Philippines to demonetize old banknotes on 01.01.2017

According to a press release dated 29 December 2014, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced the start of the demonetization process on 1 January 2015 for the old "New Design Series" banknotes.

The public may continue to use the NDS banknotes up to 31 December 2015 in paying and buying of goods and services and other business or financial transactions requiring the use of cash. Thereafter, the NDS banknotes will no longer be accepted for payment transactions;

From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016, the public may exchange with authorized financial institutions, namely universal and commercial banks, thrift banks, and rural as well as cooperative banks, their NDS banknotes with the New Generation Currency (NGC) Series at full face value, without charge (Annex 2). The public may also opt to exchange NDS banknotes with the BSP or any of its regional offices/branches around the Philippines (Annex 3);

Government institutions holding in trust NDS series which could not be exchanged during the prescribed period, such as banknotes used as evidence in a litigation case, will have to request the BSP Cash Department in writing, within the period of exchange, for a special exchange arrangement;

For Overseas Filipinos (OFs) abroad, who have in their possession NDS banknotes which could not be exchanged within the prescribed period, they may register online starting 1 October 2015 to 31 December 2015 through the BSP Website. These NDS banknotes may be exchanged with the BSP within one (1) year from date of registration; and

Starting 1 January 2017, NDS banknotes that have not been exchanged shall no longer have any monetary value, and are considered demonetized.

The demonetization of the NDS will result in the circulation of a single currency series in the country – the NGC Series. The NGC banknotes which were issued on 16 December 2010 use new and enhanced security features to protect the safety of the public against counterfeiters.



Ukraine new 100-hryvnia note to be issued 09.03.2015

Ukraine_NBU_100_hryven_2015.03.09_BNL_PNL
According to a press release dated 29 December 2014, on 9 March 2015 the National Bank of Ukraine will introduce a redesigned 100-hryvnia note with enhanced security features, including windowed security thread and SPARK patch. The date of introduction is the 201st birthday of Taras Shevchenko, the artist whose portait appears on the front of the note. The new notes will circulate in parallel with the current issues of the same denomination (NBU B51).

Courtesy of Cleo Phas, Johan Colpa, and Sev Onyshkevych.

Mongolia new sig/date (2014) 100-tögrög note (B422c) confirmed

Mongolia_MB_100_togrog_2014.00.00_B422c_P65_NZ_0010101_fMongolia_MB_100_togrog_2014.00.00_B422c_P65_NZ_0010101_r
Like B422b, but new signature and new date (2014). Prefix NZ (not replacement; initials of Mongol bank Governor Naidansuren Zoljargal).

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya and Claudio Marana.

Lebanon new date (2014) 5,000- and 10,000-pound notes confirmed

5,000 livres, ٢٠١٤ (2014). Like B536a, but new date. Prefix A/03.

10,000 livres,
٢٠١٤ (2014). Like B537a, but new date. Prefix B/03.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (
www.dekeneh.com).

Botswana new date (2014) 200-pula note (B128d) confirmed

Like B128c, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Craig Eustace.

Canada new signature 20-dollar note confirmed

Canada_BOC_20_dollars_2014.00.00_B73b_PNL_FVR_8237013_sig
20 dollars, 2012. Like BOC B73a, but new signatures (Carolyn A. Wilkins and Stephen S. Poloz). Prefix FVP.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Ghana new date (01.07.2014) 5- and 10-cedi notes confirmed

5 cedis, 1st JULY 2014. Like B146d, but new date. Prefix QC.

10 cedis, 1st JULY 2014. Like B147d, but new date. Prefix ST.

Courtesy of Merjim Groen.

Cape Verde new 200-, 1,000-, and 2,000-escudo notes introduced 23.12.2014



Cape_Verde_BCV_200_escudos_2014.06.05_B17as_PNLs_AA_000000_f
Cape_Verde_BCV_200_escudos_2014.06.05_B17as_PNLs_AA_000000_r

Cape_Verde_BCV_1000_escudos_2014.07.07_B19as_PNLs_EA_000000_f
Cape_Verde_BCV_1000_escudos_2014.07.07_B19as_PNLs_EA_000000_r

Cape_Verde_BCV_2000_escudos_2014.07.07_B20as_PNLs_GA_000000_f
Cape_Verde_BCV_2000_escudos_2014.07.07_B20as_PNLs_GA_000000_r
According to an article on OceanPress dated 22 December 2014, on 23 December the Banco de Cabo Verde will introduce new 200-, 1,000- and 2,000-escudo banknotes, the first in a new family honoring Cape Verdean figures in the fields of literature, music, and politics. The 200-escudo note is printed on polymer, whereas the other denominations are on paper substrate.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Jordan new sig/date (2014) 20-dinar note (B233e) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2014.00.00_B233e_P37_fJordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2014.00.00_B233e_P37_r
Like B233d, but new date (2014) and new signature (Umayya Toukan).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Jordan new date (2014) 5-dinar note (B230f) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2014.00.00_B230f_P35_963960_fJordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2014.00.00_B230f_P35_963960_r
Like B230e, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Ukraine new sig/date (2014) 1-hryvnia note (B844c) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_1_hryvnia_2014.00.00_B44c_P116A_CA_2214544_sig
1 гривня (hryvnia), 2014. Like B844b, but new date and signature (Valeriya Hontareva).

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

European Monetary Union to unveil new 20-euro note on 24.02.2015

According to a press release dated 19 December 2014, on 24 February 2015 the European Central Bank will unveil the new Europa series 20-euro note design with improved security features.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Iraq new 10,000-dinar note confirmed

According to a press release dated 7 August 2014, the Central Bank of Iraq has introduced a new 10,000-dinar banknote.

Iraq_CBI_10000_dinars_2013.00.00_B54a_PNL_86_3083652_f
Iraq_CBI_10000_dinars_2013.00.00_B54a_PNL_86_3083652_r
CBI B54 (PNL): 10,000 dinars (US$8.60)
Green. Front: Gold-to-green SPARK patch; sculptor Jawad Saleem’s Freedom Monument in Baghdad. Back: al-Hadba’ (the hunchback) minaret and trees at the Great Nur al-Din mosque in Mosul. varifeye thread and RollingStar Cube windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text. Watermark: Horse head. Printer: (G&D). 170 x 78 mm.
a. ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Signature 17. Intro: 07.08.2014.

Courtesy of Daisy and Thomas Augustsson.

Trinidad & Tobago new 50-dollar polymer note (B234) confirmed

According to the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago, this redesigned 50-dollar note printed on polymer substrate reflects “the beauty of our people and the diversity off our flora.” It replaces the preceding 50-dollar paper note issued in 2012, which failed to gain public acceptance because it was similar in color to other denominations and the misperception that it was a commemorative note. Both notes will circulate in parallel, though the paper notes will be slowly withdrawn as they are returned to the central bank. If the polymer note is warmly received, the bank intends to issue other denominations on polymer substrate in the future.


Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2014.00.00_B34a_PNL_CB_700450_f
Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_50_dollars_2014.00.00_B34a_PNL_CB_700450_r
B234 (P50): 50 dollars (US$8)
Gold, brown, purple, red, and green. Front: Coat of arms; red hibiscus flower; SPARK Orbital hibiscus; red-capped cardinal bird in flight. Back: Red-capped cardinal in flight; Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port of Spain; female masquerader in Carnival costume. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 156 x 66 mm. Polymer.
a. 2014. Signature 9. Prefix AA. Intro: 15.12.2014.

Courtesy of Shibu Paul (IBNS LM 208) and Ashley Alexander (www.ebanknoteshop.com).

Paraguay new 100,000-guaraní note (B861a) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_100000_guaranies_2013.00.00_B61a_PNL_G_05890020_fParaguay_BCP_100000_guaranies_2013.00.00_B61a_PNL_G_05890020_r
B861 (P237): 100,000 guaraníes (US$22)
Green, blue, and yellow. Front: Semicircle symbol for blind; round coat of arms with star; lion and cap registration device; round emblem with lion and cap; San Roque González de Santa Cruz. Back: Represa de Itaipu (Itaipu hydroelectric dam) on the Parana River. Motion windowed security thread. Watermark: San Roque Gonzalez de Santa Cruz and electrotype 100 MIL. Printer: Joh. Enschedé. 157 x 67 mm.
a. 2013. Signature 22. Prefix G.

Like preceding issues, but with the denomination at upper left front in OVI, new date, and new printer imprint.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger.

Pakistan new date (2014) 100-rupee note (B235k) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_100_rupees_2014.00.00_B235k_P48_JD_8442426_fPakistan_SBP_100_rupees_2014.00.00_B235k_P48_JD_8442426_r
Like B235j, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Pakistan new date (2014) 20-rupee note (B233j) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2014.00.00_B233j_P55_FC_7748197_fPakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2014.00.00_B233j_P55_FC_7748197_r
Like B233i, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Iran new 50,000-rial note variety confirmed

Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2010.03.00_B12d_P149_25-9_754212_f
Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2010.03.00_B12e_P149_65-13-848259_f
Earlier versions of the 50,000-rial note (P149) with signatures of Mahmoud Bahmani and Shamseddin Hosseini have solid Farsi text at center front (top), where as later versions have hatched Farsi text (bottom). The transition from solid to hatched takes place on notes between prefix denominators 10 and 13 (in Farsi).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

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.

Hungary new 10,000-forint note (B591) confirmed

Hungary_MNB_10000_forint_2014.00.00_PNL_AG_4324282_f
Hungary_MNB_10000_forint_2014.00.00_PNL_AG_4324282_r
On 2 September 2014, the Magyar Nemze Bank released a revised 10,000-forint note (B591) like the current issue (B585), but with new color scheme and updated security features. This is the first denomination to be revised, but the bank intends to update all denominations by 2018.

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

Colombia to commemorate writer Gabriel García Marquez on money

According to an article on El Comercio.com dated 16 December 2014, the Colombian Congress has passed a law to honor 1982 Nobel literature prize winning writer Gabriel García Marquez on the next banknotes or coins introduced by the Banco de la República.

Courtesy of Andres Collazos.

Nigeria new 100-naira commemorative to be issued 19.12.2014

Nigeria_CBN_100_naira_2014.00.00_B38as_PNL_s_AA_0000000_f
Nigeria_CBN_100_naira_2014.00.00_B38as_PNL_s_AA_0000000_r
On 12 November 2014, Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan unveiled a new 100-naira banknote to commemorate Nigeria's 100 years of existence. According to an article on allAfrica, the note will be introduced on 19 December 2014.

The note features Crane's Motion windowed security thread with the Nigerian flag and 100 moving when the note is tilted, as well as a SPARK patch that changes color from green to purple when tilted.

Dominican Republic new 2,000-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_2000_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0120452_f
Dominican_Republic_BCRD_2000_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0120452_r
2,000 pesos dominicanos, 2014. On 2 October 2014, the Banco Central de la República Domincano issued a new family of notes dated 2014 with enhanced security features and redesigned images. According to a press release, the notes are printed by De La Rue.

This denomination is very similar in color to the new 500-peso dominicano note of the same family. I would not be surprised if one of these is reissued in a more distinct color because it's very confusing to the public when two notes are visually so similar.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.


Mexico new sig/date (10.06.2013) 500-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_500_pesos_2013.06.10_P126_AB_F8209705_sig
500 pesos, 10 JUN. 2013. Like P126, but new date and new signatures. Series AB.

This is the first note with the signature of Javier Guzman Calafell. He was appointed member of the board of governors of the Bank of Mexico from 2013 to 2020.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Mexico new sig/date (17.10.2013) 500-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_500_pesos_2013.10.17_P126_AC_L3311109_sig
500 pesos, 17 OCT. 2013. Like P126, but new date and new signatures. Series AC.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Mexico new sig/date (23.01.2012) 200-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_200_pesos_2012.01.23_P125_AM_M6250621_sig
200 pesos, 23 ENE. 2012. Like P125, but new date and new signatures. Series AM.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Mexico new sig/date (10.06.2013) 200-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_200_pesos_2013.06.10_P125_AN_R1761701_sig
200 pesos, 10 JUN. 2013. Like P125, but new date and new signatures. Series AN.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Netherlands Antilles new date (01.02.2014) 10-guilder note confirmed

10 gulden (guilders), 1 februari 2014. Like BNA B25, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Georgia new sig/date (2014) 100-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_100_lari_2014.00.00_B52d_P74_G_25000308_sig
100 lari, 2014. Like B52, but new date and new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Nodar Khaduri).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Somaliland new sig/date (2012) 5,000-shilling note confirmed

Somaliland_BOS_5000_shillings_2012.00.00_B24b_P21_AY_695702_sig
5,000 shillings, 2012. Like BOS B24a, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Chris Twining (http://www.pagescoinsandcurrency.com).

Russia to issue 100-ruble Crimea commemorative note in 2015

According to an article on Lentra.ru dated 8 December 2014, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation has confirmed it intends to may issue a 100-ruble banknote commemorating the Crimea in 2015.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Uganda new date (2013) 1,000-shilling note confirmed

1,000 shillings, 2013. Like BOU B54a, but new date. Prefix BN.

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

Canada calls for commemorative note design ideas

The Bank of Canada is asking the public to submit ideas for a commemorative banknote to be issued on 1 July 2017, marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Mongolia new sig/date (2014) 10,000-tögrög note (B435b) confirmed

Mongolia_MB_10000_togrog_2014.00.00_B435b_P69_NZ_9981301_fMongolia_MB_10000_togrog_2014.00.00_B435b_P69_NZ_9981301_r
Like B435a, but new signature and new date (2014). Prefix NZ (not replacement; initials of Mongol bank Governor Naidansuren Zoljargal).

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya.

Cuba new date (2014) 10- and 20-peso notes confirmed

Like B906, but new date (2014).

Like B908, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Burundi new sig/date (31.102013) 10,000-franc note confirmed

Burundi_BRB_10000_francs_2013.10.31_B30d_P43_AE_626606_B_sig
10,000 francs. 31-10-2013. Like BRB B30, but new signatures and new date.

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

Ukraine new signature 200-hryvnia note (B852e) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_200_hryven_2014.00.00_B52e_P123_TA_0708342_sig
On 1 December 2014 the National Bank of Ukraine issued a 200-hryvnia note like B852d, but with the signature of Valeriia O. Gontareva, who took over as governor from Stepan Kubiv on 19 June 2014.

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Mykhaylo Kharytonov.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new sig/date (01.01.2006) 10-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2006.01.01_P336_E_4984528_sig
10 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2006. Like P336, but new date and new signature (McCarthy). Prefix E.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin.

Lebanon new date (2014) 20,000-pound note confirmed

20,000 livres, ٢٠١٤ (2014). Like B533a, but new date and different Western s/n font. Prefix C/05. Intro: 03.11.2014.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (www.dekeneh.com).

Iraq new 5,000- and 25,000-dinar notes confirmed

Iraq_CBI_5000_dinars_2013.00.00_B53a_PNL_159_0802698_f
Iraq_CBI_5000_dinars_2013.00.00_B53a_PNL_159_0802698_r

Iraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2013.00.00_B55a_PNL_122_6671222_f
Iraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2013.00.00_B55a_PNL_122_6671222_r
According to an Arabic languague press release, the Central Bank of Iraq has issued new 5,000- and 25,000-dinar notes like the existing notes (CBI B50 and B52, respectively, but with enhanced seucirty features and dated 2013. The 5,000-dinar note has a green-to-blue SPARK patch at lower right front, and a 4-mm wide green-to-blue RollingStar Cube windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text. The 25,000-dinar note has a revised agricultural scene on front, a varifeye security thread, and a 4-mm wide purple-to-green RollingStar Cube windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin and Thomas Augustsson.

Philippines new date (2014B) 100-peso note confirmed

100 pesos, 2014B. Like P208, but new date. Prefix NL.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

History of polymer banknotes in Australia

The Conversation has published an interesting article on the history of polymer banknotes in Australia.

De La Rue reports declining profits and revenue on increased volume

According to a press release dated 25 November 2014, security printer De La Rue's profits fell 36%, to £18.1 million, in the six months ended 27 September, with revenue down by 8%, despite banknote printing volume up 4% to 2.7 billion notes. The company blamed “ongoing challenging market conditions” for ad­versely impacting financial performance.

China new prefix formats for 1-, 10-, and 100-yuan notes confirmed

1 yuan, 1999. Like P895, but letter, number, number, letter prefix.

10 yuan, 2005. Like 904, but letter, number, letter, number prefix.

100 yuan, 2005. Like 907, but letter number, number, letter prefix.

Courtesy of Max Keller.

Malawi new sig/date (01.01.2013) 200-kwacha note confirmed

Malawi_RBM_200_kwacha_2013.01.01_B53b_P60_AJ_7152202_sig
200 kwacha, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like B153a, but new signature and new date. Prefix AJ.

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

India new sig/date (2014) 1,000-rupee note confirmed

1,000 rupes, 2014. Like P107, but new signature (Raghuram G. Rajan) and date.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (Bank Note Museum).

Madagascar new Hybrid substrate 2,000-ariary note confirmed

2,000 ariary, 2004. Like BFM B27a, but Hybrid substrate. Prefix/suffix B/P, B/Q. Intro: 2014.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de) and Thomas Augustson.

New Zealand unveils new "Brighter Money" polymer notes for intro in October 2015

New_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B37a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_5_dollars_2015.10.00_B37a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_10_dollars_2015.10.00_B38a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_10_dollars_2015.10.00_B38a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2016.04.00_B39a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_20_dollars_2016.04.00_B39a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_50_dollars_2016.04.00_B40a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_50_dollars_2016.04.00_B40a_PNL_AA_14123123_r

New_Zealand_RBNZ_100_dollars_2016.04.00_B41a_PNL_AA_14123123_f
New_Zealand_RBNZ_100_dollars_2016.04.00_B41a_PNL_AA_14123123_r
On 19 November 2014, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand unveiled the designs for a new family of "Brighter Money" banknotes with upgraded security features. The new notes will be released progressively, by denomination. The target release date for the $5 and $10 is October 2015, with the $20, $50 and $100s likely released in April 2016. The new notes have the same themes, colors, and sizes as the existing notes, and will circulate in parallel. The images above are only artistic renditions of the new notes and the actual issued notes may be different. The notes are to be printed by Canadian Bank Note Company in Ottawa, Canada.



Gambia new 20-dalasi commemorative polymer note to be introduced at end of 2014

According to a De La Rue press release dated 18 November 2014, the Central Bank of The Gambia will introduce a 20-dalasi banknote before the end of 2014 to commemorate 20 years in office for President Yahya Jammeh. This note was designed and printed by De La Rue on Safeguard polymer substrate.

