL_D-00_0034034_rLebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2013.11.22_B38a_PNL_D-00_0034034_f
This polymer note commemorating 70 years of independence for Lebanon was issued on 22 November 2013 (the anniversary of the end of French colonial rule in 1943), despite the fact that the French-language back spells “independence” as it is written in English, rather than the French “independance.” The Central Bank of Lebanon said it regretted the mistake, which it blamed on the printing company (De La Rue). 50,000 pieces will enter circulation.

B538 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, brown, red, and green. Front: Citadel of Independence in Rashaya; stylized flag of Lebanon. Back: Map of Lebanon; flag of Lebanon with cedar tree. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. ٢٠١٣ (2013). Signature 12. Intro: 22.11.2013.

Courtesy of Claude Akl.

Dominican Republic new 200-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_200_pesos_dominicanos_2013.00.00_PNL_CP_2947902_fDominican_Republic_BCRD_200_pesos_dominicanos_2013.00.00_PNL_CP_2947902_rDominican_Republic_BCRD_200_pesos_dominicanos_2013.00.00_PNL_CP_2947902_sig
200 pesos dominicanos, 2013. Like 2009-dated unlisted note denominated in pesos oro, but new date, new signatures, new currency, and new color scheme.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de) and Manuel Rodrigez (orocondor).

Nigeria new sig/date (2013) 10-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_10_naira_2013.00.00_B35h_PNL_BQ_3617658_sig
10 naira, 2013. Like B235, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Papua New Guinea new 2- and 100-kina commemorative notes confirmed

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_2_kina_2013.00.00_B50a_PNL_CO_40294654_f
Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_2_kina_2013.00.00_B50a_PNL_CO_40294654_r
BPNG B50 (PNL): 2 kina (US$0.85)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise perched on Kundu drum and ceremonial spear; National Parliament building in Port Moresby; 40th anniversary logo. Back: Mount Hagan axe; Kula arm band from Milne Bay Province; engraved dogs’ tooth necklace from Bougainville; Sepik clay pot; tapa cloth patterns. No security thread. Watermark: Bank logo. Printer: (NPA). 140 x 70 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)13. Signature 11. Intro: 04.11.2013.

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_100_kina_2013.00.00_B51a_PNL_CC_40106138_f
Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_100_kina_2013.00.00_B51a_PNL_CC_40106138_r
BPNG B51 (PNL): 100 kina (US$42)
Green and gold. Front: Coat of arms with bird of paradise perched on Kundu drum and ceremonial spear; National Parliament building in Port Moresby; 40th anniversary logo. Back: Coffee beans; cardamom seeds; coconut palm tree; fish; timber; cargo ship; oil rig; bird; jumbo jet; dump truck; microwave tower. No security thread. Watermark: Bank logo. Printer: (NPA). 150 x 75 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)13. Signature 11. Intro: 04.11.2013.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Danzig chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Danzig chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 16-page catalog covers notes issued by the Municipal Savings Bank from 1914 to 1919, the Senate from 1919 to 1923, the Danzig Central Finance Department in 1923, and the Bank of Danzig from 1924 to 1938. Revised 13 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Cuba new date (2007) 100-peso note (B912c) confirmed

100 pesos, 2007. Like B912b, but new date.

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Cuba new date (2013) 20-peso note (B908h) confirmed

Like B908g, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Ricardo G. Ramírez.

Dominican Republic issues warning about 2,000-peso notes dated 2013

According to a press release from the Banco Central de la República Dominicana dated 6 November 2013, 2,000-peso notes dated 2013 (similar to P181) have not been issued and are not legal tender. Notes of this denomination which carry other dates remain legal tender.

According to various other Spanish-language news reports, the French banknote printer Oberthur Fiduciaire misplaced 8,403 of these new notes which apparently had unspecified production flaws. Oberthur claims that French police have recovered approximately 2,300 such notes, yet some of the remainder (162 reported as of 7 November) have found their way into circulation in the Dominican Republic. The bank refuses to pay for the printing of these notes and is seeking compensation from Oberthur for damages caused by the problem.

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch Martinea.

Russia new 100-ruble Olympic commemorative confirmed

Russia_CBR_100_rubles_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_4287129_f Russia_CBR_100_rubles_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_4287129_r

According to a press release dated 30 October 2013, Bank of Russia has begun issuing 20 million 100-ruble notes commemorating the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi. The new notes are legal tender and will circulate in parallel with existing notes of the same denomination.

PNL: 100 rubles
Blue, purple, green, and orange. Front (vertical): Holographic flame; snowboarder; mountains; Olympic venues in Sochi. Back (vertical): SPARK bird; Fischt Stadium in Sochi; underprint of athletes including skiers, ski jumper, skaters, hockey player, curler, and bobsled team. Vitrail security thread. Watermark: sochi.ru 2014 and Olympic rings. Printer: (Goznak). 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2014. Intro: 30.10.2013. Prefix AA, aa, and Aa (reportedly replacement).

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin and Ömer Yalçinkaya.

Nigeria new date (2013) 20-naira note confirmed

20 naira, 2013. Like B232k, but new date.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Guatemala new sig/date (02.05.2012) 1-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_1_quetzal_2012.05.02_PNL_B_62008690_C_f
1 quetzal, 2 DE MAYO DE 2012. Like unlisted note dated 23 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2011, but new date, new signature, and portrait added to window.

According to a Prensa Libre article dated 4 November 2013, the 1-quetzal note will be replaced by a coin.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Honduras new notes with Braille and raised bars confirmed

Honduras_BCH_1_lempira_2012.03.01_PNL_EM_4845001_f
Honduras_BCH_1_lempira_2012.03.01_PNL_EM_4845001_r

Honduras_BCH_2_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_Y_1596001_f
Honduras_BCH_2_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_Y_1596001_r

Honduras_BCH_5_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BG_1646501_f
Honduras_BCH_5_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BG_1646501_r

Honduras_BCH_10_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BP_1646131_f
Honduras_BCH_10_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BP_1646131_r

Honduras_BCH_20_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BV_1081111_f
Honduras_BCH_20_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_BV_1081111_r

Honduras_BCH_50_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_AQ_1596021_f
Honduras_BCH_50_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_AQ_1596021_r

Honduras_BCH_100_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_CB_2626010_f
Honduras_BCH_100_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_CB_2626010_r

Honduras_BCH_500_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_X_0631913_f
Honduras_BCH_500_lempiras_2012.03.01_PNL_X_0631913_r

According to a press release dated 13 November 2013, the Banco Central de Honduras has unveiled revisions to its entire family of banknotes which now include embossed Braille dots and high-relief vertical bars at top and bottom center, both intended to help the sight impaired identify the different denominations by feel. The new notes are all dated 1 DE MARZO DE 2012. Existing notes will continue to circulate in parallel.

Curiously, the 20-lempira note which had previously been issued on polymer (P95) in 2010 has reverted to paper substrate.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Antonio Sansur (filateliadehonduras).

Hong Kong new sig/date (01.01.2013) 500-dollar note confirmed

Hong_Kong_SCB_500_dollars_2013.01.01_P300_AV_266741_sig
500 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2013. Like P300, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Ghana new sig/date (06.03.2013) 10-cedi note (B147d) confirmed

Ghana_BOG_10_cedis_2013.03.06_B147d_P39_SF_4581340_fGhana_BOG_10_cedis_2013.03.06_B147d_P39_SF_4581340_r
Like B147c, but new date (6th MARCH 2013) and signature.

Courtesy of Radoslaw Dlouhy.

P.S. Radoslaw also mentions that Ghana's National Museum in Accra has some exhibits of banknotes including many specimen notes.

South Ossetia asserts right to issue coins and notes

According to this 1 August 2013 post in Russian on South Ossetia's official gazette web site, the disputed republic in the South Caucasus has passed a law authorizing the issuance of new banknotes and coins denominated in Russian rubles.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Pakistan new dates (2012 and 2013) 50-rupee notes (B234f, B234g) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_50_rupees_2012.00.00_B234g_P47_DD_8249692_fPakistan_SBP_50_rupees_2012.00.00_B234g_P47_DD_8249692_r
Like B234f, but new date (2012).

Pakistan_SBP_50_rupees_2013.00.00_B234h_P47_DM_5255041_fPakistan_SBP_50_rupees_2013.00.00_B234h_P47_DM_5255041_r
Like B234g, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

Pakistan new date (2013) 10-rupee note (B231j) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_10_rupees_2013.00.00_B231j_P45_WU_0452131_fPakistan_SBP_10_rupees_2013.00.00_B231j_P45_WU_0452131_r
Like B231i, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

Indonesia moves closer to issuing redenominated notes in 2014

145011_redenommmm
redenominasi
After many years of discussion, according to this article dated 22 July 2013, it appears Bank Indonesia is moving closer to issuing redenominated notes on 1 January 2014. The new notes retain the same color schemes and depict the same people as the existing notes, although the portraits are redesigned and three zeros have been removed from the denominations. The new and old notes will circulate in parallel, and the old notes will remain valid for up to 10 years. The plan still awaits approval from the House of Representatives.

Courtesy of Jinesh Joseph and Wilson Chow.

Myanmar to issue new notes honoring General Aung San and other leaders

According to various press reports dated 14 November 2013, the Central Bank of Myanmar will issue banknotes bearing the image of the country's late national hero—General Aung San—who is the father of Myanmar armed forces. The general's portrait last appeared on the 35-kyat note issued in 1986 (P63) when the country was known as Burma.

Daw Khin Saw Oo, vice governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar , made the disclosure in the parliament in reply to a proposal urging the government to circulate the country's bank notes bearing the image of General Aung San, reported Xinhua. "The central bank will issue bank notes bearing the images of country's prominent leaders, buildings, landscapes and emblems with the permission of the union government," she said.

No word yet on when the new notes will be issued.

Denmark new sig/date (2012) 200-krone note confirmed

Denmark_DN_200_kroner_2012.00.00_P67_A5_051905E_sig
200 kroner, (20)12. Like P67, but new date and signatures. Prefix A5.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Ukraine new sig/date (2013) 200-hryvnia note (B852c) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_200_hryven_2013.00.00_P123_ПA_0181992_sig
200 гривень (hryven), 2013. Like B852b, but new date and signature.

Courtesy of Mykhaylo Kharytonov (http://www.worldbanknotes.t15.org).

Jordan new sig/date (2013) 1-dinar note (B229g) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2013.00.00_B229g_P34_136525_fJordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2013.00.00_B229g_P34_136525_r
Like B229f, but new date (2013 ٢٠١٣) and new signatures (Unknown and Ziad Fariz).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Canada new 5- and 10-dollar notes confirmed

Canada_BOC_5_dollars_2013.00.00_B71a_PNL_HBG_7970940_fCanada_BOC_5_dollars_2013.00.00_B71a_PNL_HBG_7970940_rCanada_BOC_5_dollars_2013.00.00_B71a_PNL_HBG_7970940_sig
$5 – 2013, Polymer series
Design Features:
Portrait: Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister from 1896 to 1911
Signatures: Left – T. Macklem, Right – Stephen Poloz
Size: 152.4 x 69.85 mm (6.0 x 2.75 inches)
Issue Date: 7 November 2013

Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTB_2909430_fCanada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTB_2909430_rCanada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTB_2909430_sig
$10 – 2013, Polymer series
Design Features:
Portrait: Sir John A. Macdonald, Prime Minister from 1867–1873 and 1878–1891
Signatures: Left – T. Macklem, Right – M. J. Carney
Size: 152.4 x 69.85 mm (6.0 x 2.75 inches)
Issue Date: 7 November 2013



Courtesy of Gabriel Labrie and Nikolajs Cerps.

French Pacific Territories new sig 5,000-franc note confirmed

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_5000_francs_2013.00.00_B3j_P3_043613890_M.018_sig
5,000 francs, no date. Like IEOM B3, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Olivier Galand.

United Arab Emirates new sig/date (2013) 10-dirham note (B227b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2013.00.00_B227b_P27b_091_319221_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2013.00.00_B227b_P27b_091_319221_r
Like B227a, but new date (١٤٣٤/2013) and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi). Also, the serial number at left is now vertical, not horizontal.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Albania new sig/date (2012) 200-lek note confirmed

Albania_BES_200_L_2012.00.00_B13d_P71_MS_970306_sig
200 leke, 2012. Like BES B13, but new date, new signatures (Ardian Fullani and Dorian Çollaku), and 2.0-mm wide windowed security thread. Intro: 12.09.2013. According to a press release, a new sig/date 2,000-lek note (BES B20) was also issued on this date with 3.0-mm wide security thread. If anyone has this note, please send scans so that it can be confirmed.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Ghana new sig/date (06.03.2013) 1-, 5-, and 20-cedi notes confirmed

Ghana_BOG_1_cedi_2013.03.06_B45e_P37_FS_0034409_sig
1 cedi, 6th MARCH 2013. Like B145, but new date and signature (Henry Kofi Wampah).

5 cedis, 6th MARCH 2013. Like B146, but new date and signature (Henry Kofi Wampah).

20 cedis, 6th MARCH 2013. Like B148, but new date and signature (Henry Kofi Wampah).

Courtesy of Merjim Groen.

South Africa new banknotes with Omron rings reported

10front
10back
According to a press release, on 6 November 2013 the South African Reserve Bank revised the banknote family launched exactly a year prior by adding Omron rings (or as the SARB calls them, "little dots") on the fronts and backs of all denominations (visible in the watermark areas on the images above). The existing Mandela notes will continue to circulate in parallel with the new ones. Omron rings appear to be randomly positioned design elements, but in fact can be detected by modern computer hardware and software to restrict the editing and printing of banknote images.

Courtesy of Ruan de Witt.

Trans-Dniester new date (2012) 10-ruble note confirmed

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_10_rubles_212.00.00_B11b_P44_BB_1014881_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_10_rubles_212.00.00_B11b_P44_BB_1014881_r
10 rubles, 2007 МОДИФИКАЦИЯ (modified) 2012. Like TDRB B11a, but new date and winged security thread. Also confirmed as specimen with diagonal red ОБРАЗЕЦ overprint.

Courtesy of Vladimir Kozin.

Kuwait new signature ½-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_0.50_dinar_1994.04.03_B24g_P24_BE-153_688267_sig
½ dinar, no date. Like B224, but new signatures. Governor Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel appears at left, and the minister of finance is at right, but the signatory is unknown. I've seen reports that Nayef Al-Hajraf was appointed minister in June 2012, but also that Salem AbdulAziz Al-Saud Al-Sabah (former governor to February 2012) has been in the role since 4 August 2013. If these are correct, it's likely the signatory is Nayef Al-Hajraf. Confirmation of the identity of the signatory is requested.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Papua New Guinea new 2- and 100-kina commemorative notes reported


According to an article on EMTV.com, on 4 November 2013 the Bank of Papua New Guinea will issue commemorative 2- and 100-kina polymer notes like the existing regular issues (BPNG B34 and B49, respectively), but with 40th anniversary logos overprinted on front.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

India new sig/date (2013) 10-rupee note confirmed

India_RBI_10_rupees_2013.00.00_PNL_85B_958467_f
According to a press release dated 17 October 2013, the Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue a 10-rupee note with rupee symbol, without inset letter, dated 2013, with the signature of Governor Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Libya's central bank robbed of $55 million note shipment

According to a Reuters article dated 29 October 2013, 10 gunmen intercepted a van carrying $55 million in cash when it left the airport in Sirte on its way to the local central bank branch. No word yet on the notes which were stolen, but in the past other nations have responded to large-scale robberies by issuing notes in new colors or designs to thwart the use of the ill-gotten gains.

Courtesy of Nikolajs Cerps.

Kuwait to issue polymer notes in 2014

According to an article on Alanba dated 21 October 2013, Kuwait's central bank intends to issue an entirely new family of notes in 2014 with new colors for the denominations and all to be printed on polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Guatemala new sig/date (11.05.2011) 5-quetzale note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_5_quetzales_2010.05.19_PNL_C_49778703_D_f
5 quetzales, 11 DE MAYO DE 2011. Like unlisted note dated 19 DE MAYO DE 2010, but new date, new signature (Sergio Francisco Recinos), and new font for lower right serial number.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin.

Macau chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Macau chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 45-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (Overseas National Bank) from 1905 to present, and the Banco da China (Bank of China) from 1995 to present. Revised 29.09.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Uruguay new sig/date (2011) 50-peso uruguayo note confirmed with serie E

Uruguay_BCU_50_pesos_uruguayos_2011.00.00_PNL_E_00709244_f
Uruguay_BCU_50_pesos_uruguayos_2011.00.00_PNL_E_00709244_r
Uruguay_BCU_50_pesos_uruguayos_2011.00.00_PNL_E_00709244_sig
50 pesos uruguayos (US$10), 2011. Like P87, but new date, new signatures, series E, new screen trap pattern, and printer imprint (DE LA RUE).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.


Iceland new 10,000-króna note (B817a) confirmed

Iceland_SI_10000_krónur_2001.05.22_B817a_PNL_H_03784301_fIceland_SI_10000_krónur_2001.05.22_B817a_PNL_H_03784301_r
B817 (PNL): 10,000 krónur (US$100)
Blue. Front: Icelandic text; poet, Icelandic scholar, essayist, and naturalist, Jónas Hallgrímsson; outlines of mountains Háafjall and Hraundrangi formed from Icelandic words coined by Jónas; floral pattern from cover of periodical “Fjölnir;” Jónas’ handwritten poem “Ferðalok” (Journey’s End); topographical outline of mountain Skjaldbreiður. Back: Icelandic text; Golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria) birds; Jónas’ pencil drawing of mountain Skjaldbreiður; topographical outline of mountain Skjaldbreiður; Jónas’ handwritten poem “Fjallið Skjaldbreiður;” scallop shell. 18-mm wide Optiks security thread. Watermark: Jón Sigurðsson, electrotype 10000, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 162 x 70 mm.
a. 22. MAÍ 2001. Prefix H. Signature 66. Intro: 24.10.2013.
Replacement notes: Prefix Z.
This note was designed by Kristín Þorkelsdóttir and Stephen A. Fairbairn.ice

Ivory Coast chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Ivory Coast chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download to all.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Gouvernement Général de l’A.O.F. - Colonie de la Cote d’Ivoire (General Government of French West Africa - Colony of the Ivory Coast) from 1917 to 1943. Revised 17 October 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Senegal chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Senegal chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque du Sénégal (Bank of Senegal) from 1853 to 1901 and the Gouvernement Général de l'A.O.F. - Colonie du Sénégal (General Government of French West Africa) in 1917. Revised 31 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Bulgaria 2-lev note likely to be replaced by coin


According to a Bulgarian National Bank press release dated 17 October 2013, "As a consequence of the specifics of the currency circulation and the rise in the price levels it is very likely that over the next years the banknote of BGN 2 [US$1.40; P115] would have to be replaced with a coin." Additionally the release indicates that the bank's note printing division and Francois-Charles Oberthur in France are finalizing a joint venture to fully utilize the former’s excess production capacity.



Cuba to scrap two-currency system

According to a BBC article dated 22 October 2013, Cuba intends to reform its financial sector, doing away with the two-currency system wherein the convertible peso (CUC) used by tourists is pegged to the US dollar and the regular peso (CUP) used by Cubans is worth considerably less. The council of ministers has not said when the change would be implemented, though some Cuban economists are predicting within the next 18 months.

Courtesy of Jim "Rubycored" Chen.

French Pacific Territories new notes to be introduced 20.01.2014

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_500_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_500_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_r

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_1000_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_1000_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_r

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_5000_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_5000_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_r

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_10000_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_10000_francs_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_r

There is now an official website for the new banknotes of the French Pacific Territories (New Caledonia, Polynesia, Wallis & Futuna) which shows all the final conceptual designs as well as some interesting videos. On 6 January 2014, the final designs will be shown to the public with all security features, and the notes are to be issued on 20 January 2014. The existing notes will circulate in parallel until 30 September 2014, after which time they will no longer be legal tender, but can be exchanged indefinitely at Institut d’Emission d’Outre-Mer offices.

Courtesy of Jake Read (https://www.facebook.com/jake.numismatics) and Jinesj Reins Joseph (https://www.facebook.com/jineshreins).

European Monetary Union new 10-euro note to be introduced in 2014

The European Central Bank intends to introduce a new 10-euro note in 2014. No images of or information about the new note are available at this time.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Chile new sig/date (2012) 2,000- and 5,000-peso notes confirmed

Chile_BCC_5000_pesos_2013.08.00_P163_sig
According to an article on Terra, in August the Banco Central de Chile issued 2,000- and 5,000-peso notes like P162 and P163, respectively, but with a new signature for the bank president, Rodrigo Vergara, who took office in December 2011, replacing José De Gregorio Rebeco. The new notes are dated 2012.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Israel names Karnit Flug as new bank governor

According to a press release dated 20 October 2013, the Bank of Israel is expected to appoint Dr. Karnit Flug to take over as governor from Stanley Fischer who left in June, marking the first time a woman has held the post.

French India chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The French India chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 6-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque de l'Indochine, Pondichéry (Bank of Indo-China, Pondicherry) from 1875 to 1946. Revised 22 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Mongolia new 5,000-tögrög note (B434a) confirmed

Mongolia_MB_5000_togrog_2013.00.00_B434a_P68b_AL_8471961_fMongolia_MB_5000_togrog_2013.00.00_B434a_P68b_AL_8471961_r
Like B425, but new date (2013), new signature (Naidansuren Zoljargal, who replaced Lkhanaasuren Purevdorj on 14.09.2012), and revised script to the left of the signatures on front.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Mongolia new sig/date (2013) 20,000-tögrög note (B436b) confirmed

Mongolia_MB_20000_togrog_2013.00.00_B436b_P71_AF_3280609_fMongolia_MB_20000_togrog_2013.00.00_B436b_P71_AF_3280609_r
Like B436a, but new date (2013), signature (Naidansuren Zoljargal, who replaced Lkhanaasuren Purevdorj on 14.09.2012), and modified varifeye thread.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Denmark new sig/date (2013) 100-krone note confirmed

Denmark_DN_100_kroner_2013.00.00_P66_A8_339316A_sig
100 kronur, (20)13. Like P66, but new date and new signatures (Lars Rohde - Lars G. Sorensen). Series A8.

