Switzerland

Switzerland new 100-franc note (B358) confirmed introduced 12.09.2019

According to a press release dated 3 September 2019, the Swiss National Bank planned to introduce the new 100-franc note on 12 September 2019, bringing the issuance of the ninth banknote series to a close. The 100-franc note focuses on Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition, represented by the key motif of water.

Switzerland_SNB_100_francs_2017.00.00_B358a_PNL_17_B_0295552_f Switzerland_SNB_100_francs_2017.00.00_B358a_PNL_17_B_0295552_r

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger, Aidan Work, Bogdanov Ivan, and Marco Pache.

Switzerland new 1,000-franc note (B360) confirmed introduced 13.03.2019

According to a press release dated 5 March 2019, the Swiss National Bank began issuing the new 1,000-franc note (B360) on 13 March 2019.

Switzerland_SNB_1000_francs_2017.00.00_B360a_P80_17_A_7441492_f Switzerland_SNB_1000_francs_2017.00.00_B360a_P80_17_A_7441492_r

“The inspiration behind the new banknote series is ‘The many facets of Switzerland’. Each denomination depicts a typically Swiss characteristic, which is then illustrated graphically using a range of elements. The 1000-franc note focuses on Switzerland’s communicative flair, as expressed by language, the note’s key motif. Core design elements are the hand and the globe, which appear on every denomination in the new series.
As with the banknotes currently in circulation, the ninth series consists of six denominations; the colour scheme, too, remains the same. Accordingly, the main colour of the new 1000- franc note is purple. However, the format has been modified – the new notes are smaller and thus easier to handle. The innovative combination of complex security features and sophisticated design provides state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting protection.”

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new 200-franc note (B359) confirmed

According to a press release dated 15 August 2018, the Swiss National Bank will begin issuing a new 200-franc note on 22 August 2018. Existing notes of the same denomination will continue to circulate in parallel. The new brown 200-franc note focuses on Switzerland’s scientific expertise, as expressed by matter, the note’s key motif.

Switzerland_SNB_200_francs_2016.00.00_B359a_P79_16_H_8167862_ffSwitzerland_SNB_200_francs_2016.00.00_B359a_P79_16_H_8167862_rr
Confirmed with signatures 80 (Jean Studer and Thomas Jordan), 82 (Jean Studer and Fritz Zurbrügg).

The next denomination, the 1,000-franc note, will be presented on 5 March 2019 and enter circulation on 13 March 2019. The last denomination in the new series, the 100-franc note, is to be issued in autumn 2019.

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher, Christof Zellweger, Marco Pache, Max Keller, Sabine Leuenberger ().

Switzerland new 200-franc note to be unveiled 15.08.2018

According to a press release dated 19 March 2018, the Swiss National Bank plans to unveil the design of its new 200-franc note on 15 August 2018, and introduce the note into circulation on 22 August 2018.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new 10-franc note (B355) confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2016.00.00_B355a_P75_16_D_7596989_fSwitzerland_SNB_10_francs_2016.00.00_B355a_P75_16_D_7596989_rSwitzerland_SNB_10_francs_2016.00.00_B355a_P75_16_F_7596586_r
Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2016.00.00_B355a_P75_16_A_1270806_r

Courtesy of Sabine Leuenberger (http://stores.ebay.com/collectunccurrency).


Switzerland unveils new 10-franc note due for 18.10.2017 introduction

The Swiss National Bank has unveiled the design of its new 10-franc note scheduled for introduction on 18 October 2017.

Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2016.00.00_B355a_P75_16_D_3007457_fSwitzerland_SNB_10_francs_2016.00.00_B355a_P75_16_D_3007457_r



Switzerland new 20-franc note (B356) confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_20_francs_2015.00.00_B356a_P76_15_N_fSwitzerland_SNB_20_francs_2015.00.00_B356a_P76_15_r
Three different signature varieties have been confirmed.

Courtesy of Christof Zellwegger.

Switzerland unveils new 20-franc note (B356) to be introduced 17.05.2017

According to a press release dated 10 May 2017, the Swiss National Bank has unveiled the design of the new 20-franc note to be introduced on 17 May 2017. This is the second denomination in a new family to be released, following the 50-franc note which recently won the IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2016 award. Existing notes remain legal tender.