This new note is based on the existing paper 25-dalasi note (CBG B24), but is green rather than blue, and features a portrait of the president. The clear window in the polymer note will have an image of a crocodile which currently appears in the watermark of the paper note.

Ruth Euling, Sales Director for De La Rue Currency stated “We are proud to have worked with The Central Bank of The Gambia since its inception and are delighted that they have joined the growing number of banks who have chosen Safeguard for their banknotes. The Gambia is the second country in Africa to issue notes on the Safeguard substrate with a third African country due to issue later this year.”

South Africa new 100-rand note with Omron rings confirmed

South_Africa_SARB_100_rand_2013.11.06_B70a_PNL_HB_7552698_D_f
South_Africa_SARB_100_rand_2013.11.06_B70a_PNL_HB_7552698_D_r
100 rand, no date. Like P136, but with Omron rings added to front and back.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Challenge: Identify building on back of Brazil 20,000-reais note of 1923

Brazil_BDB_20000_reais_1923.01.08_P116a_1A_43A_r
Can anyone positively identify the building on the back of the 1923-dated note P116? SCWPM lists it as Monroe Palace, but it doesn't appear to match any views of said building that I could find online.

IDENTIFIED: The Palácio da Liberdade is a building in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, which was for several years the office of the government of Minas Gerais state.

Courtesy of Wesley Stel.

Mexico new date (19.12.2012) 500-peso note confirmed

500 pesos, 19 DIC. 2012. Like P126, but new date. Serie AA.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Hong Kong new date (01.01.2013) 20-dollar note confirmed

20 dollars, 1 January 2013. Like P212, but new date. Prefix KB.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Peru new 10-nuevo sol note confirmed

Peru_BCRP_10_nuevos_soles_2009.08.13_P182_A_3981567_A_f
Peru_BCRP_10_nuevos_soles_2009.08.13_P182_A_3981567_A_r

Peru_BCRP_10_nuevos_soles_2013.01.17_PNL_B_6422206_D_f
Peru_BCRP_10_nuevos_soles_2013.01.17_PNL_B_6422206_D_r
On 5 November 2014, Banco Central de Reserva del Perú introduced a new 10-nuevo sole note (PNL, bottom) which is similar to the existing notes (P182, top), but with a darker green color, color-changing denomination, and latent image of the denomination. Both new and old notes will circulate in parallel.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Italo Castillo.

Austrian note printing firm in scandal involving Azerbaijan and Syria

A Washington Post article dated 15 November 2014 details the allegations of bribery behind Austria's banknote printing firm, Oesterreichische Banknoten-und Sicherheitsdruck, and its efforts to win bids to produce currency for Azerbaijan and Syria.

Venezuela new date (27.12.2012) 100-bolívar note confirmed

100 bolívares, 27 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2012. Like P93, but new date. Prefix Q.

Courtesy of José Daniel Fernandez (https://www.facebook.com/fernandezschlaefli.numismatics).

Indonesia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 59-page catalog covers notes issued by Indonesian National Bank, Nederlansche Indische Civil Administrative, Republik Indonesia Serikat, Republik Indonesia, and Bank Indonesia from 1952 to present. Revised 09.12.2018.

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

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Zambia new date (2014) 100-kwacha note (B157c) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_100_kwacha_2014.00.00_B157c_P54_FG-12_3149011_fZambia_BOZ_100_kwacha_2014.00.00_B157c_P54_FG-12_3149011_r
Like B157b, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of David Murcek.

Morocco announces intention to print notes for other countries

According to a press release dated 12 November 2014, Crane Currency and Bank Al Maghrib (Morocco's central bank) have entered into a partnership for international banknote printing. "The partnership will enable the group to support the expansion of its paper money printing worldwide with the expertize of Dar As Sikkah, Bank Al Maghrib’s printing unit, with is equipped with modern printing technology."

Colombia new 100,000-peso note to be introduced 2015/2016

According to a telesur article dated 10 November 2014, the Banco de la República has announced that it will issue a new 100,000-peso note at the end of 2015 or early 2016. The new note will feature a portrait of Carlos Lleras Restrepo, president of Colombia from 1966-1970.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Malawi new 20-kwacha note (B157a) confirmed


50 patacas (US$6.25). 8 DE AGOSTO DE 2009.

Front: The Sai Wan Bridge as principal illustration and in the upper left corner, in the vertical, the legend <<50 PATACAS>> in Portuguese; and in the lower right corner the same legend, in vertical, in Chinese characters and in the horizontal, in Portuguese. A see-through pattern shows a registered image on both sides of the note. An electrotype watermark is placed below the watermark of the lotus flower showing the denomination value in Arabic character.

Back: In the lower right corner in the horizontal, the legend <<50 PATACAS>> in Chinese characters and in the upper left corner, in the vertical, the same legend in Portuguese. As principal illustration, on the left the Banco Nacional Ultramarino building and in the right of the principal illustration, the caravel logotype of Banco Nacional Ultramarino. A windowed holographic thread runs vertically through the middle left hand side of the note. Novel serial numbering both for the vertical and horizontal format appears on the reverse side of the note.

Size: 148 mm X 74 mm
Printer - Hong Kong Note Printing Limited - Hong Kong.
Entry into circulation - November 2009.
Quantity Issued: 5 million notes
Signatures: Herculano de Sousa and Rodolfo Vasco Lavrador

Courtesy of Simon Sui, who purchased the note from Yi Chen (IBNS 10210).

Nigeria new 100-naira commemorative unveiled

Nigeria_CBN_100_naira_2014.00.00_B38as_PNL_s_AA_0000000_f
Nigeria_CBN_100_naira_2014.00.00_B38as_PNL_s_AA_0000000_r
On 12 November 2014, Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan unveiled a new 100-naira banknote to commemorate Nigeria's 100 years of existence. Although the new note will have the same portrait of Chief Obafemi Awolowo on front as the existing note of the same denomination (CBN B26), it will have a new color scheme and increased security features, including "One Nigeria, Great Promise" in microprinting. On the back it will feature traditional dancers as well as a quickresponse code (QRC) which when scanned leads users to a website about Nigeria's history. Both notes will circulate in parallel.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Francisco Munoz.

Zambia new date (2013) 50-kwacha note (B156b) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2013.00.00_B156b_P53_EG-12_9011188_fZambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2013.00.00_B156b_P53_EG-12_9011188_r
Like B156a, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Philippines new date (2014A) 20-peso note confirmed

20 pesos, 2014A. Like P206, but new date.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Malawi new 50-kwacha note (B158) confirmed

Malawi_RBM_50_kwacha_2014.01.01_B57a_PNL_AP_5517596_f

Malawi_RBM_50_kwacha_2014.01.01_B57a_PNL_AP_5517596_r
B158 (PNL): 50 kwacha (US$0.20)
Light green, light blue, and orange. Front: Fish; fishermen in boat; Malawi map as registration device; Reserve Bank of Malawi headquarters building in Lilongwe; Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani II (Philip Zitonga Maseko). Back: Elephants, tree, and safari vehicle in Kasungu National Park; Malawi map; bank logo. Windowed security thread with demetalized RBM. Watermark: Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani II, electrotype 50, and Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 128 x 64 mm.
a. 1st JANUARY 2014. Sig. 12. Prefix AP. Intro: August 2014.
Like B151, but enhanced blind recognition features, and the color changed to light green to better distinguish this denomination from the blue 200-kwacha note (B153).

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

Sao Tome and Principe new sig/date (31.12.2013) 5,000-, 10,000-, 50,000-, and 100,000-dobra notes confirmed

Sao_Tome_and_Principe_BCSTP_5000_dobras_2013.12.31_B3d_P65_AA_5577911_sig
5,000 dobras, 31 de Dezembro de 2013. Like BCSTP B3, but new date and new signatures (Hélio Silva Vaz de Almeida and Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira).

10,000 dobras, 31 de Dezembro de 2013. Like BCSTP B4, but new date and new signatures (Hélio Silva Vaz de Almeida and Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira).

50,000 dobras, 31 de Dezembro de 2013. Like BCSTP B6, but new date and new signatures (Hélio Silva Vaz de Almeida and Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira).

100,000 dobras, 31 de Dezembro de 2013. Like BCSTP B7, but new date and new signatures (Hélio Silva Vaz de Almeida and Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira).

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

Madagascar new Hybrid substrate 500-ariary note confirmed

500 ariary, 2004. Like BFM B22b, but Hybrid substrate. Prefix/suffix A/S - A/V.

Courtesy of Hermann Huber.

Nigeria new date (2014) 10-naira note confirmed

10 naira, 2014. Like B235, but new date.

Courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Hong Kong Shanghai Banking new date (01.01.2013) 100-dollar note confirmed

100 dollars, 1 January 2013. Like P214, but new date. Prefix GU.

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

Chile new date (2013) 20,000-peso note (B300d) confirmed

20,000 pesos, 2013. Like P165, but new date.

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

Dominican Republic new sig/date (2013) 1,000-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_1000_pesos_dominicanos_2013.00.00_P186_GU_7159002_sig
1,000 pesos dominicanos, 2013. Like P186, but new date and new signatures (Héctor Valdez Albizu and Simón Lizardo Mézquita). Prefix GU.

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

Northern Ireland First Trust new date (01.06.2009) 20-pound note confirmed

20 pounds, 1st JUNE 2009. Like P137, but new date.

Courtesy of "Peter" Shih, Yu-Yu.

Ukraine new signature 1- and 200-hryvnia notes to be issued December 2014

According to an article on MinFin.com.ua dated 27 October 2014, on 1 December 2014 the National Bank of Ukraine will issue a 200-hryvnia note like NBU B52, but with the signature of Valeriia O. Gontareva, who took over as governor from Stepan Kubiv on 19 June 2014. The new signature will also appear on the 1-hryvnia note to be issued on 22 December 2014.

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko.

Zambia new 50-kwacha commemorative note (B158a) confirmed

K50-KK-CHIKWANDA-GONDWE-624x474-620x470
According to a Zambia Daily Mail article dated 23 October 2014, the Bank of Zambia has unveiled a new 50-kwacha note commemorating the 50th anniversary of independence (24 October 1964). The commemorative note depicts the portraits of the five heads of state—founding President Kenneth Kaunda, former presidents Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa and Rupiah Banda, and the incumbent President Michael Sata—and has “50th Independence Anniversary” wording.

The new note is legal tender and bears the same security features as the current note of the same denomination, and the two will circulate in parallel.

Zambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2014.00.00_B158a_PNL_EH-12_0000002_fZambia_BOZ_50_kwacha_2014.00.00_B158a_PNL_EH-12_0000002_r
B158 (P55): 50 kwacha (US$8.20)
Blue. Front: Coat of arms; dove; fish eagle; fig tree in Kabwe; fish eagle perched on branch. Back: Presidents Frederick Jacob Titus Chiluba, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, Kenneth David Kaunda, Michael Chilufya Sata, and Levy Patrick Mwanawasa; 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. 2014. Signature 13. Prefix EH/12. Intro: 23.10.2014.

Courtesy of Aidan Work and Olexandr Danishenko.

Cape Verde approves introduction of new note series

According to an article on OceanPress dated 31 October 2014, the Banco de Cabo Verde intends to honor Cape Verdean figures in the fields of literature, music, and politics by introducing a new series of banknotes in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 escudos. The draft decree approving the issuance was passed on 30 October.

The 200-escudo note is a tribute to the doctor and Cape Verdean writer Henrique Teixeira de Sousa, and his native island, Fogo.

The 500-escudo note honors one of poet Jorge Barbosa and his island, Santiago.

The 1,000-escudo note honors composer and musician Codé de Dona, and the musical genre funaná.

The 2,000-escudo note honors Cesária Évora.

The 5,000-escudo note honors the first President of the Republic of Cape Verde, Aristides Maria Pereira, as well as his native island, Boa Vista.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.



New Zealand new date (2014) 20-dollar note confirmed

20 dollars, (20)14. Like B133, but new date.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Canada new signature 10-dollar note confirmed

Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72b_PNL_FTJ_4954553_sig
10 dollars, 2013. Like BOC B72, but new signatures (Macklem-Poloz). Prefix FTJ.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Aruba new sig/date (01.12.2012) 10- and 25-florin notes confirmed

10 florin, 1 december 2012. Like CBA B16, but new date and new signature 6.

25 florin, 1 december 2012. Like CBA B17, but new date and new signature 6.

Courtesy of Patrick Plomp (www.patrickp.nl).

Mexico opens online numismatic collection

The Banco de México has posted its Coleción Numismática online for free.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Denmark to outsource note and coin production in 2016

According to a press release dated 21 October 2014, Danmarks Nationalbank will discontinue the internal production of banknotes and coins in 2016, due to declining demand for cash. By outsourcing the production to a third-party, the bank is expected to save 100 million kr. until 2020.

Trinidad and Tobago new 50-dollar polymer note to be issued 15.12.2014

According to a post on the web site of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, a redesigned 50-dollar note will be unveiled on 13 December 2014, and introduced into circulation on 15 December. The note will be printed on polymer substrate, be gold in color, and "reflect the beauty of our people and the diversity off our flora."

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Cleo Phas,

Kyrgyzstan new 100- and 200-som commemoratives confirmed

On 20 October 2014, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic began issuing 3,000 pieces each of 100- and 200-som banknotes to commemorate the 150th birthday of Toktogul Satylganov (25.10.1864) and the 100th birthday of Alykul Osmonov (21.03.1915), respectively. These legal tender commemorative notes are like the preceding regular issues, but with offset overprints on the watermark areas at right front. On the 100-som note, there is a golden profile of Satylganov framed with the national ornament and bluish commemorative inscription (“Toktogul is 150 years old”). On the 200-som note, there is a golden quill drawing blue wave-like patterns with commemorative inscription (“Alykul Osmonov is 100 years old”).

Kyrgyzstan_KB_100_com_2009.00.00_B27a_PNL_TC_1501650f
Kyrgyzstan_KB_100_com_2009.00.00_B27a_PNL_TC_1501650r
BNP102 (PNL): 100 com (som) (US$1.95)
Blue. Front: Toktogul Satylganov; golden profile of Satylganov framed with the national ornament and bluish commemorative inscription Токтогулга 150 жыл. Back: Toktogul hydroelectric power station; mountains. Windowed security thread with demetalized 100 COM. Watermark: Toktogul Satylganov with electrotype 100. Printer: (OT). 132 x 63 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Prefix TC. Intro: 20.10.2014.

Kyrgyzstan_KB_200_com_2010.00.00_B28a_PNL_A_00001650f
Kyrgyzstan_KB_200_com_2010.00.00_B28a_PNL_A_00001650r
BNP103 (PNL): 200 com (som) (US$3.85)
Yellow. Front: Poet and playwright Alykul Osmonov; relief image of the sun and waves; golden quill drawing blue wave-like patterns with commemorative inscription Алыкул Осмоновго 100 жыл. Back: Lines from Osmonov’s “Jenishbek” about Lake Issyk-Kul; mountains. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 200 com. Watermark: Alykul Osmonov with electrotype 200. Printer: (TDLR). 138 x 66 mm.
a. 2010. Signature 4. Prefix AO. Intro: 20.10.2014.

Courtesy of Eduard Khan, Arsentij Khonin, Cleo Phas, Albert Vokhmin, and Vladimir Buravlev.

Colombia moves to commemorate writer Gabriel García Marquez on money

According to an article in La Verdad dated 23 October 2014, the Colombian Congress has passed three of four stages necessary to honor 1982 Nobel literature prize winning writer Gabriel García Marquez on banknotes or coins. A final decision should be made by December.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Zimbabwe new 20-dollar bearer cheque confirmed

Zimbabwe_RBZ_20_dollars_2008.08.01_BNL_PNL_AA_0623301_fZimbabwe_RBZ_20_dollars_2008.08.01_BNL_PNL_AA_0623301_r
I'm looking for information about this bearer cheque. It's payment clause stipulates "Pay the bearer on deman on or before 30th June 2009." Issue date is listed as 1st August 2008, which corresponds to Zimbabwe’s revaluation when they struck 10 zeros from the dollar. However, the $20 note (RBZ B59) which they issued on that date doesn’t look anything like this note.

This bearer cheque looks like the $20 (RBZ B86) banknote issued on 02.02.2009, which seems to bear some relation to the vertical numbers at front left: 02022909.

I suspect that this was either an unadopted design or a consignment of bearer cheques which they decided not to issue when they opted to issue banknotes instead.

If anyone has additional information, including images of other denominations with similar designs, I would love to hear from you.


Philippines new date (2014) 1,000-peso note confirmed

1,000 pesos, 2014. Like P211, but new date.

Courtesy of Andy Siegman.

Bangladesh new date (2013) 100-taka note confirmed

100 taka, 2013. Like BB B52, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.


Bangladesh new date (2014) 10-taka note confirmed

10 taka, 2014. Like BB B49, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.


Scotland new sig/date (30.11.2010) 5- and 10-pound notes confirmed

5 pounds, 30th NOVEMBER 2010. Like P352, but new date and new signature (Stephen Hester).

10 pounds, 30th NOVEMBER 2010. Like P353, but new date and new signature (Stephen Hester).

Courtesy of Tomasz Jazwinski.

German New Guinea chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The German New Guinea 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 Australian Military Administration in 1914. Published 17 October 2014.

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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Myanmar new 5,000-kyat note confirmed

According to an article on China.org.cn dated 19 September 2014, the Central Bank of Myanmar will issue a 5,000-kyat banknote with a new design and improved security features on 1 October 2014. Existing 5,000-kyat notes (CBM B15) remain legal tender.

Myanmar_CBM_5000_kyats_2014.10.01_B17a_PNL_GN_7044840fMyanmar_CBM_5000_kyats_2014.10.01_B17a_PNL_GN_7044840r
CBM B17 (PNL): 5,000 kyats
Purple. Front: Elephant. Back: Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Assembly of the Union) legislature buildings in Zeya Theddhi Ward of Naypyidaw. Color-changing windowed security thread with demetalized Spw MYANMAR CBm. Watermark: Elephant and electrotype 5000. Printer: SECURITY PRINTING WAZI CBM. 150 x 70 mm.
a. No date. Prefix GN. Intro: 01.10.2014.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

New Zealand new sig/date (2014) 50-dollar note confirmed

50 dollars, (20)14. Like B134, but new date and new signature (Graeme Wheeler). Prefix AA - DA.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Moldova new date (2013) 1-leu note confirmed

1 leu, 2013. Like B108, but new date.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Iraq new sig/date (2013) 5,000-dinar note confirmed

Iraq_CBI_5000_dinars_2012.00.00_B50d_P94_f
5,000 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٤ (2013/AH1434). Like CBI, but new date and signature 17.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.