Courtesy of Stefan Hari (www.haris.dk).

Mexico new sig/date (24.06.2011) 200-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_200_pesos_2011.06.24_P125_AE_X7813719_sig
200 pesos, 24 JUN. 2011. Like P125, but new signatures and new date. Series AE.

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Iceland new signature 500-króna note (B814c) confirmed

Iceland_SI_500_krónur_2001.05.22_B814c_P58_D_32872741_fIceland_SI_500_krónur_2001.05.22_B814c_P58_D_32872741_r
Like B814b, but new signature (Már Guðmundsson).

Courtesy of Werner Kober.

United States new 100-dollar note confirmed

United_States_FRN_100_dollars_2009.00.00_PNL_FL_39911111_A_fUnited_States_FRN_100_dollars_2009.00.00_PNL_FL_39911111_A_rUnited_States_FRN_100_dollars_2009.00.00_PNL_FL_39911111_A_sig
After years of delay, on 8 October 2013 the United States Federal Reserve Bank finally issued its new 100-dollar note dated 2009 A and signed by Timothy F. Geithner as Secretary of the Treasury and Rosie Gumataotao Rios as Treasurer of the United States. The note features many new security enhancements, most noticeable of which is the Motion windowed security thread.

Courtesy of Heritage Auctions' David Liu (www.HA.com).

Nepal new 5-rupee note (B280) confirmed

Nepal_NRB_5_rupees_2012.00.00_B85a_PNL_f
Nepal_NRB_5_rupees_2012.00.00_B85a_PNL_r
B280 (PNL): 5 rupees (US$0.05)
Lilac, brown, and green. Front: Mount Everest; temple of Taleju; obverse of coin. Back: Bank logo; two yaks grazing; Mount Everest. Solid security thread. Watermark: Rhododendron. Printer: (TDLR). 120 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 16. Intro: 02.10.2013.

Courtesy of Dinesh R. Maskey, Sev Onyshkevych, and Shankar Shrestha (http://www.nuphil.com).


Brazil chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Brazil chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 28-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banco Central do Brasil (Central Bank of Brazil) from 1965 to present. Revised 27 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Scotland Clydesdale Bank new title/date (2013) 10- and 20-pound notes confirmed

Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2013.01.25_P229J_W-KP_000005_sig
10 pounds, 25th January 2013. Like P229J, but new date and new signature title.

20 pounds, 11th July 2013. Like P229K, but new date and new signature title.

Courtesy of Andrew Balsillie.

United States new 100-dollar note issued 08.10.2013



According to a press release dated 24 April 2013, "The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced that the redesigned $100 note will begin circulating on October 8, 2013. This note, which incorporates new security features such as a blue, 3-D security ribbon, will be easier for the public to authenticate but more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.

"The new design for the $100 note was unveiled in 2010, but its introduction was postponed following an unexpected production delay. To ensure a smooth transition to the redesigned note when it begins circulating in October, the U.S. Currency Education Program is reaching out to businesses and consumers around the world to raise awareness about the new design and inform them about how to use its security features. More information about the new design $100 note, as well as training and educational materials, can be found at www.newmoney.gov."

P.S. As of the afternoon of 8 October, none of the four banks I checked with in my San Francisco neighborhood has the notes nor any idea when they will be available. SF is home to a Federal Reserve Bank branch, so hopefully it won't be too long before I can get one of these. In the meantime, if anyone obtains one, please send scans so they can be confirmed.

Courtesy of Brian Lema and David Surette.

Philippines new 100-peso BSP commemorative note confirmed

Philippines_BSP_100_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_JR_999901_ovpt
100 pesos, 2013. Like P194, but new date and blue 20 1993-2013 WASTONG PANANALAPI TUNGO SA KAUNLARAN overprint.

Courtesy of SC Tan (http://stores.ebay.com/goodluck4u888).

Mongolia new sig/date 10-, 20-, 50-, 500-, and 1,000-tögrög notes confirmed

Mongolia_MB_10_togrog_2013.00.00_B30c_P62_AJ_2551827_sig
10 tögrög, 2013. Like B430c, but new date and signature (Naidansuren Zoljargal, who replaced Lkhanaasuren Purevdorj on 14.09.2012).

20 tögrög, 2013. Like B431c, but new date and signature.

50 tögrög, 2013. Like B421c, but new date and signature.

500 tögrög, 2013. Like B432b, but new date and signature.

1,000 tögrög, 2013. Like B433b, but new date and signature.

Courtesy of Sergey Vostrikov and Alexander Petrov.

French Pacific Territories new sig 1,000- and 10,000-franc notes confirmed

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_10000_francs_2010.00.00_B4h_P4_0029086114_E.002_sig
1,000 francs, no date. Like IEOM B2, but new signature (Directeur Philippe La Cognata, who replaced Patrick Besse on 10 September 2012).

10,000 francs, no date. Like IEOM B4, but new signature (Philippe La Cognata as Directeur).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Thomas Reisser.

Papua New Guinea new sig 10-kina note confirmed

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_10_kina_1985.04.01_B10e_P9_NEA_305017_sig
10 kina, no date. Like BPNG B10d, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Don Ludwig.

Lebanon new date (2012) 100,000-pound note confirmed

100,000 livres, ٢٠١٢ (2012). Like BDL B35a, but new date. Intro: 04.10.2013.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).


Haiti chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Haiti chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 18-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque de la République d'Haïti (Bank of the Republic of Haiti) from 1979 to present. Revised 28.09.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Nepal new 500-rupee note (B285) confirmed

Nepal_NRB_500_rupees_2012.00.00_B84a_PNL_f
Nepal_NRB_500_rupees_2012.00.00_B84a_PNL_r
B285 (PNL): 500 rupees (US$5.95)
Brown and violet. Front: Mount Everest; god Indra; Mount Amadablam and Thyangboche monastery; wood carvings; clouds. Back: Bank logo; two tigers drinking melted snow. 4-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized NRB. Watermark: Rhododendron. Printer: (OT). 160 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 16. Intro: 26.09.2013.

Courtesy of Shankar Shrestha (http://www.nuphil.com).

Albania new sig/date (2011) 1,000-lek note confirmed

Albania_BES_1000_L_2011.00.00_B18c_P73_YJ_2769560_sig
1,000 leke, 2011. Like BES B18b, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Northern Ireland's Bank of Ireland new notes confirmed

Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000628_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000628_r

Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000289_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000289_r

Northern_Ireland_BOI_20_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000308_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_20_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000308_r

Northern_Ireland_BOI_50_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000632_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_50_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000632_r
According to an article on Belfast Telegraph dated 21 August 2013, the Bank of Ireland UK issued new 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-pound banknotes which look like the exisiting notes, but with new security features, including the introduction of a hologram dual image for £10 and £20 banknotes and a dual image and filigree for the £50 note. The £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes have a wider security thread and an electrotype in the watermark in the form of Bank of Ireland chevrons. The new notes are dated 1st January 2013 and bear the signature of Stephen Matchett, Chief Financial Officer.

Courtesy of Fabien Louart and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Mauritius new 500-rupee polymer notes confirmed

Mauritius_BOM_500_rupees_2013.00.00_B32a_PNL_PA_132807_f
Mauritius_BOM_500_rupees_2013.00.00_B32a_PNL_PA_132807_r
BOM B32 (PNL): 500 rupees (US$16)
Orange. Front: Coat of arms; Sookdeo Bissoondoyal; bank building façade; standing Justice with sword and scales; blue-to-green OVI patch. Back: Blue-to-green OVI patch; University of Mauritius building and palm trees in Reduit. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): None. Printer: (TDLR). 155 x 74 mm. Polymer.
a. 2013. Signature 9. Intro: 22.08.2013.

According to an official press release, on 22 August 2013, the Bank of Mauritius issued new 25-, 50-, and 500-rupee banknotes printed on polymer. The 25- and 50-rupee notes were printed by Oberthur Technologies on Innovia Security's Guardian substrate, whereas the 500-rupee note was printed on De La Rue’s Safeguard substrate (formerly called Flexycoin). The new polymer notes will circulate in parallel with the preceding paper banknotes upon which their designs are based. The notes contain numerous new security features such as transparent windows showing the image of the dodo, numbers printed with magnetic ink which become fluorescent under ultra violet light, and swing features printed in iridescent ink, which change to a different color when observed in transparency or when tilted.

Courtesy of Mike Jackson, Thomas Krause, Alex Tobert, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Switzerland new sig/date (2010) 10-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2010.00.00_P67_V_0101113_Raggenbass-Hildebrand_sig
10 francs, (20)10. Like P67, but new date and new signatures (Hansueli Raggenbass and Philipp Hildebrand).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Solomon Islands new 50-dollar note (B224a) confirmed

Solomon_Islands_CBSI_50_dollars_2013.09.26_B21a_PNL_A-1_053494_f
Solomon_Islands_CBSI_50_dollars_2013.09.26_B21a_PNL_A-1_053494_r
According to an article on the Solomn Islands Broadcasting Corporation dated 27 September 2013, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands introduced a brand new 50-dollar note on 26 September 2013. This is the first denomination in a new family to be issued over the course of the next few years. While an image of the note is not yet available, the following has been reported:

"On the front of the note, local basket weave designs are intended to represent the swirling movement of shoals of fish whilst indigenous fauna and flora - including an iguana, lizard and snake - are shown on the back. The most prominent security feature is [De La Rue's] Optiks super wide security thread with a transparent window."

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias, Cleo Phas, and Thomas Krause.

Dahomey chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Dahomey chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for free to all.

This 2-page catalog covers notes issued by the Gouvernement Général de l’A.O.F. - Colonie du Dahomey (Government General of French West Africa - Colony of Dahomey) in 1917. Revised 10 September 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Lebanon new 10,000-pound note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_10000_livres_2012.00.17_B37a_P92_B-01_1650165_f
Lebanon_BDL_10000_livres_2012.00.17_B37a_P92_B-01_1650165_r
Lebanon_BDL_10000_livres_2012.00.17_B37a_P92_B-01_1650165_sig
B537 (P92): 10,000 livres (US$6.65)
Yellow, orange, and green. Front: Cedar tree; geometric block design. Back: Geometric block design; bronze statue by Italian sculptor, Renato Marino Mazzacurati, of three Lebanese nationalists in Martyrs’ Square, Beirut; stylized landscape and mountain; cedar trees. 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with printed BDL 10000 ١٠٠٠٠. Watermark: Cedar tree and electrotype ١٠٠٠٠. Printer: (OT). 127 x 66 mm.
a. ٢٠١٢ (2012). Signature 12. Intro: 25.09.2013.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz and Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).

Rwanda new 500-franc note confirmed

Rwanda_BNR_500_francs_2013.01.01_B37a_PNL_AF_4572702_f
Rwanda_BNR_500_francs_2013.01.01_B37a_PNL_AF_4572702_rRwanda_BNR_500_francs_2013.01.01_B37a_PNL_AF_4572702_sig
BNR B37 (PNL): 500 francs (US$0.80)
Dark blue and gray. Front: Three cows. Back: Four young students with XO computers (from One Laptop Per Child). Windowed security thread with demetalized BNR500. Watermark: Coat of arms and electrotype BNR. Printer: Unknown. 135 x 72 mm.
a. 01.01.2013. Signature 23. Intro 24.09.2013.

Courtesy of Antje Maroussi, Ricardo Castedo, Claudio Marana, and Charles Stanikowski.

Lebanon new 10,000- and 100,000-pound notes reported

According to an article on ArabsToday dated 24 September 2013, on 25 September 2013 Banque du Liban will issue new 10,000- and 100,000-livre notes with enhanced security features.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz.

Iceland new 10,000-króna note (B817) to be issued 24.10.2013


IS.new_H03775020_10000K_Sign-66Iceland_1000_2013_fIceland_1000_2013_r
On 25 September 2013 the Central Bank of Iceland (Seðlabanki Íslands) unveiled a new 10,000-króna (US$82) note to be issued 24 October 2013. The notes feature Jónas Hallgrímsson, scientist and poet, and the Eurasian golden plover and were designed by Kristín Þorkelsdóttir, who also designed Iceland's other denominations. The blue note measures 172 x 70 mm, and is protected by the following security features: a watermark of Jon Sigurdsson with electrotype 10000 and Cornerstones, 18-mm wide Optiks security thread, UV printing, intaglio printing, microprinting, and raised horizontal bars to assist the sight-impaired.

Courtesy of Werner Kober.

Ghana new 2-cedi note (B152) confirmed

Ghana_BOG_2_cedis_2013.03.06_B52a_PNL_BB_5120415_f
Ghana_BOG_2_cedis_2013.03.06_B52a_PNL_BB_5120415_r
Ghana_BOG_2_cedis_2013.03.06_B52a_PNL_BB_5120415_sig
Like B150a, but without commemorative text at upper center, new date (6th MARCH 2013), and new signature (Henry Kofi Wampah, who took over as governor from Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur on 6 August 2012).

Courtesy of Merjim Groen.

Poland unveils new notes to be issued in April 2014

10_strona_przednia_72_ppi
10_strona_tylna_72_ppi

20_strona_przednia_72_ppi
20_strona_tylna_72_ppi

50_strona_przednia72_ppi
50_strona_tylna_72_ppi

100_strona_przednia_72_ppi
100_strona_tylna_72_ppi
According to a press release dated 24 September 2013, Narodowy Bank Polski has unveiled the new 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-złotych notes to be issued in April 2014 (for the time being, there are no plans to change the 200-złotych note). The overall designs remain similar to the existing notes of the same denominations, but the security features have been improved.

Courtesy of Krzysztof Czupryński.

Mauritius new 25- and 50-rupee polymer notes confirmed

Mauritius_BOM_25_rupees_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_HA_113601_fMauritius_BOM_25_rupees_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_HA_113601_r
BOM B30 (PNL): 25 rupees (US$0.80)
Violet and brown. Front: Coat of arms; Milin Jean Ah-Chuen; bank building façade; standing Justice with sword and scales; dodo bird. Back: Dodo bird; building façade, Rodrigues island map; man with trap. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): RS. Printer: (OT). 135 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. 2013. Signature 9. Intro: 22.08.2013.

Mauritius_BOM_50_rupees_2013.00.00_B31a_PNL_JA_059301_fMauritius_BOM_50_rupees_2013.00.00_B31a_PNL_JA_059301_r
BOM B31 (PNL): 50 rupees (US$1.60)
Blue. Front: Coat of arms; Joseph Maurice Paturau; bank building façade; standing Justice with sword and scales; dodo bird. Back: Dodo bird; Le Caudan waterfront buildings. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): RS. Printer: (OT). 140 x 68 mm. Polymer.
a. 2013. Signature 9. Intro: 22.08.2013.

According to an official press release, on 22 August 2013, the Bank of Mauritius issued new 25-, 50-, and 500-rupee banknotes printed on polymer. The 25- and 50-rupee notes were printed by Oberthur Technologies on Innovia Security's Guardian substrate, whereas the 500-rupee note was printed on De La Rue’s Safeguard substrate (formerly called Flexycoin). The new polymer notes will circulate in parallel with the preceding paper banknotes upon which their designs are based. The notes contain numerous new security features such as transparent windows showing the image of the dodo, numbers printed with magnetic ink which become fluorescent under ultra violet light, and swing features printed in iridescent ink, which change to a different color when observed in transparency or when tilted.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Dominican Republic new sig/date (2012) 2,000-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_2000_pesos_dominicanos_2012.00.00_PNL_CR_9193675_sig
2,000 pesos dominicanos, 2012. Like unlisted note dated 2011, but new date, new signatures, new printer imprint (OBERTHUR technologies), and new screen traps.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Dominican Republic new sig/date (2012) 1,000-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_1000_pesos_dominicanos_2012.00.00_PNL_FF_0412249_sig
1,000 pesos dominicanos, 2012. Like unlisted note dated 2011, but new date, new signatures, and new printer imprint (OBERTHUR technologies).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Argentina new sig 50-peso note confirmed

Argentina_BCRA_50_pesos_2003.00.00_P356_G_22469345_sig
50 pesos, no date. Like P356, but new signatures (Mercedes Marcó del Pont and Dominguez). Suffix G.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Mongolia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Mongolia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 22-page catalog covers notes issued by the State Treasury in 1921, Commercial and Industrial Bank from 1925 to 1941, State Bank from 1955 to 1983, and Mongolbank from 1993 to present. Revised 10 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Botswana new date (2012) 200-pula note (B128c) confirmed

Like B128b, but new date (201).

Courtesy of Craig Eustace.

Central African States new sig 500-franc notes confirmed

Central_African_States_BEAC_500_francs_2002.00.00_B6Ab_P406_A_397013775_sig
500 francs, 2002. Like BEAC B6, but new signatures. Confirmed with country code A.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Central African States new sig 10,000-franc notes confirmed

Central_African_States_BEAC_10000_francs_2002.00.00_B10Ab_P410A_A_732073072_sig
10,00 francs, 2002. Like BEAC B10, but new signatures. Confirmed with country code A and T.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

West African States new sig/date (2013) 500-franc notes confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_500_francs_2013.00.00_PNL_A_13250127547_sig
500 francs, (20)13. Like unlisted 500-franc notes dated 2012, but new date. Confirmed with A, B, C, D, H, K, and T suffixes.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

West African States new sig/date (2012) 2,000-franc note confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_2000_francs_2012.00.00_P216B_12009526290_sig
2,000 francs, (20)12. Like P216B, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Afghanistan new sig/date (2008) 10-afghan note confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_10_afghanis_2008.00.00_B51d_P67_dif
A 10-afghan note has been confirmed with new signature combo and new date (١٣٨٧ SH1387/2008). This new variety also has a border design below the signatures that is filled in with brown and green ink.

Morocco new 100-dirham note (B517) confirmed

Morocco_BAM_100_dirhams_2012.00.00_B17a_PNL_11_029865_fMorocco_BAM_100_dirhams_2012.00.00_B17a_PNL_11_029865_r
B517 (PNL): 100 dirhams (US$12)
Brown, yellow, violet, and blue. Front: Denomination numerals as registration device; Moroccan door; coat of arms; King Mohammed VI; SPARK crown with star. Back: Touareg tent; wind turbine farm; three camels with riders on a desert; denomination numerals as registration device. Color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized 100 and Bank Al-Maghrib in Arabic. Watermark: King Mohammed VI and electrotype 100. Printer: (DAS). 145 x 70 mm.
a. 1433-2012. Signature 9. Intro: 20.08.2013.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Nepal new 10-rupee note (B281) confirmed

Nepal_NRB_10_rupees_2012.00.00_B83a_PNL_f
Nepal_NRB_10_rupees_2012.00.00_B83a_PNL_r
B281 (PNL): 10 rupees (US$0.10)
Brown, green, and lilac. Front: Mount Everest; Garud Narayan of Changu Narayan temple; obverse of coin. Back: Three black bucks grazing; trees; bank logo. Windowed security thread with demetalized NRB. Watermark: Rhododendron. Printer: Unknown. 133 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 16. Intro: 12.09.2013.

Courtesy of Shankar Shrestha (http://www.nuphil.com).


Nigeria new sig/date (2012) 20-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_20_naira_2011.00.00_B32k_P34_AH_1703906_sig
20 naira, 2012. Like B232j, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Malawi new sig/date (01.01.2013) 100-kwacha note confirmed

Malawi_RBM_100_kwacha_2013.01.01_B52b_P59_AG_2714405_sig
100 kwacha, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like B152a, but new signature and date.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Malawi new sig/date (01.01.2013) 500-kwacha note confirmed

Malawi_RBM_500_kwacha_2013.01.01_B54b_P61_AJ_9100605_sig
500 kwacha, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like B154a, but new signature and date.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Haiti new sig/date (2010) 500-gourde note confirmed

Haiti_BRH_500_gourdes_2010.00.00_B50d_P277_D_3320235_sig
500 gourdes, 2010. Like P277, but new date and signatures. Prefix D.

Courtesy of David Murcek (http://www.themonetaryunit.com).





Paraguay chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Paraguay chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 23-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banco Central del Paraguay (Central Bank of Paraguay) from 1952 to present. Revised 19.01.2019.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Lebanon new 5,000-pound note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_5000_livres_2012.00.00_B36a_P91_A-01_0803325_f
Lebanon_BDL_5000_livres_2012.00.00_B36a_P91_A-01_0803325_r
B536 (P91): 5,000 livres (US$3.35)
Pink, purple, orange, and green. Front: Cedar tree as registration device; geometric block design. Back: Geometric block design; cedar tree. 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BDL 5000. Watermark: Cedar tree and electrotype ٥٠٠٠. Printer: (OT). 120 x 62 mm.
a. ٢٠١٢ (2012). Signature 12. Intro: .28.08.2013.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz, Claudio Marana, and Fabien Louart, and Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).

Lebanon revised 1,000-pound note confirmed

According to a Lebanon Files article dated 21 August 2013, the Bank of Lebanon has issued a revised 1,000-pound note with enhanced security features.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz and Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).

Bank of England asks for public input before switching to polymer notes

According to a press release dated 10 September 2013, the Bank of England has revealed that it has been studying a switch from paper to polymer substrates over the past three years and found that the latter is cleaner, more secure, more durable, and more environmentally friendly. However, before finalizing on the decision to switch to polymer for its banknotes, the bank is undergoinh a two-month-long public consultation program ending on 15 November 2013. The bank’s final decision, in the light of feedback, will be announced in December 2013. If a decision is taken to proceed with printing on polymer, this will initially only be for the new-style £5 and £10 banknote. Polymer banknotes would be introduced one denomination at a time, with the Churchill £5 in 2016 at the earliest. The new polymer notes would also be smaller than existing paper notes.

Ukraine new sig/date (2013) 50-hryvnia note (B850d) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_50_hryven_2013.00.00_P121_ПБ_7287791_sig
50 гривень (hryven), 2013. Like B850c, but new date and signature (Ihor Sorkin).

Courtesy of Aleksey Gladkov (www.bonistika.net).

India new date (2013) 1,000-rupee note confirmed

1,000 rupees, 2013. Like 2011 and 2012 notes with rupee symbol, but new date.

Courtesy of Jinesh Joseph.

Brazil new 2- and 5-real notes confirmed

According to a Portuguese-language press release dated 29 July 2013, Banco Central do Brasil issued new 2-real and 5-real banknotes, thereby completing the second family of real notes.