Switzerland_SNB_20_francs_2015.00.00_B356a_P76_15_Q_0056837_fSwitzerland_SNB_20_francs_2015.00.00_B356a_P76_15_Q_0056837_r

"The 20-franc note focuses on Switzerland’s creativity – expressed by light, the note’s key motif. Core design elements in the new series are the hand and the globe, which appear on every denomination." The new note remains red, but is reduced in size for easier handling.

The next denomination due for release is the 10-franc note slated for 18 October 2017. The remaining notes in the series will be issued subsequently at half-yearly or yearly intervals.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger, Thomas Krause, Igor Nosenko, and Claudio Marana.

Switzerland new 20-franc note due 17.05.2017, with 10-franc to follow in autumn

According to a press release dated 15 December 2016, the Swiss National Bank has announced that it will unveil the design of the new 20-franc note (B356) on 10 May 2017, with the notes entering circulation on 17 May 2017. The third denomination in the new family, the 10-franc note (B355) is slated for introduction in autumn 2017.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2014) 100-franc note (B352j) confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_100_francs_2014.00.00_B352j_P72a_14_A_1817232_r
Like B352i, but new date (2014) and new signatures (80).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Switzerland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 35-page catalog covers notes issued by Die Eidgenössische Staatskasse (The Federal Treasury) and Darlehenskasse der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft (State Loan Bank of Swiss Federation) in 1914, and Schweizerische Nationalbank (Swiss National Bank) from 1907 to present. Published 9 September 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

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Switzerland new 50-franc note confirmed

According to a press release dated 6 April 2016, the Swiss National Bank has unveiled the design of the new 50-franc note, the first denomination in a new series of notes inspired by the theme "The many facets of Switzerland." The new family consists of the same denominations as the existing family, but the notes are reduced in size for easier handling. The 50-franc note measuring 70 x 137 mm was introduced on 12 April 2016.



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"Each denomination depicts a typically Swiss characteristic, which is then illustrated graphically using a range of elements. The 50-franc note focuses on the wealth of experiences Switzerland has to offer – expressed by the wind, the note’s key motif. Core design elements in the new series are the hand and the globe, which appear on every denomination."

"The new notes were designed by Manuela Pfrunder and printed by Orell Füssli Security Printing Ltd using an innovative, three-layer banknote substrate. The combination of complex security features and sophisticated design provides state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting protection. The new series equips Switzerland with banknotes that are both more modern and more secure than the previous generation.
The next denomination, the 20-franc note, will be issued in spring 2017. The remaining notes in the series will be issued subsequently at half-yearly or yearly intervals. The SNB will announce each new issue date well in advance. Issuance of the entire series is scheduled to be completed by 2019."

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Manfred Wolfensberger, Christof Zellweger, Antje Bird, Marco Pache, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Switzerland new 50-franc note to be introduced 12.04.2016

According to a press release dated 10 December 2015, on 12 April 2016 the Swiss National Bank plans to introduce its new 50-franc note, the first denomination issued in a planned new series of notes. "The remaining banknotes in the series will be issued subsequently at half-yearly or yearly intervals. The SNB will announce each new issue date well in advance. The current eighth banknote series will continue to be legal tender until further notice. The date on which the current series is to be withdrawn from circulation will also be announced well in advance."

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2013) 200-franc notes confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_200_francs_2013.00.00_P73_13_A_1406700_sigSwitzerland_SNB_200_francs_2013.00.00_P73_13_N_6567606_sig
Like P73, but new date (20)13 and new signatures (Jean Studer and Jean-Pierre Danthine; Jean Studer and Thomas Jordan).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2010) 100-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_100_francs_2010.00.00_P72i_10_F_1449721_r
P72: Like P72, but new signtures (H.U.Raggenbass/Philipp Hildebrand) and new date (2010).

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher.

Switzerland new sig/date (2014) 20-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_20_francs_2014.00.00_P69_14_U_0247922_r
P69: Like P69, but new signtures (Jean Studer/Jean Pierre Dantine) and new date (2014).

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher.

Switzerland new date (2014) 20-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_20_francs_2014.00.00_P69_14_N_0037595_r
20 francs: Like P69, but new date (20)14. Signature Jean Studer and Thomas Jordan.