Dominican Republic new 50, 100, and 500-peso dominicano notes confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_50_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0093119_f
Dominican_Republic_BCRD_50_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0093119_r

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_100_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0490739_f
Dominican_Republic_BCRD_100_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0490739_r

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_500_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0256604_f
Dominican_Republic_BCRD_500_pesos_dominicanos_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_0256604_r
On 2 October 2014, the Banco Central de la República Domincano issued a new family of notes dated 2014 with enhanced security features and redesigned images. To date only the 50, 100, and 500 pesos dominicanos denominations have been confirmed. According to a press release, the notes were all printed by De La Rue.

Courtesy of Tomasz Jazwinski, Cedrian Lopez-Bosch, and Manuel Rodriguez Cassanello.

Kazakhstan new signature 1,000-tenge note (B130b) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2006.00.00_B130b_P30_ДЖ_6125216_fKazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2006.00.00_B130b_P30_ДЖ_6125216_r
Like B130a, but new signature. Prefix ДЖ.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya.


Bolivia new signature 20-boliviano note confirmed

Bolivia_BCB_20_bolivianos_1986.11.28_B114e_PNL_106477558_I_sig
20 bolivianos, 28 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1986. Like P234, but new signatures, and new imprint (DLR). Suffix I.

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

Guatemala new date (17.10.2012) 1-quetzal note confirmed

1 quetzal, 17 DE OCTUBRE DE 2012. Like unlisted notes dated 2 DE MAYO DE 2012, but new date and new imprint (CANADIAN BANK NOTE). Prefix B. Suffix D.

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

Ukraine new sig/date (2014) 200-hryvnia note (B852d) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_200_hryven_2014.00.00_B52d_P123_CB_5669707_sig
200 гривень (hryven), 2014. Like B852c, but new date and signature (Stepan Kubiv).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Iran new signature 1,000-rial note confirmed

Iran_CBI_1000_rials_1992.10.24_B4g_P143_13-12_979012_sig
1,000 rials, no date. Like P143, but new signatures (Tahmasb Mazaheri and Shamseddin Hosseini).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Denmark new sig/date (2013) 50-krone notes confirmed

Denmark_DN_50_kroner_2013.00.00_P65_B0_011043_C_sig
Denmark_DN_50_kroner_2013.00.00_P65_B0_511045_H_sig
50 kroner, (20)13. Like P65, but new date and new signatures. Prefix B0.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Hungary new 5,000-forint note (B587) reported

Hungary_MNB_5000_forint_0000.00.00_PNL_f
Hungary_MNB_5000_forint_0000.00.00_PNL_r
This undated, unsigned, and unnumbered 5,000-forint note is similar to P199. I personally examined the note at the recent show in Valkenburg and can confirm that it is intaglio printed on high-quality security paper complete with watermarks, holographic stripe, and other security features.

Rumor was that a pack of unfinished notes was stolen from the printer (Pénzjegynyomda Rt.) and that this denomination will be issued shortly as the second member of the new note family started with the introduction of the 10,000-forint on 2 September 2014.

However, I recently received the following email from the bank's Communication and Protocol Department: "The undated, unsigned, and unnumbered 5,000-forint note published on your website is a trial print of the previous years used for testing purposes, representing no value. This banknote specimen is not part of the new forint banknote series issued by Magyar Nemzeti Bank (the central bank of Hungary)."

Norway announced "The Sea" will be theme of new notes

valgtmotiv
On 7 October 2014, Norges Bank (Norway’s central bank) presented the results of its ongoing banknote competition. The new theme will be “The Sea.” A press release revealed the proposed design for the 100-kroner note. The first notes from the new series are not expected to be issued until 2017 at the earliest.

Courtesy of Marcus Jansson and Håkon Meidell-Pritzier Hagelund.

Macau new 2014/2015 10-pataca commemorative notes confirmed

Macau_BNU_10_patacas_2014.01.01_PNL_10220270_f
Macau_BNU_10_patacas_2014.01.01_PNL_10220270_r

Macau_BDC_10_patacas_2014.01.01_B21a_PNL_09060270_f
Macau_BDC_10_patacas_2014.01.01_B21a_PNL_09060270_r
10 patacas, 1 DE JANEIRO DE 2014. Commemorates the Year of the Horse.

Macau_BNU_10_patacas_2015.01.01_PNL_07920270_f
Macau_BNU_10_patacas_2015.01.01_PNL_07920270_r

Macau_BDC_10_patacas_2015.01.01_B22a_PNL_09060270_f
Macau_BDC_10_patacas_2015.01.01_B22a_PNL_09060270_r
10 patacas, 1 DE JANEIRO DE 2015. Commemorates the Year of the Goat.

Two years' worth of commemorative notes have been issued simultaneously because of pre-sales of fakes that occurred at the end of 2013.

Courtesy of Julien Martz.

Canada new signature 100-dollar note confirmed

Canada_BOC_100_dollars_2011.00.00_B75b_PNL_FKN_8852392_sig
100 dollars, 2011. Like BOC B75a, but new signatures (Macklem and Poloz). Prefix FKN.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Iraq new 250- and 500-dinar notes confirmed

Iraq_CBI_250_dinars_2013.00.00_B47c_P91_f
250 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Like CBI B47, but new date, new signature (Abdul Basit Turki Saeed), and one intaglio circle at upper left front for the sight impaired.

Iraq_CBI_500_dinars_2013.00.00_B48b_P92_f
500 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Like CBI B48, but new date, new signature (Abdul Basit Turki Saeed), and two intaglio circles at upper left front for the sight impaired.

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher, Sejin Ahn, and Thomas Augustsoon.

Iraq new 1,000-dinar note (B349d) confirmed

Iraq_CBI_1000_dinars_2013.00.00_B53a_PNL_f
B349d
1,000 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Like B349c, but new date, smaller signature, and three intaglio circles at left front for the sight impaired.

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher and Sejin Ahn.

Philippines new date (2014) 50-peso note confirmed

50 pesos, 2014. Like P207, but new date and year in purple lithograph instead of red intaglio.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Seychelles new 100-rupee commemorative sheet confirmed

Seychelles_CBS_100_rupees_2013.00.00_BNL_PNL_ZZ_035378_f
100 rupees, 2013. Like CBS B17b, but with 35th Anniversary Central Bank of Seychelles overprint on watermark area at right front. Available only in sheets of 40.

Courtesy of TDS.

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.

Cuba new watermark/date (2014) 50-peso note (B910i) confirmed

Like B910h, but new date (2014) and watermark of Calixto García e Iñiguez instead of Celia Sánchez Manduley. Series BL-02.

Courtesy of Ygial Arkin.

Cuba new date (2011) 1-peso note (B902b) confirmed

Like B902a, but new date (2011). Series GL-04.

Courtesy of Ygial Arkin.

Guatemala new printer/date (02.05.2012) 10-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_10_quetzales_2012.05.02_P123_D_92847101_C_f
Guatemala_BDG_10_quetzales_2012.05.02_P123_D_92847101_C_r
10 quetzales, 2 DE MAYO DE 2012. Like P123, but new date, new printer imprint (Joh. Enschedé), and different serial number font.

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

Guatemala new printer/date (11.05.2011) 20-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_20_quetzales_2011.05.11_PNL_E_42553765_C_f
Guatemala_BDG_20_quetzales_2011.05.11_PNL_E_42553765_C_r
20 quetzales, 11 DE MAYO DE 2011. Like unlisted 20Q note dated 19 DE MAYO DE 2010, but new date, new printer imprint (GOZNAK), and different demetalized text (BG20) on windowed security thread.

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

Guatemala new printer/date (02.05.2012) 50-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_50_quetzales_2012.05.02_PNL_F_27793432_B_f
Guatemala_BDG_50_quetzales_2012.05.02_PNL_F_27793432_B_r
50 quetzales, 2 DE MAYO DE 2012. Like P113, but new date, new signatures, new printer imprint (Joh. Enschedé), different serial number font, color-changing windowed security thread, SPARK patch at right front, and flag as registration device.

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

Nigeria new date (2014) 100-naira notes confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_100_naira_2014.00.00_B26r_P28_B-10_205963_f
Nigeria_CBN_100_naira_2014.00.00_B26s_P28_B-86_598044_f
100 naira, 2014. Like B226, but new date. Also, on note with B/10 prefix, the signatures appear at center on front with DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY OPERATIONS title on one line. On note with B/86 prefix, the signatures appear at lower center on front, with DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY / OPERATIONS title on two lines.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Nigeria new variety 200-naira notes confirmed

Nigeria_CBN_200_naira_2014.00.00_B27t2_P29_AG-77_398468_f
200 naira, 2014. Like B227t1, but date in italics and black (not brown) signatures.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Samoa new 50-tala note confirmed

Samoa_CBS_50_tala_2008.08.01_B16b_P41_RE_0512051_sig
50 tala, no date. Like CBS B16a, but new signatures (Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga and Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari) and new decorative pattern overprinted on the designs at top and bottom borders on front and back.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Max Keller.

Belarus 50-ruble notes to be withdrawn on 01.06.2015

According to a press release dated 22 September 2014, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus will withdraw 50-ruble notes dated 2000 (NBRB B25 and B34) on 1 June 2015.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Serbia new sig/date (2014) 1,000-dinar note confirmed

1,000 dinara (2014), like NBS B20, but new date and new signature (Jorgovanka Tabaković).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Spink Books publishes new print edition of The Banknote Book

Greetings from Valkenburg, The Netherlands, site of the Paper Money Fair run by Jos Eijsermans, who brings together dealers and collectors from around the world two times a year for almost a full week of nothing but notes!

I am proud to announce that a new print edition of The Banknote Book made its debut in Valkenburg today. In the past, I have offered the catalog as a print-on-demand paperback book via Lulu.com, but this new catalog covering 203 countries is far superior, with durable hardcovers and high-quality coated stock interior pages, thanks to a new partnership with Spink Books, a division of the venerable London-based auction house.

Spink_catalogsThe Banknote Book at Spink table 2

I will continue to publish the catalog online with frequent revisions and new chapters as always, but from now on all print sales are handled by Spink Books. Individual copies of the three volumes may be ordered online, but anyone interested in purchasing books in quantity for resale must contact Spink Books for trade discounts.

European Monetary Union new 10-euro note confirmed

European_Monetary_Union_ECB_10_euros_2014.00.00_B9p3_PNL_PA_2881901096_f
European_Monetary_Union_ECB_10_euros_2014.00.00_B9p3_PNL_PA_2881901096_r
ECB B9 (PNL): 10 euros (US$14)
Red. Front: Flag; Romanesque architecture. Back: Bridge; map. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized 10 EURO. Watermark: Head of Europa and electrotype 10. Printer: Various (see code chart). 127 x 67 mm. Confirmed with prefix E, N, P, S, U, V, X, Y, all with signature 3.

Courtesy of Don Ludwig and The Currency Exchange.

Singapore new two-diamond 50-dollar note confirmed

50 dollars, no date. Like MAS B5, but with two diamonds below ARTS on back.

Courtesy of Wei Jie.

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.

Mexico new sig/date (24.04.2013) 100-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_100_pesos_2013.04.24_P124_AB_F5520672_sig
100 pesos, 24 ABR. 2013. Like P124, but new date and signatures. Series AB.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

North Korea new 5,000-won note (B357a) confirmed

According to an article in The Hindu Business Line dated 11 August 2014, the portrait of Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, has been removed from the new 5,000-won note in favor of the birthplace of Kim Il Sung in Mangyongdae, with the back depicting the International Friendship Exhibition building in Myohyang-san.

North_Korea_DPRK_5000_won_2013.00.00_B357a_PNL_0096244_fNorth_Korea_DPRK_5000_won_2013.00.00_B357a_PNL_0096244_r
B357 (PNL): 5,000 (won)
Brown and pink. Front: Coat of arms; trees; houses (birthplace of Kim Il Sung) in Mangyongdae; five-pointed star within a star. Back: International Friendship Exhibition building in Myohyang-san. Solid security thread with printed text. Watermark: Mongnan (Seibold’s magnolia) flowers. Printer: Unknown. 145 x 65 mm.
a. 2013. Intro: 2014.

Courtesy of Danny Verheij, Mark Irwin, Alex Klark, and Noteshobby.

Israel new 50-new shekel note confirmed

The Bank of Israel introduced the new 50-new shekel banknote on 16 September 2014.

Israel_BOI_50_new_shekels_2014.00.00_B43a_PNL_0060126997_f
Israel_BOI_50_new_shekels_2014.00.00_B43a_PNL_0060126997_r
BOI B43 (PNL): 50 new shekels (US$15)
Green. Front: Menorah as registration device; open book in gold-to-green SPARK; citrus trees and fruit; poet, Shaul Tchernichovsky; microprinted poem “Oh, My Land, My Homeland.” Back: Capital of Corinthian column; menorah. Windowed color-changing security thread with demetalized 50 and portrait of Shaul Tchernichovsky. Watermark: Shaul Tchernichovsky and electrotype 50. Printer: Unknown. 136 x 71 mm.
a. 2014. Signature 15. Intro: 16.09.2014.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Raphael Dvir.

Dominican Republic to issue new family of notes in 2014

According to an article on Entorno Inteligente dated 8 September 2014, the Banco Central de la República Dominicana plans to introduce a new family of banknotes in 2014, with denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 pesos dominicanos. The notes will be dated 2014 and have new designs and new security features. Current notes will continue to circulate in parallel.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Trans-Dniester new numismatic products confirmed

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_1_ruble_2014.00.00_BNP3a_PNL_TT_0001501_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_5_rubles_2014.00.00_BNP4a_PNL_TT_0002020_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_10_rubles_2014.00.00_BNP5a_PNL_TT_0002020_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_25_rubles_2014.00.00_BNP6a_PNL_TT_0001500_f
On 22 August 2014, the Trans-Dniester Republican Bank issued 1-, 5-, 10-, and 25-ruble banknotes commemorating 20 years of national currency. 2,020 copies of each denomination were sold in folders. The notes are like the regular issues of 2012, but with a commemorative rosette over the watermark area at lower right front.

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

Turkmenistan new 1-, 50-, and 100-manat notes confirmed

Turkmenistan_TMB_1_manat_2014.00.00_B22b_PNL_AA_0000000_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_1_manat_2014.00.00_B22b_PNL_AA_0000000_r
Turkmenistan_TMB_50_manat_2014.00.00_B26a_PNL_AA_0000000_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_50_manat_2014.00.00_B26a_PNL_AA_0000000_r
Turkmenistan_TMB_100_manat_2014.00.00_B27a_PNL_AA_0000000_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_100_manat_2014.00.00_B27a_PNL_AA_0000000_r
According to a press release by the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, revised 1-, 50-, and 100-manat notes have been issued with enhanced security features, including microprinting, pearlescent stripes, and—on the two larger denominations—wider windowed security threads and holographic stripes. The notes are dated 2014 and signed by Gochmyrat Myradov.

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

Congo Democratic Republic new sig/date (30.06.2013) 50-franc note confirmed

Congo_Democratic_Republic_BCC_50_francs_2013.06.30_B19b_P97_KD_3864645_D_sig
50 francs, 30.06.2013. Like BCC B19a, but new date and new signature (Deogratias Mutombo Mwana Nyembo).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

India government legally permitted to print 1-rupee notes

According to an article in The Economic Times dated 7 September 2014, the Law Ministry has ruled that Coinage Act of 2011 gives the Government of India authorization to print 1-rupee banknotes, despite the objections of the Reserve Bank of India, which prints all other denominations.

Denmark new date (2012) 1,000-krone note confirmed

1,00 kroner, (20)12. Like P69, but new date. Prefix A5.

Courtesy of Frede Hansen.

Albania arrests governor of central bank

According to a Reuters article dated 5 September 2014, Ardian Fullani, governor of the Banka e Shqiperise (Bank of Albania) since 28 October 2004, was arrested by the State Police on charges of abuse of office after the theft of 713 million lek (US$6.63 million) from the bank vaults over four years by bank employee Ardian Bitfaj.

According to the bank's press release dated 6 September 2014, the supervisory council of the bank recommends the dismissal of Fullani. If that should come to pass, collectors can expect new signature varieties as the governor's signature has appeared on all notes issued during the past decade.

Courtesy of Christof Zellweger.

Macau new sig/date (11.11.2013) 100-pataca note confirmed

Macau_BNU_100_patacas_2013.11.11_P82_AV_087519_sig
100 patacas, 11 DE NOVEMBRO DE 2013. Like P82, but new date and new signatures (Pedro Cardoso and Rodolfo Vasco Lavrador). Prefix AV.

Courtesy of David Murcek (http://stores.ebay.com/The-Monetary-Unit) and Max Keller.

Colombia new date (17.08.2012) 2,000-peso note confirmed

2,000 pesos, 17 DE AGOSTO DE 2012. Like P457, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Maldives announces design competition for new note series


According to a press release dated 3 September 2014, the Maldives Monetary Authority is calling for designs of a new note series with new designs and modern security features. The door is now open for all Maldivian nationals to submit sketches/designs for the new note series. The submission deadline is 30 October 2014.

Courtesy of AIdan Work.


Indonesia new 100,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_100000_rupiah_2014.00.00_B108a_PNL_AAT_345078_f copy
Indonesia_BI_100000_rupiah_2014.00.00_B108a_PNL_AAT_345078_r copy
Indonesia_BI_100000_rupiah_2014.00.00_B108a_PNL_AAT_345078_sig

According to an article in The Jakarta Post dated 19 August 2014, Bank Indonesia officially released a new 100,000-rupiah note on 17 August. The new note is like the current note of the same denomination (Pick P153), but with BANK INDONESIA at lower left front replaced with NEGARA KESATUAN REPUBLIK INDONESIA (The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia) and is the first note to bear the signature of a finance minister (Menteri Keuangan). Previously, only top bank officials had their signatures printed on the notes.

Governor Agus Martowardojo also said that Bank Indonesia is moving forward with plans to redenominate the rupiah by slashing three zeroes from the currency.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and The Currency Exchange.