Brazil_BCB_2_reais_2010.00.00_B77a_PNL_AA_047398202_f
Brazil_BCB_2_reais_2010.00.00_B77a_PNL_AA_047398202_r
BCB B77 (PNL): 2 reais (US$1.05)
Blue and green. Front: Puzzle number as registration device; head of República. Back: TARTARUGA MARINHA (Eretmochelys imbricata, Hawksbill sea turtles) swimming among corals and starfish; puzzle number. No security thread. Watermark: Sea turtle and electrotype 2. Printer: CASA DA MOEDA DO BRASIL. 121 x 65 mm.
a. 2010. Signature 42. Intro: 29.07.2013.

Brazil_BCB_5_reais_2010.00.00_B78a_P252_AA_032413809_f
Brazil_BCB_5_reais_2010.00.00_B78a_P252_AA_032413809_r
BCB B78 (P252): 5 reais (US$2.65)
Purple and blue. Front: Puzzle number as registration device; head of República. Back (vertical): GARÇA (Casmerodius albus, great egret) bird standing in swamp; puzzle number. No security thread. Watermark: Egret and electrotype 5. Printer: CASA DA MOEDA DO BRASIL. 128 x 65 mm.
a. 2010. Signature 42. Intro: 29.07.2013.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Thomas Augustsson.

Philippines new 50-peso TUA commemorative note confirmed

Philippines_BSP_50_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_LJ_269808_overprint
50 pesos, 2013. Like P193, but with black TRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA 50 Years 1963-2013 TUA @ 50: ACHIEVING OUR GOLDEN DREAMS overprint.

Courtesy of SC Tan.

India new date (2013) 50-rupee note with inset L confirmed

50 rupees, 2013. Like 2012 notes with rupee symbol, but new date and inset letter L.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

India new date (2013) 500-rupee note confirmed

500 rupees, 2013. Like 2011 and 2012 notes with rupee symbol, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Indonesia new sig/date (2013) 5,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_5000_rupiah_2013.00.00_P142_HNJ_628105_sig
5,000 rupiah, 2013/2001. Like P142, but new signatures and date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Cuba new date (2011) 10-peso note (B906m) confirmed

Like B906l, but new date (2011). Signature Ernesto Medina Villaveirán, prefix DM.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Nepal new 20- and 50-rupee notes (B282, B283) confirmed

Nepal_NRB_20_rupees_2012.00.00_B81a_PNL_f
Nepal_NRB_20_rupees_2012.00.00_B81a_PNL_r
B282 (PNL): 20 rupees (US$0.25)
Orange and brown. Front: Mount Everest; temple of god Krishna of Patan; Garuda atop pillar; obverse of coin. Back: Swamp deer; trees; mountain; bank logo. Windowed security thread with demetalized NRB. Watermark: Rhododendron. Printer: (TDLR). 138 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 16. Intro: 05.09.2013.

Nepal_NRB_50_rupees_2012.00.00_B82a_PNL_f
Nepal_NRB_50_rupees_2012.00.00_B82a_PNL_r
B283 (PNL): 50 rupees (US$0.60)
Purple, green, and blue. Front: Mount Everest; Rama-Janaki temple of Janakpur; obverse of coin. Back: Male thar; mountains; bank logo. Windowed security thread with demetalized NRB. Watermark: Rhododendron. Printer: (TDLR). 142 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 16. Intro: 05.09.2013.

Courtesy of Shankar Shrestha (http://www.nuphil.com).


Bhutan new sig/date (2013) 50-gnultrum note confirmed

Bhutan_RMA_50_ngultrum_2013.00.00_B20b_P31_M_03246088_sig
50 ngultrum, 2013. Like RMA B20a, but new date and siganture (Dasho Daw Tenzin).

Courtesy of Gylfi Snorrason.

Nepal new 100-rupee note (B284) confirmed

Nepal_NRB_100_rupees_2012.00.00_B80a_PNL_f
Nepal_NRB_100_rupees_2012.00.00_B80a_PNL_r
B284 (PNL): 100 rupees (US$1.20)
Green and lilac. Front: Mount Everest; Mayadevi inside silver metallic oval; map of Nepal; Ashoka pillar; wood carvings from temple of Taleju in Kathmandu; clouds. Back: One-horned rhinoceros in grassy plain; bank logo. 2.5-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized NRB. Watermark: Rhododendron. Printer: (TDLR). 146 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 16. Intro: 03.09.2013.

Courtesy of Shankar Shrestha (http://www.nuphil.com).

Philippines new 50-peso PDIC commemorative note confirmed

Philippines_BSP_50_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_JY_496150_fPhilippines_BSP_50_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_JY_496150_ovpt
According to a press release, on 20 June 2013, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued a new 50-peso note to commemorate the golden anniversary of state deposit insurer Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) and its customer philosophy, “Committed to Serve”.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Afghanistan new sig/date (2012) 100-afghani note confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_100_afghanis_2012.00.00_B59c_P75_sig
100 afghanis, ١٣٩١ (SH1391/2012). Like DAB B59, but new date and signatures (Noorullah Delawari and unknown).

Courtesy of Noteshobby.

Ukraine celebrates 17th anniversary of its banknote paper factory

On its 17th anniversary, the National Bank of Ukraine has lifted the veil over the place where the hryvnia was born and showed journalists the work of the banknote paper factory in Malin city of Zhytomyr region.

Bangladesh new serial number variety 500-taka note confirmed

Bangladesh_BB_500_taka_2008.00.00_B39h_P45d_2893971_f
500 taka, 2008. Like BB B39, but Western digits in lower right serial number.

Courtesy of Mohammed J. Islam.


Bangladesh new date (2013) 20-taka note confirmed

Bangladesh_BB_20_taka_2013.00.00_B50.5b_PNL_2253271_f
20 taka, 2013. Like BB B50.5, but new date and Western digits in lower left serial number.

Courtesy of Mohammed J. Islam.


Bangladesh new date (2013) 50-taka note confirmed

50 taka, 2013. Like BB B51, but new date.

Courtesy of Mohammed J. Islam.


Bangladesh new date (2013) 10-taka note confirmed

10 taka, 2013. Like BB B49, but new date.

Courtesy of Mohammed J. Islam.


Angola new sig/date (01.2011) 50-kwanza note confirmed

Angola_BNA_50_kwanzas_2011.01.00_B37c_P146_CX_6447887_sig
50 kwanzas, JANEIRO DE 2011. Like BNA B37, but new date and signature 13 (José de Lima Massano and Ricardo Daniel Sandao Queiroz Viegas d’Abreu).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Ukraine new sig/date (2013) 10-hryvnia note (B848c) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_10_hryven_2013.00.00_P119A_ПB_0891769_sig
10 гривень (hryven), 2013. Like B848b, but new date and signature (Ihor Sorkin).

Courtesy of Mykhaylo Kharytonov (http://www.worldbanknotes.t15.org).

Singapore new symbol 50-dollar note confirmed

50 dollars, no date. Like MAS B5, but with one diamond below the word ARTS on the back.

Courtesy of Bin Hee Jum.

Gambia new signature 50-dalasis note confirmed

Gambia_CBG_50_dalasis_2013.00.00_B25c_P28_F_1661331_sig
50 dalasis, no date. Like CBG B25, but new signatures (Basiru A. O. Njai and Amadou Colley).

Courtesy of The Monetary Unit.

Azores chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Azores chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 9-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banco de Portugal (Bank of Portugal) from 1876 to 1932. Revised 8 October 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

United Arab Emirates new sig/date (2013) 5-dirham note (B226b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2013.00.00_B226b_P26b_094_960401_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2013.00.00_B226b_P26b_094_960401_r
Like B226a, but new date (١٤٣٤/2013) and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi). Also, the serial number at left is now vertical, not horizontal.

Courtesy of The Monetary Unit.

United Arab Emirates new sig/date (2013) 20-dirham note (B228b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2013.00.00_B228b_P28b_024_501510_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2013.00.00_B228b_P28b_024_501510_r
Like B228a, but new date (١٤٣٤/2013) and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi).

Courtesy of The Monetary Unit.

Morocco new 200-dirham note (B518) confirmed

Morocco_BAM_200_dirhams_2012.00.00_B18a_PNL_02305374_fMorocco_BAM_200_dirhams_2012.00.00_B18a_PNL_02305374_rMorocco_BAM_200_dirhams_2012.00.00_B18a_PNL_02305374_sig
B518 (PNL): 200 dirhams (US$23)
Blue, green, and violet. Front: Denomination numerals as registration device; Moroccan door; coat of arms; King Mohammed VI; SPARK crown with star. Back: Cargo ship, gantry cranes, and shipping containers in port of Tangier; lighthouse and trees on Cape Spartel in Tangier; denomination numerals as registration device. Motion windowed security thread with stars. Watermark: King Mohammed VI and electrotype 200. Printer: (DAS). 151 x 70 mm.
a. 1433-2012. Signature 9. Intro: 15.08.2013.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and The Monetary Unit.

Kenya to unveil new notes for issue in February 2015

According to an article on allAfrica dated 19 August 2013, this week the government of Kenya may unveil a new set of Kenya banknotes that will be in circulation by February 2015. Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia said the new 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, and 1,000-shilling notes will depict Kenyan tourism, economic engagement, wildlife, history, traditions, and cultures.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Azerbaijan bank denies images of new banknotes are real

According to an official Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan press release dated 15 August 2013, "pictures of banknotes of 1,5,10, 20, 50, and 100 manat, that reflect portraits of prominent thinkers, statesmen and scientists of Azerbaijan, have been posted in social networks. These pictures presented as a new design of the national currency – manat cause misinformation and confusion among the public. According to the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this information does not reflect reality and the banknote pictures are unknown people’s product of imagination. The Central Bank is not planning to issue banknotes in this design."

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch.



Venezuela new sig/date (31.01.2012) 2-bolívar note confirmed

Venezuela_BCV_2_bolívares_2012.01.31_P88_H_79389253_sig
2 bolívares, 31 DE ENERO DE 2012. Like P88, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Afghanistan new signature 10- and 20-afghan notes confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_10_afghanis_2004.00.00_B51c_P67_sig
10 afghanis, ١٣٨٣ (SH1383/2004). Like DAB B51b, but new signature (Noorullah Delawari and Anwar ul-Haq Ahady).

20 afghanis, ١٣٨٣ (SH1383/2004). Like DAB B52b, but new signature (Noorullah Delawari and Anwar ul-Haq Ahady).

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Djibouti chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Djibouti chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Nationale de Djibouti (National Bank of Djibouti) from 1971 to 1999 and the Banque Centrale de Djibouti (Central Bank of Djibouti) from 2002 to present. Published 6 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

New Zealand new date (2012) 50-dollar note confirmed

50 dollars, (20)12. Like RBNZ B34, but new date.

Courtesy of Peter Eccles.

Moldova new sig/date (2013) 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-leu notes confirmed

Moldova_BNM_50_lei_2013.00.00_B12f_P14_E.007_674501_sig
5 lei, 2013. Like BNM B9, but new date and signature (Dorin Dragutanu).

10 lei, 2013. Like BNM B10, but new date and signature (Dorin Dragutanu).

20 lei, 2013. Like BNM B11, but new date and signature (Dorin Dragutanu).

50 lei, 2013. Like BNM B12, but new date and signature (Dorin Dragutanu).

100 lei, 2013. Like BNM B13, but new date and signature (Dorin Dragutanu).

200 lei, 2013. Like BNM B14, but new date and signature (Dorin Dragutanu).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Tislenko Vadim.

United States new 100-dollar note production problems persist

According to a New Yorker article dated 13 August 2013, the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing is experiencing "mashing" problems in the production of the the long-delayed new 100-dollar note which is expected to be introduced 8 October 2013.

Courtesy of Webb Linzmayer and Aidan Work.

Pakistan new date (2013) 100- and 1,000-rupee notes (B235j, B238j) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_100_rupees_2013.00.00_B235j_P48_GV_4904050_fPakistan_SBP_100_rupees_2013.00.00_B235j_P48_GV_4904050_r
Like B235i, but new date (2013).

Pakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2013.00.00_B238j_P50_FH_8069530_fPakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2013.00.00_B238j_P50_FH_8069530_r
Like B238i, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (www.banknote.ws).

Bangladesh new date (2013) 1,000-taka note confirmed

1,000 taka, 2013. Like BB B54, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin (yuri111).


Argentina new series B 100-peso note confirmed

Argentina_BCRA_100_P_2012.00.00_PNL_A_00633098_fArgentina_BCRA_100_pesos_2012.00.00_PNL_A_00003011_f

Argentina_BCRA_100_P_2012.00.00_PNL_A_00633098_r
Argentina_BCRA_100_pesos_2012.00.00_PNL_B_20700522_r

Argentina_BCRA_100_pesos_2012.00.00_PNL_A_00003011_watermarkArgentina_BCRA_100_pesos_2012.00.00_PNL_B_20700522_watermark

On 21 September 2012, the Banco Central de la República Argentina began issuing 20 million commemorative 100-peso (US$22) notes bearing the face of Eva "Evita" Perón to mark the 60th anniversary of her death. These first issues have serial number suffix A.

Recently the bank has begun issuing suffix B notes which are similar, but have several significant differences.

Front:
  • The outlined red flowers have been moved right, from underneath the green SPARK patch.
  • The tree branches and leaves have been redrawn.
  • The watermark is larger and the electrotype initials moved from left to right of the portrait.

Back:
  • The vignette at left has been reengraved to reveal much more detail.
  • The vertical denomination numerals have shifted from center left to upper left.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Colombia new sig/date (23.08.2011) 2,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_2000_pesos_2011.08.23_P457_27032055_sig
2,000 pesos, 23 DE AGOSTO DE 2011. Like P457, but new date and sigantures.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Colombia new sig/date (24.08.2011) 5,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_5000_pesos_2011.08.24_P452_28038111_sig
5,000 pesos, 24 DE AGOSTO DE 2011. Like P452, but new date and sigantures.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Colombia new date (03.08.2010) 10,000-peso note confirmed

10,000 pesos, 3 DE AGOSTO DE 2010. Like P453, but new date.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Singapore new symbol variety 1,000-dollar note confirmed

Singapore_MAS_1000_dollars_2009.00.00_B7e_P51_3AG_006055_r
1,000 dollars, no date. Like MAS B7, but with two diamonds below GOVERNMENT on back.

Courtesy of Bin Hee Jum.

Central African States chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Central African States chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of the Central African States) from 1993 to present. Revised 26 February 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Serbia new sig/date (2013) 200-dinar note confirmed

Serbia_NBS_200_dinara_2013.00.00_B18b_P57_AA_0006927_sig
According to a press release dated 5 July 2013, the National Bank of Serbia issued a 200-dinar note like NBS B18, but with new date (2013) and signature (Jorgovanka Tabaković).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Alberto Fochi.

Uzbekistan new 5,000-som note (B213a) confirmed

Uzbekistan_CBU_5000_sum_2013.00.00_B13a_PNL_UY_1930702_f
Uzbekistan_CBU_5000_sum_2013.00.00_B13a_PNL_UY_1930702_r
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has issued a 5,000-som banknote on 1 July 2013, surpassing the 1,000-som note (B212) introduced in 2001 as the largest denomination.

Since 1940, the Uzbek language has been written in Cyrillic script, but following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Latin script has been officially re-introduced. This is the first note on which Latin script is used.

B213 (PNL): 5,000 so’m (US$2.35)
Green, blue, and brown. Front: Uzbek text; coat of arms. Back: Uzbek text; Oliy Majlis parliament building with flag in Tashkent. Windowed security thread with demetalized UZB. Watermark: Coat of arms and eletrotype 5000. Printer: (Uzbekistan). 144 x 77 mm.
a. 2013. Prefix AA - UZ. Intro: 01.07.2013.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Dennis Zammit, and Brekke.ru.

Israel new 50- and 200-new shekel notes delayed until 2014

According to a press release dated 28 April 2013, the Israeli cabinet approved the details and designs of the new 50- and 200-new shekel notes to be issued "toward the end of 2013."

However, according to a press release dated 7 August 2013, the circulation of the new NIS 50 and NIS 200 notes "will be delayed by several months, and is expected to begin during the second half of 2014. The circulation of the two other banknotes – the NIS 20 and NIS 100 – will begin a few months afterwards."

Israel_50_new_shekels_fIsrael_50_new_shekels_r
50 new shekels (US$15)
Green. Front: Citrus trees and fruit; Shaul Tchernichovsky; microprinted poem “Oh, My Land, My Homeland.” Back: Capital of Corinthian column. Unknown security thread. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 136 x 71 mm.
a. 2013. Signature unknown. Intro: Second half of 2014.

Israel_200_new_shekels_fIsrael_200_new_shekels_r
200 new shekels (US$60)
Blue. Front: Fall leaves; Natan Alterman; microprinted poem “Eternal Meeting.” Back: Moonlit flora. Unknown security thread. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 150 x 71 mm.
a. 2013. Signature unknown. Intro: Second half of 2014.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Cleo Phas.

India appoints new governor of Reserve Bank of India

According to a Reuters article, "The [Indian] government has appointed Raghuram Rajan, the chief economic adviser in the finance ministry, to be the next governor of the Reserve Bank of India for a three year term, a statement by the finance minister said on Tuesday.

Rajan will replace Duvvuri Subbarao, whose tenure ends on September 4 after five years.

Rajan joined the government last August, having previously been chief economist at the International Monetary Fund and a professor at the University of Chicago."

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Boston Globe publishes article on America's boring banknote designs

The Boston Globe features an interesting article dated 4 August 2013 about banknote design written by Leon Neyfakh.

Northern Ireland's Ulster Bank new sig/date (03.01.2012) 20-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_20_P_2012.01.03_P342_K_7474362_sig
20 pounds, 3rd JANUARY 2012. Like P342, but new date, signature, and title.

Courtesy of yuri111.

Ethiopia investigating printing its birr notes in Sudan

According to a Daily Ethiopia article dated 31 July 2013, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) is considering having its birr banknotes printed by the Sudan Currency Printing Press (SCPP), a private enterprise established in 1994 which prints all Sudanese currencies for the Central Bank of Sudan. Currently the NBE utilizes unnamed European companies to print its birr notes.

Gambia new signature 100-dalasi note confirmed

Gambia_CBG_100_dalasis_2010.08.02_B27b_PNL_E_6320664_sig
100 dalasis, no date. Like CBG B27, but new signatures (Basiru A. O. Njai and Amadou Colley).

Courtesy of Семаков Алексей.

Georgia new sig/date (2012) 100-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_100_lari_2012.00.00_B52c_P74_G_19685221_sig
100 lari, 2012. Like NBG B52, but new date and signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Dmitri Gvindadze).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze.

Poland to issue polymer numismatic product in 2014

20130723_plan_2014_ah
According to a Polish-language press release dated 29 July 2013, Narodowy Bank Polski plans to issue its first polymer banknote in 2014 on the 100th anniversary of the Polish Legions. 30,000 notes will be sold as numismatic products featuring the portrait of Jozef Pilsudski designed by Andrzej Heidrich.

Courtesy of Jacek Tylicki.

Gambia new signature 10-dalasi note confirmed

Gambia_CBG_10_dalasis_2009.04.16_B23c_P26_F_0575701_sig
10 dalasis, no date. Like CBG B23, but new signatures (Basiru A. O. Njai and Amadou Colley).

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Morocco new 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-dirham notes to be issued 15.08.2013

billets50_271121706billets200_676603041
According to various sources, Bank Al-Maghrib intends to issue new dirham notes starting on 15 August 2013.

All four denominations feature a portrait of King Mohammed VI and the royal crown. Each also shows a Moroccan door to the left of the portrait, demonstrating the richness of the country's architectural heritage, and symbolizing the openness of the country.

The general themes of the new series are development and modernity, solidarity, diversity and openness. The 20-dirham note depicts Rabat and Casablanca. The 50-dirham note depicts a tree and Ouzoud Falls. The 100-dirham note depicts camels on a desert. The 200-dirham note depicts a lighthouse in the Mediterranean port of Tangier.

England confirms new 10-pound note to feature Jane Austen in 2016-2017

According to a press release dated 24 July 2013, the Bank of England has "confirmed that Jane Austen will appear on a forthcoming Bank of England banknote: the next new character following Sir Winston Churchill…The Austen note will be issued as a £10 note, within a year of the Churchill £5 note, which is targeted for issue during 2016."

Features of the design on the reverse of the Jane Austen note will include:

  • The quote – “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!” from Pride and Prejudice (Miss Bingley, Chapter XI).
  • Portrait of Jane Austen. Commissioned by James Edward Austen Leigh (Jane Austen’s nephew) in 1870, adapted from an original sketch of Jane Austen drawn by her sister, Cassandra Austen.
  • An illustration of Miss Elizabeth Bennet undertaking “The examination of all the letters which Jane had written to her”– from a drawing by Isabel Bishop (1902-1988).
  • The image of Godmersham Park. Godmersham was home of Edward Austen Knight, Jane Austen's brother. Jane Austen visited the house often and it is believed that it was the inspiration for a number of her novels.
  • Jane Austen’s writing table – the central design in the background is inspired by the 12 sided writing table, and writing quills, used by Jane Austen at Chawton Cottage.

Courtesy of Anthony Rodov.

Ukraine banknote paper factory introduces paper with anti-fungal agent

According to an article in KyivPost dated 23 July 2013, "The banknote paper factory of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has introduced a technology for producing paper impregnated with an anti-fungal agent." The UkrainianJoural.com adds that the factory is "in talks with two well-known foreign companies in Europe regarding signing framework agreements to place orders for paper production and delivery, starting from September 2013."



West African States new sig/date (2013) 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-franc notes confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_500_francs_2013.00.00_PNL_T_13704769823_sig
500 francs, (20)13. Like unlisted denomination first issued in 2012, but new signatures and date.
1,000 francs, (20)13. Like P815T, but new signatures and date.
2,000 francs, (20)13. Like P816T, but new signatures and date.

All three denominations have T suffix for Togo.

Courtesy of Chris Twining (www.pagescoinsandcurrency.com).