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Switzerland new 50-franc note scheduled for April 2016 introduction

According to a press release dated 14 August 2015, the Swiss National Bank plans to begin issuing new banknotes in April 2016. The first denomination to be issued will be the 50-franc note, with the 20-franc note planned for 2017 introduction. The remaining banknotes will be issued subsequently at half-yearly or yearly intervals. The SNB will announce each new issue date well in advance. The issuing of the entire new series is scheduled to be completed by 2019.

Courtesy of Max Keller.

Switzerland new date (2010) 100-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_100_francs_2010.00.00_P72i_10_H_0945594_r
100 francs, (20)10. Like P72, but new date. Signatures Hansueli Raggenbass and Thomas Jordan.

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2013) 10-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2013.00.00_P67_N_6703104_sig
10 francs, (20)13. Like P67, but new date and new signatures (Jean Studer and Jean-Pierre Danthine).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Switzerland new sig/date (2013) 10-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2013.00.00_P67_E_1501747_sig
10 francs, (20)13. Like P67, but new date and new signatures (Jean Studer and Fritz Zurbrügg).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2013) 10-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_10_francs_2013.00.00_P67_K_0971438_Studer-Jordan_sigs
10 francs, (20)13. Like P67, but new date and new signatures (Studer/Jordan).

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher.

Switzerland national bank governing board changes announced

According to a press release dated 17 December 2014, the Swiss Federal Council appointed Fritz Zurbrügg as the new Vice Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). Mr Zurbrügg, who is currently Member of the Governing Board and Head of Department III at the SNB, will take up his new position, and with it the post of Head of Department II, with effect from 1 July 2015.

Also with effect from 1 July 2015, the Federal Council has appointed Andréa Maechler, currently Deputy Division Chief in the Global Markets Analysis Division of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, as new Member of the Governing Board. Ms Maechler will occupy the Board position vacated by Jean-Pierre Danthine, who relinquishes his post at the end of June 2015 upon reaching retirement age. Ms Maechler will become the Head of Department III.

These board changes may result in new signature varieties on Swiss notes.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland's new note introduction delayed again until 2016

According to an article on Handelszeitung dated 1 October 2014, the Swiss National Bank has again delayed the introduction of its new note series due to production problems. The new series was originally slated for introduction in autumn 2010, then delayed to 2012, postponed to 2013, pushed back to 2015, and now isn't expected to be released to the public until 2016.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Switzerland new sig/date (2012) 20-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_20_francs_2012.00.00_P69_12_J_1874567_Studeer_Danthine_sig
20 francs, (20)12. Like P69, but new date and signatures (Studer/Danthine).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2012) 20-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_20_francs_2012.00.00_P69_12_E_1965485_Studer-Jordan_sig
20 francs, (20)12. Like P69, but new date and new signatures (Studer and Jordan).

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher.

Switzerland's new franc series to be printed on Durasafe substrate

According to a press release dated 1 May 2014, Fortress Paper announced that its Landqart mill's Durasafe banknote paper (an innovative new composite paper-polymer-paper banknote substrate) has been confirmed as the substrate of the ninth series of the Swiss franc by the Swiss National Bank. Production problems have caused the delay in the introduction of this new series, which is now scheduled for 2015 at the earliest.

Courtesy of Renzo Zbinden.

Switzerland new sig/date (2012) 20-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_20_francs_2012.00.00_P69_12_Q_1837814_ Studeer_Zurbrügg_sig
20 francs, (20)12. Like P69, but new date and signatures (Jean Studer and Fritz Zurbrügg).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

South Korea banknote printer seeking more overseas contracts

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According to an article in Korea Times dated 24 June 2014, Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO) has seen its production volume halved over the past five years, and hopes to utilize excess capacity by obtaining contracts to print banknotes for other countries. Countries for which KOMSCO has produced or is producing "currencies" (may include coins, not just banknotes) include China, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Libya, Peru, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam. Last year KOMSCO won an order from Peru to produce 305 million 50-nuevo sole notes, with delivery to be completed by the end of June 2014.

Switzerland new sig/date (2012) 1,000-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_1000_francs_2012.00.00_P74_12_L_2667402_sig
1,000 francs, (20)12. Like P74, but new date and signature.

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2010) 200-franc note confirmed

Switzerland_SNB_200_francs_2010.00.00_P73_10_C_1111226_sig
200 francs, (20)10. Like P73, but new date and signatures (Hansueli Raggenbass and Thomas Jordan).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

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.