Indonesia new sig/date (2014) 100,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_100000_rupiah_2014.00.00_B107d_P153_HMV_443866_sig
100,000 rupiah, 2014. Like P153, but new date and new signatures (Agus D.W. Martowardojo and unknown).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Indonesia new sig/date (2014) 50,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_50000_rupiah_2014.00.00_B106d_P152_DTN_980501_sig
50,000 rupiah, 2014. Like P152, but new date and new signatures (Agus D.W. Martowardojo and Halim Alamsyah).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Indonesia new sig/date (2014) 20,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_20000_rupiah_2014.00.00_B105d_P151_NGU_770801_sig
20,000 rupiah, 2014. Like P151, but new date and new signatures (Agus D.W. Martowardojo and Ronald Waas).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Ukraine new sig/date (2014) 500-hryvnia note (B853c) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_500_hryven_2014.00.00_B53c_P124_CБ_7928261_sig
500 гривень (hryven), 2014. Like B853b, but new date and new signature (Stepan Kubiv). Intro: 01.09.2014.

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

New Hebrides chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The New Hebrides 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 Comptoirs Français des Nouvelles-Hébrides (French Counters of the New Hebrides) in 1921, the Banque de l’Indochine (Bank of Indo-China) from 1941 to 1963, the Services Nationaux Français des Nouvelles Hébrides (French National Administration of the New Hebrides) in 1943, and the Institut d’Émission d’Outre-Mer (Overseas Issuing Institute) from 1968 to 1980. Revised 1 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
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Bolivia new sig/imprint 10-boliviano note confirmed

Bolivia_BCB_10_bolivianos_1986.11.28_PNL_I_126599039_sig
10 bolivianos, 28 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1986. Series I. Like notes printed by Canadian Bank Note (with CBN imprint at lower left back) in 2011, but with new signatures and imprint is now OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Kuwait new signature 5-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_5_dinars_1994.04.03_B26g_P26_DE-67_551286_sig
5 dinars, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B226, but new signatures. Prefix DE/67.

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

New Zealand new sig/date (2014) 5-dollar note confirmed

5 dollars, (20)14. Like B131, but new date and new signature (Wheeler). Prefix AA - DA.

Courtesy of Scott de Young.

Bulgaria 2-leva note to be replaced by coin in 2015

Bulgaria_BNB_2_leva_2005.00.00_P115b_ЯA_3397989_f
According to an article on Novinite.com dated 1 September 2014, the Bulgarian National Bank intends to replace the 2-leva banknote (P115) with a coin starting in 2015. The notes will remain legal tender, but will be withdrawn from circulation as they wear out.


Cuba notes to be issued with revised watermarks

According to an article on Havana Times dated 19 August 2014, the Central Bank of Cuba will soon issue 2014-dated notes in denominations of 20, 50, and 100 pesos which are like the current notes (BCC B8, B10, and B12, respectively), but the watermarks will be changed from Celia Sánchez Manduley to match the portrait engraved on the note (Camilo Cienfuegos Gorriarán, Calixto García e Iñiguez, and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, respectively), and the denomination will be added to the watermark as an electrotype element. The watermarks for the 5- and 10-peso notes remains that of Celia Sánchez Manduley, but will also have the denomination added as an electrotype element.

Courtesy of Philip Martin and Yigal.

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

Denmark_DN_200_kroner_2013.00.00_P67_A7_695405B_sig
200 kroner, (20)13. Like P67, but new date and new signatures (Lars Rohde and Lars G. Sorensen). Prefix A7.

Courtesy of Frede Hansen.

Southern Rhodesia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Southern Rhodesia 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 Southern Rhodesia Currency Board from 1939 to 1954, and the Central Africa Currency Board in 1955. Revised 29 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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Canada new signature 20-dollar note reported

Canada_BOC_20_dollars_2014.00.00_B73b_PNL_signature
Carolyn Wilkins has been the new deputy governor of the Bank of Canada since 2 May 2014. Her signature has already been engraved on $20 plates, and sheets of $20 notes with the Wilkins-Poloz signature combination have already been printed. We should see the new $20 notes in circulation in a few months.

Canada new signature 5-dollar note confirmed

Canada_BOC_5_dollars_2013.00.00_B71a_PNL_sig
5 dollars, 2013. Like B71, but earlier signatures (Macklem and Carney). According to the Bank of Canada, 3.6 million of these notes have been printed, all with the HBG prefix. However, since November last year only about 20 of these notes have been found in circulation, all from a narrow 300,000-note range.

Nigeria new date (2014) 500-naira note confirmed

500 naira, 2014. Like B228, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Barbados new date (02.05.2012) 50-dollar note confirmed

50 dollars, 2 MAY 2012. Like CBB B29, but new date. Prefix J27.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Nigeria new date (2013) 200-naira note confirmed

200 naira, 2013. Like B227, but new date.

Courtesy of Evžen Škňouřil.

Trans-Dniester replaces low-denomination notes with composite coins

On 22 August 2014, the Trans-Dniester Republican Bank issued new 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-ruble coins which replace the low-denomination banknotes (TDRB B9-B11, respectively). These "coins" are made of an unspecified composite material and have ultraviolet and infrared security elements. Because they bear images taken from the notes which they replace and are unusual, they are illustrated below as curiosities, but they are not considered banknotes and hence not assigned catalog numbers.

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_1_ruble_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_fTrans-Dniestria_TDRB_1_ruble_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_r

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_3_rubles_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_fTrans-Dniestria_TDRB_3_rubles_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_r

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_5_rubles_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_fTrans-Dniestria_TDRB_5_rubles_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_r

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_10_rubles_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_fTrans-Dniestria_TDRB_10_rubles_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_AA_r


Russia refuses to ban "pornographic" 100-ruble note

Russia_CBR_100_rubles_2004.00.00_B24a_P270c_Aэ_7783353_f
According to an RT.com article dated 8 July 2014, nationalist party MP Roman Khudyakovof has urged Банк России (Bank of Russia) to change the design of the 100-ruble note because it depicts the penis of the Greek god Apollo, in violation of Russia's 2010 law designed to protect children from "information that could be harmful to their health and development."

The note depicts a statute of Apollo riding a chariot above the pediment of Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre. During renovations of the Bolshoi, a fig leaf was added to the statue, covering Apollo's genitals, so Khudyakovof argues that not only is the note pornographic, it's no longer an accurate representation of the statue as it currently exists.

The image first appeared on the 100,000-ruble note dated 1995 (CBR B14) and is now seen on the current note dated 2004 (CBR B24).

According to an article in The Telegraph dated 22 August 2014, the central bank has refused the appeal to withdraw or revise the note, claiming it is not pornographic and the image is too small to be offensive.

Israel new sig/date (2008) 20-sheqel note confirmed

20 new sheqalim, 2008. Like BOI B36, but new signature and new date.

Courtesy of Yigal.

Hong Kong (HSBC) new date (01.01.2014) 500-dollar note confirmed

500 dollars, 1 January 2014. Like P215, but new date. Prefix EB.

Courtesy of Manfred Wolfensberger.

Malawi new 1,000-kwacha commemorative note confirmed

Malawi_RBM_1000_kwacha_2014.01.01_B56a_PNL_AV_9716100_f
Malawi_RBM_1000_kwacha_2014.01.01_B56a_PNL_AV_9716100_r
According to a press release, on 6 July 2014 the Reserve Bank of Malawi introduced a limited edition 1,000-kwacha note to commemorate the country's 50 years of independence. This note will circulate in parallel with the existing note of this denomination (RBM B55). The special commemorative banknote has the words “50 Years of Independence” printed at lower right front, four raised dots at lower left front, as well as slightly revised denomination engravings.

Courtesy of Max Keller and Murtaza Karimjee (African Banknotes).

United States new sig/date (2013) 1-dollar note confirmed

United_States_FED_1_dollar_2013.00.00_PNL_J_31991233_A_sig
1 dollar, 2013. Like P530, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Phil Martin.


Cambodia new date (2014) 500-riel note confirmed

Cambodia_NBC_500_riels_2004.00.00_B17c_P54_detail
500 រៀល (riels). Like NBC B17, but with បោះពុម្ពឆ្នាំ ២០១៤ (Printed 2014) at lower right on back.

Courtesy of Allan Lim (www.artofangkor.com/ccc) and Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Syria new 500-pound note confirmed

Syria_CBS_500_syrian_pounds_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_A-27_7616812_f copy
Syria_CBS_500_syrian_pounds_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_A-27_7616812_r copy
According to an article on Syrian Radio & TV dated 16 July 2014 and an article on SanaSyria dated 20 July 2014, Adib Mayala, governor of the Central Bank of Syria, has announced that a new 500-pound note has been issued on 20 July 2014, and will be dispersed early in August, and a 1,000-pound note will be issued in two months (August - September).

Existing notes of that denomination will circulate in parallel before being gradually withdrawn.

The new note is expected to join the family of 50-, 100-, and 200-pound notes (CBS B27-B29, respectively) dated 2009, introduced 27.07.2010, and printed by Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck, a subsidiary of Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Austria’s central bank.

Mayala said the new note will have different colors, depiction, and figures, and will be made of better-quality materials “in a way to reflect the cultural and historical image of Syria and protect the banknotes from getting worn out."

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Takis Kouvatseas.

Azerbaijan new 250- and 500-manat notes due "in near future"

According to an article in Azernews dated 19 August 2014, First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Alim Guliyev told journalists that the government is planning to put new 250- and 500-manat banknotes into circulation in the near future, "to improve the effectiveness of banknote circulation and to reduce state expenditures." Currently the largest denomination is the 100-manat note (B319) issued in 2005. Bear in mind that Azerbaijan has been discussing the issuance of larger denominations for several years. Time will tell if these plans ever come to fruition.

Mexico new sig/date (10.06.2013) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2013.06.10_P122_X_L4925284_sig
20 pesos, 10 JUN. 2013. Like P122, but new date and new signatures. Series X.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Suriname new 5-, 10-, and 100-dollar notes confirmed

On 20 December 2010, the Central Bank of Suriname issued new 5-, 10-, and 100-dollar (US$1.50, 3.05, 30.30, respectively) notes dated 1 SEPTEMBER 2010 with the following improved security features:

  • The notes now have a holographic strip at right front.
  • An electrotype CBvS has been added to the watermark.
  • The signature of the previous president of the Central Bank, Andre Telting, is no longer on the bottom but on top of the note, just below the serial number.
  • The serial number itself is more up and moved more toward the center.
  • The bank logo at upper right front has been added as a registration device.
  • A color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized SRD.
  • A protective varnish to increase durability.
  • The denomination numerals on the back are shaped differently.


5 dollars
Orange, red, brown, green, and blue. Front: Coat of arms; Central Bank van Suriname headquarters building at the Waterkant in Paramaribo; nymphaea missouri (missouri waterlily) flower; bank logo registration device. Back: Bank logo; cocos nucifera (coconut palm) tree; forest and rapids near Gran-Rio in Sula. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized SRD. Watermark: Bank headquarters and electrotype CBvS.. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 70 mm.



10 dollars
Green, purple, and brown. Front: Coat of arms; Central Bank van Suriname headquarters building at the Waterkant in Paramaribo; zingiber spectabile (golden sceptor) flower; bank logo registration device. Back: Bank logo; tabebuia serratifolia (yellow lapacho or yellow poui ) tree; forest and Suriname river. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized SRD. Watermark: Bank headquarters and electrotype CBvS. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 70 mm.


100 dollars
Brown, red, and green. Front: Coat of arms; Central Bank van Suriname headquarters building at the Waterkant in Paramaribo; heliconia humilis (lobster claw) flower; bank logo registration device. Back: Bank logo; pterocarpus officinalis (dragonsblood tree) tree; Aruba-tabbetje, Marowijne rivier (tributary flowing from forest into river). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized SRD. Watermark: Bank headquarters and electrotype CBvS. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 70 mm.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer and Thomas Augustsson.

Mexico new sig/date (10.01.2012) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2012.01.10_P122_R_Z1456507_sig
20 pesos, 10 ENE. 2012. Like P122, but new date, new signatures, and series R.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.

Poland new 20-zlotych polymer commemorative confirmed

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Polish Legions, the National Bank of Poland issued a new 20-złoty polymer note on 5 August 2014. Up to 50,000 notes will be packaged in a folder and sold for a premium. This note was designed by Andrzej Heidrich, based upon the unissued 5-million-zloty note dated 1995 (see NBP BNP11).

Poland_NBP_20_zlotych_2014.01.16_BNP17a_PNL_LP_00000000_f
Poland_NBP_20_zlotych_2014.01.16_BNP17a_PNL_LP_00000000_r
NBP BNP17 (PNL): 20 złotych (US$6.55)
Green, brown, yellow, and blue. Front: Belvedere Palace hologram; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Commander Józef Klemens Piłsudski wearing military uniform. Back: Eagle badge of the Polish Legions; Grand Cross (with Star) of the Order of Virtuti Militari; badge of the First Brigade of the Polish Legions; Belvedere Palace hologram. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (PWPW). 147 x 67 mm. Polymer.
a. 16 STYCZNIA 2014. Signature 17. Prefix LP. Intro: 05.08.2014.

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

Kazakhstan new signature 5,000-tenge note (B139b) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139b_P38_BB_7194340_fKazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139b_P38_BB_7194340_r
Like B139a, but new signature (Kairat Kelimbetov).

Courtesy of Arsentij Khonin.

Indonesia new sig/date (2014) 10,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_10000_rupiah_2014.00.00_P150_DMD_900741_sig
10,000 rupiah, 2014. Like P150, but new date and new signatures (Agus D.W. Martowardojo and unknown).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Belarus new 100,000-ruble variety confirmed

Belarus_NBRB_100000_rubles_2000.00.00_B33a_P34_diff
100,000 rubles, 2000. Like NBRB B33a (top), but with Orthodox crosses atop towers on back replaced (B33b, bottom).

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Ethiopia new date (2013) 5-birr note confirmed

5 birr, 2013. Like NBE B31, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Zambia new commemorative note planned for October 2014

According to an article on LusakaTimes dated 8 August 2014, the Bank of Zambia will honor all heads of state—President Sata, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, late Dr Frederick Chiluba, late Dr Levy Mwanawasa, and Mr Rupiah Banda—by incorporating their portraits on a commemorative banknote to be issued in October this year, as part of the golden jubilee celebrations to be held on 24 October 2014.

The bank also launched a book titled, “50 years of Central Banking,” with Dr Gondwe urging interested parties to take keen interest and obtain the book or purchase the coin from BoZ offices in Ndola and Lusaka.

India new sig/date (2014) 50- and 100-rupee notes confirmed

50 rupees, 2014. Like P104, but new signature (Raghuram G. Rajan) and new date. No inset letter.

100 rupees, 2014. Like P105, but new signature (Raghuram G. Rajan) and new date. No inset letter.

Courtesy of IndianPaperMoney.

Turkey chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 38-page catalog covers notes issued by the Ministry of Finance in 1926, and the Türkiye Cümhuriyet Merkez Bankası (Central Bank of Turkey) from 1930 to present. Revised 10 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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Ukraine new sig/date (2014) 50-hryvnia note (B850e) confirmed

50 hryven, 2014. Like B850d, but new date and new signatures.

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

Pakistan new sig/date (2014) 20-rupee note (B233j) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2014.00.00_B233j_P55_FC_7748197_fPakistan_SBP_20_rupees_2014.00.00_B233j_P55_FC_7748197_r
Like B233i, but new date (2014) and new signature.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Pakistan new date (2014) 50-rupee note (B234i) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_50_rupees_2014.00.00_B234i_P47_EG_3010107_f
Like B234h, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Brunei new date (2013) 500-dollar note confirmed

500 dollars, 2013. Like BCMB B3a, but new date. Prefix D/3.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Canada corrects description of back of 10-dollar note

Canada_BOC_10_dollars_2013.00.00_B72a_PNL_FTC_4485652_r
According to an article on North Bay Nipissing News dated 28 July 2014, the Bank of Canada has acknowledged that its original description of the back of the new 10-dollar polymer note (BOC B72a) erroneously described it as depicting an image of majestic Mount Edith Cavell, a prominent peak in the Canadian Rockies south of Jasper, Alta. Furthermore, the bank misidentified an image of Mount Zengel as the Palisade and Pyramid mountains.

However, spokesman Alexandre Deslongchamps has acknowledged that the bank has changed the description of the note, claiming, "The documentation error was the result of a misunderstanding about information provided to the Bank of Canada by Canadian Bank Note Co. Ltd."

The new description reads:

"The image of the Canadian Rocky Mountains is a composite based on photographs commissioned by the Bank of Canada. Three regions are depicted on the bank note to highlight the diverse and majestic nature of the Rockies. On the left are the shoulder of Lectern Peak and Aquila Mountain; in the centre are Redan, Esplanade and Gargoyle mountains; and on the right is Mount Zengel, part of the Victoria Cross Ranges."

The Numismatourist: The Only Worldwide Travel Guide to Museums, Mints, and Other Place of Interest for the Numismatist

The_Numismatourist
The Numismatourist: The Only Worldwide Travel Guide to Museums, Mints, and Other Place of Interest for the Numismatist
Howard M. Berlin, 414 pages, soft cover, 6 x 9 inches, color illustrations, English, ISBN-13 978-1933990293, $29.95, (Order from Amazon.com)

The Numismatourist is the first book of its kind as a world-wide travel guide for the numismatist. It is also for the numismatist who is traveling, either on vacation or business, and wishes to visit those places that of are interest to the hobby or profession. Inside you will find a numismatic travel guide, listing over 175 places in 75 countries open to the public, with almost 100 of these described in detail with pictures that are spread over North, Central, and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania-Pacific. The foreword is written by Karen M. Lee, Curator, National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution.

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.

Tonga new signature 5-pa'anga note confirmed

Tonga_NRBT_5_paanga_2009.01.21_B14b_P39_A_748009_sig
5 pa'anga, no date. Like NRBT B14a, but new signatures (Siale ‘Ataongo Kaho, Lord Tu’ivakano and Lisiate ‘Aloveita ‘Akolo).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Pakistan new signature 1,000-rupee note (B238l) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2014.00.00_B238l_P50_HB_3606900_f
Like B238k, but new signature (Ashraf Mahmood Wathra).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Notes in the News promotion: Russia and Ukraine

One of the things I love about banknotes is that they provide insight into history, culture, and geography, all of which are useful in placing current events into context. With that in mind, I'm pleased to announce the first "Notes in the News promotion."

Anyone buying the Russia chapter of The Banknote Book in the next 30 days will be entitled to a free copy of the Ukraine chapter (a $9.99 value).

Selections for promotions should not be considered an endorsement of the politics of either country.

Australia announced new date (2013) notes

According to a post on the Reserve Bank of Australia web site, all denominations from 5 to 100 dollars have been produced dated (20)13.