Mexico new sig/date (24.06.2011) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2011.06.24_P122_P_M9778520_sig
20 pesos, 24 JUN. 2011. Like P122, but new date and new signatures. Series P.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Iran new 5,000-rial note confirmed

Iran_CBI_5000_rials_2013.00.00_PNL_ffIran_CBI_5000_rials_2013.00.00_PNL_rr
According to a Trend article dated 9 June 2013, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran will issue larger denomination banknotes "in the near future" (the end of the current Iranian calendar year = 21 March 2014) as soon as it receives permission from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance.

There have been many previous reports of larger denominations coming from Iran that have not come to pass, but according to this Persian-only posting, the CBI issued a newly designed 5,000-rial note shown above in early July 2013.

Courtesy of Hamaseh Golestaneh and Christian Funke, and Hamid Kazemi.

Lithuania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Lithuania chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 21-page catalog covers notes issued by Lietuvos Bankas (Bank of Lithuania) from 1922 to present. Revised 15 September 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Djibouti bank governor died 11.01.2013

According to a press release on the web site of Banque Centrale de Djibouti, bank governor Feu M. Djama Mahamoud Haid died on 11 January 2013. Collectors should keep their eyes open for a new signature combination.

Courtesy of Jean – Claude Royaud.



Book review: Coins and Banknotes of Yugoslavia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia

Coins and Banknotes cover
Coins and Banknotes of Yugoslavia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia
Zlatko Viščević, 1173 pages, soft cover, 192 x 120 mm, black and white illustrations, Croatian and English, ISBN 978-953-56890-0-3, US$52 / €40 (free shipping), kin2.orders@gmail.com

Download the free sample chapter: Coins and Banknotes of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Reviewed by Owen W. Linzmayer 7962

As author Zlatko Viščević mentions in the introduction to his impressive new catalog, collecting banknotes from the area of the former Yugoslavia can be quite challenging due to the large number of notes issued over the years. Compounding the problem is the Serbo-Croatian text on these notes and the complicated history of the region, both of which may be unfamiliar to many collectors. This new catalog doesn’t attempt to explain the tumultuous politics of the past three centuries, but is an invaluable addition to the reference library of anyone who specializes in collecting notes from this part of the world.

The first edition of this catalog was published in 2007. The second edition covers regular and commemorative notes issued in the intervening years, goes into greater depth in the descriptions, and now also includes special, fantasy, and private issues. In short, if you already own the first edition and like it, you’ll definitely want to buy the much-improved and expanded second edition.

Coins and Banknotes’ title spells out exactly what’s inside. The first half of the book is devoted to coins, the second half to notes, with chapters for the seven countries in each section. Within the chapters, the coins and notes are listed chronologically by denomination, which makes it easy to locate a particular piece and track changes over time, but at the expense of presenting complete families with common or complementary designs.

Each note type listing contains the denomination, catalog number, cross-references to Pick numbers and other specialized catalogs, reduced-size illustrations of the front and back, description of design elements and security features, and finally a list of varieties, with checkboxes for tracking your collection. Each variety is assigned a six-level rarity rating, and has values in euros for up to four levels of condition. Some notes also have auction results at the bottom of the page, though the values and results don’t always agree. Occasionally there are inset illustrations of details which determine varieties. These are useful in most cases, but sometimes the differences aren’t obvious due to the small size or lack of color in their reproduction.

Specialized collectors will appreciate the comprehensive lists of prefixes, as well as the inclusion of specimen and replacement notes in the variety tables, not to mention the assortment of “irregular issues” (color trials, partial proofs, etc.) and private/fantasy notes covered separately. While there isn’t much explanatory text regarding these issues, anyone interested in pursuing further research can consult the bibliography of source books and web sites at the end of each chapter.

The longer passages of prose in the catalog are presented in both Croatian and English, but the descriptions of the notes and their varieties are in Croatian only, which is a little frustrating if you care about such details and don’t want to rely upon Google Translate. Fortunately the English text everywhere else in the book is good enough that it’s easy to overlook the minor typos and understand the gist of the intended meaning.

One complaint I have about the catalog is its size. This is a bulky, compact tome measuring a whopping 55 millimeters thick, and heavy enough to break a toe if dropped on a foot. I would have preferred the coin and banknote sections split into two separate volumes, both printed in a larger format. As it is, the small black and white illustrations don’t do justice to the beauty of the notes, and the tiny text is hard to read if your eyesight isn’t perfect.

With this second edition, Zlatko Viščević has created a solid reference for collectors of notes of Yugoslavia and its constituent republics from 1849 to 2011. Coins and Banknotes delivers a dense helping of numismatic information at price that can’t be beat.

Nigeria new sig/date (2013) 5-naira note confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_5_naira_2013.00.00_B34e_PNL_AB_4183002_sig
5 naira, 2013. Like B234, but new date and new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Mahmoud K. Umar).

Courtesy of Mohammed Elarabi.

Bahamas new 50-dollar note (B347a) confirmed

50 dollars (US$50), 2012. This note is like the preceding issues (B342a) dated 2006, but the map of the islands at center front has been altered and there is a new printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient instead of FCOF) at lower right back.

Courtesy of James Bradly Huang.

Bank of England responds to public demand for women on new notes

The Bank of England has posted the response from Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, to a letter received on 1 July 2013 from Mary Macleod MP, who expressed diappointment that Elizabeth Fry is to be replaced on the 5-pound note by Winston Churchill.

Courtesy of James Cadman.

Argentina's 100-peso "Evita" note wins Latin American Banknote of the Year 2013

Argentina_BCRA_100_P_2012.00.00_PNL_A_00633098_fArgentina_BCRA_100_P_2012.00.00_PNL_A_00633098_r
The organizers of the Latin American High Security Printing (HSP) Conference are delighted to announce at the Conference in Bogota, Colombia today, that the inaugural award of Latin American Banknote of the Year 2013 was presented to Senora Katya Daura, President of S.E. Casa de Moneda, Argentina for the 100 Pesos Eva Perón note.

The Argentinean 100 Pesos banknote was issued in 2012 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the death of former first lady Eva Perón. The banknote was designed by Roger Pfund based on the earlier work of Renato Garrasi and produced by S.E. Casa de Moneda.

The Latin American banknote award, introduced by HSP, aims at recognising banknote design developments and achievements in the fast-evolving Latin American region. The Award Committee comprises the Board of Directors of HSP organising company Reconnaissance International Ltd, and the editorial representatives of Currency News, the periodical dedicated to the global currency industry.

The selection criteria are based on design visibility, banknote functionalities, security sophistication as well as thematic relevance.

Commenting on the Award Committee’s decision, Martyn White, Chairman of Reconnaissance International, remarked on the note’s bright-coloured appeal, the ‘world-class’ intaglio portrait of Eva Perón, the integrative use of security elements as well as the rich heritage perceived through the banknote and readily identified by the population.

Background: Evita Note Finally Sees the Light of Day

In July 2012, the Central Bank of Argentina issued a 100 Peso commemorative note bearing the image of the former first lady, Eva ‘Evita’ Peron to mark the 60th anniversary of her death.

After the death of Eva Peron in 1952 both the Central Bank and the banknote printer, SE Casa de Moneda (CMA), started work immediately, the idea being to replace the Liberty Effigy in the existing 5 Peso with a portrait of Eva, but this idea was rejected by the authorities. It was then that CMA artist Renato Garrasi created a new sepia-tinted design that had Eva’s portrait on one side, with the intention of paying homage to her extensive social work for the poor.

However, in 1955 the President was ousted in a military coup, and the subsequent regime set about eliminating all signs of Peronism, including the destruction of any images associated with Juan and Eva Peron. To avoid the loss of the banknote designs, a CMA employee hid them, and they remained hidden, and forgotten, for the next five and a half decades.

It was only in 2006 – with the removal of furniture as part of a refurbishment of the design department – that the original sepia-tinted artwork, hand-painted by Garrasi, came to light. It was this artwork that provided the inspiration for the new note and, after extensive research undertaken by personnel from CDM, the concept for the 21st century version was presented in 2012. It was unveiled to the nation in July 2012 by HE President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, one day before the 60th anniversary of Eva Perón’s death, and was issued two months later, in September.

The brightly-coloured commemorative note features intaglio printing, a watermark, an optically variable feature and a thread, and was created by the Swiss banknote designer Roger Pfund together with designers from CMA. The portrait was engraved by Sergio Pilosio, an Argentinan citizen living in Switzerland. It is the first time a new design has been introduced in Argentina for 20 years, and the first Argentinean banknote to feature a woman.

Although designed as a commemorative banknote, in January 2013 President Kirchner announced that it is to become the new 100 Peso circulating note, replacing the current note carrying the portrait of the 19th century president Julio Argentino Roca.

The circulating version will feature the numeral 100 in SPARK® with a green to blue colour shift and rolling-bar effect, see-through register, watermark and 5mm wide Picture Thread™ with Eva Peron’s image. It will be issued in a few weeks time to provide a lasting, and everyday, tribute to the iconic former first lady.


Guernsey new 1-pound TDLR commemorative note confirmed

Guernsey_SOG_1_pound_2013.07.04_PNL_TD-LR_001043_f
Guernsey_SOG_1_pound_2013.07.04_PNL_TD-LR_001043_r
Guernsey_SOG_1_pound_2013.07.04_PNL_TD-LR_001043_sig
According to an article on ChannelOnline, on 4 July 2013 the States of Guernsey began selling 300,000 1-pound notes to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Thomas de la Rue's first commercial venture. This commemorative note is like the preceding normal issue for this denomination, but enhanced by a design featuring Thomas de la Rue on the back and a TD/LR prefix. It is also the first series of 1-pound notes to feature the signature of States Treasurer Bethan Haines. The notes are sold at double face value, plus £8 S&H.

Courtesy of Pam West (http://britishnotes.co.uk), Philip Martin, and Jan Stuller.

Bangladesh new 100-taka commemorative note confirmed

Bangladesh_BB_100_taka_2013.00.00_B58a_PNL_fBangladesh_BB_100_taka_2013.00.00_B58a_PNL_r
According to a press release, a new 100-taka note commemorating 100 Years of Bangladesh National Museum was issued 9 July 2013. 100,000 notes were issued into circulation, with an additional 11,000 notes sold packaged in a folder as numismatic products.

100 taka (US$1.25)
Violet, yellow, and green. Front: 18th-century terracotta plaque depicting a horse rider; bank logo. Back: Bangladesh National Museum with trees and fountain. Windowed security thread with holographic bank logo and 100. Watermark: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on pixelated background and electrotype bank logo and 100. Printer: (SPC). 140 x 62 mm.
a. 2013. Signature 10b. Intro: 09.07.2013.

Courtesy of Raihan Ahmed, BanglaNumis, and Aidan Work.


Hungary new sig/date (2013) 500-forint note (B581e) confirmed

Hungary_MNB_500_forint_2013.00.00_B581e_P196_EA_4411814_fHungary_MNB_500_forint_2013.00.00_B581e_P196_EA_4411814_r
Like B581d, but new date (2013) and new signatures (György Matolcsy and Ádám Balog).

Courtesy of G. Scheidl.

Croatia new sig/date (09.07.2012) 100- and 200-kuna notes confirmed

Croatia_HNB_100_kuna_2012.07.09_B5b_P41_B_9523849_B_sig
100 kuna, 9. SRPANJ 2012 (09.07.2012). Like HNB B5, but new date and new signature (Boris Vujcic). Intro: 01.07.2013.

200 kuna, 9. SRPANJ 2012 (09.07.2012). Like HNB B6, but new date and new signature (Boris Vujcic). Intro: 01.07.2013.

Courtesy of Zlatko Viscevic.

Hungary new date (2013) 2,000-forint note (B583d) confirmed

Hungary_MNB_2000_forint_2013.00.00_B583d_P198_CA_5714573_fHungary_MNB_2000_forint_2013.00.00_B583d_P198_CA_5714573_r
Like B583c, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Kevin Klauss.

Saint Lucia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Saint Lucia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for as a free download to all.

This 2-page catalog covers notes issued by The Government of St. Lucia in 1920. Revised 08.12.2017.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Coin Week interview regarding The Banknote Book

Coin Week has posted a number of short videos taken during the Memphis International Paper Money Show during 13-16 June 2013, including the one below featuring yours truly talking about The Banknote Book.

Indonesia new sig/date (2013) 100,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_100000_rupiah_2013.00.00_PNL_KKN_181023_sig
100,000 rupiah, 2013/2004. Like PNL dated 2011 and 2012, but new DEPUTI GUBERNUR signature and new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Philippines new date (2013) 100- and 500-peso notes confirmed

100 pesos, 2013. Like P208, but new date.

500 pesos, 2013. Like P210, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Hong Kong's Standard Chartered Bank new sig/date (01.01.2012) 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes confirmed

Hong_Kong_SCB_20_dollars_2012.01.01_P297_BK_507840_sig
20 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2012. Like P297, but new date and new signature for CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.

50 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2012. Like P298, but new date and new signature for CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.

100 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2012. Like P299, but new date and new signature for CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Hong Kong's Hongkong & Shanghai Banking new date (01.01.2012) 50- and 100-dollar notes confirmed

50 dollars, 1 January 2012. Like P213, but new date and new title: Chief Executive (signature remains unchanged).

100 dollars, 1 January 2012. Like P214, but new date and new title: Chief Executive (signature remains unchanged).

The only Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited denomination not yet confirmed with this new date is the 500-dollar note.

Courtey of Bill Stubkjaer.

Colombia new sig/date (22.08.2011) 2,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_2000_pesos_2011.08.22_P457_10789423_sig
2,000 pesos, 22 DE AGOSTO DE 2011. Like P457, but new signatures and date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.


Turks & Caicos Islands images and info sought

I am looking to complete the Turks & Caicos Islands chapter of The Banknote Book and would greatly appreciate it if anyone who owns any of the government-issued notes would please send me scans of same. There appear to be several unlisted date and signature varieties which I would like to properly document.

Furthermore, it's my understanding that the British Commonwealth paper money collection of Bill Pheatt of Berkley, Michigan, was sold in London by Christies on 2 October 1986. If anyone has the catalog for this auction, please send me scans of the pages concerning the Turks & Caicos Islands issues.

Scotland's Bank of Scotland new sig/date (01.19.2009) 20-pound note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_20_pounds_2009.01.19_P126_BX_342171_sig
20 pounds, 19th JANUARY 2009. Like P126, but new date and signatures (Daniels/Kane).

Courtesy of Pam West (http://britishnotes.co.uk).

Gambia new sig 25-dalasi note confirmed

Gambia_CBG_25_dalasis_2013.00.00_B24c_P27_D_7738872_sig
25 dalasis, no date. Like CBG B24 (P27), but new signature (Basiru A. O. Njai and Amadou Colley).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Serbia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Serbia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by Народна банка Србије/Narodna Banka Srbija (National Bank of Serbia) from 2003 to present. Revised 24 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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India new date (2013) 50-rupee note confirmed

50 rupees, 2013. Like unlisted preceding issue with rupee symbol, but new date and no inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Norway new sig/date (2012) 500-kroner note confirmed

Norway_NB_500_kroner_2012.00.00_P51_H_401072689_sig
500 kroner, 2012. Like P51, but new date and new signatures (Øystein Olsen & Trond Eklund).

Courtesy of Jan Ove Larsen.

Northern Ireland's Danske Bank new 10- and 20-pound notes confirmed

Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2013.01.25_B1a_PNL_AA_3103501_f
Northern_Ireland_DB_20_pounds_2012.10.16_B1a_PNL_AA_1130151_rNorthern_Ireland_DB_20_pounds_2012.10.16_B1a_PNL_AA_1130151_f
Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2013.01.25_B1a_PNL_AA_3103501_r
According to a BBC News article dated 24 June 2013, Danske Bank, formerly Northern Bank, issued 10- and 20-pound notes that look like the existing Northern Bank issues (PNL), but with the bank's new logo and name which changed in November 2012. Existing notes will remain in circulation. The bank no longer issues its own 50- and 100-pound notes and will issue Bank of England notes instead for these denominations.

The 10-pound note is dated 25th January 2013 and the 20-pound note is dated 16th October 2012. Both bear the signature of Gerry Mallon, Chief Executive.

Courtesy of Pam West (http://britishnotes.co.uk).

Angola new 1,000-, 2,000-, and 5,000-kwanza notes confirmed

Angola_BNA_1000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B47a_PNL_HA_9532964_fAngola_BNA_1000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B47a_PNL_HA_9532964_rAngola_BNA_2000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B48a_PNL_EB_3391123_fAngola_BNA_2000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B48a_PNL_EB_3391123_rAngola_BNA_5000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B49a_PNL_CA_0167189_fAngola_BNA_5000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B49a_PNL_CA_0167189_r
On 31 May 2013, Banco Nacional de Angola issued the above denominations.

Courtesy of Francisco Marques.

Uzbekistan denies reports of new 5,000-som banknote

According to an article on Azernews dated 24 June 2013, the press service of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan has denied reports of an introduction of a new 5,000-som banknote. At present, the highest denomination remains the 1,000-som note (B212) introduced in 2001, with a face value of approximately US$0.55.



Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 5-riyal note (B131c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2012.00.00_B131c_P32_353_566002_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2012.00.00_B131c_P32_353_566002_r
Like B131b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and signatures (Fahad Al-Mubarak and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Dr. Ghassan Samman.

Trans-Dniester new 50- and 200-ruble notes confirmed

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_50_rubles_2012.00.00_B13bs_P46s_BB_0000000_fTrans-Dniestria_TDRB_200_rubles_2012.00.00_B7cs_P40s_BB_0000000_f
According to a Russian-language press release, Trans-Dniester issued new 50- and 200-ruble banknotes with upgraded security features on 15 January 2013. The designs remain unchanged, but the windowed security thread is wider and the date is changed to МОДИФИКАЦИЯ (modified) 2012.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Vladimir Kozin.

Indonesia new date (2013) 20,000-rupiah note confirmed

20,000 rupiah, 2013. Like P144, but new date.

Be advised, however, that notes of this denomination dated 2011 through 2013 are significantly different than those dated 2004 through 2010, even though the SCWPM lumps them all together as P144. The newer notes have enhanced security features, including rainbow printing and Omron rings. The notes also have new codes for the sight impaired. On these notes, the year of printing appears above the signatures, with the series year at lower right front or lower right back.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Vietnam new date (2012) 500,000-dong note confirmed

500,000 dong, (20)12. Like P124, but new date.

Courtesy of Zbyněk Sobotka.

Cuba new date (2013) 50-peso note (B910h) confirmed

Like B910g, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Raul Perez-Alejo Neyra.

United States unveils new Treasury Secretary signature for 5-dollar note

Jacob Lew signatures
According to an article in the South China Morning Post dated 20 June 2013, this week the United States Treasury Department unveiled the official signature (bottom) of Secretary Jacob J. Lew which will appear on 5-dollar notes this autum and other denominations in the future. Lew's usual signature (top) had been derided as "an absent-minded doodle" unfit to grace US currency.

Serbia new sig/date (2013) 10-, 20-, and 100-dinar notes confirmed

Serbia_NBS_100_D_2013.00.00_B17b_P49_AA_0006827_sig
On 24 May 2013, the National Bank of Serbia issued 10-, 20-, and 100-dinar notes like the preceding issues, but with new date (2013) and signature (Jorgovanka Tabaković) on back.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Alberto Fochi.

Rwanda new 500-, 1,000-, and 5,000-franc varieties confirmed

At some point during the issuance of the notes dated 1998 (BNR B25-B27), the font used for printing the upper left serial numbers changed from wide to narrow (see below).

Rwandaserialfont

Courtesy of Sergey Vostrikov and Alexander Petrov.

Barbados new banknote series confirmed

According to a press release, "for the first time in 40 years, the Central Bank of Barbados is issuing redesigned banknotes. This new series, with its bold, modern design and vibrant hues, was launched on May 2, 2013.

"Like the 2007 series, the new notes are being issued in six denominations – $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 – and all denominations are 150mm x 65mm. The basic colours also remain the same.

"The Central Bank continues to honour those outstanding Barbadians previously featured on our banknotes, but the reverse image has been changed. The new vignettes are specific to the denomination and are now linked to the person featured on the portrait.

"To help the visually impaired and fully blind differentiate between denominations, tactile marks have been included on the new banknotes. The number of marks increases by one as the value of the note increases, from one dot for the $2 to six dots for the $100.

"In addition to the revamped design, the new series has both upgraded and new security features that will make the notes more difficult for counterfeiters to copy and easier for the public to authenticate.

"Remember that even with new-look notes in circulation, all notes issued by the Central Bank of Barbados – from 1973 to the present – remain legal tender and can and should continue to be used and accepted islandwide."

Barbados_CBB_2_dollars_2013.05.02_B32as_PNLs_J11_000000_f
Barbados_CBB_2_dollars_2013.05.02_B32as_PNLs_J11_000000_r
CBB B32 (PNL): 2 dollars (US$1)
Blue. Front: Trident as registration device; coat of arms; map of Barbados; John Redman Bovell. Back: Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew; trident. Windowed security thread with negative demetalized CBB $2. Watermark: John Redman Bovell and electrotype 2. Printer: DE LA RUE. 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2 MAY 2013. Signature 6. Intro: 02.05.2013.

Barbados_CBB_5_dollars_2013.05.02_B33as_PNLs_J11_000000_f
Barbados_CBB_5_dollars_2013.05.02_B33as_PNLs_J11_000000_r
CBB B33 (PNL): 5 dollars (US$2.50)
Green. Front: Trident as registration device; coat of arms; map of Barbados; Frank Worrell. Back: 3Ws Oval cricket facility at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus; trident. Windowed security thread with negative demetalized CBB $5. Watermark: Frank Worrell and electrotype 5. Printer: DE LA RUE. 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2 MAY 2013. Signature 6. Intro: 02.05.2013.

Barbados_CBB_10_dollars_2013.05.02_B34as_PNLs_J11_000000_f
Barbados_CBB_10_dollars_2013.05.02_B34as_PNLs_J11_000000_r
CBB B34 (PNL): 10 dollars (US$5)
Brown. Front: Trident as registration device; coat of arms; map of Barbados; Charles Duncan O’Neal. Back: Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge over the Careenage in Bridgetown; trident. Windowed security thread with negative demetalized CBB $10. Watermark: Charles Duncan O’Neal and electrotype 10. Printer: DE LA RUE. 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2 MAY 2013. Signature 6. Intro: 02.05.2013.