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.

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.

Switzerland delays new notes until 2015

According to a press release dated 13 December 2012, the introduction of the new Swiss 50-franc note has been delayed until 2015 at the earliest due to technical difficulties encountered in the note's production on Durasafe substrate.

Courtesy of Christoph Zellweger.

Switzerland new signature varieties expected

According to a press release dated 18 April 2012, Thomas Jordan has been appointed to be the new chairman of the governing board of the Swiss National Bank. This move, along with other staff changes, means new signature combinations are likely on Swiss notes.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland delays introduction of new notes until 2013

According to a press release dated 9 February 2012, the Swiss National Bank has delayed the introduction of its new banknote series “for at least one year.” The new series was expected to be issued “towards the end of 2012,” but “unexpected technical problems were encountered.” The 50-franc note was to be the first denomination issued in the new series, and this note is expected to be printed on Landqart’s Durasafe hybrid substrate. No word yet on whether the innovative substrate contributed to the technical problems in production.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2010) 50-franc note confirmed


50 francs (US$53), (20)10. Like P71, but new date and signatures (Hansueli Raggenbass and Jean-Pierre Danthine).

Courttesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2010) 50-franc note confirmed


50 francs (US$57), (20)10. Like P71, but new date and new signatures (Hansueli Raggenbass and Jordan).

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Great article on Landqart, a Swiss banknote paper producer

Check out this BBC article dated 21 September 2011, discussing the details of Landqart AG, a Swiss firm which produces security paper for the banknote industry. The article contains a lot of fascinating details and has several embedded videos, too. Be sure to check out the Related Stories links at the bottom of the web page.

Switzerland new sig/date (2008) 10-franc varieties confirmed


10 francs (US$11.35), (20)08. Like P67, but new date and member signatures (Roth and Jordan).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new sig/date (2008) 20-franc varieties confirmed


20 francs (US$22.70), (20)08. Like P69, but new date and member signatures (Jordan and Hildebrand).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new date (2007) 100-franc note confirmed


100 francs (US$95). (20)07. Like P72, but new date and new signatures (77).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new date (2006) 50-franc note confirmed


50 francs (US$45.10), (20)06. Like P71, but new date and signature 76 (Raggenbass and Blattner).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland postpones new notes until 2012

According to a press release dated 17 February 2010, the Swiss National Bank has decided to postpone the issuance of its new banknote series:

“Intensive efforts are underway at the Swiss National Bank (SNB) on the preparatory work for its new banknote series. The project activities have revealed that additional development work will bring improvements as regards those technological security features which are being used for the first time. However, this will take time, and as a result the project will need to be rescheduled.

“The SNB still intends to replace existing banknotes with a new series. Given the high security standard of the banknote series currently in circulation, however, there is no urgent need for replacement. To allow time for the additional development processes, the SNB is postponing the issue date of the new banknote series, which had originally been scheduled for autumn 2010. The SNB expects that the first note of the new series can be issued in 2012.

“As mentioned in previous announcements, the new banknote series depicts Switzerland as a meeting place and platform for organisation, creativity, adventure, humanity, progress and dialogue. The current denominations of CHF 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 and the familiar colours of the individual denominations will remain unchanged, although the new notes will be slightly smaller than the current series. As well as improving their overall proportions, this will ensure that they are even better able to meet current and future demands on payment instruments.”

Courtesy of David Liu and Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new date (2006) 200-franc note confirmed


200 francs (US$177). Like P73, but new date (2006) and new signatures (presumably Dr. Hansueli Raggenbass and Dr. Jean-Pierre Roth).

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland new date (2005) 20-franc note confirmed


20 franken (US$16.90), 2005. Like Pick 69, but new date.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Switzerland new date (2006) 10-franc note confirmed


10 franken (US$8.45), 2006. Like Pick 66, but new date.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Switzerland new date (2004) 100-franc note confirmed


100 franken (US$85), 2004. Like Pick 72, but new date.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Switzerland settles on designer of new notes for 2008


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

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

Courtesy of Swiss National Bank.

Switzerland new signature (2004) 50-franc note confirmed


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

Courtesy of Menelaos Stamatelos, Southeastern Numismatics.