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




Polymer Bank Notes of the World

Polymer Bank Notes of the World
Polymer Bank Notes of the World

Stane Straus, Donald Ludwig, Marian Meyer, and Tigerson, 144 pages, soft cover, 297 x 212 mm, color illustrations, English, ISBN 9789619365908, €20 (plus shipping), kin2.orders@gmail.com

Reviewed by Owen W. Linzmayer

Polymer Bank Notes of the World is the definitive guide to one of the hottest numismatic fields: non-paper notes, be they Tyvek, polymer, or hybrid (combinations of paper and polymer). The new 2014 edition uses larger format pages than the preceding 2012 edition, and has expanded from 122 pages to 144 pages, with coverage of an additional 285 entries of both issued and promotional/test notes (created by security printing firms to show off their prowess and new anti-counterfeiting features).

Each note is illustrated in color, front and back. Below the illustrations are descriptions with some historical background about the vignettes on the notes, as well as detailed variety listings, each assigned their own unique Straus number (for example: Australia S1R3a), along with cross-references to Pick and The Banknote Book catalog numbers. Pricing in euros is given for uncirculated notes, and lesser grades in the few cases where pristine notes aren't readily available.

The lines devoted to describing the variations are somewhat dense and deciphering the frequent abbreviations requires a bit of mental gymnastics, but as a fellow cataloger with an interest in collecting these notes, I appreciate the authors' attention to details, accuracy, and specificity. Also well received are all the footnotes below the variety listings which provide additional information about the notes, helping put them into context and enhancing their appeal.

If you're one of the many people with a penchant for polymer, this catalog belongs in your reference library (it's a bargain at only 20 euros), and the accompanying web site (http://www.polymernotes.org) should be a frequent stop as you browse the web for the latest information.

Comoros new signature 5,000-franc note (B309b) confirmed

5,000 francs, 2006. Like B309a, but new signature 8 (Mze Aboudou Mohamed Chafioun and Remy Rioux).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

European Monetary Union new signature 50-euro note with prefix E (Slovakia)

50 euros, 2002. Like ECB B4, but new signature (Mario Draghi) and prefix E (Slovakia).

Courtesy of Peter Lorenc.

European Monetary Union new signature 50-euro note with prefix G (Cyprus)

50 euros, 2002. Like ECB B4, but new signature (Mario Draghi) and prefix G (Cyprus).

Courtesy of Peter Lorenc.

European Monetary Union new signature 500-euro note with prefix N (Austria)

500 euros, 2002. Like ECB B7, but new signature (Mario Draghi) and prefix N (Austria).

Courtesy of Peter Lorenc.

Hong Kong HSBC new date (01.01.2013) 50-dollar note confirmed

50 dollars, 1 January 2013. Like P213, but new date. Prefix DN.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Cuba new date (2013) 10-peso note (B906o) confirmed

Like B906n, but new date (2013). Prefix DO.

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Cuba new date (2012) 5-peso note (B905b) confirmed

Like B905a, but new date (2012). Prefix EM.

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Pakistan new date (2014) 10-rupee note (B231k) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_10_rupees_2014.00.00_B231k_P45_ZW_3385402_fPakistan_SBP_10_rupees_2014.00.00_B231k_P45_ZW_3385402_r
Like B231j, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Kazakhstan new signature 10,000-tenge note (B140b) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2012.00.00_B140b_P43_БA_8393588_fKazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2012.00.00_B140b_P43_БA_8393588_r
Like B140a, but new signature.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Ömer Yalçinkaya (stores.ebay.com/Omer-Yalcinkaya-Collection-Shop).

Scotland's Royal Bank of Scotland new 5-pound Ryder Cup commemorative Hybrid note confirmed

According to a BBC article dated 15 June 2014, the Royal Bank of Scotland has unveiled the design of a new 5-pound note commemorating the Ryder Cup. The notes will be available to ticket-holders of the golf tournament which takes place at Gleneagles in Perthshire from 23 - 28 September 2014. The note is legal tender, though it is being sold as a numismatic product for US$32.

The note is printed by G&D on hybrid substrate with a see-through window in the shape of the Ryder Cup trophy, and is the first to bear the signature of new RBS chief executive Ross McEwan.

Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2014.09.22_BTK_PNL_RCE_001766_f
Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2014.09.22_BTK_PNL_RCE_001766_r
Blue, green, orange, red, and yellow. Front: SPARK Ryder Cup trophy; bank headquarters building and equestrian statue with Earl of Hopetoun in St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh; coat of arms; Lord Ilay (Archibald Campbell), first bank governor wearing powdered wig. Back: Ryder Cup 2014 logo; PGA Centenary Course; golf clubs; Ryder Cup trophy; Gleneagles Hotel. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Lord Ilay and electrotype £5. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 135 x 70 mm. Hybrid.
a. 22nd SEPTEMBER 2014. Signature Ross McEwan. Prefix RCE. Intro: July 2014.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Max Keller.

Malawi to issue new note family with blind recognition features in August 2014

According to a press release dated June 2014, in August the Reserve Bank of Malawi will introduce a family of notes similar to the existing issues (RBM B50-B55), but with enhanced blind recognition features. Furthermore, the color of the 50-kwacha note will be changed from light blue to light green to differentiate it from the 200-kwacha notes. Curiously, the 200-kwacha note is not listed as a denomination expected to have the new Braille features.

East Africa chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The East Africa 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 Government of the East Africa Protectorate from 1905 to 1919 and the East African Currency Board from 1920 to 1965. Revised 21 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.

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Zambia new date (2013) 20-kwacha note (B155b) confirmed

Zambia_BOZ_20_kwacha_2013.00.00_B155b_P52_DG-12_4622442_fZambia_BOZ_20_kwacha_2013.00.00_B155b_P52_DG-12_4622442_r
Like B155a, but new date (2013). Prefix DG/12.

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Vanuatu new 200-, 1,000-, and 2,000-vatu polymer notes confirmed

According to an article in the DailyPost dated 10 June 2014, on 9 June the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu introduced three new notes produced by Oberthur Fiduciare (France) on polymer substrate from Innovia (Australia) to increase longevity and reduce counterfeiting. The notes denominated in 200, 1,000, and 2,000 vatu represent family, agriculture, and flora and fauna, respectively. Notes denominated in 500 and 5,000 vatu are planned for introduction within two to three years.

Vanuatu_RBV_200_vatu_2014.00.00_B9a_PNL_AA_14228901_f
Vanuatu_RBV_200_vatu_2014.00.00_B9a_PNL_AA_14228901_r
RBV B9 (PNL): 200 vatu (US$2.10)
Pink, brown, blue, and green. Front: Conch shell; waterway; Melanesian chief standing holding a spear; map of Vanuatu islands. Back: Map of Vanuatu islands; family of five seated outside house with palm trees; conch shell. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. 130 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)14. Signature 6. Prefix AA. Intro: 09.06.2014.

Vanuatu_RBV_1000_vatu_2014.00.00_B11a_PNL_AA_14829345_f
Vanuatu_RBV_1000_vatu_2014.00.00_B11a_PNL_AA_14829345_r
RBV B11 (PNL): 1,000 vatu (US$10)
Brown, purple, blue, and green. Front: Conch shell; waterway; Melanesian chief standing holding a spear; map of Vanuatu islands. Back: Map of Vanuatu islands; flower; four farmers with crops; rancher riding horse among cattle with palm trees; conch shell. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. 140 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)14. Signature 6. Prefix AA. Intro: 09.06.2014.

Vanuatu_RBV_2000_vatu_2014.00.00_B12a_PNL_AA_14287836_f
Vanuatu_RBV_2000_vatu_2014.00.00_B12a_PNL_AA_14287836_r
RBV B12 (PNL): 2,000 vatu (US$21)
Green, blue, orange, and brown. Front: Conch shell; waterway; Melanesian chief standing holding a spear; map of Vanuatu islands. Back: Map of Vanuatu islands; flower; three birds, tree, and waterfall; conch shell. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: OBERTHUR fiduciaire. 145 x 65 mm. Polymer.
a. (20)14. Signature 6. Prefix AA. Intro: 09.06.2014.

Courtesy of Aidan Work, Stane Štraus (http://www.polymernotes.org), and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Ukraine denies rumors it plans to redesign its banknotes

According to a report on Ukranian News dated 15 July 2014, the National Bank of Ukraine has denied rumors that it is the design of its banknotes:

"The National Bank has not asked any private company to change the national currency design because under Article 33 of the Law on the National Bank, the latter decides upon denominations, protection systems, payment features and design of national currency's banknotes and coins itself."

India new date (2014) 10-rupee note with R and S insets confirmed

10 rupees, 2014. Like P102, but new date and R and S inset letters.

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

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Sudan 10,000-dinar note confirmed in issued form

Sudan_BOS_10000_sudanese_dinars_1996.05.19_B47a_P59A_NA_8072492_f
Sudan_BOS_10000_sudanese_dinars_1996.05.19_B47a_P59A_NA_8072492_r
10,000 dinars, ١٩٩٦ (19.05.1996). Previously thought to exist only as specimen (BOS B47as), this note has now been confirmed in issued form with signature 12. Prefix NA.

Courtesy of Kang Hyun Soon.

Egypt new sig/date (17.0.2013) 50-pound note confirmed

Egypt_CBE_50_pounds_2013.06.17_P66_167_sig
50 pounds, 17.06.2013 in Arabic. Like P65, but new date and signature (Hesham Ramez).

Courtesy of Mohammed Elarabi.

Bangladesh new date (2014) 20-taka note confirmed

20 taka, 2014. Like BB B50.5, but new date and Western digits in lower left serial number.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).


Bangladesh new date (2014) 50-taka note confirmed

50 taka, 2014. Like BB B51, but new date and Western digits in lower left serial number.

Courtesy of Syeed Bin Salam (Tuhin) and Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

P.S. In revising the Bangladesh chapter of The Banknote Book to incorporate this new variety, I discovered that between the 18th and 20th editions of the SCWPM, Krause has renumbered its "2011 Issue" notes from Pick 52 onward, a maddening practice that I eschew. Also, it's clear that the descriptions of these notes come from The Banknote Book, albeit grossly truncated. Imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery.


Uganda new date (2013) 50,000-shilling note confirmed

50,000 shillings, 2013. Like BOU B59, but new date. Prefix AM.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Uganda new date (2013) 10,000-shilling note confirmed

10,000 shillings, 2013. Like BOU B57, but new date. Prefix AU.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Uganda new date (2013) 5,000-shilling note confirmed

5,000 shillings, 2013. Like BOU B56, but new date. Prefix AS.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Poland new commemorative banknote to be issued August 2015

According to a posting on the bank’s web site, to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the birth of Janowi Długoszowi, the National Bank of Poland will issue 30,000 new numismatic products in August 2015.

Courtesy of Jan Boguś.

United Arab Emirates instructed to reprint notes with Braille characters

According to a GulfNews.com article dated 12 July 2014, the board of directors of the Central Bank of the UAE recently instructed that necessary actions be taken to reprint all denominations of banknotes using Braille characters so that they will be readable by the visually impaired.

Courtesy of Amirali Somji.

Nigeria new date (2013) 500-naira note confirmed

500 naira, 2013. Like B228, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Nigeria new date (2014) 200-naira note confirmed

200 naira, 2014. Like B227, but new date.

Courtesy of Mohammed Elarabi.

Nigeria new date (2013) 100-naira note confirmed

100 naira, 2013. Like B226, but new date.

Courtesy of Mohammed Elarabi.

Kuwait new signature ¼-dinar note confirmed

¼ dinar, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B223, but signature 15. Prefix AE/239.

Courtesy of Steve Hearon.

Jamaica new 50-dollar Hybrid note (B249a) confirmed as issued 24.03.2014

Jamaica_BOJ_50_dollars_2013.06.01_B49a_PNL_TQ_178084_f
Jamaica_BOJ_50_dollars_2013.06.01_B49a_PNL_TQ_178084_r
According to a press release dated 17 March 2014, the Bank of Jamaica will issue a 50-dollar note printed on Hybrid substrate on 24 March 2014. The new note is like the preceding regular issue note on paper substrate (B238), but is dated 01.06.2013, signed by Governor Brian Wynter, bears the printer imprint of Giesecke & Devrient, and the serial number at right appears in a "wave pattern with the last three digits set against a blue background." I believe these serial numbers are an example of G&D's LOOK (Laser Originated Optical Key), a security feature that creates laser-induced effects in the substrate. The BOJ first used Hybrid on the 2012 commemorative 100-dollar note.

Courtesy of André Chin and Sean Morrison.

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.

United States new sig/date (2013) 50-dollar note confirmed

United_States_FED_50_dollars_2013.00.00_PNL_MA_03553844_A_f
50 dollars, 2013. Like P534, but new date and new signatures (Gumataotao Rios & Jacob Lew).

Courtesy of Keith Potter.

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

500 dollars, 1 January 2013. Like P215, but new date. Prefix DU.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

West African States (Senegal) new sig/date (2012) 5,000-franc note confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_5000_francs_2012.00.00_P717K_12629575551_sig
5,000 francs, (20)12. Like P717K, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

West African States (Senegal) new sig/date (2013) 2,000-franc note confirmed

West_African_States_BCEAO_2000_francs_2013.00.00_P716K_13608346627_sig
2,000 francs, (20)13. Like P716K, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Mauritania new 500-ouguiya note (B122) confirmed

Mauritania_BCM_500_ouguiya_2013.11.28_B23a_PNL_CA_1234567_A_f
Mauritania_BCM_500_ouguiya_2013.11.28_B23a_PNL_CA_1234567_A_r
According to a French-language decree 145-2014 dated 2 June 2014, the Banque Central de Mauritanie introduced a new 500-ouguiya note like B116, but dated 28.11.2013, without the holographic patch at right front, reduced in size to 138 x 65 mm, with electrotype 500 added to the watermark, a windowed security thread, iridescent PEAK (Printed Embossed Anticopy Key) of SCM/500, and LOOK (Laser Originated Optical Key) on three digits of the serial number.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Manuel Fernando Iglesias, and Thomas Augustsson.

Romania new date (2014) 1-leu note (B278i) confirmed

Like B278h, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Romania new date (2014) 5-leu note (B279g) confirmed

Like B279f, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Singapore urged to withdraw 10,000-dollar notes

As previously reported, the Monetary Authority of Singapore will no longer issue the 10,000-dollar banknote (BCCS B38) as of 1 October 2014, but it will remain legal tender. However, according to a Jakarta Post article dated 7 July 2014, the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) has urged Singaporean authorities to withdraw all such notes rather than simply discontinue printing, to more effectively help Indonesia curb rampant corruption and money-laundering activities.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new date (01.01.2014) 20-pound note confirmed

20 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2014. Like P342b, but new date. Prefix L.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

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.

Burundi new sig/date (31.10.2013) 500-franc note confirmed

Burundi_BRB_500_francs_2013.10.31_B32c_P45_BS_342501_sig
500 francs, 31-10-2013. Like BRB B32, but new date and new signatures (Melchior Wagara and Jean Gaspard Ciza).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Hamid Kazemi (banknoteswholesale).

Burundi new sig/date (31.10.2013) 5,000-franc note confirmed

Burundi_BRB_5000_francs_2013.10.31_B35c_P48_BB_043096_sig
5,000 francs, 31-10-2013. Like BRB B35, but new date and new signatures (Melchior Wagara and Jean Gaspard Ciza).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Raghavendra (Raju) Reddy.

New Zealand new note family to be issued in Q4 2015

According to an article on Bloomberg dated 26 June 2014, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand plans to introduce its seventh series of notes in 2015. "The new banknotes, which aim to improve design and security features, were originally intended to enter circulation" in 2014.

According to a press release dated 5 July 2014, the new notes will be designed and printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, which currently prints Canada's notes. New Zealand's new notes will remain printed on polymer substrate, and they will retain the same denomination structure and sizes of the current series, as well as the same themes, with the same people and other elements, although in revised designs. The "near final" designs are expected to be unveiled publicly in November 2014, and the finished notes are expected to enter circulation in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Aidan Work.

Kuwait new notes issued 29.06.2014 confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_0.25_dinar_2014.06.29_B29_PNL_r
Kuwait_CBK_0.25_dinar_2014.06.29_B29_PNL_f

Kuwait_CBK_0.50_dinar_2014.06.29_B30_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_0.50_dinar_2014.06.29_B30_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_1_dinar_2014.06.29_B31_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_1_dinar_2014.06.29_B31_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_5_dinars_2014.06.29_B32_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_5_dinars_2014.06.29_B32_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_10_dinars_2014.06.29_B33_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_10_dinars_2014.06.29_B33_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_20_dinars_2014.06.29_B34_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_20_dinars_2014.06.29_B34_PNL_r

The Central Bank of Kuwait has introduced a new series of banknotes. Contrary to earlier reports, these new notes are produced on paper, not polymer, substrates.

The sixth issue was unveiled at a celebration event on 19 May 19 2014, and entered circulation on 29 June 2014, the beginning of Ramadan. This series uses visual representations of nationally significant elements and economic accomplishments that are all grounded on one unified background that is of the Kuwaiti flag. The banknotes feature iconic and culturally significant buildings on the front while the back illustrates Kuwait’s accomplishments and economic milestones throughout history. The new banknotes were also designed with the visually impaired in mind. The banknotes’ values are larger in size and the raised print aids the visually impaired in distinguishing each banknote from the other.

The sixth issue of the Kuwaiti dinar banknotes includes the most advanced security measures such as innovative printing processes, color changing features, and visual elements that become visible upon tilting the banknote. The preceding issues will circulate in parallel until such time as they are withdrawn from circulation.

Courtesy of James Pickering (www.e-worldbanknotes.com).

Estonia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the Eesti Vabariigi (Republic of Estonia) from 1919 to 1928 and the Eesti Pank (Bank of Estonia) from 1919 to 2008. Revised 25 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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Japan revised 5,000-yen note confirmed

Japan_BOJ_5000_yen_2014.05.12_P105_F_159608_A_f
Japan_BOJ_5000_yen_2014.05.12_P105_F_159608_A_r
According to an article on JapanToday dated 8 May 2014, on 12 May the Bank of Japan introduced a new 5,000-yen note like the existing notes (P105), but with high-tech anti-forgery features and enhanced convenience for visually impaired people. This note has a 1- or 2-letter prefix, brown serial numbers, and different shaped seal over hologram at lower right front.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin.