Barbados_CBB_20_dollars_2013.05.02_B35as_PNLs_J11_000000_f
Barbados_CBB_20_dollars_2013.05.02_B35as_PNLs_J11_000000_r
CBB B35 (PNL): 20 dollars (US$10)
Purple. Front: Trident as registration device; coat of arms; trident; flying fish; Samuel Jackman Prescod. Back: Parliament Buildings in Bridgetown; trident. Red-to-green color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized CBB $20. Watermark: Samuel Jackman Prescod and electrotype 20. Printer: DE LA RUE. 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2 MAY 2013. Signature 6. Intro: 02.05.2013.

Barbados_CBB_50_dollars_2013.05.02_B36as_PNLs_J11_000000_fBarbados_CBB_50_dollars_2013.05.02_B36as_PNLs_J11_000000_r
CBB B36 (PNL): 50 dollars (US$25)
Orange. Front: Trident as registration device; coat of arms; Errol Barrow; hologram patch with pelican, Pride of Barbados flowers, broken tridents, and 50. Back: Independence Square with statue of Errol Barrow in Bridgetown; trident. Red-to-green color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized CBB $50. Watermark: Errol Barrow and electrotype 50. Printer: DE LA RUE. 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2 MAY 2013. Signature 6. Intro: 02.05.2013.

Barbados_CBB_100_dollars_2013.05.02_B37as_PNLs_J11_000000_f
Barbados_CBB_100_dollars_2013.05.02_B37as_PNLs_J11_000000_r
CBB B37 (PNL): 100 dollars (US$50)
Brown, purple, and gray. Front: Trident as registration device; coat of arms; trident; flying fish; Grantley Adams; hologram patch with dolphin, Pride of Barbados flowers, broken tridents, and 100. Back: Grantley Adams International Airport; trident. Red-to-green color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized CBB $100. Watermark: Grantley Adams and electrotype 100. Printer: DE LA RUE. 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2 MAY 2013. Signature 6. Intro: 02.05.2013.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Namibia new 10- and 20-dollar notes confirmed

Namibia_BON_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B14a_PNL_fNamibia_BON_20_dollars_2013.00.00_B15a_PNL_f
According to a media release dated 13 July 2012, the Bank of Namibia “has observed that the diamond shape feature on some of the N$ 10 and N$ 20 banknotes is cracking after multiple folding or handling.” These affected notes feature a large OVI (optically variable ink) diamond with latent image of the denomination. The higher denominations aren’t affected because they use different security features.

The bank laid the blame on the paper and placement of the OVI feature in the center of the note where it is subjected to the most folding. On 4 June 2013, the bank announced it improved the paper quality and shifted the placement of the OVI feature to avoid being folded. Beginning 17 June, the bank put a limited quantity of the new notes into public circulation for three months to determine if these changes solve the problem.

These notes are like the preceding issues, but with new date (2013) on back.

Courtesy of Phil Martin and Heinrich Lindner.

Libya new 50-dinar note (B545) confirmed

Libya_CBL_50_dinars_2013.00.00_B45a_PNL_0290901_fLibya_CBL_50_dinars_2013.00.00_B45a_PNL_0290901_r
B545 (PNL): 50 dinars (US$40)
Green. Front: Crescent moon and star on green SPARK patch; 1922 Italian lighthouse in Benghazi. Back: Rock arch in Tadrart Acacus. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread and windowed Motion security thread with crescent moon and star. Watermark: Omar El Mukhtar, electrotype 50, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 155 x 77 mm. No date. Signature 8a. Intro: 20.06.2013.

Courtesy of The Monetary Unit.

Tangier chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Tangier chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by Servicios Municipales (Municipal Services) in 1941 and 1942, and Junta de Servicios Municipales (Municipal Services Board) in 1942. Published 5 August 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Kuwait to issue new note series by mid-2014

According to an official press release dated 10 June 2013, the Central Bank of Kuwait will issue new notes in all denominations (0.25 to 20 dinars) with "modern and enhanced security features." The new notes are expected to be issued "within a year" and will circulate in parallel with the existing notes.

Hong Kong new date (01.01.2012) 20-dollar note confirmed

20 dollars, 1 January 2012. Like P212, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Canada chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Canada chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 25-page catalog covers notes issued by Banque du Canada (Bank of Canada) from 1935 to present. Revised 15 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Serbia new sig/date (2013) 10-, 20-, and 100-dinar notes reported

According to a press release, on 24 May 2013 the National Bank of Serbia issued 10-, 20-, and 100-dinar notes dated 2013 with the governor's signature as Jorgovanka Tabaković.

Courtesy of Dragan Peric.

Nigeria new sig/date (2013) 50-naira note confirmed

50 naira, 2013. Like B236, but new date and new signatures (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Mahmoud K. Umar).

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Tajikistan revised 5- and 10-somoni notes confirmed

Tajikistan_NBT_5_somoni_1999.00.00_B6b_PNL_BN_5040025_f
Tajikistan_NBT_5_somoni_1999.00.00_B6b_PNL_BN_5040025_r

Tajikistan_NBT_10_somoni_1999.00.00_B7a_PNL_CM_3691050_f
Tajikistan_NBT_10_somoni_1999.00.00_B7a_PNL_CM_3691050_r
On 27 December 2012, the National Bank of Tajikistan introduced revised 5- and 10-somoni (US$1.05 and $2.10, respectively) banknotes like the preceding issues (NBT B6 and B7), but with the addition of a Kinegram stripe at right front.

Courtesy of Dmitry Zagorenko (http://bonistica.ru) and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Tajikistan new 20-, 50-, and 100-somoni notes confirmed

Tajikistan_NBT_20_somoni_1999.00.00_B8b_P17_DG_8172151_fTajikistan_NBT_50_somoni_1999.00.00_B9b_P18_EC_6677111_f
According to a press release dated 4 March 2013, on 5 March the National Bank of Tajikistan issued 20-, 50-, and 100-somoni notes with enhanced security features which include laser-etching the last three digits of the serial number into the adjacent holographic stripe. The 200-somoni note released two years ago was the first to have the laser-etched numbers.

Courtesy of Cedrian and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

India new date (2013) 100-rupee note with and without inset letter R confirmed

100 rupees, 2013. Like other unlisted notes with rupee symbol, but new date and R inset letter as well as without inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Bhutan new sig/date (2013) 1-ngultrum note confirmed

Bhutan_RMA_1_ngultrum_2013.00.00_B16b_P27_I_00116453_f
1 ngultrum, 2013. Like RMA B16 (P27), but new date and new signature (Dasho Daw Tenzin).

Note now printed by G&D, not TDLR, and on Hybrid, not paper substrate.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn and David Jones.

Chile new date (2011) 10,000- and 20,000-peso notes confirmed

10,000 pesos, 2011. Like P164, but new date.

20,000 pesos, 2011. Like P165, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin (http://stores.ebay.com/yuri111).

Ukraine new sig/date (2013) 5-hryven note (B846d) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_5_hryven_2013.00.00_P118_ПA_6475674_sig
5 гривень (hryven), 2013. Like B846c, but new date and signature (Ihor Sorkin).

Courtesy of Mykhaylo Kharytonov (www.worldbanknotes.t15.org).

Switzerland new sig/date (2012) 10-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2010.00.00_P67_E_1088093_Raggenbass-Danthine_sig
10 francs, (20)10. Like P67c, but new date and signatures (Raggenbass/Danthine).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Hong Kong new date (01.01.2012) 50-dollar note confirmed

50 dollars, 1 January 2012. Like P213, but new date.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Dominican Republic new sig/date (2012) 100- and 500-peso dominicano notes confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_100_pesos_dominicanos_2012.00.00_PNL_ZZ_6753141_f
100 pesos dominicanos, 2012. Like the preceding issue dated 2011 and printed by DE LA RUE, but new date (2012), signatures (Héctor Valdez Albizu and Daniel Toribio), printer imprint (OBERTHUR technologies), and screen trap.

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_500_pesos_dominicanos_2012.00.00_PNL_KY_9913471_f
500 pesos dominicanos, 2012. Like the preceding issue dated 2011 and printed by DE LA RUE, but new date (2012), signatures (Héctor Valdez Albizu and Daniel Toribio), printer imprint (OBERTHUR technologies), and screen trap.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger and Peter Mosselberger (www.banknote.ws).

Pakistan new date (2012) 20-rupee note (B233h) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2012.00.00_B233h_P55_DR_5901281_fPakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2012.00.00_B233h_P55_DR_5901281_r
Like B233g, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Shane McCulloch (www.newcastlecoins.com.au).

Liberia new 2011 varieties confirmed for all denominations

All denominations (CBL B6-B10, respectively) have been confirmed dated 2011 with two varieties. The first variety is plain, and the second variety has the denomination spelled out in pearlescent ink on tne watermark area on front. The 5- to 20-dollar notes also have pearlescent designs added around the border on front, whereas the 50- and 100-dollar notes have embossed designs above the signature at right.

Courtesy of Murtaza Karimjee (www.africanbanknotes.blogspot.com) and Andrew Roberts.

Philippines new date (2013) 100-peso note confirmed

100 pesos, 2013. Like P194, but new date.

Courtesy of SC Tan (http://stores.ebay.com/goodluck4u888).

Canada denies adding maple syrup smell to polymer banknote

According to many different news outlets, including the Mail Online, some members of the public have reported that Canada's new polymer banknotes smell of maple syrup. Bank of Canada denies that any scent has been added to any of its notes, so now people can return to searching for Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

Australian mint releases coins featuring banknote designs

au20c2013banknotes
According to a post on World Coin News, "The Royal Australian Mint has released this uncirculated three coin set. The coin designs within are inspired by banknote designs originally issued 100 years ago; they feature iconic images of Australia's primary industries of the era. The ten shillings, one pound, and five pounds designs are all celebrated on the coins within this set."

Courtesy of Matt.

Mauritius to issue polymer banknotes

An article on BusinessMega dated 26 May 2013 states that the Bank of Mauritius will soon issue polymer banknotes, according to the Facebook page of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Xavier-Luc Duval. Polymer will be used for 25-, 50-, and 500-rupee notes "in the coming months" and will circulate in parallel with the existing paper notes of the same denominations.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (http://www.polymernotes.de).

Bhutan new sig/date (2013) 10-ngultrum note confirmed

Bhutan_RMA_10_ngultrum_2013.00.00_B18b_P29_K_08034401_sig
10 ngultrum, 2013. Like RMA B18 (P29), but new date and new signature (Dasho Daw Tenzin).

Courtesy of Gylfi Snorrason.

Haiti new date (2010) 100-gourde note confirmed

100 gourdes, 2010. Like P275, but new date.

Courtesy of David Murcek (www.themonetaryunit.com).

Indonesia new date (2013) 10,000-rupiah note confirmed

10,000 rupiah, 2013/2005. Like P150b, but new date.

Courtesy of David Murcek (www.themonetaryunit.com).

Indonesia new date (2013) 5,000-rupiah note confirmed

5,000 rupiah, 2013/2001. Like P142l, but new date.

Courtesy of David Murcek (www.themonetaryunit.com).

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 1-riyal note (B130c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2012.00.00_B130c_P31_906_826108_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2012.00.00_B130c_P31_906_826108_r
Like B130b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and signature (Fahad Al-Mubarak and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

Mexico new 50-peso polymer note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2012.06.12_PNL_B_M5153295_f
Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2012.06.12_PNL_B_M5153295_r
On 6 May 2013, Banco de México issued a revised polymer 50-peso note like the preceding issue (P123), but with more advanced anti-counterfeiting features, including a color-shifting butterfly printed on the transparent window, tactile intaglio printing, microprinting, novel serial numbering, and a larger transparent window with hidden image which can be revealed using a laser pointer. Existing notes will circulate in parallel with the new note. Serie A-F confirmed.

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch, Beto Rios, and Ricardo Ramirez Gonzalez.

Cambodia new 100,000-riel commemorative note confirmed

Cambodia_NBC_100000_riels_2012.00.00_B25a_PNL_0090895_fCambodia_NBC_100000_riels_2012.00.00_B25a_PNL_0090895_r
According to an article in NZweek dated 8 May 2013, Cambodia issued a new 100,000-riel (US$25) note to celebrate the 60th birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni on 14 May. This is the largest denomination in the nation. The note depicts the portraits of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath on the front and the pictures of the two monarchs and their current King Norodom Sihamoni on the back.

Courtesy of Allan J. Lim (www.artofangkor.com), Michael Doran, and Noteshobby (http://stores.ebay.com/Noteshobby).

Northern Ireland's Northern Bank new date (30.11.2011) 10-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_NB_10_pounds_2011.11.30_PNL_GH_0112441_f
10 pounds, 30th November 2011. Like unlisted note dated 9th November 2008, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin (http://stores.ebay.com/yuri111).

Scotland's Royal Bank new date (20.12.2007) 10-pound note confirmed

10 pounds, 20th DECEMBER 2007. Like P353, but new date.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

Courtesy of Pam West (http://britishnotes.co.uk).

Lebanon new date (2012) 50,000-pound note confirmed

50,000 livres, ٢٠١٢ (2012). Like B534a (P94), but new date.

Courtesy of Radoslaw Dlouhy.

Fiji 2-dollar note replaced by coin, 5-dollar note to be withdrawn

According to an article on NumisMaster dated 15 May 2013, Fiji has recently withdrawn its old 2-dollar note, and plans to withdraw the old, brown 5-dollar notes as of 30 June 2013.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Kazakhstan 5,000-tenge note (B139a) named IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2012

Kazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139a_P38_AA_7310096_fKazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139a_P38_AA_7310096_r
The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) announces that its voting membership has again selected the National Bank of Kazakhstan to receive its prestigious “Bank Note of the Year” Award for 2012. Facing stiff competition as always from nearly 100 new banknotes released worldwide in 2012, the 5000 Tenge denomination Kazakhstan note was followed in voting by the Canada 50 Dollar and Jersey 100 Pound currency bills.

Now in its 52nd year, the IBNS has over 2000 members worldwide. As a nonprofit educational organization its objectives are to promote, stimulate and advance the study, collection and dissemination of information related to paper money. From all significantly newly designed and widely circulated banknotes released in 2012, the IBNS membership nominated notes from 13 different countries to place on the ballot. Nominees represented four continents and ranged from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East to North, South and Central America. Past “Bank Note of the Year” winners include Kazakhstan (2011), Uganda (2010), Bermuda (2009), Samoa (2008), Scotland (2007), Comoros (2006), Faeroe Islands (2005) and Canada (2004).

The 2012 winning banknote was designed collaboratively by De La Rue of England and the National Bank. The Banknote Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan undertook the printing. The 5000 Tenge bill has a face value of approximately 33 U.S. dollars or 25 euros or 22 British pounds at early-May 2013 exchange rates. The note was issued 30 December 2011 for circulation in 2012. Slightly narrower, but taller, than U.S. dollar bills, its size is almost identical to the 20 pound English and 50 Euro notes.

The stunning design, predominantly in vivid reddish-orange features the “Kazak Eli” monument with flying doves and panther in a vertical format on the face of the banknote. The horizontal format reverse side highlights a map of the country with mountains and the “Monument of Independence” with the Kazakhstan Hotel in the former capital city of Almaty. A full color image of this and other nominated banknotes are on the IBNS website.

The IBNS is open to membership from interested persons in any country. Details concerning all IBNS activities are available at www.theibns.org.

Rwanda new 500-franc note approved for issuance by end of 2013

According to an AllAfrica article dated 14 May 2013, the cabinet approved a presidential order to issue a new 500-franc note by the end of 2013, with three exotic cows on the front reflecting the government’s efforts to eradicate malnutrition, and four students working with computers on the back reflecting education and technology.

Bangladesh new sig/date (2013) 2-taka note confirmed

Bangladesh_GOB_2_taka_2013.00.00_B7c_P52_sig
2 taka, 2013. Like GOB B7 (P52), but new date and signature (Fazle Kabir). Intro: 03.04.2013.

Courtesy of Mohammed J. Islam and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).


Straits Settlements chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Straits Settlements chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 11-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of the Straits Settlements from 1898 to 1935. Revised 9 August 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Yemen new date (2012) 1,000-rial note (B129b) confirmed

1,000 rials, ٢٠١٢/١٤٣٣ (2012/AH1433). Like B129a, but new date. Intro: 12.10.2012.

Courtesy of Hani Rida (http://sababanknotes.6te.net).

Northern Ireland's First Trust Bank new sig/date (01.01.2012) 10-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_FTB_10_pounds_2012.01.01_P136_VA_298431_sig
10 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2012. Like P136, but new date and new signature (John Kilty).

Courtesy of Pam West.

Philippines new 50-peso St. Pedro Calungsod commemorative confirmed

Philippines_BSP_50_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_9569754_f
50 pesos, 2013. Like P193, but new date, new signature, and red overprint: 1672 st. pedro calungsod canonization 2012 LIFE THAT IS OFFERED FAITH THAT IS PROCLAIMED.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Indonesia new date (2013) 50,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_50000_rupiah_2013.00.00_PNL_MRP_915119_sig
50,000 rupiah, 2013 on front/2005 on back. Like unlisted note previously confirmed dated 2011 and 2012, but new date. Signature Nasution/Sarwono on all three date varieties.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Indonesia new date (2013) 2,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_2000_rupiah_2013.00.00_P148_SJE_318454_sig
2,000 rupiah, 2013 on front/2009 on back. Like P148, but new date. Signature Nasution/Waas.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Singapore overprinted 1997 5-dollar ship note from sheet


In January 2013, a contributor sent scans of two previously unlisted Singapore 5-dollar notes, possibily commemoratives overprinted on B21b (P35) at right front near the watermark.

The first note has a prefix of B/29 and is overprinted in red with 30 Anniversary and a small logo of the Board of Commissioners of Currency of Singapore (BCCS). It has a wide margin at left.

The second note has a prefix of B/35 and is overprinted in red with the logo of the BCCS.

From all indications, these notes were overprinted to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the BCCS, which would date them to 1997 or later.

According to another contributor, these notes were manually cut from sheets of notes and were not issued into circulation.

Philippines new date (2012) 1,000-peso note confirmed

1,000 pesos (US$24), 2012. Like P211, but new date.

Courtesy of
Goodluck4u888.


Philippines new date (2013) 20-peso note confirmed

20 pesos (US$0.50), 2013. Like P206, but new date.

Courtesy of
Goodluck4u888.


Bermuda new sig 20-dollar note variety confirmed

Bermuda_BMA_20_dollars_2009.01.01_B33b_P60_A-1_000155_f
Bermuda_BMA_20_dollars_2009.01.01_B33b_P60_A-1_000155_r
Bermuda_BMA_20_dollars_2009.01.01_B33b_P60_A-1_000155_sig
20 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2009. Like BMA B33a, but new signatures (Alan C. Cossar and L. Anthony Jaoquin), prefix A/1, and flowers and butterflies on back now green, not purple.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Netherlands New Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Netherlands New Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by Nieuw-Guinea (New Guinea) in 1950 and Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea (Netherlands New Guinea) in 1954. Revised 8 October 2015.
Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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Bank of Canada names Stephen Poloz as new governor

According to an article on BBC News dated 2 May 2013, "Bank of Canada has named long-term bureaucrat and economist Stephen Poloz as its new head, replacing Mark Carney who is going to run the Bank of England."

This move calls into question whether the 5- and 10-dollar notes unveiled on 30 April and to be issued in November will in fact carry the signature of Mark Carney as the mock-ups suggest, or if Stephen Poloz's signature will be substituted instead.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

European Monetary Union new 5-euro note confirmed

European_Monetary_Union_ECB_5_euros_2013.00.00_B8u3_PNL_UB_8061537134_f
European_Monetary_Union_ECB_5_euros_2013.00.00_B8u3_PNL_UB_8061537134_r
5 euros, 2013. Intro: 02.05.2013. These notes have two-character prefixes and it's not yet clear if they use the same country codes as the preceding series. Prefixes confirmed to date include UB and VA.

Courtesy of Richard Castello (www.castedos.com or http://stores.ebay.com/CastedosInvestments) and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Philippines new 100-peso commemorative note confirmed

Philippines_BSP_100_pesos_2012.00.00_PNL_D_976071_fPhilippines_BSP_100_pesos_2012.00.00_PNL_D_976071_r
100 pesos (US$2.45), 2012. Like P194, but green Manila Hotel 100 overprint.

Courtesy of
Goodluck4u888.


Press release: Encyclopedia of Sudan Banknotes 1856 - 2012

Encyclopedia of Sudan Banknotes 1856 - 2012
Bushra Ali, a frequent contributor to this site and The Banknote Book, recently published Encyclopedia of Sudan Banknotes 1856 - 2012. This specialized catalog is available via Lulu.com as a print-on-demand book. This 467-page first edition covers all notes from 1856 to 2012, and includes Egyptian notes used in Sudan, along with many notes unlisted in the SCWPM, such as unadopted designs, specimens, and proofs. Visit Lulu.com and click on the Preview link below the image of the book cover to see sample pages of this detailed catalog.

Central Bank of Malta currency exhibit runs 2-15 May 2013

According to a press release dated 26 April 2013, "The Central Bank of Malta is organising a currency exhibition between Thursday 2 May 2013 and Wednesday 15 May 2013. The exhibition will be held in the Polverista building situated at the Bank’s premises on St James Counterguard, Valletta.

The exhibition will trace the history of the official Maltese paper currency since 1914 and will allow those visiting the exhibition to see the new €5 “Europa Series” banknote that will be issued by the European Central Bank from 2 May 2013. Visitors will also have access to an audio-visual presentation on banknote production and an interactive game which highlights the security features of the euro banknote. Maltese decimal coinage, as well as a number of euro coin sets, will also be on display.

The exhibition will be open daily during weekdays from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Further information may be obtained by calling on 2550 6014."

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Guinea new date (2012) 5,000-franc note confirmed

5,000 francs, 2012. Like BCRG B30a (P41), but new date.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Chile new date (2011) 1,000-peso note (B296b) confirmed

1,000 pesos, 2011. Like P161, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin (http://stores.ebay.com/yuri111).