Spain may create its own banknote printing facility to comply with ECB rules

According to an article in El País dated 2 July 2014, the Banco de España may create a new banknote factory to comply with European Central Bank rules that central banks own their own note-printing facilities or put out to bid the production of euro banknotes to other authorized suppliers. Since 1940, the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) has produced notes for Spain as an independent company. FNMT also has contracts to produce notes for other African and Latin American countries.

Courtesy of Cedrian.

Russia may issue Crimea commemorative note in 2014

According to an article in Pravda dated 2 July 2014, by the end of the year the Central Bank of the Russian Federation may issue a banknote commemorating the Crimea. The bank also indicated it had no immediate plans to issue a 10,000-ruble note.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Singapore to withdraw 10,000-dollar note 01.10.2014

Singapore_BCCS_10000_dollars_1999.09.09_B38a_P44a_0AA_218928_f
According to an article on The Real Singapore dated 2 July 2014, the Monetary Authority of Singapore will no longer issue the 10,000-dollar banknote (BCCS B38) as of 1 October 2014, but it will remain legal tender. With a face value equal to US$8,000, this note is tied with the 10,000-dollar note (BCMB B5) from Brunei for the circulating note with the highest face value in the world. This high denomination note is being withdrawn to reduce the risk of money laundering. The move was announced as part of "Combating Financial Crime: International and National Efforts," a keynote address by Ong Chong Tee, deputy managing director (Financial Supervision), Monetary Authority of Singapore at the ABS Financial Crime Seminar on 2 July 2014.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (Polymer Bank Notes of the World).

Congo Democratic Republic new sig/date (30.06.2013) 5,000-franc note confirmed

Congo_Democratic_Republic_BCC_5000_francs_2013.06.30_B24b_PNL_R_3001454_B_sig
5,000 francs, 30.06.2013. Like BCC B24, but new date and new signature.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Malawi new note family and commemorative 1,000-kwacha note reported

According to an article on Face of Malawi dated 1 July 2014, the Reserve Bank of Malawi plans to issue a new family of banknotes in August 2014. The new notes will have enhanced blind recognition features, and the color of the 50-kwacha note will change from light blue to light green to better distinguish it from the blue 200-kwacha note. Furthermore, a 1,000-kwacha note will be issued on 6 July 2014 to commemorate Malawi's 50th anniversary of independence. The limited edition commemorative note will circulate in parallel with the existing note of the same denomination (RBM B55).

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez-Bosch.

Indonesia new notes from new issuer reportedly set for 17.08.2014 introduction

According to an article on Tempo.co dated 19 June 2014, Indonesia plans to issue new banknotes on 17 August 2014, Independence Day. The new banknotes will have "Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia" (Republic of Indonesia) written on them, replacing the name of the current issuer, Bank Indonesia. The new banknotes will still have the same denominations as the current notes, will still have pictures of national figures, and are claimed to be harder to counterfeit.

Indonesia has been tinkering with the idea of changing its notes and revaluing its currency for years, with various plans in the past having failed to come to fruition. As such, it's probably wise not to put too much faith in this latest report.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

South Korea banknote printer seeking more overseas contracts

12-02(124)
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.

Russia not planning polymer banknotes

According to an article in Pravda dated 24 June 2014, Goznak does not plan to introduce polymer banknotes in Russia. Goznak General Director Arkady Trachuk said, "From the point of view of duration, price and quality, paper money is usually more effective than plastic money," but admitted that polymer notes have advantages in countries with hot and humid climates.

Papua New Guinea new sig/date (2014) 100-kina notes confirmed

Papua_New_Guinea_BPNG_100_kina_2014.00.00_B39c_P33_AC_14_223998_sig
100 kina, (20)14. Like BPNG B39, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (Polymer Bank Notes of the World).

Papua New Guinea new date (2014) 2-kina notes confirmed

2 kina, (20)14. Like BPNG B34, but new date.

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (Polymer Bank Notes of the World).

Croatia new 20-kuna commemorative confirmed

Croatia_HNB_20_kuna_2014.05.30_B8a_PNL_A_0000689_V_f
Croatia_HNB_20_kuna_2014.05.30_B8a_PNL_A_0000687_V_r
According to a post on the bank's web site, on 30 May 2014, the Hrvatska Narodna Banka (Croatian National Bank) issued a new 20-kuna commemorative note. The note is like HNB B3, but with DVADESETA OBLJETNICA HRVATSKOGA NOVCA KUNE I LIPE 2014 (Twentieth anniversary of the Croatian currency Kuna and Lipa 2014) on the left side of the banknote, at the position of the watermark, microprinted 34 times in continuous vertical lines, creating a rectangle with some letters and numbers bolded to form number "20" and the inscription "OBLJETNICA" printed in iridescent colour in three lines over the rectangular base.

The Croatian National Bank also produced up to 40,000 sets of uncirculated 10- and 20-kuna commorative banknotes in special folders and sold them for 52 kuna each as numismatic products.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Mojmir Cerny, and Zlatko Viscevic.

Argentina new 10-peso note reported

Argentina_BCRA_10_pesos_2014.00.00_BTK_NL_A_20062014_f
According to an article in InfoRegión, the Banco Central de República Argentina has unveiled a new 10-peso note featuring a revised portrait of general Manuel Belgrano in military uniform.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Saint Helena new sig/date (2012) 10- and 20-pound notes confirmed

Saint_Helena_GOSH_10_pounds_2012.00.00_B8b_P12_P-1_400028_sig
10 pounds, 2012. Like GOSH B8, but new date and signatures.

20 pounds, 2012. Like GOSH B9, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin.

Philippines new date (2014) 20-peso note confirmed

20 pesos, 2014. Like P206, but new date.

Courtesy of Tristan Choa.

Bangladesh new 5-taka note dated 2014 reported

Bangladesh_BB_5_taka_2014.00.00_B48.5a_PNL_f
Bangladesh_BB_5_taka_2014.00.00_B48.5a_PNL_r
5 taka, 2014. Like BB B48, but new colors, new date, and white border on front/back. Intro: 15.06.2014.

Courtesy of Tuhin Bin Salam.


Poland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 31-page catalog covers notes issued by the Narodowy Bank Polski (National Bank of Poland) from 1944 to present. Revised 25 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.

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European Monetary Union new signature 50-euro note confirmed for Slovenia

50 euros, 2002. Like ECB B4, but new signature (Draghi) and country code H (Slovenia).

Courtesy of Sev Onyshkevych.

Press release: 2nd edition of Encyclopedia of Sudan Banknotes 1856 - 2012

Sudan_catalog
Bushra Ali, a frequent contributor to this site and The Banknote Book, recently published the second edition of his Encyclopedia of Sudan Banknotes 1856 - 2012. This specialized catalog is available via Lulu.com as a print-on-demand book or an eBook. This 512-page second 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.

New in the second edition:

  • section for un-Adopted Color Trial for Egypt Notes used in Sudan in Chapter 2
  • Archives Specimen under Pricelist and re-edit some price under pricelist in Chapter 3
  • more un-adopted Design for Sudan and Egypt notes used in Sudan in Chapter 2
  • more information for some early Egypt notes in Chapter 1
  • increase more than 65 pages from previous edition

Lithuania may adopt euro in 2015

On 4 June 2014, the European Commission released its 2014 Convergence Report, which assesses eight Member States’ readiness to join the single currency. The commission proposed that the EU Council of Ministers decide that Lithuania can adopt the euro on 1 January 2015. The council will take the final decision on the matter in the second half of July, after EU Heads of State and Government have discussed the subject at the 26-27 June European Council, and after the European Parliament has given its opinion.

Courtesy of Jim "Rubycored" Chen.

Eritrea new 20-nakfa note confirmed

Eritrea_BOE_20_nakfa_2012.05.24_B12a_PNL_AE_9499867_f
Eritrea_BOE_20_nakfa_2012.05.24_B12a_PNL_AE_9499867_r
20 nakfa, 24.5.2012. Like BOE B4, but new color scheme, new date, new signatures, and windowed security thread.

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

Ukraine new sig/date (2014) 100-hryvnia note (B851c) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_100_hryven_2014.00.00_B51c_P122_CA_3932781_sig
100 гривень (hryven), 2014. Like B851b, but new date and new signature (Stepan Kubiv, who took over as governor from Ihor Sorkin on 24.02.2014).

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

Cuba new sig/date (2013) 100-peso note (B912e) confirmed

Cuba_BCC_100_pesos_2013.00.00_B12e_P129_AG_09_642202_sig
Like B912d, but new date (2013) and signature. Prefix AG.

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

Trans-Dniester new date (2012) 5-ruble note confirmed

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_5_rubles_2012.00.00_B10b_P43_BB_0000000_f
5 rubles, 2007 МОДИФИКАЦИЯ (modified) 2012. Like TDRB B10a, but new date and winged security thread. Intro: 30.05.2014.

Courtesy of Тисленко Вадим (Vadim Tislenko) and Vladimir Kozin (
http://www.ebay.ca/usr/transnistriabanknotes).

Trans-Dniester new date (2012) 500-ruble note confirmed

Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_500_rubles_2012.00.00_B8c_P41_TT_1111111_f
Trans-Dniestria_TDRB_500_rubles_2012.00.00_B8c_P41_TT_1111111_r
500 rubles, 2004 МОДИФИКАЦИЯ (modified) 2012. Like TDRB B8, but with 4.5-mm wide security thread.

Courtesy of
Claudio Marana and Vladimir Kozin (http://www.ebay.ca/usr/transnistriabanknotes).

Afghanistan new sig/date (2012) 50-afgahni note confirmed

50 afghanis, ١٣٩١ (SH1391/2012). Like DAB B62, but new date and new signature 20.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.


Italian East Africa chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Italian East Africa chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download to all.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banca d’Italia (Bank of Italy) from 1938 to 1939. Revised 11 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.

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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Pakistan new date (2014) 500- and 1,000-rupee notes (B237h, B238k) confirmed

Pakistan_SBP_500_rupees_2014.00.00_B237h_P49Af_CQ_6544546_fPakistan_SBP_500_rupees_2014.00.00_B237h_P49Af_CQ_6544546_r
Like B237g, but new date (2014).

Pakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2014.00.00_B238k_P50_GP_7738031_fPakistan_SBP_1000_rupees_2014.00.00_B238k_P50_GP_7738031_r
1,000 rupees, 2014. Like B238, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Latvia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Latvia 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 Latwijas Walsts (Latvian Government) from 1919 to 1940, the Latvijas Socialistiskas Padomju Republikas (Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic) in 1940, and the Latvijas Bankas (Bank of Latvia) from 1922 to 2009. Revised 29.10.2018.

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
  • 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.

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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Scotland's Clydesdale Bank to issue new 5-pound polymer commemorative in 2015

_75025357_fiverforth
According to a BBC News article dated 22 May 2014, Clydesdale Bank in Scotland intends to issue two million 5-pound polymer notes featuring the Forth Bridge and a portrait of Sir William Arrol, whose company constructed the bridge. The notes will be issued in March 2015 on the 125th anniversary of the bridge.

Courtesy of Jake Numismatics.

Kazakhstan 1,000-tenge note (B142a) named IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2013

Kazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2013.12.12_B142a_P44_AA_1925801_fKazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2013.12.12_B142a_P44_AA_1925801_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 2013. Facing stiff competition as always from the nearly 50 newly designed banknotes released worldwide in 2013, the 1000 Tenge denomination Kazakhstan note was followed in the closest voting ever by the Canada 10 Dollar and Fiji 5 Dollar currency bills.

Now in its 53rd 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 2013, the IBNS membership nominated notes from 12 different countries to place on the ballot. Nominees represented four continents and ranged from Europe, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America, South America and four island nations. Past “Bank Note of the Year” winners include Kazakhstan (2012 & 2011), Uganda (2010), Bermuda (2009), Samoa (2008), Scotland (2007), Comoros (2006), Faeroe Islands (2005) and Canada (2004).

The 2013 winning banknote was produced collaboratively by the Banknote Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan and De La Rue Currency of England. The 1000 Tenge bill has a face value of approximately 5.5 U.S. dollars or 4 euros or 3.3 British pounds at early May 2014 exchange rates. The note was issued December 12, 2013. Smaller than U.S. dollar bills, its size of 134 x 70 mm is almost identical to the British 5 pound and European Union 20 euro notes.

The stunning design, predominantly in warm hues of yellow, brown and gold is dedicated to “Kultegin - the Monument of the Turkic Runic Writing,” whose effigy appears on the vertical format face of the note along with the modern “Kazak Eli” monument. The horizontal format reverse side highlights petroglyphic drawings of Turkic warriors against a background monument to Turkic writing. 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.



India new sig/date (2013) 100-rupee note confirmed

India_RBI_100_rupees_2013.00.00_P105_7AF_777777_sig
100 rupees, 2013. Like P105, but new date and new signature (Raghuram G. Rajan). No inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim (Indian Paper Money).

Dominican Republic new sig/date (2012) 50-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_50_pesos_dominicanos_2012.00.00_PNL_GF_8117517_sig
50 pesos dominicanos, 2012. Like unlisted note dated 2011, but new date, signatures, printer imprint (OBERTHUR technologies), and screen traps.

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

Dominican Republic new sig/date (2013) 100-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_100_pesos_dominicanos_2013.00.00_PNL_CX_3250816_sig
100 pesos dominicanos, 2013. Like unlisted note dated 2012, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Chile new sig/date (2012) 1,000-peso note (B296c) confirmed

Chile_BCC_1000_pesos_2012.00.00_P161_BE_00760775_sig
1,000 pesos, 2012. Like P161, but new date and new signatures (Rodrigo Vergara and Alejandro Zurbuchen Silva). Prefix BE - CC.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby) and Thomas Krause (Polymernotes of the World).

Indonesia new sig/date (2014) 2,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_2000_rupiah_2014.00.00_P148_GMC_573380_sig
2,000 rupiah, 2014. Like P148, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Indonesia new sig/date (2014) 5,000-rupiah note confirmed

Indonesia_BI_5000_rupiah_2014.00.00_P142_QIT_727919_sig
5,000 rupiah, 2014. Like P142, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

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.

Israel to issue new 50-new shekel in September 2014

According to a Globes article dated 27 April 2014, the Bank of Israel will issue a new 50-new shekel banknote on Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) in September 2014. It is the first of the new series of banknotes that will be issued, with the second banknote, for NIS 200, entering circulation in 2015. The Bank of Israel says that the new banknotes will enter circulation when quality control tests and businesses' preparations for handling the notes are completed.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Georgia new sig/date (2013) 20-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_20_lari_2013.00.00_B50d_P72_E_79692816_sig
20 lari, 2013. Like NBG B50d, but new date and new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Aleksandre “Alexander” Khetaguri).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze (IBNS 10079).

Thailand new 500-baht note confirmed

Thailand_BOT_500_baht_2014.05.12_BTK_PNL_OA_1607711_fThailand_BOT_500_baht_2014.05.12_BTK_PNL_OA_1607711_r
According to press release No. 16/2014, the Bank of Thailand issued a new 500-baht note on 12 May 2014. The note remains the same size (156 x 72) and color (purple) as the existing 500-baht note (P107), but incorporates several new security features:

  • Thai ornament in gold-to-green OVI
  • latent image of denomination
  • ๕๐๐ electrotype watermark
  • holographic foil stripe
  • gold-to-green RollingStar Cube windowed security thread
  • iridescent coating

Existing notes remain legal tender.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby) and Sanjay Basu.

Cambodia new 50,000-riel commemorative note confirmed

Cambodia_NBC_50000_riels_2013.00.00_B27a_PNL_0999301_fCambodia_NBC_50000_riels_2013.00.00_B27a_PNL_0999301_r
NBC B27 (PNL): 50,000 riels (US$12)
Brown. Front: Naga, mythical snake; King Norodom Sihanouk. Back: Koh Ker ruins; sculpture of baby elephant. Solid security thread. Watermark: Lotus flower pattern. Printer: Unknown. 155 x 72 mm.
a. 2013. Signature 3. Intro: 06.05.2014.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby) and Allan J. Lim (Cambodian Currency Collection).

Bank of Cyprus banknote exhibit open May 2014 to June 2015

The Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation on the occasion of the International Museum Day 2014 cordially Invites you to the opening of the exhibition "Cyprus Banknotes: Environment • History • Folk Art." Their iconography through the collections
of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation on 16 May 2014, at 19:30. The exhibit runs from May 2014 to June 2015, Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 19:30.

Bank of Cyprus
86-90 Phaneromenis Str. Old Town Nicosia, Cyprus
For more information, visit www.boccf.org.

Courtesy of Rosita A. Efstathiou.

Indonesia new date (2013) 1,000-rupiah note confirmed

1,000 rupiah, 2013. Like P141, but new date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

United States new sig/date (2013) 2-dollar note confirmed

United_States_FED_2_dollars_2013.00.00_PNL_F_01983000_A_sig
2 dollars, 2013. Like P516, but new date and new signatures (Gumataotao Rios & Jacob Lew).

French Guiana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the French Treasury in 1794, Banque de la Guyane from 1887 to 1945, Caisse Centrale de la France Libre in 1941, and Caisse Centrale de la France d'Outre-Mer from 1944 to 1960. Revised 25 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.

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Afghanistan new 1,000-aghani note confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_1000_afghanis_2013.00.00_B65a_PNL_f
Afghanistan_DAB_1000_afghanis_2013.00.00_B65a_PNL_r
1,000 afghanis, 2012. Like CAB B61, but new date, new signatures, electrotype ١٠٠٠ and ornament added to watermark, new 12-mm wide holographic stripe, new 3-mm wide windowed security thread, and new invisible color-changing ink on center front.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Chile new sig/date (2012) 10,000-peso note (B299c) confirmed

10,000 pesos, 2012. Like P164, but new date and new signatures (Rodrigo Vergara and Alejandro Zurbuchen Silva). Prefix CG - DH.

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

Uruguay new 500-peso uruguayo serie E note (B556) confirmed

Uruguay_BCU_500_pesos_uruguayos_2014.00.00_B52a_PNL_E_00019100_fUruguay_BCU_500_pesos_uruguayos_2014.00.00_B52a_PNL_E_00019100_r
B556 (PNL): 500 pesos uruguayos (US$23)
Blue, purple, red, and green. Front: Denomination as registration device; coat of arms; laurels, open book, and rising sun as registration device; Alfredo Vásquez Acevedo; map of Uruguay as SPARK patch. Back: Universidad de la República (University of the Republic) building in Montevideo; laurels, open book, and rising sun. Holographic windowed security thread. Watermark: José Gervasio Artigas and electrotype Quinientos and 500 stacked three times. Printer: OBERTHUR technologies. 159 x 74 mm.
a. 2014. Signature 30. Serie E. Intro: 08.05.2014.