England to feature Winston Churchill on new 5-pound note in 2016

churchill
According to a press release, the Bank of England will feature Winston Churchill on a new 5-pound note to be issued in 2016.

Commenting on the choice, the Governor said: “Our banknotes acknowledge the life and work of great Britons.  Sir Winston Churchill was a truly great British leader, orator and writer.  Above that, he remains a hero of the entire free world.  His energy, courage, eloquence, wit and public service are an inspiration to us all.  I am proud to announce that he will appear on our next banknote."
The plan is for the Churchill note to be issued as a £5 note, and that it shall be issued during 2016; but those choices may be reviewed as plans for issuing the new note are finalised. Features of the design on the reverse of the note will include:

  • A portrait of Winston Churchill from a photograph taken in Ottawa by Yousuf Karsh on 30 December 1941 - © Yousuf Karsh/Camera Press.
  • A view of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower from the South Bank looking across Westminster Bridge - © Abi Daker.
  • The image of the Elizabeth Tower with the hands of the Great Clock at 3 o’clock – the approximate time on 13 May 1940 when Sir Winston Churchill declared in a speech to the House of Commons: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” This declaration is quoted beneath the portrait.
  • A background image of the Nobel Prize medal which he was awarded in 1953 for literature, together with the wording of the prize citation. The trademark Nobel Prize® is reproduced with permission from the Nobel Foundation.

Further details on the full design of the new note will be revealed when the new note is launched, together with a full promotion and awareness campaign.

Courtesy of Paul Walters.

Mexico to present changes to 50-peso note on 06.05.2013

According to an article on CNN México dated 22 April 2013, Banco de México will present changes to the polymer 50-peso note (P123) on 6 May 2013.

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch.

Morocco chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Morocco chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Press release: Banknotes of the World 2011-2012

Banknotes of the World 2012
Reference book. Issue 10
In English and Russian.
30×21×3 cm
568 pages.

  • Actualized and carefully checked information on cash circulation of all countries and territories of the world on the end of 2012;
  • Regional geographic information for each state (location, chapter, currency, issuing bank, etc.);
  • Peculiarities of cash circulation in the country;
  • Currency notes of each state are grouped by categories: main circulation banknotes, banknotes, which are rare in circulation, but still maintain the status of legal tender; banknotes withdrawn from circulation: exchanged and cancelled;
  • Rules and procedures for the exchange and cancellation of banknotes withdrawn from circulation;
  • Description of security complex general circulation banknote series;
  • Color images of front and back of general circulation banknotes with indication of security features.

Besides, you may find background information on monetary and economic unions, glossary of terms of security features and simple and convenient search system and cross-references.

Price: 200 USD or 150 EUR

The edition is intended for financiers, economists, bank personnel, traders, experts, geographers, historians, university professors and students as well as general public interested in history and economy of the world countries.

The series “World Currencies: Currency Circulation Chronicle — XXI century” (10 volumes: 2001—2012) is recognized by authoritative among professional directory editions in the world and is recommended for practical use in financial institutions the International association of participants of the currency industry (IACA).

Phones: +7 (499) 267-30-63, 267-43-38, 267-46-34, 267-49-74, 267-51-28.
Fax: +7 (499) 267-42-34.
E-mail: sibileva_t@icpress.ru; order@icpress.ru
You can also order this book online at www.icpress.ru

Turkey new 5-lira note issued 08.04.2013 confirmed

Turkey_TCMB_5_turk_lirasi_2009.00.00_B109a_PNL_B_036592592_f
Turkey_TCMB_5_turk_lirasi_2009.00.00_B109a_PNL_B_036592592_sig
On 8 April 2013, Türkiye Cümhuriyet Merkez Bankası (Central Bank of Turkey) issued a new 5-lira note that is purple, because the exisiting tan note (P222) was too close in color to the brown 50-lira note (P225).

In addition to the new color of the 5-lira note, the bank also changed the Deputry Governor signatures on the following notes (all the new notes have Governor Erdem Başçı’s signature, seen above at left):
· TL 200 banknotes: Mehmet Yörükoğlu
· TL 50 banknotes: Turalay Kenç,
· TL 5 banknotes: Mehmet Yörükoğlu

Courtesy of Adil Önder, Okyay Demirors, and Paul Nahmias.

Press release: The Banknote Yearbook 8th Edition

Banknote_Yearbook

India new date (2013) 20-rupee note with rupee symbol and inset letter R

20 rupees, 2013. Like P96, but with rupee symbol, new date, and inset letter R. Also confirmed as replacement note with asterisk in serial number.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Mongolia new 5,000-tögrög note (B425b) variety confirmed

The 5,000-tögrög note dated 2003 (B425) apparently underwent a slight modification at some point between prefixes AF and AH.

Mongolia_MB_5000_togrog_2003.00.00_B25a_P68_AF_5579535_sigMongolia_MB_5000_togrog_2003.00.00_B25b_P68_AK_6971797_sig
On later issues (bottom), the signature ends with a curved horizontal line which is missing from earlier issues (top).

Mongolia_MB_5000_togrog_2003.00.00_B25a_P68_AF_5579535_rMongolia_MB_5000_togrog_2003.00.00_B25b_P68_AK_6971797_r
More significantly, on the back of earlier issues (top), there are bands of red at the ends of the horizontal bars along the lower edge which are not present on the later issues (bottom).

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov and Sergey Vostrikov.

Haiti new sig/date (2012) 10-gourde note confirmed

Haiti_BRH_10_gourdes_2012.00.00_P272_L_5170110_sig
10 gourdes, 2012. Like P272, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Nigeria to switch lower denominations from polymer to paper mid-year

According to an article in ThisDayLive dated 24 April 2012, Tunde Lemo, the deputy governor of operations for the Central Bank of Nigeria, defended the bank's plans to stop the printing of lower denominations of the naira in polymer and revert to paper currency because the former reportedly fades too much, making the notes unsuitable for circulation. “By the middle of the year, we will start producing the lower denomination notes in paper not in polymer. My plea is that Nigerians should be patient with us. It wasn’t the fault of the CBN; it is just because we have to go back to the drawing board. We will correct that in the course of the year. Polymer certainly will be phased out. In fact, no new note is being printed in polymer now,” said Lemo.

Thailand new 20-baht note confirmed

Thailand_BOT_20_baht_2013.00.00_PNL_6A_9032273_fThailand_BOT_20_baht_2013.00.00_PNL_6A_9032273_rThailand_BOT_20_baht_2013.00.00_PNL_6A_9032273_sig
The Bank of Thailand issued a new 20-baht note on 1 April 2013. Green in color, the note measures 138 x 72 mm and features a portrait of King Rama IX in the Royal House of Chakri gown on the front, and on the back are images of the royal statue of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great seated on the Manangkhasila Asana Throne, the invention of the Thai script, the Ramkhamhaeng stele, ancient Thai script Lai Sue Thai, the grievance hearing, the Bell of King Ramkhamhaeng, and Sangkhalok Wares.

The new notes have high-technology anti-counterfeiting measures. They also have Braille so the blind can identify the value. The watermark of Thai numeral 20 is specially transparent when held against the light; the green security thread embedded into the paper will change to the color of red-purple when user tilts the new banknotes; and the use of raised features and matching element techniques on denomination numeral. The banknotes are made of better paper quality to provide the longer life cycle.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Phil Martin, and Sanjay Basu.

India 10-rupee note with rupee symbol and M inset letter reported

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to issue 10-rupee (US$0.20) notes with the new rupee symbol, the inset letter M, bearing the signature of Governor D Subbarao, and the year 2013 on back.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.


Poland to upgrade security of notes in April 2014

According to a press release dated 18 April 2013, the National Bank of Poland plans to issue banknotes with new security features in April 2014. The designs of the "Polish Monarchs" notes first issued in 1995 will remain unchanged, except to accomodate the modern security features. Detailed information is scheduled to be released in September 2013.

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk and Krzysztof Czupryńsk.

Bhutan new sig/date (2013) 20-ngultrum note confirmed

Bhutan_RMA_20_ngultrum_2013.00.00_B19b_P30_L_06119398_sig
20 ngultrum, 2013. Like RMA B19 (P30), but new date and new signature (Dasho Daw Tenzin).

Note now printed by G&D, not TDLR, and on Hybrid, not paper substrate.

Courtesy of Bartek Gosztyla.

Valkenburg show report

Owen at Valkenburg
I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed attending and exhibiting at the Paper Money Fair held in Valkenburg, Netherlands over 5-7 April 2013. This was the first time I had ever been to the "Maastricht" show, and it was a great experience. The highlight was meeting in person many of The Banknote Book's contributors and subscribers, such as Frank van Tiel shown at right in the photo above.

I was in awe of the wide assortment of notes on display, from very rare older items to modern notes available in bulk from many wholesale dealers. Never before have I seen so many straps and bricks of notes! I was also taken with the general sense of comradery rather than competition that prevailed among the dealers assembled from the far reaches ot the globe.

My only regret was that I was unable to spend much time visiting with other exhibitors and pouring over their offerings because I had to be at my own table extolling the virtues of The Banknote Book. I did manage to buy a few new additions to my collection, but the best things I brought home were memories of meeting old friends and making new ones in this great hobby of ours.

Syria chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Syria chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 45-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque de Syrie (Bank of Syria) from 1919 to 1920, the Banque de Syrie et du Grand-Liban (Bank of Syria and Greater Lebanon) from 1925 to 1939, the Banque de Syrie et du Liban (Bank of Syria and Lebanon) from 1939 to 1950, the Republique Syrienne (Syrian Republic) from 1942 to 1945, the Institut d'Emission de Syrie (Issuing Institute of Syria) from 1950 to 1955, and the Banque Centrale de Syrie (Central Bank of Syria) from 1957 to present. Revised 28.10.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Angola new 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-kwanza notes confirmed

Angola_BNA_50_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B43a_PNL_TA_2636187_fAngola_BNA_50_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B43a_PNL_TA_2636187_rAngola_BNA_100_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B44_PNL_QA_8047302_fAngola_BNA_100_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B44_PNL_QA_8047302_rAngola_BNA_200_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B45a_PNL_NA_5771769_fAngola_BNA_200_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B45a_PNL_NA_5771769_rAngola_BNA_500_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B46a_PNL_KB_2329531_fAngola_BNA_500_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B46a_PNL_KB_2329531_r
On 22 March 2013, Banco Nacional de Angola issued the above denominations. The remaining three denominations (1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 kwanza) are scheduled to be introduced on 31 May 2013.

Courtesy of Francisco Marques and Thomas Augustsson.

Philippines new date (2013) 500-peso note confirmed

500 pesos, 2013. Like P196, but new date.

Courtesy of S C Tan (http://stores.ebay.com/goodluck4u888).

Afghanistan has new notes printed and ready to issue

According to an undated article on The Frontier Post, Da Afghanistan Bank has announced that 100 billion Afghanis worth of new notes have been printed by a British firm (presumably De La Rue) with "the latest specifications" and will be issued as the market demands.

Papua New Guinea demonetizes paper notes as of 30.06.2013

According to an undated article on Islands Business, "all paper banknotes in circulation in the country will be withdrawn by the Bank of Papua New Guinea by June 2013, after which they will not be accepted as legal tender." Polymer notes remain legal tender.

Malawi new sig/date (01.01.2013) 1,000-kwacha note confirmed

Malawi_RBM_1000_kwacha_2012.01.01_B55b_PNL_AF_1475408_sig
1,000 kwacha, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like B155, but new date and new signature (Charles Chuka, governor as of 2012).

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Hungary new date (2013) 2,000-forint note (B583d) confirmed

Hungary_MNB_2000_forint_2013.00.00_B583d_P198_CA_5714573_fHungary_MNB_2000_forint_2013.00.00_B583d_P198_CA_5714573_r
Like B583c, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of G. Scheidl.

Kazakhstan new 2,000-tenge note (B141a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_2000_tenge_2012.00.00_B141a_P41_AA_0000062_fKazakhstan_NBK_2000_tenge_2012.00.00_B141a_P41_AA_0000062_r
According to a press release from the Naitonal Bank of the Rupublic of Kazkhstan, a new 2,000-tenge note was issued 29 March 2013. "The banknote of KZT 2,000 (two thousand) nominal value with a modified design is made of the paper of 139х73 mm. The obverse side of the banknote is a follows: the prevailing colors are dark green and light green; the prevailing images are vertical. The key images: the monument “Қазақ Елi” (“Kazak Eli”) on the right side of the banknote and images of the flying doves in the bottom center. At the bottom of the banknote there is a figure of saiga antelope made with the color- shifting paint. In the upper part there are the images of the symbols of state of the Republic of Kazakhstan: national emblem and state flag. The digital notation of the nominal value is printed on the left side, above and below; on the left center there is a digital notation of the nominal value in the state language. The legend "ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ" (KAZAKHSTAN ULTYK BANKI) is in the upper left corner; below there is a legend in the state language warning about responsibility for counterfeiting: "Банкноттарды қолдан жасау заңмен қудаланады" (Banknottardy koldan zhasau zanmen kudalanady)."

"The reverse side is as follows: the prevailing colors are dark green and light green; the prevailing images are horizontal. The key image is an outline of Kazakhstan map contour with the image of Irtysh River. On the right side there is a holographic band of 13 mm wide with the image of nominal value, a stylized yurt and fragment of the state flag. Lower left, right top and lower right there is a digital notation of the banknote nominal value and in the bottom center there is a literal notation of the nominal value in the Russian language. A legend “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ", is printed in the top middle; in the lower left corner, under the notation of the banknote nominal value, there is a legend “Подделка банкнот преследуется по закону” (“Counterfeiting is prosecuted under the law”)."

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya and Arsentiy Khonin.

United Arab Emirates new 100- and 1,000-dirham notes (B229a, B231a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_100_dirhams_2012.00.00_B34a_PNL_115160683_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_100_dirhams_2012.00.00_B34a_PNL_115160683_rUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2012.00.00_B35a_PNL_026033053_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2012.00.00_B35a_PNL_026033053_r
According to a press release dated 28 January 2013, on 2 February the Central Bank of The United Arab Emirates issued new 100- and 1,000-dirhams banknotes like the existing notes (B229a and B231a, respectively), but with a 3-mm wide, magenta-to-gold color-shifting windowed security thread and green-to-blue OVI coat of arms.

Courtesy of Raihan and Nazir Rahemtulla and Dr. Saleh A. Al-Ali.

Kuwait new signature 20-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_20_dinars_1994.04.03_B28h_P28_FE-108_415220_sig
20 dinars, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B228, but new signatures (Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel [governor as of April 2012] and Mustafa Jassim Al-Shamali).

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla and Dr. Saleh A. Al-Ali.

Angola new sig/date (2011.01.00) 10-kwanza note confirmed

Angola_BNA_10_kwanzas_2011.01.00_B36c_P145_NR_3546442_sig
10 kwanzas, JANEIRO DE 2011. Like BNA B36, but new signature and new date.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Libya new 20-dinar note (B544) confirmed

Libya_CBL_20_dinars_2013.03.31_B44a_PNL_1-1_0028822_fLibya_CBL_20_dinars_2013.03.31_B44a_PNL_1-1_0028822_r
According to an article (English) in the Libya Herald dated 20 March 2013 and a press release (Arabic) from the Central Bank of Libya, the new 20-dinar (US$15.55) note was issued on 31 March 2013. The orange-colored note shows a school in Ghadames on the front and Al-Ateeq mosque in Oujlah on the back.

Courtesy of Antje Maroussi and Eyad Alai.

Philippines new date (2013) 500-peso note confirmed

500 pesos, 2013. Like P196, but new date.

Courtesy of goodluck4u888.

Bermuda new signature 2-dollar note confirmed

Bermuda_BMA_2_dollars_2009.01.01_B30b_P57_A-1_000719_sig
2 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2009. Like BMA B30, but new signatures (Alan C. Cossar and E. Barclay Simmons) and prefix A/1 instead of Bermuda onion.

Courtesy of Yuri111.

Armenia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Armenia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Republic of Armenia in 1919 and the Bank of the Republic of Armenia from 1993 to present. Revised 23 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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The Challenge: Identify items on Syrian banknotes

I am cataloging the Central Bank of Syria's notes for publication in The Banknote Book, and I have been unable to identify a few items which appear on these notes.

The back of the 100-pound note dated 1966-1974 depicts a dam. What's the name and location of this dam?
Syria_CBS_100_syrian_pounds_1974.00.00_B17d_P98d_r

The front of the 5-pound note dated 1977-1991 depicts a female statue.
Syria_CBS_5_syrian_pounds_1991.00.00_B19e_P100e_fAllat-Minerva
IDENTIFIED: Allāt-Minerva. Statue of the 2nd century AD from As-Suwayda, Syria (Roman province). National Museum of Damascus.

The front of the 50-pound note dated 1977-1991 depicts a female statue.
Syria_CBS_50_syrian_pounds_1978.00.00_B22b_P103b_fmari_statue2
IDENTIFIED: Statue of goddess found in Sumerian ruins in Mari, Syria, now in National Museum of Aleppo.

The back of the 500-pound note dated 1958-1992 depicts something described as an ancient religious wheel.
Syria_CBS_500_syrian_pounds_1958.00.00_B11a_P92a_r
IDENTIFIED: Gold bowl decorated with hunting/animal scenes from the Temple of Baal at Ugarit, now in National Museum in Aleppo.

If anyone has information or leads which may be helpful, please contact me with details.

Courtesy of Yaqoob Alshaer and Murray Hanewich.

Egypt new sig/date (11.02.2013) 100-pound note confirmed

Egypt_CBE_100_pounds_2013.02.11_B33_P67_201_sig
100 pounds, 11.02.2013 in Arabic. Like P67, but new date and new signature (Hesham Ramez).

Courtesy of Khalifa Abdallatif (Notes4All).

Sweden changes portrait for new 1,000-krona note due October 2015

press_Kulturresan_1000_Low_130320
According to a Sveriges Riksbank press release dated 25 March 2013, "The Riksbank has reached agreement with the copyright holders for the images and symbols that will be used on the new banknotes. In connection with this, the portrait of Dag Hammarskjöld on the 1000-krona banknote has been re- placed. The issue of the new banknotes will begin in early October 2015.

"Today, the Riksbank is also publishing the texts that will form the basis for the mini- and micro-texts on the new banknotes. The mini- and micro-texts are in- terwoven with the banknotes' motifs and act as extra security features.

"The texts are linked to the individuals portrayed on the respective banknotes. The 20-krona banknote, for example, will contain a line from “Pippi Longstocking”, one of Astrid Lindgren's most famous books, while the 500-krona bank- note will have a text listing Birgit Nilsson's operatic roles. All the mini- and mi- cro-texts are available on the Riksbank's website."

Courtesy of David Surette.

Croatia new sig/date (09.07.2012) 10- and 20-kuna notes confirmed

Croatia_HNB_10_K_2012.07.09_B2b_P38_A_6755121_T_sig
On 18 March 2013, the Croatian National Bank issued new 10- and 20-kuna banknotes like HNB B2 (P38) and B3 (P39) respectively, but with new dates (9 SRPANJ 2012) and new signature (Boris Vujcic). Details in Croatian.

Courtesy of Mirko Pistan and Ivan Martinović.

French Pacific Territories new sig 500-franc note confirmed

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_500_F_2011.00.00_B1h_P1_016_R_3912553_sig
500 francs, no date. Like IEOM B1 (P1), but new signatures.

Courtesy of Olivier Galand.

Vietnam new date (2013) 10,000-dong note confirmed

10,000 dong, (20)13. Like P119, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Vietnam new date (2012) 20,000-dong note confirmed

20,000 dong, (20)12. Like P120, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Vietnam new date (2012) 50,000-dong note confirmed

50,000 dong, (20)12. Like P121, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Dominican Republic new 2,000-pesos dominicanos note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_2000_pesos_dominicanos_2011.00.00_PNL_CF_0005011_fDominican_Republic_BCRD_2000_pesos_dominicanos_2011.00.00_PNL_CF_0005011_r
2,000 pesos dominicanos, 2011. Like P181, but new date, signatures (Albizu and Bengoa), printer imprint (DE LA RUE), screen trap, currency name of pesos dominicanos, and Spark patch on watermark area at left front.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Sweden new date (2011) 50-kronor note confirmed

50 kronor, (201)1. Like P64b, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

India new date (2013) 10-rupee note with inset letter M reported

According to a press release dated 21 March 2013, the Reserve Bank of India "will shortly issue" a 10-rupee note with rupee symbol and inset letter M dated 2013.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

India reportedly considering 10-rupee polymer note

According to an article in DailyBhaskar.com dated 13 March 2013, the minister of state for finance, Namo Narain Meena, has announced that the Reserve Bank of India will issue one billion 10-rupee notes printed on polymer on field trial basis in five cities— Bhubhaneswar, Jaipur, Kochi, Mysore, and Shimla—with varied geographical locations and climactic conditions. The move is designed to extend the lifespan of this denomination, as well as reduce counterfeiting.

No word yet on when the new notes will be issued. The bank has made similar statements over the past four years and nothing has come of it yet.

Argentina new signature 100-peso note confirmed

Argentina_BCRA_100_P_2003.00.00_P357_Z_41364759_fArgentina_BCRA_100_P_2003.00.00_P357_Z_41364759_sig
100 pesos, no date. Like P357, but new signatures (Marcó-Boudou) and vertical red serial number at left,
horiztonal black serial number with novel numbering at upper right.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Honduras new sig/date (17.04.2008) 100-lempira note confirmed

Honduras_BCH_100_lempiras_2008.04.17_P77_BW_6767131_sig
100 lempiras, 17 DE ABRIL DE 2008. Like P77, but new signatures and date.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

Angola new kwanza note designs unveiled

Angola_BNA_50_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B43_PNL_f
Angola_BNA_50_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B43_PNL_r

Angola_BNA_100_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B44_PNL_f
Angola_BNA_100_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B44_PNL_r

Angola_BNA_200_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B45_PNL_f
Angola_BNA_200_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B45_PNL_r

Angola_BNA_500_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B46_PNL_f
Angola_BNA_500_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B46_PNL_r

Angola_BNA_1000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B47_PNL_f
Angola_BNA_1000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B47_PNL_r

Angola_BNA_2000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B48_PNL_f
Angola_BNA_2000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B48_PNL_r

Angola_BNA_5000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B49_PNL_f
Angola_BNA_5000_kwanzas_2012.10.00_B49_PNL_r

According to an article on MacauHub dated 26 December 2012, the Banco Nacional de Angola intends to issue new banknotes denominated in 5,000 and 10,000 kwanzas (US$52 and $104, respectively) in 2013. The lower denominations are expected to be revised and issued later in 2013. Currently the largest denomination is the 2,000-kwanza note (BNA B42).