Courtesy of Gustavo Fernández Artigas.


Philippines new date (2014) 500-peso note confirmed

500 pesos, 2014. Like P210, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.


Mexico new sig/date (10.06.2013) 50-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_50_pesos_2013.06.10_PNL_H_Y3529962_sig
50 pesos, 10 JUN. 2013. Like unlisted notes dated 12 JUN. 2012 and 24 ABR. 2013, but new date and new signatures. Series H.

Courtesy of Alberto Rios.


Lebanon new 50,000-pound polymer commemorative note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2014.00.00_B39a_PNL_D-99_0001340_f
Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2014.00.00_B39a_PNL_D-99_0001340_r
B539 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, purple, orange, red, and green. Front: Banque du Liban headquarters building in Beirut; cedar tree in blue/green SPARK patch on clear window. Back: Cedar tree in blue/green SPARK patch on clear window; Banque du Liban building. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. 2014. Signature 12. Intro: 15.05.2014.

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

Kuwait to introduce new polymer notes on 29 June 2014

According to an article in Kuwait Times dated 6 May 2014, the Central Bank of Kuwait intends to unveil a new family of banknotes printed by De La Rue on polymer. The notes will be issued on the beginning of Ramadan, 29 June 2014.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (Polymernotes of the World).

Georgia new sig/date (2013) 50-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_50_lari_2013.00.00_B51d_P73_F_33865060_sig
50 lari, 2013. Like NBG B51, but new date and new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Aleksandre “Alexander” Khetaguri).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze (IBNS 10079).

De La Rue insider reveals insight into banknote design

The Financial Times has an interesting article dated 28 April 2014 in which Andy Sharman interviews Malcom Knight, "former research and development director and now consultant at De La Rue, the discreet British banknote maker that has designed more than 40 per cent of the paper currency to have entered global circulation in the past two years."

Courtesy of Jim "Rubycored" Chen.

Nigeria new date (2014) 1,000-naira note confirmed

1,000 naira, 2014. Like B229, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Singapore new symbol (one triangle) 5-dollar note confirmed

Singapore_MAS_5_dollars_2010.11.00_B9d_PNL_4AQ_096610_detail
5 dollars, no date. Like MAS B9, but one triangle on back. Intro: 2014.

Curiously, this note bears the prefix 4AQ, which falls after the 4AL prefix for a note previously confirmed with two triangles. Apparently the Monetary Authority of Singapore has broken with the symbol system used in the past.

Courtesy of Chris Twining of Page's Coins and Currency.

India new sig/date (2014) 20-rupee note confirmed

20 rupees, 2014. Like P103, but new date, new signature (Raghuram G. Ragan), and without inset letter.

FYI, the 20th edition of the SCWPM finally has assigned Pick numbers to the notes with rupee symbols which have been issued since 2011. Unfortunately, Krause has made a mess of it. A quick check of the listings shows the latest date is 2012 when in fact 2013 and 2014 notes have been confirmed. Also, P101 is assigned to a 5-rupee note dated 2011 with rupee symbol even though such a note does not exist, and there are duplicate listings for this denomination spread across P88A and P94A.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

The Challenge: Identify vignettes on Mozambique's notes

Today’s challenge is to identify the following vignettes from Mozambique's banknotes.

If you can precisely identify the proper name of any of the following—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please send me an email, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

The following scene appears on the front of Mozambique's 100-metical note (P126) dated 16 de JUNHO DE 1980. Mozambique_BDM_100_M_1980.06.16_B11a_P126_AB_7305625_f
IDENTIFIED: Five FRELIMO soldiers raising flag on 25 June 1975 at Machava stadium in Lourenço Marques (Maputo).
Courtesy of Martin Maillot.

The following two scenes appear on the front of Mozambique's 500-metical note (P127) dated 16 de JUNHO DE 1980, so they may be related. The bottom scene could be a crowd waving their voter ID cards. However, I don't like to publish guesses in The Banknote Book, so if anyone can properly identify this vignette, please do.
Mozambique_BDM_500_M_1980.06.16_B12a_P127_AA_3009222_left
IDENTIFIED: Permanent Commission seated behind Samora Moisés Machel addressing People's Assembly.
Courtesy of David Blair.

Mozambique_BDM_500_M_1980.06.16_B12a_P127_AA_3009222_right

The following scene appears on the front of Mozambique's 1,000-metical note (P128) dated 16 de JUNHO DE 1980. On the wall is inscribed FRELIMO [Frente de Libertação de Moçambique] PARTIDO DE VANGUARDA DA REVOLUÇÃO SOCIALISTA, so it appears to be a monument or memorial to liberation fighters, but I've been unable to find its official name or location.
Mozambique_BDM_1000_M_1980.06.16_B13a_P128_AA_0004581_f
IDENTIFIED: FRELIMO monument in Maputo in a small crescent-shaped square along Avenida Samora Machel, beside the old colonial Governor’s house (so called Casa de Ferro) and before the entrance gate of the Tunduru Botanic Gardens. At some point, the monument was replaced by a statue of the FRELIMO leader Samora Moises Machel, killed in a plane crash on 19 October 1986. Courtesy of Rocco Di Leone.

The following scene appears on the front of Mozambique's 5,000-metical note (P133) dated 3 de FEVEREIRO DE 1988 and the 500-metical note (P134) dated 16 de JUNHO DE 1991. Is the statue/carving a famous one? If so, by whom, and what is the name?
Mozambique_BDM_5000_M_1988.02.03_B18a_P133a_ZA_0013097_f
IDENTIFIED: Wood sculpture by Alberto Mabungulane Chissano. Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

The following scene appears on the front of Mozambique's 20,000-metical note (P140) dated 16 DE JUNHO DE 1999.
Mozambique_BDM_20000_M_1999.06.16_B23a_P140_AA_6767546_f
IDENTIFIED: Allegorical representation of education.
Coutesy of Frank van Tiel.

The following appears on the back of Mozambique's 50,000-metical note (P138) dated 16 DE JUNHO DE 1993. Is this just decorative artwork, or does it have some other significance?
Mozambique_BDM_50000_M_1993.06.16_B24a_P138_EC_7631113_r
Querubim artwork
IDENTIFIED: Portion of ceramic low relief on the front of the bank headquarters by artist Querubim Lapa de Almeid. Courtesy of Rocco Di Leone.

Malawi new sig/date (01.06.2012) 50-kwacha note confirmed

50 kwacha, 1st JUNE 2012. Like B151, but new date and signature 12.

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Philippines seeks to alter color of 100-peso note

Philippines_BSP_100_pesos_2010.00.00_P208_A_488141_f
Philippines_BSP_1000_pesos_2010.00.00_P211_A_003795_f
According to an article on ABS CBN News dated 24 April 2014, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has asked the president to allow the bank to alter the color of the purple 100-peso note (P208) because it is too easily confused with the blue 1,000-peso note (P211).

India delays introduction of 10-rupee polymer notes

According to an article on The Hindu BusinessLine dated 24 April 2014, the Reserve Bank of India has delayed the introduction of polymer-based 10-rupee notes due to the failure of the selected bidders in meeting technical specifications.

Ukraine chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Ukraine 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 National Bank of Ukraine from 1991 to present. Revised 13 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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Jordan new sig/date (2012) 50-dinar note (B234g) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2012.00.00_B234g_P38_fJordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2012.00.00_B234g_P38_r
Like B234f, but new date (2012 ٢٠١٢) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

India new sig/date (2014) 10-rupee note confirmed

India_RBI_10_rupees_2013.00.00_PNL_85B_958467_f
10 rupees, 2014. Like previous 10-rupee note with rupee symbol, but new date and new signature (Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan). Confirmed without inset letter and with A inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Guatemala new sig/date (17.01.2007) 50-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_50_quetzales_2007.01.17_P113_F_20135962_B_sig
50 quetzales, 17 DE ENERO DE 2007. Like P113, but new date, new signatures, and prefix/suffix F/B.

Courtesy of Tomasz Jazwinski.

Bolivia has issued tender for printing of J series of notes

According to a report on ElDeber.com dated 16 February 2014, the Banco Central de Bolivia has issued a tender for the printing of new banknotes for J series.

Iraq rumored to have prepared new banknotes

According a report on Kurdnet dated 9 April 2014, the Central Bank of Iraq has announced printing new banknotes with new images, new security features, and features to help the sight-impaired distinguish between denominations.

Belarus rumored to have printed new notes in advance of redenomination

According to a report on Forex.co dated 8 April 2014, Aleksander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, is said to have told the employees of an aircraft repair plant in Baranovichi that the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus has already printed a new family of banknotes resembling euros. The new notes are reportedly in storage, ready to be issued after redenominating the Belarusian ruble, expected sometime in 2014.

Free samples of Banknotes of the World industry newsletter

Banknotes of the World
InterCrim Press (Moscow, Russia) publishes books and magazines of interest to banknote collectors, most notably Banknotes of the World, a 40-page monthly newsletter containing news and articles covering the currency industry and the banking community in Russia and abroad. While the editorial is geared towards currency industry insiders, collectors may also appreciate learning about the business side of banknote production and handling. Each issue devotes several pages to the security features of new notes, and there are counterfeit notices as well, plus a fair bit of information on coins, too.

An annual subscription to Banknotes of the World costs $300 for 12 PDF issues, or $360 for printed copies. InterCrim Press has generously agreed to allow BanknoteNews to distribute three back issues as a free download to provide a sample of what you can expect when you subscribe to the newsletter.

Guatemala new sig/date (09.09.2011) 100-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_100_quetzales_2011.09.09_P119_G_48400687_E_sig
100 quetzales, 9 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2011. Like P119, but new date, signatures, and printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient).

Courtesy of Tomasz Jazwinski.

Philippines to demonetize old peso notes in 2015

According to a Philippines Information Agency report dated 14 April 2014, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has announced that the old series of peso notes will be demonetized in 2015, although an exact date has not yet been determined.

Suriname new sig/date (01.04.2012) 5- and 100-dollar notes confirmed

Suriname_CBVS_5_dollars_2012.04.01_B45b_PNL_GA_4684806_sig
5 dollars, 1 APRIL 2012. Like CBVS B45a, but new date (vertical in blue) and signature (Gillmore Hoefdraad), plus printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient) on back.

100 dollars, 1 APRIL 2012. Like CBVS B49a, but new date (vertical in blue) and signature (Gillmore Hoefdraad), plus printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient) on back.

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

Trinidad and Tobago new 1-dollar note confirmed

Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_1_dollar_2006.00.00_B29a_PNL_MG_046657_f
Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_1_dollar_2006.00.00_B29a_PNL_MG_046657_r
1 dollar, 2006. Like B221, but new signature (Jwala Rambarran, who took over as governor from Ewart S. Williams on 13.07.2012) and raised horizontal bars at upper left and right front to assist the visually impaired distinguish between denominations. Intro: November 2013.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de), and Claudio Marana.

Venezuela new sig/date (03.02.2011) 5-bolívar note confirmed

Venezuela_BCV_5_bolívares_2011.02.03_P89_P_68734444_sig
5 bolívares, 3 DE FEBRERO DE 2011. Like P89, but new date and signatures. Prefix P.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Turks & Caicos Islands chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Turks & Caicos Islands 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 Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands from 1903 to 1928. Revised 08.05.2018.

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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Venezuela new sig/date (19.12.2008) 20-bolívar note confirmed

Venezuela_BCV_20_bolívares_2008.12.19_P91_J_29150270_sig
20 bolívares, 19 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2008. Like P91, but new date and signatures. Prefix J.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Kuwait new sig 10-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_10_dinars_1994.04.03_B27f_P27_EE-158_484300_sig
10 dinars, no date. Like B227, but new signature (Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel and Mustafa Jassem Al-Shamali).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Lebanon new 50,000-pound commemorative note reported

According to a press release dated 9 April 2014, De La Rue has printed a new 50,000-livre note to commemorate the 50th annivesary of the founding of the Banque du Liban. "With vibrant colours and imagery, the new note uses the latest technology as protection against counterfeiting. The clear ‘window’ area in the banknote shows an image of the Cedar of Lebanon in a bright, eye-catching blue/green ink which changes colour as the note is tilted and which can be seen from both sides of the note. The Banque is proud to be the first issuing authority in the region to use this colour changing ink in the clear window of the banknote. De La Rue’s Sales Director Ruth Euling commented: ‘De La Rue is honoured that the Banque du Liban has selected our Safeguard polymer for their banknotes and included the SPARK ® Orbital TM feature which provides a dynamic, high impact public recognition feature. We congratulate the Banque on being the first issuer in the region to adopt the new technologies."

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Poland new 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-zloty notes confirmed

Poland_NBP_10_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AC_6572424_f
Poland_NBP_10_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AC_6572424_r

10 złotych, 5 STYCZNIA 2012 (01.05.2012). Like P173, but with Omron rings, PWPW printer imprint, and new registration device. Intro: 07.04.2014.

Poland_NBP_20_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AA_1093058_f
Poland_NBP_20_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AA_1093058_r

20 złotych, 5 STYCZNIA 2012 (01.05.2012). Like P174, but with Omron rings, PWPW printer imprint, and new registration device. Intro: 07.04.2014.

Poland_NBP_50_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AD_9208688_f
Poland_NBP_50_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AD_9208688_r

50 złotych, 5 STYCZNIA 2012 (01.05.2012). Like P175, but with Omron rings, SPARK patch, caption for portrait, PWPW printer imprint, and new registration device. Intro: 07.04.2014.

Poland_NBP_100_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AA_7810624_f
Poland_NBP_100_zlotych_2012.01.05_PNL_AA_7810624_r

100 złotych, 5 STYCZNIA 2012 (01.05.2012). Like P176, but with Omron rings, SPARK patch, caption for portrait, PWPW printer imprint, and new registration device. Intro: 07.04.2014.

There are no plans to release a revised 200-zloty note at this time.

Courtesy of Radoslaw Dlouhy and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Malaysia new 1-ringgit variety confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_1_ringgit_2012.07.16_B49b_PNL_DX_4189617_detail
1 ringgit, no date. Like B149, but text on front filled with diagonal lines.

The text on the front of early issues of the 1-ringgit note is filled solid (BNM B49a, top), but on later issues the text is filled with diagonal lines (B49b, bottom).

Courtesy of Sergey Vostrikov and Alexander Petrov.

Maldives new sig/date (02.01.2013) 100-rufiyaa note confirmed



Maldives_MMA_100_rufiyaa_2013.01.02_B14c_P22_H_018460_f
Maldives_MMA_100_rufiyaa_2013.01.02_B14c_P22_H_018460_r
On 22 October 2013, the Maldives Monetary Authority issued a new 100-rufiyaa note like MMA B14, but with enhanced security features, including Cornerstone watermarks, electrotype 100 watermark, and 3-mm wide red-to-green color-changing windowed security thread with demetalized 100 MMA and decoractive pattern. The new notes bear the signature of Governor Dr. Fazeel Najeeb and the date 20 Safar 1434/2 January 2013. The bank's pamphlet describing this note indicates the denomination was last printed in 2004, but the only known dates are 1995/AH1416 and 2000/AH1421.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov, Peter Cin, and Aidan Work.

Eritrea new 10-nakfa note confirmed

Eritrea_BOE_10_nakfa_2012.05.24_B11a_PNL_AA_3125333_f
Eritrea_BOE_10_nakfa_2012.05.24_B11a_PNL_AA_3125333_r

10 nakfa, 24.5.2012. Like BOE B3, but new date, new signature, new color scheme, and windowed security thread on back. Intro: 2014.

When other denominations underwent color changes, they continued the prefixes from the preceding issues. Curiously, this new note reverts back to prefix AA.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de), Dennis Zammit and Alexander Petrov.

Guatemala new sig/date (19.05.2010) 100-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_100_quetzales_2010.05.19_P119_G_88758330_D_sig
100 quetzales, 19 DE MAYO DE 2010. Like P119, but new date, new signatures, and new printer imprint (GIESECKE & DEVRIENT).

Courtesy of Alexey.

Philippines new date (2014) 100-peso note confirmed

100 pesos, 2014. Like P208, but new date.

Courtesy of Leo Belmonte (LeoBelmonte3).

Netherlands Antilles new date 25-, 50-, and 100-guilder notes confirmed

25 gulden (guilders), 1 februari 2014. Like B226, but new date.

50 gulden (guilders), 1 december 2013. Like B227, but new date.

100 gulden (guilders), 1 december 2013. Like B228, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Radoslaw Dlouhy.

Zambia new date (2013) kwacha notes confirmed

2 kwacha, 2013. Like B152a, but new date.

5 kwacha, 2013. Like B153a, but new date.

10 kwacha, 2013. Like B154a, but new date.

100 kwacha, 2013. Like B157a, but new date.

Courtesy of Garry Craig.

Tunisia new 5-dinar note confirmed

Tunisia_BCT_5_dinars_2013.03.20_B36a_PNL_C-1_1033730_fTunisia_BCT_5_dinars_2013.03.20_B36a_PNL_C-1_1033730_r
BCT B36 (PNL): 5 dinars (US$3.20)
Green. Front: City of Carthage; Carthaginian general, Hannibal wearing helmet. Back: Carthaginian ships. Holographic stripe with Hannibal, Carthaginian ship, and crescent moon and star. Windowed green-to-gold security thread with demetalized design. Watermark: Olive tree and electrotype 5. Printer: Unknown. 143 x 73 mm.
a. 2013-3-20. Signature 10. Intro: 17.03.2014.

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

Burma chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Burma 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 the Government of India in 1937, the Reserve Bank of India from 1938 to 1939, the Japanese Government from 1942 to 1945, the Burma State Bank from 1944 to 1945, the Military Administration of Burma from 1943 to 1945, the Burma Currency Board in 1947, the Government of Burma from 1948 to 1950, the Union Bank of Burma from 1953 to 1958, the Peoples Bank of Burma in 1965, and the Union of Burma Bank from 1972 to 1987. Revised 9 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
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Ukraine new sig/date (2013) 20-hryvnia note (B849d) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_20_hryven_2013.00.00_P120_CE_0969536_sig
20 hryven, 2013. Like B849c, but new date and new signature (Ihor Sorkin). Intro: 2014.

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



Argentina new 50-peso Falklands commemorative note reported

_73994687_capture2
Argentina_BCRA_50_pesos_2014.00.00_PNL_f
Argentina_BCRA_50_pesos_2014.00.00_PNL_r

According to a BBC article dated 3 April 2014, Argentina "launched" (it's unclear if it was merely unveiled or actually introduced into circulation) a new 50-peso note commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the invasion of the archipelago known as the Falklands to Britian and the Islas Malvinas to Argentina.