According to an article on MacauHub dated 22 January 2013, the bank will make an official statement on 29 January regarding the issuance of the new notes.

New coins are to be introduced starting 18 Febuary, followed by new notes issued from March to June. Illustrations of Falls Cuemba (Bie), are printed in the denomination of 50 Kwanzas, the Binga Falls (Kwanza Sul), in footnote 100 Kwanzas, the Falls Thiumbue (Lunda Sul), in footnote 200 Kwanzas, the Falls Andulo (Bie), at 500 note Kwanzas, the Falls Kalandula (Malanje), in 1000 Kwanzas note, the Falls Dande (Bengo), footnote 2000 Kwanzas and Dam Kapanda (Malanje), in note 5000 Kwanzas.

Additional information and images are requested so that this report can be confirmed.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts, Jay Mollindo, and Phil Martin.

Russia 100-ruble Olympic commemorative note reported for October 2013 introduction

Russia_100_ruble_commemorative_fRussia_100_ruble_commemorative_r
According to an article on Sports NDTV dated 22 January 2013, the Bank of Russia has announced that it will start printing 100-ruble (US$3.30) banknotes in March to commemorate the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, 7-23 February 2014.

The new note features a blue color scheme, vertical orientation, and depicts a snowboarder flying over Sochi on the front and the Olympic Stadium and the Firebird on the back.

Ten million notes will be printed, with introduction into circulation in October 2013, 100 days prior to the start of the games. Some notes will be packaged as numismatic products.

Courtesy of David Surette, Phil Martin, Brian Lema, Andrey Kuvaldin, Albert Vokhmin, Dmitry Zagorenko, Afanasov Evgeny.

Philippines new date (2013) 50-peso note confirmed

50 pesos, 2013. Like P193, but new date.

Courtesy of S C Tan (http://stores.ebay.com/goodluck4u888).

West African States new sig/date 5,000- and 10,000-franc notes confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_5000_francs_2009.00.00_P817_T_793502919_sig
5,000 francs, (20)09. Like P817T, but new date and signatures.

10,000 francs, (20)08. Like P818T, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Haiti new date (2010) 250-gourde note confirmed

250 gourdes, 2010. Like P276, but new date.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Nigeria reported to be eliminating polymer notes

According to an artilce in PM News dated 11 March 2013, the Central Bank of Nigeria will cease printing polymer notes because of complaints that the notes fade and shrink over time, and environmental concerns regarding their disposal when unfit.

Colombia new date (12.06.2011) 1,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_1000_pesos_2011.06.12_P456_05340404_sig
1,000 pesos, 12 DE JUNIO DE 2011. Like P456, but new date.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Congo Democratic Republic new 500-franc imprint variety confirmed

Congo_Democratic_Republic_BCC_500_francs_2002.01.04_B17c_P96_PF_4311586_N_imprint
500 francs, 04.01.2002. Like BCC B17 (P96), but with new imprint (orell füssli zürich) at lower right on back.

Courtesy of Piet van der Pijl.

Tunisia new 5- and 10-dinar notes reported

According to an article on Tuniscope dated 9 March 2013, the Central Bank of Tunisia plans to issue new 5- and 10-dinar notes per decree 1223 of 2013. Also, per decree 1224 of 2013, Tunisia will withdraw 5-dinar notes dated 1993 and 2008 (Pick 86 and 92), as well as 10-dinar notes dated 1986, 1994, and 2005 (Pick 84, 87, and 87A).

Courtesy of Cedrian.

Congo Democratic Republic new 20,000-franc note confirmed

Congo_Democratic_Republic_BCC_20000_francs_2006.02.18.00_B26a_PNL__T_0197954_A_fCongo_Democratic_Republic_BCC_20000_francs_2006.02.18.00_B26a_PNL__T_0197954_A_rCongo_Democratic_Republic_BCC_20000_francs_2006.02.18.00_B26a_PNL__T_0197954_A_sig
According to an article on L'Express dated 1 November 2012, the Banque Centrale du Congo has issued a new 20,000-franc (US$22) banknote.

BCC B26 (PNL): 20,000 francs (US$22)
Yellow. Front: RDC and map as registration device; two giraffes; carved head; holographic patch. Back: Palm trees; date clusters; two gray crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) birds; BCC and map. Windowed security thread with demetalized RD CONGO. Watermark: Leopard head. Printer: Unknown. 157 x 72 mm.
a. 18.02.06. Signature 1. Intro: 01.11.2012.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo (www.castedos.com).

Hong Kong new date (01.01.2012) 100- and 500-dollar notes confirmed

100 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2012. Like P343, but new date.

500 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2012. Like P344, but new date.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

European Monetary Union new sig 20-euro note confirmed

20 euros, 2002. Like ECB B3 (P3 & P10), but new signature (Mario Draghi), country code X, and printer code E008F5.

Courtesy of Edwin Biersteker.

Barbados new date (02.05.2012) 2-, 5-, and 10-dollar notes confirmed

2 dollars ($1), 2 MAY 2012. Like CBB B25b (P66), but new date.

5 dollars ($2.50), 2 MAY 2012. Like CBB B26b (P67), but new date.

10 dollars ($5), 2 MAY 2012. Like CBB B27b (P68), but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Nikolajs Cerps.

Isle of Man 50-new pence paper variety confirmed

Isle_of_Man_IOMG_50_new_pence_1979.00.00_B5d_P33a_C_510664_fIsle_of_Man_IOMG_50_new_pence_1979.00.00_B5d_P33a_C_547990_f
50 new pence, no date. Like IOMB B5d (P33) shown at top, but on paper which is slightly yellow (instead of pure white) and with diagonal lines throughout.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Iran to issue 200,000- and 500,000-rial banknotes

According to an article in TehranTimes and an article in Bloomberg, both dated 3 March 2013, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran plans to issue 200,000-rial and 500,000-rial banknotes. The bank will begin printing 200,000-rial ($16) banknotes as soon as it receives permission from the Economy Ministry and will release the new notes into circulation in the Iranian new year starting 21 March, said Majid Saniei, head of Iran’s security and minting organization. The bank is also seeking approval for 500,000-rial notes and plans to introduce these within two years.

Currently the largest denomination is the 100,000-rial note (Pick 151), issued in 2010, though from 2008 to 2010 the bank has issued cheques as large as 1,000,000 rials.

Courtesy of Jay Mollindo.

Angola new sig/date (2011) 5-kwanza note confirmed

Angola_BNA_5_kwanzas_2011.01.00_B35c_P144_RQ_2917547_sig
5 kwanzas, JANEIRO DE 2011. Like BNA B35 (P144), but new date and new signatures (José de Lima Massano and Unknown.).

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Romania new date (2013) 1-leu note (B278h) confirmed

Like B278g, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Daniel Mendea.

Macau residents flock to buy Year of the Snake banknotes

MACW2013-0010-BDCoMACW2013-0010-BDCr

MACW2013-0010-BNUoMACW2013-0010-BNUr
According to an article dated 14 January 2013 in the Macau Buiness Daily, Banco Nacional Ultramarino's servers crashed due to the large number of online applications to buy special banknotes marking the forthcoming lunar Year of the Snake. From 2012 to 2023, BNU and Bank of China are each authorised to issue a maximum of 20 million special notes with a face value of 10 patacas (US$1.25) to mark each lunar year. The limit was imposed at the end of last January in an effort to curb the kind of crazed speculation that took hold after the Year of the Dragon notes were put in circulation in that month. BNU and Bank of China at first intended to issue only 10 million Year of the Dragon notes each, but people formed long queues to get them.

Courtesy of Allan Tilley and Wilson Chow.

Singapore new 100-dollar sig/symbol variety confirmed

Singapore_MAS_100_dollars_2009.00.00_B6d_P50_2HA_035747_sigSingapore_MAS_100_dollars_2009.00.00_B6d_P50_2HA_035747_r
100 dollars, no date. Like MAS B6 (P50), but new signature (Tharman Shanmugaratnam) and one triangle on back.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

British West Africa chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The British West Africa chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 7-page catalog covers notes issued by the West African Currency Board from 1916 to 1962. Revised 8 October 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

19th Edition Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Modern Issues Volume III now available

SCWPM_Volume_III_19th_edition
The 19th edition of Krause’s Standard Catalog of World Paper Money carries a list price of $70, but this 1,160-page black-and-white paperback without PDF version on CD-ROM can be ordered from Amazon for only $43.07 with free shipping. Of course, I’d prefer everyone purchase a subscription to my own catalog, The Banknote Book, but if you are going to buy the latest SCWPM, please order from Amazon so that BanknoteNews.com earns a referral fee.

I had planned to write a new review of the 19th edition, but instead recommend you simply read my review of the 18th edition because every general criticism remains valid, and even the specific examples of errors cited in my previous review remain uncorrected.

In a nutshell, hundreds of new notes remain unlisted, some listed notes don't exist as described, values do not reflect the current market, many notes are not illustrated, signature tables necessary for distinguishing varieties are missing, descriptions are terse, and typographical and factual errors abound. Of the new issues actually incorporated into this new volume, major new types are sometimes incorrectly shoehorned into old listings as mere varieties, leading me to believe that Krause has reached the page limit for this volume and is taking shortcuts to avoid adding to the page count.

Honduras new sig/date (06.05.2010) 10-lempira note confirmed

Honduras_BCH_10_L_2010.05.06_PNL_BL_0089851_sig
10 lempiras, 6 DE MAYO DE 2010. Like unlisted note dated 17 DE ABRIL DE 2008 by DE LA RUE, but new date, new signatures, and new imprint of OBERTHUR technologies.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

Libya new 1-dinar note (B543) confirmed

Libya_CBL_1_dinar_2013.02.17_B43a_PNL_1_1-2_3253647_ffLibya_CBL_1_dinar_2013.02.17_B43a_PNL_1_1-2_3253647_rr
B543 (PNL): 1 dinar (US$0.80)
Purple, bue, red, and green. Front: Cheering crowd with flags. Back: Flag and doves. Holographic windowed security thread with demetalized 1, Arabic characters, and star and crescent. Solid security thread. Watermark: Omar El Mukhtar, electrotype 1, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 130 x 65 mm.
a. No date. Signature 8a. Intro: 17.02.2013 (2nd anniversary of Libyan revolution).

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Singapore new 10-dollar symbol variety confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2012.01.00_B10g_P48_4DJ_670594_symbol
10 dollars, no date. Like MAS B10 (P48), but with two diamonds on the back below the word SPORTS.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

India new 20-rupee note with inset letter E confirmed

20 rupees, 2012. Like previously issued unlisted 20-rupee note with rupee symbol, but with E inset letter. Now confirmed with this sig/date without inset letter as well as with E and R inset letters.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Honduras new sig/date (06.05.2010) 2-lempira note confirmed

Honduras_BCH_2_L_2010.05.06_P80A_W_0429253_sig
2 lempiras, 6 DE MAYO DE 2010. Like P80Af, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

Hong Kong new title/date (01.01.2012) 1,000-dollar note confirmed

Hong_Kong_HSBC_1000_D_2012.01.01_PNL_BT_921253_sig
1,000 dollars, 1 January 2012. Like PNL dated 1 January 2010, but new date and new title (signature remains unchanged).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Macau new sig/date (08.08.2010) 1,000-pataca note confirmed

Macau_BNU_1000_patacas_2010.08.08_P84_AC_105810_sig
1,000 patacas, 8 DE AGOSTO DE 2010. Like P84, but new date and signatures (Herculano de Sousa and Rodolfo Vasco Lavrador.).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

East Caribbean States chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The East Caribbean States chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

Also available in print.

This 27-page catalog covers notes issued by the East Caribbean Currency Authority from 1965 to 1983, and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank from 1985 to present. Revised 09.09.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Paraguay new 5,000-guarani polymer note (B857a) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_5000_guarani_2011.00.00_PNL_G_00130505_Leguizamon-Mendoza_fParaguay_BCP_5000_guarani_2011.00.00_PNL_G_00130505_Leguizamon-Mendoza_rParaguay_BCP_5000_guarani_2011.00.00_PNL_G_00130505_Leguizamon-Mendoza_sig
In 2011 it was reported that the Banco Central del Paraguay was contemplating issuing polymer notes. According to this post on UltimaHora.com, the 5,000-guarani (US$1.10) note was issued as a polymer note on 14 January 2013. The note is dated 2011, and has reportedly been printed without imprint by Canadian Bank Note Company.


Courtesy of Raihan Numista and Thomas Krause.

Hong Kong new sig/date (01.01.2012) 10-dollar note confirmed

Hong_Kong_SAR_10_dollars_2012.01.01_P401_PN_190041_sig
10 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2012. Like P401, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Iceland new 10,000-króna note (B817a) reported for 2013 introduction

According to an article on News of Iceland dated 18 February 2013, the Central Bank of Iceland (Seðlabanki Íslands) will introduce a new 10,000-króna (US$77) this year, "probably this spring." The notes feature Jónas Hallgrímsson, scientist and poet, and the Eurasian golden plover and were designed by Kristín Þorkelsdóttir, who also designed Iceland's other denominations.

West African States new 500-franc note confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_500_F_2012.00.00_PNL_K_12605932850_f
West_African_States_BCEAO_500_F_2012.00.00_PNL_K_12605932850_r
According to the Banque Centrale des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO), a new 500-franc note was issued 30 November 2012. This note dated (20)12 has been confirmed with suffix B for Benin, C for Burkino Faso, K for Senegal, and T for Togo, and dated (20)13 with suffix K and T.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger, Dennis Zammit, Richard Miranda, Cedrian Lopez Bosch, Chris Twining (www.pagescoinsandcurrency.com), and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Canada's New Banknotes Strike Some as Loonie

Fans of polymer banknotes should check out this Wall Street Journal article dated 15 February 2013 in which yours truly is quoted.

European Monetary Union chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The European Monetary Union chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the European Central Bank from 2002 to present. Revised 5 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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Hungary new date (2012) 1,000-forint note (B582d) confirmed

Hungary_MNB_1000_forint_2012.00.00_B582d_P197_DA_8178812_fHungary_MNB_1000_forint_2012.00.00_B582d_P197_DA_8178812_r
Like B582c, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (www.banknote.ws).

Reserve Bank of Australia to sell Securency to Innovia Film

According to a BBC News article dated 11 February 2013, the Reserve Bank of Australia has agreed to sell its 50% stake in Securency International for A$65m ($67m; £40m) to UK-based Innovia Films, which already owns the remaining 50%. Securency is the developer of polymer-based Guardian banknote substrate.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Burundi new sig/date (01.09.2011) 5,000-franc note confirmed

5,000 francs (US$3.20), 01-09-2011. Like RBR B35 (P48), but new date and new signatures (Unknown and Gaspard Sindayigaya).

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (www.banknote.ws).

Sudan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Sudan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 24-page catalog covers notes issued by the Sudan Government in 1955, the Sudan Currency Board in 1956, and the Bank of Sudan from 1961 to present. Revised 26 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Botswana new sig/date (2012) 50-pula note (B126b) confirmed

Botswana_BOB_50_pula_2012.00.00_B126b_P32_AB_2055077_fBotswana_BOB_50_pula_2012.00.00_B126b_P32_AB_2055077_r
Like B126a, but new signature and date (2012).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Mauritius new sig/date (2012) 100-rupee note confirmed

Mauritius_BOM_100_rupees_2012.00.00_B22f_P56_CL_263756_sig
100 rupees, 2012. Like BOM B22 (P56), but new date and new signature for second deputy governor, Mohammed Iqbal Belath.

Courtesy of Owen Griffiths.

Botswana new date (2012) 20-pula note (B125c) confirmed

Botswana_BOB_20_pula_2012.00.00_B125c_P31_AC_0892870_fBotswana_BOB_20_pula_2012.00.00_B125c_P31_AC_0892870_r
Like B125b, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer and Craig Eustace.

Trans-Dniester new date (2012) 1-ruble note confirmed

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_1_rubles_2012.00.00_B15a_PNL_BM_4088101_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_1_rubles_2012.00.00_B15a_PNL_BM_4088101_r
1 ruble, 2007 МОДИФИКАЦИЯ (modified) 2012. Like TDRB B9a, but new date and winged security thread. Intro: 15.01.2013.

Courtesy of Dmitry Zagorenko.

Philippines new 50-peso San Pedro Calungsod commemorative reported

According to an article in the Sun Star dated 2 February 2013, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has approved the proposal to allow the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to issue on 2 April 2013 a 50-peso note commemorating the canonization of San Pedro Calungsod by Pope Benedict XVI on 21 October 2012 in Rome, Italy.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Libya new banknotes reported to be issued on 17.02.2013

Libya_new_notes
According to an article in the Libya Herald, reportedly the Central Bank of Libya will issue new notes on 31 January 2013. The notes are denominated in 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars. A 50-dinar note was considered but not issued "in a bid to control the black economy." No word yet on when existing notes will cease to be legal tender.

According to a subsequent article in the Libya Herald, the notes will be issued on 17 February, the second anniversary of the revolution, and will include the 50-dinar denomination after all.

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch Martineau and Antje Maroussi.


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

50 dollars, 2006. Like CBL B9, but new date and signatures (Antoinette Sayeh and Joseph Mills Jones).

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

East Caribbean States new 100-dollar note with braille features confirmed

East_Caribbean_States_ECCB_100_dollars_2012.04.24_B39a_PNL_VL_862851_fEast_Caribbean_States_ECCB_100_dollars_2012.04.24_B39a_PNL_VL_862851_r
According to a press release dated 24 April 2012, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has issued a series of banknotes with braille features in an effort to provide notes which are easier for blind and visually impaired persons to use.

The raised braille characters on the upgraded notes feature a cricket theme in the form of balls and stumps. These characters have been added to the 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes. All the other features of the notes, including the profile watermark of Queen Elizabeth II, the security features and the images, remain the same.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de) and Steffen Simon.


Morocco new 25-dirham commemorative world's first printed on Durasafe substrate

Morocco_BAM_25_dirhams_2012.00.00_B14a_PNL_87_064668_fMorocco_BAM_25_dirhams_2012.00.00_B14a_PNL_87_064668_rr
According to a press release dated 18 December 2012, Fortress Paper has announced the launch of the world's first banknote printed on its new Durasafe substrate, an innovative paper-polymer-paper composite substrate produced at its Landqart mill. The new Swiss 50-franc note had been expected to be the first in the world to use Durasafe, but its introduction has been delayed until 2015 at the earliest due to technical difficulties encountered in the note's production.

With the issuance of the new Moroccan 25-dirham (US$3) note in December 2012, Bank al Maghrib, Morocco's central bank, became the first in the world to issue a banknote printed on Durasafe. The front of the banknote features an intaglio vignette and a watermark of King Mohammed VI, and a magenta/green color-shift security thread developed by Fortress Optical Features. The thread, like the watermark, is embedded inside the banknote yet visible behind a one-sided Viewsafe polymer window. It also has a fully transparent polymer window embossed with the King's royal crest. The back of the note carries a print vignette commemorating 25 years of banknote printing at the Moroccan State Printing Works, Dar As-Sikkah.

The windows in Durasafe are formed by die cutting each side of the three layer composite substrate separately. One-sided Viewsafe windows give a clear view inside the substrate where the thread and the watermark of King Mohammed VI are protected, but fully visible behind the polymer core. The transparent Thrusafe window is created by die-cutting both the outer paperlayers to reveal only the transparent polymer core.

Chadwick Wasilenkoff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortress Paper, commented: "After a decade in development, we are pleased to see the fruits of our labour in the launch of the Moroccan 25 Dirhams. We have designed Durasafe to offer the ideal characteristics of polymer and traditional paper notes to create a new standard for high security banknote substrates. Fortress Paper would like to congratulate the Bank al Maghrib on the launch of their new 25 Dirham banknote and being the first in the world to produce and launch a Durasafe banknote."

Courtesy of Phil Martin and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).


Burundi chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Burundi chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 20-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque du Royaume du Burundi (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi) from 1963 to 1966, and the Banque de la République du Burundi (Bank of the Republic of Burundi) from 1966 to present. Revised 24 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Northern Ireland's Northern Bank new date (12.05.2011) 20-pound note confirmed

20 pounds, 12th May 2011. Like unlisted note dated 15th April 2009, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin.

Colombia new date (07.08.2010) 50,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_50000_pesos_2010.08.07_P455_06356576_sig
50,000 pesos (US$28), 7 DE AGOSTO DE 2010. Like P455, but new date. Signatures José Darío Uribe Escobar
and Geraldo Hernández Correa.

Courtesy of Andrés Collazos.

Colombia new date (03.09.2008) 20,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_20000_pesos_2008.09.03_P454_93108941_sig
20,000 pesos (US$11), 3 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2008. Like P454, but new date. Signatures José Darío Uribe Escobar
and Geraldo Hernández Correa.

Courtesy of Andrés Collazos.

Colombia new date (02.08.2010) 10,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_10000_pesos_2010.08.02_P453_44339881_sig
10,000 pesos (US$5.60), 2 DE AGOSTO DE 2010. Like P453, but new date. Signatures José Darío Uribe Escobar
and Geraldo Hernández Correa.

Courtesy of Andrés Collazos.

Colombia new date (30.07.010) 2,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_2000_pesos_2010.07.30_P457_41442715_sig
2,000 pesos (US$1.10), 30 DE JULIO DE 2010. Like P457, but new date. Signatures José Darío Uribe Escobar
and Geraldo Hernández Correa.

Courtesy of Andrés Collazos.

Colombia new date (01.08.2010) 5,000-peso note confirmed

Colombia_BRC_5000_pesos_2010.08.01_P452_19580990_sig
5,000 pesos (US$2.80), 1o DE AGOSTO DE 2010. Like P452, but new date. Signatures José Darío Uribe Escobar
and Geraldo Hernández Correa.

Courtesy of Andrés Collazos.

Cambodia new 1,000-riel commemorative note confirmed

Cambodia_NBC_1000_riels_2013.01.30_B24a_PNL_0192302_fCambodia_NBC_1000_riels_2013.01.30_B24a_PNL_0192302_r
NBC B24 (PNL): 1,000 riels (US$0.25)
Lilac and dark blue. Front: Naga, mythical snake; coat of arms; King Norodom Sihanouk. Back: Royal Palace throne room; golden swan-shaped float carrying Sihanouk's body. No security thread. Watermark: Lotus flower pattern. Printer: Unknown. 146 x 68 mm.
a. (2012 in Khmer). Signature 3. Intro: 30.01.2013.

Courtesy of Allan J. Lim (www.artofangkor.com).

Fiji new 2012 flora and fauna series confirmed

Fiji_RBF_5_dollars_2012.00.00_B26a_PNL_FFA_0056001_fFiji_RBF_5_dollars_2012.00.00_B26a_PNL_FFA_0056001_rFiji_RBF_10_dollars_2012.00.00_B27a_PNL_FFA_0613004_fFiji_RBF_10_dollars_2012.00.00_B27a_PNL_FFA_0613004_rFiji_RBF_20_dollars_2012.00.00_B28a_PNL_FFA_0130902_fFiji_RBF_20_dollars_2012.00.00_B28a_PNL_FFA_0130902_rFiji_RBF_50_dollars_2012.00.00_B29a_PNL_FFA_0476321_fFiji_RBF_50_dollars_2012.00.00_B29a_PNL_FFA_0476321_rFiji_RBF_100_dollars_2012.00.00_B30a_PNL_FFA_0340109_fFiji_RBF_100_dollars_2012.00.00_B30a_PNL_FFA_0340109_r
Fiji announces the 2012 flora and fauna series of notes and coins on 12 December 2012 in this video. The notes begin circulating 2 Janauary 2013, with the exception of the 5-dollar note, the introduction of which is being delayed until April for undisclosed reasons.


Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de), Alex Zlotin, Aidan Work and Yves Courtemanche.

England 1- and 100-million pound notes confirmed

_65436606_1993-237a4
BBC News has an interesting article which discusses the Bank of England's "giant" and "titan" notes denominated in 1- and 100-million pounds.

Courtesy of Christof Zellwegger.

Zambia new date (2012) 5,000-kwacha note (B147h) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_5000_kwacha_2012.00.00_B147h_P45_FN-03_6189134_fZambia_BOZ_5000_kwacha_2012.00.00_B147h_P45_FN-03_6189134_r
Like B147g, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Garry Craig (http://www.garrysue.net).

Bangladesh new 25-taka commemorative note confirmed

This 25-taka note commemorates the “Silver Jubilee of ‘The Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Ltd.’ 1988-2013.” Reportedly the note was also sold as a numismatic product for 100-taka in a folder.

Bangladesh_BB_25_taka_2013.00.00_B57a_PNL_f
Bangladesh_BB_25_taka_2013.00.00_B57a_PNL_r
BB B57 (PNL): 25 taka (US$0.25)
Blue, purple, and red. Front: National Martyr’s Monument in Savar; banknotes and stamps; three spotted deer; magpie robin (doyel) bird. Back: Security Printing Corporation headquarters building, flowers, fountain, and flag; bank logo. Windowed security thread with demetalized bank logo and Bengali denomination. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: (SPC). 123 x 60 mm.
a. 2013. Signature 10b. Intro: 26.01.2013.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Raihan Ahmed (http://bankofraihan.blogspot.com).


European Monetary Union new signature variety 100-euro note confirmed

European_Monetary_Union_ECB_100_euros_2002.00.00_B5_P5_X_10294469615_sig
100 euros, no date. Like P5, but new signature (Mario Draghi).

Courtesy of Márk Döme.

Syria unissued 100- and 1,000-pound notes spotted in Moroccan video

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 2.56.16 PM
Although recent reports of a 2,000-pound note featuring the portrait of Bashr al Assad have been exposed as obvious fakes, there is credible evidence that the Central Bank of Syria may be working on a 1,000-pound note. This video by the Bank Al-Maghrib in Morocco contains brief images of a 1,000-pound note as well as a 100-pound note (look for them at the 2:40 mark), neither of which have been issued to date. The narration is entirely in French, but even if you don't understand the words, the visuals are interesting to anyone who collects notes and coins from Morocco.


l’usine où est fabriquée la monnaie nationale... by gooal
Courtesy of Zeeshan Ali.

Zambia rebased kwacha notes confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_2_kwacha_2012.00.00_B52a_PNL_AB-12_7101017_fZambia_BOZ_2_kwacha_2012.00.00_B52a_PNL_AB-12_7101017_rZambia_BOZ_2_kwacha_2012.00.00_B52a_PNL_AB-12_7101017_sig
B152 (PNL): 2 kwacha (US$0.40)
Gray. Front: Coat of arms; dove; trees; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Roan antelope; two woman with baskets and produce; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Windowed security thread with demetalized BOZ 2. Watermark: Fish eagle and electrotype 2 plus fish eagle. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 140 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 13. Intro: 01.01.2013.
Replacement notes: Prefix denominator X.

Zambia_BOZ_5_kwacha_2012.00.00_B53a_PNL_BC-12_4578210_fZambia_BOZ_5_kwacha_2012.00.00_B53a_PNL_BC-12_4578210_r
B153 (PNL): 5 kwacha (US$0.95)
Purple. Front: Coat of arms; dove; murera/acacia/mopani tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Lion head; root cassave plant and leaves; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Windowed security thread with demetalized BOZ 5. Watermark: Fish eagle and electrotype 5 plus fish eagle. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 140 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 13. Intro: 01.01.2013.

Zambia_BOZ_10_kwacha_2012.00.00_B54a_PNL_CA-12_0713410_fZambia_BOZ_10_kwacha_2012.00.00_B54a_PNL_CA-12_0713410_r
B154 (PNL): 10 kwacha (US$1.90)
Aqua. Front: Coat of arms; dove; musuku tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Porcupine; workers harvesting rice paddy; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Holographic LEAD stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized BOZ 10. Watermark: Fish eagle and electrotype 10 plus fish eagle. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 145 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 13. Intro: 01.01.2013.

Zambia_BOZ_20_kwacha_2012.00.00_B55a_PNL_DA-12_1499710_fZambia_BOZ_20_kwacha_2012.00.00_B55a_PNL_DA-12_1499710_r
B155 (PNL): 20 kwacha (US$3.80)
Brown. Front: Coat of arms; dove; mukwa tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Black lechwe (kobus leche) antelope; men working pneumatic drill in mine; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Holographic LEAD stripe. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Fish eagle and electrotype 20 plus fish eagle. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 145 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 13. Intro: 01.01.2013.

Zambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2012.00.00_B56a_PNL_EA-12_9840710_fZambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2012.00.00_B56a_PNL_EA-12_9840710_r
B156 (PNL): 50 kwacha (US$9.50)
Blue. Front: Coat of arms; dove; fish eagle; fig tree in Kabwe; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Leopard; Bank of Zambia building; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Holographic LEAD stripe. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Fish eagle and electrotype 50 plus fish eagle. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 145 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 13. Intro: 01.01.2013.

Zambia_BOZ_100_kwacha_2012.00.00_B57a_PNL_FB-12_7708510_fZambia_BOZ_100_kwacha_2012.00.00_B57a_PNL_FB-12_7708510_r
B157 (PNL): 100 kwacha (US$19)
Olive green. Front: Coat of arms; dove; fish eagle; musuku tree; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Buffalo; National Assembly of Zambia building; Freedom Statue in Lusaka. Holographic LEAD stripe. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Fish eagle and electrotype 100 plus fish eagle. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 145 x 70 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 13. Intro: 01.01.2013.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de), Maambo Kasonde (makas70@gmail.com), JR and Garry Craig (http://www.garrysue.net).

Ethiopia new date (2004/2012) 50-birr note confirmed

50 birr, 2004/2012. Like NBE B33, but new date.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Syria new 2,000-pound note image is a fake

Syria_2000_fake_fHungary_MNB_2000_F_2007.00.00_P198a_CB_2265965_f
According to an article on YnetNews.com dated 19 January 2013, Syria is planning to introduce a new 2,000-pound (US$28) note in February. While that may be true, the image of the reported note is clearly a fake created using the 2,000-forint note from Hungary (P198).

Canada 20-dollar note said to feature non-native maple leaf

Canada_BOC_20_D_2012.00.00_PNL_BIK_2953218_f
According to a Reuters article dated 18 January 2013, a botanist claims the leaf around the secondary window at left front of the new polymer 20-dollar note is from a Norway maple, not a sugar maple. The Bank of Canada refutes this claim, asserting "the image on the new bills was purposefully designed not to represent any specific species but rather to be a combination of various kinds."

Courtesy of David Surette.

British Guiana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The British Guiana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of British Guiana from 1916 to 1942. Revised 4 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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New Zealand new governor's siganture expected end of 2014

According to an article on Radio New Zealand dated 16 January 2013, it will take the Reserve Bank of New Zealand until late 2014 before it runs out of stock of banknotes bearing the signature of former governor, Alan Bollard, and begins issuing notes with the signature of the new governor, Graeme Wheeler.

Serbia new sig/date (2012) 500- and 2,000-dinar notes confirmed

Serbia_NBS_500_D_2012.00.00_B19b_PNL_AA_0007093_sig
According to an official press release, on 7 December 2012, the National Bank of Serbia released revised 500- (US$5.70) and 2,000-dinar (US$23) banknotes.

"The obverse of the two banknotes has not been revised, while the reverse shows a new issue year (2012) and the signature of the current governor (Jorgovanka Tabaković). The 500-dinar banknote will circulate in parallel with the earlier series of this banknote issued in 2004, 2007 and 2011, while the 2000-dinar banknote will be in parallel circulation with its 2011 issue.

"The release of revised 500- and 2000-dinar banknotes was scheduled by the annual programme of manufacturing banknotes and coins. In accordance with this programme, planned quantities of 10-, 20, 50- and 100-dinar banknotes were already printed this year. In addition, the programme for 2012 envisages printing of 500- and 2000-dinar banknotes in order to replace the worn-out, damaged and mutilated banknotes, and to ensure an optimal denomination structure of circulating banknotes.

"Further, a need was recognised to change the existing denomination structure, particularly in terms of replacing the 1000-dinar banknote which is dominant in the structure of circulating cash – around 70% in the nominal amount and around 33% in the quantity of circulating banknotes. This change would contribute to a reduction in the total number of circulating banknotes, while maintaining the same nominal quantity. Besides, this would help reduce the costs of manufacturing banknotes and cash manipulation (counting, processing, transportation, vault storage etc)."

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Dragan Peric, and Kevin Klauss.

Kenya new signature variety 200- and 500-shilling notes dated 01.07.2001 confirmed

200 shillings, 1st JULY 2001. Like CBK B35, but governor's signature is 23.25-mm wide, not 17.25-mm wide.
500 shillings, 1st JULY 2001. Like CBK B36, but governor's signature is 23.25-mm wide, not 17.25-mm wide.

All other denominations dated 1st JULY 2001 have been confirmed with 17.25-mm wide signature.

Likewise, all other denominations bearing the next date, 1st JULY 2002, have been confirmed with 23.25-mm wide signature.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Samoa new type 100-tala note confirmed

Samoa_CBS_100_T_2012.00.00_B19a_PNL_JD_0800001_fSamoa_CBS_100_T_2012.00.00_B19a_PNL_JD_0800001_r
100-tala notes (CBS B19) have been confirmed with signatures of Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga and Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari. Additionally, there is a new decorative pattern overprinted on the designs at top and bottom borders on front and back.

Courtesy of Gaetano Trabattoni (Delcampe store), Claudio Marana, Martin Burger, and Kai Hwong.

Samoa new signature 5- and 20-tala notes confirmed

Samoa_CBS_5_T_2012.00.00_B13b_P38_TK_0534178_sig
5- and 20-tala notes (CBS B13b and B15b, respectively) have been confirmed with signatures of Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga and Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari. Both issued in 2012.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Martin Burger, and Kai Hwong.

IBNS seeks Banknote of 2012 Nominations

The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) would like to remind its members that they have until midnight 31 January 2013 to nominate notes for the pretigious Banknote of 2012 award.

So far the nominations are:

Brazil's 20 Reais Note
Costa Rica's 5,000 Colones Note
Jersey's 100 Pound Note
Argentina's 100 Peso Note
Canada's 50 Dollar Note
Malaysian 5 Ringgit Note

Images can be found on the IBNS web site.

Banknotes nominated must have been issued to the public (specimens and non-circulating currencies are inelligble) for the first time during 2012, and must have artistic merit and/or innovative security features.

To nominate a note (IBNS members only), please email banknoteoftheyear@ibns.biz providing your reasons for the nomination, and if possible, a scan of the front and back of the note.

Singapore encourages use of "good-as-new" 2-dollar notes for Hong Bao

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued a press release dated 10 January 2013 encouraging the public to use what it calls "good as new" 2-dollar notes for the coming Lunar New Year's "hong bao," which is the tradition of giving clean notes as gifts. In the past, MAS would print and issue an additional 50 million notes to meet the temporary demand for uncirculated notes, but this was much more than the economy actually needed to function. By encouraging the public to accept these "good as new" recirculated notes, MAS hopes to cut its production costs and is marketing the effort as good for the environment.

Courtesy of David Surette.

Ghana new 1-cedi watermark variety (B145d) confirmed

The 1-cedi note dated 6th MARCH 2010 (B145) is confirmed available with and without an electrotype 1 in the standard watermark of Tetteh Quarshie and cocoa pod.

It has been confirmed with a new electrotype variety:

On the earlier notes (B145c), the 1 is outside the cocoa pod, below and to the right.
Ghana_BOG_1_C_2010.03.06_B45c_P37_watermark_f

On the newer notes (B145d), the 1 is partially on the cocoa pod, at left center.Ghana_BOG_1_C_2010.03.06_B45d_P37_watermark_f

Courtesy of Merjim Groen.

Libya chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Libya chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 32-page catalog covers notes issued by the Military Authority in Tripolitania, République Française, Kingdom of Libya, United Kingdom of Libya, National Bank of Libya, Bank of Libya, and Central Bank of Libya. Revised 30.10.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

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Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Venezuela new sig/date (03.02.2011) 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-bolívar notes confirmed

Venezuela_BCV_10_B_2011.02.03_P90_R_31602271_sig
10, 20, 50, and 100 bolívares. Like P90, 91, 92, and 93, respectively, but new date (3 DE FEBRERO DE 2011) and signatures.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger, Catálogo Numismático de Venezuela, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

European Central Bank unveils new 5-euro note due 02.05.2013

5euro_front_HR_europa5euro_back_HR_europa

10 January 2013 - Eurosystem unveils the Europa series €5 banknote

Mario Draghi, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), today unveiled the Europa series €5 banknote. The unveiling was the highlight of the opening of the “New Face of the Euro” exhibition, which is being held at the Archaeological Museum in Frankfurt am Main from 11 January to 10 March 2013.

The new €5 banknote has benefited from advances in banknote technology since the first series was introduced over ten years ago. It includes some new and enhanced security features. The watermark and hologram display a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology – and hence the name of this series of banknotes. An eye-catching “emerald number” changes colour from emerald green to deep blue and displays an effect of the light that moves up and down. Short raised lines on the left and right edges of the banknote make it easier to identify the banknote, especially for visually impaired people.

These security features are planned to be included in all the new banknotes. They are easy to check using the “feel, look and tilt” method.

The new series has the same “ages and styles” design and dominant colours as the first series. The €5 will be the first banknote to be issued, starting on 2 May 2013. The other denominations, i.e. €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500, will be introduced over the next few years, in ascending order.

The first series will initially circulate alongside the new banknotes, but will gradually be withdrawn and eventually cease to be legal tender. The date when this occurs will be announced well in advance. However, the banknotes of the first series will retain their value indefinitely and can be exchanged at euro area national central banks at any time.

United States 2- and 5-dollar note numismatic product reported

According to a listing on the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's web site, on 11 December 2012, the BEP began selling 150th Anniversary Currency Sets:

United_States_BEP_150th_Anniversary_Currency_Set

The year 2012 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. In commemoration of this historic occasion, the BEP is proud to present the 150th Anniversary Currency Set.

This limited edition two-note set features a Series 2009 $2 note from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a Series 2009 $5 note from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The Series 2009 $2 note bears a serial number beginning with “2012,” to commemorate 150 years of pride, craftsmanship, and innovation. The Series 2009 $5 note begins with serial number “1862,” to symbolize the origin of the BEP. For each set, the last four digits of the serial numbers on the $5 and $2 notes match.

This exquisitely crafted set includes a 52 page booklet, “150 Years of Pride, Craftsmanship, and Innovation.” This informative booklet traces the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s rich history and evolution, and includes a certificate authenticating the enclosed notes as genuine United States currency.

Each note is protected by a clear, acid-free polymer sleeve and encased in an attractive folder.

Drawing: All customers who purchase the 150th Anniversary Currency Set during the first month of release will be entered into a drawing to win the opportunity to purchase one of the first 150 sets based on serialization. These first 150 sets will feature personally signed $2 and $5 notes by Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios. Customers will be enrolled into the drawing equal to the number of sets purchased during the one month enrollment period (December 11, 2012 – January 10, 2013). A quantity restriction of two sets will be imposed for drawing winners. Customers who win the drawing will not be permitted to return previously purchased sets in lieu of any set won and purchased via the drawing. Drawing winners will be contacted after January 11, 2013, via phone/email. Drawing winners are not obligated to purchase the signed 150th Anniversary Currency Sets.

The 150th Anniversary Currency Set is limited to 10,000 total units.

Bulk pricing is available for the 150th Anniversary Currency Set at a price of $44.95 per unit for quantities of 10 or more.

Courtesy of TDS.

British Guiana scans needed for The Banknote Book

If you have any of the notes listed below, please email 300-dpi, 100% actual size, 24-bit color scans of the front and back of these notes, saved as uncompressed JPEG, BMP, or TIFF. Please click here to download and follow these detailed scanning instructions.

I am looking for 300-dpi images of the following banknotes of British Guiana:

Pick 1: 1 dollar dated 1916 or 1918
Pick 2: 2 dollars dated 1916 or 1918
Pick 1A: 1 dollar dated 1920 or 1924
Pick 2A: 2 dollars dated 1920 or 1924
Pick 6: 1 dollar dated 1936
Pick 13: 2 dollars dated 1937
Pick 17: 100 dollars dated 1942

As a contributor to The Banknote Book, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note may be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name, email address, and URL will appear in the Acknowledgements, if you wish.

Thanks in advance for your participation!

Gambia new signature 5-dalasis note confirmed

Gambia_CBG_5_D_2009.04.16_B22c_P25_F_4816783_sig
5 dalasis, no date. Like CBG B22 (P25), but new signature for the governor: Amadou Colley, appointed 03.12.2010. This is the first denomination confirmed bearing the new signature combo.

Courtesy of Ian Fall.

Philippines new 100-peso Masonic numismatic product and commemorative confirmed

Philippines_BSP_100_P_2012.00.00_PNL_XG_109522_singlePhilippines_BSP_100_P_2012.00.00_PNL_XG_109522_logo
100 pesos (US$2.40), 2012. Like P194, but with Masonic overprint. This note was originally available only in sheets of four uncut notes packaged in a folder. Since then, the BSP has begun issuing individual notes into circulation.

Courtesy of goodluck4u888.

Rwanda chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Rwanda chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Nationale du Rwanda (National Bank of Rwanda) from 1960 to present. Revised 15 November 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Bermuda new 50-dollar note confirmed

Shortly after the unveiling of the 2009 note designs, ornithologist David Wingate complained that the 50-dollar note features a red-billed tropicbird instead of a local white-tailed tropicbird. Bermuda Montetary Authority officials apologized for the error, but said they wouldn’t change the design because they feel the red bill of the larger bird looks better against the pale yellow background than the orange of the local bird. Apparently the BMA changed its mind (or finally issued all of the notes with the incorrect bird).

Bermuda_BMA_50_D_2009.01.01_B34as_P61s_000000_f Bermuda_BMA_50_D_2009.01.01_B36as_PNLs_000000_f
Original note (left) and revised note (right)

According to a press release dated 1 August 2012, the Bermuda Montetary Authority has issued a new 50-dollar (US$50) note with an updated Longtail bird, an A/1 prefix instead of a Bermuda onion prefix, and a new signature combination (Alan C. Cossar and Gerald Simons). The new note will circulate in parallel with the preceding issue. Both are dated 1 JANUARY 2009.

Listed below are all the signatures on the new A/1 note series (although only the $50 note is in circulation to date):

$100 – Alan Cossar, Darren Johnston
$50 – Alan Cossar, Gerald Simons
$20 – Alan Cossar, Anthony Joaquin
$10 – Alan Cossar, Lynda Milligan-Whyte
$5 – Alan Cossar, Ronald Simmons
$2 – Alan Cossar, Barclay Simmons

Courtesy of Stane Straus.

Zambia new currency issued 01.01.2013

According to the Bank of Zambia's Currency Rebasing Technical Guidelines dated August 2012, the new currency (ISO code ZMW) will be introduced 1 January 2013, and old notes will cease to be legal tender as of 30 June 2013, but may be exchanged at the Bank of Zambia until 31 December 2015, after which time they will be demonetized.

This presentation to commercial banks provides additional interesting information.

Courtesy of Tod Hunt.

Singapore new 2-, 5-, and 50-dollar symbol varieties confirmed

Singapore_MAS_2_D_2011.07.00_B8f_P46_5AL_123456_r
2 dollars, no date. Like MAS B8, but one diamond on back.

Singapore_MAS_5_D_2010.11.00_B9c_PNL_4AL_123456_r
5 dollars, no date. Like MAS B9, but two triangles on back. The pattern observed on the other denominations suggests that 5-dollar varieties with two squares and one triangle exist, but to date none have been reported.

Singapore_MAS_50_D_2012.00.00_B5e_P49_4BT_911381_r
50 dollars, no date. Like MAS B5, but two triangles on back.

Courtesy of Bin Hee Jum.