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

Courtesy of Cleo Phas, Aidan Work, and Christof Zellweger.

Iraq new sig/date (2012) 250-dinar note confirmed

Iraq_CBI_250_dinars_2012.00.00_B47b_P91_sig
250 dinars, ٢٠١٢ - ١٤٣٣ (2012/AH1433). Like CBI B47, but new date and new signature (Sinan Al-Shabibi, who served as governor from September 2003 to October 2012).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Marian Massimiliano.

Iraq new sig/date (2013) 1,000-dinar note confirmed

Iraq_CBI_1000_dinars_2012.00.00_B49b_P93_sig
1,000 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٤ (2013/AH1434). Like CBI B49, but new date and new signature (Abdul Basit Turki Saeed, who assumed governorship of CBI in October 2012).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Marian Massimiliano.

RIP: Michel Prieur of Compagnie Generale De Bourse

michel-prieur
It is with great sadness that his family and the employees of Compagnie Generale De Bourse announce the death of the founder and chairman of their company, M. Michel Prieur, following cardiac arrest on 18 March 2014. The religious ceremony was held in Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church on 28 March.

While I never met Michel in person, we exchanged many emails over the years and he was an early supporter of The Banknote Book, graciously sending me a hard drive containing thousands of note images from past CGB sales for use in my catalog. In addition to sharing images, he was also generous with his time and provided thoughtful insight into our mutual hobby of banknote collecting. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Serbia new sig/date (2014) 50-dinar note confirmed

Serbia_NBS_50_dinara_2014.00.00_B16b_P56_AA_0006804_sig
50 dinara, 2014. Like NBS B16, but new date and new signature (Jorgovanka Tabaković). Intro: 28.02.2014.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Denmark new sig/date (2012) 50-krone notes confirmed

Denmark_DN_50_kroner_2012.00.00_P65_A9_039889_K_sig
Denmark_DN_50_kroner_2012.00.00_P65_A9_539886_A_sig

50 kroner, (20)12. Like P65, but new date and new signatures. Prefix A9.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new sig/date (03.01.2012) 10-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2012.01.01_P341_J_1799594_sig
10 pounds, 3rd JANUARY 2012. Like P341, but new date and new signature.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking new date (01.01.2012) 500-dollar note confirmed

500 dollars, 1 January 2012. Like P215, but new date.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Argentina new sig 5- and 20-peso notes confirmed

Argentina_BCRA_5_pesos_2003.00.00_P353_H_07132023_sig
5 pesos, no date. Like P353 but new signatures (Mercedes Marcó del Pont and unknown) and suffix H.

20 pesos, no date. Like P355 but new signatures (Mercedes Marcó del Pont and unknown) and suffix E.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Haiti new 20-gourde variety confirmed

Haiti_BRH_20_gourdes_2001.00.00_B44b_P271A_A_001512484_f
20 gourdes, 2001. Like BRH B44a, but with sans serif prefix font and one 9-digit serial number at left instead of two 6-digit serial numbers flanking laurels at left and right.

Courtesy of Frede Hansen.

Georgia new sig/date (2013) 5-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_5_lari_2013.00.00_B48d_P70_CF_5548518_sig
5 lari, 2013. Like NBG B48, but new date and signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Aleksandre “Alexander” Khetaguri).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze.

Ukraine new sig/date (2013) 2-hryvnia note (B845d) confirmed

Ukraine_NBU_2_hryven_2013.00.00_P117_ТЖ_6744010_sig
2 гривні (hryvni), 2013. Like B845c, but new date and signature (Ihor Sorkin).

Courtesy of Константин Бохонок.

Afghanistan new 1,000-aghani note reported

Afghanistan_DAB_1000_afghanis_2013.00.00_PNL
1,000 afghanis, 2012. Like CAB B61, but new date, new signature, electrotype added to watermark, new 12-mm wide holographic stripe, new 3-mm wide windowed security thread, and new invisible color-changing ink on center front.

According to a report in Afghanistan Times, the bank unveiled the new note officially on 26 March 2014 and will issue same "according to needs of the market."

Courtesy of Cedrian.

Australia paper discussed the Next Generation Banknote Project

The Reserve Bank of Australia has published a PDF paper on the Next Generation Banknote Project, RBA's efforts to deter counterfeiting by enhancing the security of Australia's banknotes. One interesting finding is that the Australian public greatly exagerates the likelihood of receiving a counterfeit in circulation even though polymer fakes were virtually non-existent prior to 2010. Since then, rather convincing $50 fakes have been passed, and Mexico's 50-peso note was successfully counterfeited in 2012.

The "NGB" series will maintain the current serie's color schemes and people portrayed, and will also be printed on polymer, but with more complex designs, intaglio and offset printing, multiple see-through windows.

Aruba new sig/date (01.12.2012) 100-florin note confirmed

Aruba_CBA_100_florin_2012.12.01_B19c_P19_0892259082_sig
100 florin, 1 december 2012. Like CBA B19, but new signatures and date.

Courtesy of Steffen Simon.

England polymer 5- and 10-pound notes in video


The CNN Money clip above discusses the Bank of England's plans to adopt polymer substrates for its banknotes, and there are even several shots of polymer 5- and 10-pound test notes at various points in the video.

Courtesy of Mark St. Pierre.

Trinidad and Tobago new 100-dollar note confirmed

Trinidad_Tobago_CBTT_100_dollars_2006.00.00_B33a_PNL_JJ_421201_f
100 dollars, 2006. Like CBTT B25, but new signature (Jwala Rambarran, who took over as governor from Ewart S. Williams on 13.07.2012) and raised horizontal bars at upper left and right front to assist the visually impaired distinguish between denominations. Intro: March 2014.

Courtesy of Monetary Research Institute.

Guatemala new sig/date (19.05.2010) 20-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_20_quetzales_2010.05.19_PNL_E_26046766_C_fGuatemala_BDG_20_quetzales_2010.05.19_PNL_E_26046766_C_r
20 quetzales, 19 DE MAYO DE 2010. Like P118, but new date, new signatures, new imprint of CANADIAN BANK NOTE, and change to the shape of the flag as registration device.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Max Keller.

Afghanistan new sig/date (2008) 20-afghani note confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_20_afghanis_2008.00.00_B52d_P68_SIG
20 afghanis, ١٣٨٧ (SH1387/2008). Like DAB B52c, but new date, signatures, Cornerstones added to watermark, and modification to embossed design at right front.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin and Voyonick.

Seychelles new 10-rupee commemorative sheet confirmed

Seychelles_CBS_10_rupees_2013.00.00_B9c_P36_AK_020272_f
10 rupees, 2013. Like CBS B9c, but with 35th Anniversary Central Bank of Seychelles overprint on watermark area at right front. Available only in sheets of 28.

Courtesy of TDS.

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.

Paraguay new 10,000-guaraní note (B858a) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_10000_guaranies_2011.00.00_B58a_PNL_G_00256610_fParaguay_BCP_10000_guaranies_2011.00.00_B58a_PNL_G_00256610_r
B858a: 10,000 guaraníes, 2011. Like B856a, but new date, new prefix (G), new printer imprint (PWPW S.A.) and revised engravings, including blank area to right of portrait.

Courtesy of Vygandas Kadzys.

Paraguay new sig/date (2013) 100,000-guaraní note (B854d) confirmed

Paraguay_BCP_100000_guaranies_2013.00.00_B54d_P233b_F_42968540_sig
B854d: 100,000 guaraníes, 2013. Like BCP B854c, but new date, new signatures (Jorge Aurelio Villalba Leguizamón and Roland Holst Wenninger), and printer imprint reverts to CRANE CURRENCY.

Courtesy of Vygandas Kadzys.

North Korea new 100th birthday commemorative notes (B348 - B356) confirmed

North_Korea_DPRK_5_won_2002.00.00_B48a_PNL_8712477_fNorth_Korea_DPRK_5_won_2002.00.00_B48a_PNL_8712477_ovpt
North Korea has issued into circulation all denominations (5 to 5,000 won) with a 100th birthday overprint in the upper left corner. Other than the overprint, these notes are identical to the preceding issues (B339 - B347).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Mehilba World Replacement specialized catalog now available

Mehilba World Replacement cover
It's my great pleasure to announce the availability of fellow numismatic author Dr. Ali Mehilba's long-awaited catalog, Mehliba World Replacement. As most of you know, The Banknote Book explains how to identify replacement notes, but being an omnibus catalog it can't go into great detail nor provide values for same. Anyone who wants the most definitive examination of this fascinating aspect of numismatics in encouraged to purchase Dr. Ali's specialized catalog. At almost 600 color pages, it's well worth the list price of US$65. Apply coupon code owen (all lowercase) in the shopping cart to receive a $5 discount, and be sure to ask for a personalized autograph during checkout.

Macedonia new sig/date (00.10.2013) 1,000-denar note (B214c) confirmed

Macedonia_NBRM_1000_denari_2013.10.00_B214c_P22_BИ_7245707_f
Like B214b, but new date (Октомври 2013) and new signature (Dimitar Bogov).

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (http://www.banknote.ws).

South Africa new 10-rand note with Omron rings confirmed

South_Africa_SARB_10_rand_2013.11.06_B67a_PNL_CA_8769441_A_f
South_Africa_SARB_10_rand_2013.11.06_B67a_PNL_CA_8769441_A_r
10 rand, no date. Like note issued 06.11.2012, but with Omron rings added to front and back.

Courtesy of David Jones.

Guatemala new sig/date (11.05.2011) 10-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_10_quetzales_2011.05.11_PNL_D_61951785_C_sig
10 quetzales, 11 DE MAYO DE 2011. Like unlisted note dated 19 DE MAYO DE 2010, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

India extends exchange of pre-2005 notes to 2015

According to a press release dated 22 January 2014, the Reserve Bank of India announced that all banknotes issued prior to 2005 were to be withdrawn from circulation as of 1 April 2014. However, a new press release dated 3 March 2014 indicates that RBI has extended the date of exchange to 1 January 2015.

Courtesy of Jinesh Joseph and Mohamed Ibrahim.

Guatemala new 20-quetzal note printed by Goznak reported

According to a press release by Russian banknote producer Goznak, the firm has recently executed an order to produce a 20-quetzal note for Guatemala. The release also mentions various other countries for which Goznak supplies paper substrate and produces notes.

Courtesy of Cedrian Lopez Bosch.

Singapore new symbol 100-dollar note confirmed

100 dollars, no date. Like MAS B6d, but two triangles below YOUTH on back.

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

South Africa new 20-rand note with Omron rings confirmed

20 rand, no date. Like note issued 06.11.2012, but with Omron rings added to front and back.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Egypt new sig/date (16.05.2013) 20-pound note confirmed

Egypt_CBE_20_pounds_2013.05.16_P65_265_sig
20 pounds, 16.05.2013 in Arabic. Like P65, but new date and signature (Hesham Ramez).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Singapore new signature/symbol 1,000-dollar note confirmed

1,000 dollars, no date. Like MAS B7e, but new signature (Tharman Shanmugaratnam) and one star below GOVERNMENT on back.

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

Egypt new sig/date (26.02.2013) 5-pound note confirmed

Egypt_CBE_5_pounds_2013.02.26_P63_278_sig
5 pounds, 26.02.2013 in Arabic. Like P63, but new date and signature (Hesham Ramez).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

India new sig/date (2014) 500-rupee note confirmed

The 500-rupee note has been confirmed dated 2014 both with the signature of the previous governor, Duvvuri Subbarao, as well as the current governor, Raghuram G. Rajan. The former is confirmed with inset letter E and the latter without inset letter.

The previous governor's signature has also been reported on a 1,000-rupee note. According to a
video on Moneycontrol.com, the "error" notes were printed at Dewas printing facility and are considered legal tender.

Courtesy of Aidan Work, Jinesh Joseph, and Mohamed Ibrahim.

Botswana new date (2012) 100-pula note (B127c) confirmed

Botswana_BOB_100_pula_2012.00.00_B127c_P33_AC_5841810_fBotswana_BOB_100_pula_2012.00.00_B127c_P33_AC_5841810_r
Like B127b, but new date (2012).

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

Guatemala new sig/date (11.05.2011) 10-quetzal note confirmed

Guatemala_BDG_10_quetzales_2011.05.11_PNL_D_61951790_C_sig
10 quetzales, 11 DE MAYO DE 2011. Like unlisted note dated 19 DE MAYO DE 2010, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Jordan new sig/date (2012) 5-dinar note (B230e) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2012.00.00_B230e_P35_fJordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2012.00.00_B230e_P35_r
Like B230d, but new date (2012 ٢٠١٢) and signatures.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

International Currency Grading adopts The Banknote Book catalog numbers

San Francisco - 21 February 2014 - International Currency Grading (ICG) is pleased to announce that they have begun printing The Banknote Book catalog numbers on ICG grading labels.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2003.00.00_B29a_P30_ICG_f

“As a new grading service focused exclusively on world paper money, we offer accurate grading that collectors demand and deserve. The precise and complete identification of the notes we grade is an important part of our service, and The Banknote Book is unequaled in accuracy, detail, and specificity,” said Jaime Sanz, a manager at ICG. “ICG staffers rely upon The Banknote Book as our primary reference source because its editor shares our curiosity, rigorous standards, and love of world paper money.”

According to Owen W. Linzmayer, editor of The Banknote Book, “ICG was looking for detailed, error-free and up-to-date information for their grading labels and I am honored that they have embraced The Banknote Book. When I began publishing my catalog three years ago, I never expected collectors and dealers to abandon the venerable Pick numbers for The Banknote Book numbers. ICG’s decision to print both on equal footing demonstrates they are bringing a progressive new approach to banknote grading services.”

If you would like to try ICG's grading service, use the coupon code TBB to receive a 30% discount.

For more information, contact:

Jaime Sanz
International Currency Grading
London, United Kingdom
http://www.icgrading.com
help@icgrading.com

Falkland Islands new sig/date (01.01.2011) 20-pound note confirmed

Falkland_Islands_GFI_20_pounds_2011.01.01_B21b_P15_B_000288_sig
20 pounds, 1 JANUARY 2011. Like GFI B21, but new date, signature 9, and Cornerstone watermarks added.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Hong Kong Standard Bank new sig/date (01.01.2013) 50-dollar note confirmed

Hong_Kong_SCB_50_dollars_2013.01.01_P298_AU_438857_sig
50 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2013. Like P298, but new signatures and date.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

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

Indonesia_BI_10000_rupiah_2013.00.00_P150_UJY_355810_sig
10,000 rupiah, 2013/2005. Like P150, but new date and signatures (Nasution/Sarwono).

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

Malawi new sig/date (01.06.2012) 20-kwacha note confirmed

Malawi_RBM_20_kwacha_2012.01.01_B50b_P57_AK_0067156_sig
Malawi_RBM_20_kwacha_2012.01.01_B50b_P57_AK_0067156_r
20 kwacha, 1st JUNE 2012. Like B150a, but new date, new signature, and building on back now correctly identified as in MACHINGA, not DOMASAI.

Courtesy of Garry Craig.



Dominican Republic new sig/date (2013) 500-peso dominicano note confirmed

Dominican_Republic_BCRD_500_pesos_dominicanos_2013.00.00_PNL_MP_7164824_sig
500 pesos dominicanos, 2013. Like unlisted note dated 2012, but new date and new signatures (Héctor Valdez Albizu and Simón Lizardo Mézquita).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.


India new sig/date (2013) 50- and 500-rupee notes confirmed

India_RBI_50_rupees_2013.00.00_PNL_8AA_499996_sig
50 rupees, 2013. Like unlisted note, but new date and new signature (Raghuram G. Rajan). No inset letter.

500 rupees, 2013. Like unlisted note, but new date and new signature (Raghuram G. Rajan). No inset letter.

Courtesy of Mohamed Ibrahim.

Isle of Man new "promise to pay" clause 20-pound note (B117e) confirmed

Isle_of_Man_IOMG_20_pounds_2013.00.00_B17e_P45_K_024314_clause
B117e: 20 pounds, no date. Like B117d, but with new "promise to pay" clause wording and line break. Prefix J, K.

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

Hong Kong Bank of China new date (01.01.2013) 20-, 50-, and 100-dollar notes confirmed

20 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like BOC B16, but new date.

50 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like BOC B17, but new date.

100 dollars, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like BOC B18, but new date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Uruguay chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Uruguay 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 the Banco Central del Uruguay (Central Bank of Uruguay) from 1967 to present. Revised 16 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
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United States new 100-dollar note's anti-counterfeiting measures

The following is a guest post written specifically for BanknoteNews.com by Forextraders.com. Enjoy. —Owen W. Linzmayer

The latest “Benjamins” exude anti-counterfeiting measures, but not all


It is a new day, and more than likely, there is a press release in some part of the world announcing the latest banknote design. The plethora of similar announcements would seem to suggest that printing new banknotes and putting them into circulation is not a costly affair, but keeping one step ahead of counterfeiters has become a true scientific art form in recent years.

The critical goal for every new issuance these days is, according to Federal Reserve Board Governor Jerome Powell, to incorporate “security features that make it easier to authenticate, but harder to replicate.” With today’s color copying technology and a host of terrorist bands seeking illicit funding across the planet, the ability of and the cost to prevent counterfeiting on a global scale has escalated. Career enforcement officials, however, are the first to admit that counterfeiting cannot be eliminated, but only contained at acceptable levels.

The most heavily counterfeited banknote within the U.S. borders is the $20 note, but outside our national borders, the $100 note, frequently referred to as a “Benjamin” reigns supreme. More than two-thirds of the Benjamins circulate outside of our country, and of the US$1.15 trillion in general currency in public use, roughly one percent of that figure is believed to be counterfeit. Ever since the Federal government stopped issuing $500, $1,000 and $10,000 notes in 1969, the $100 note ascended to the top of heap as our largest denominated banknote in circulation.

How have Americans adjusted to the new $100 notes that were released 8 October 2013? With the economy as tight as it is, there is doubt that it has become a collector’s item, but the look and feel seems destined to resemble so-called monopoly money, without the color plumage witnessed on most other countries’ official legal tender. Per the press release, the most noticeable new additions are “a ribbon with images that move when the bill is tilted [Crane’s Motion thread] and a drawing that changes colors depending on its angle.” These two items join half a dozen other anti-counterfeiting measures employed in the latest design.

Is the U.S. government in the lead when it comes to these anti-fraud techniques?

The prevailing anti-counterfeiting features include threads, ribbons, holograms, UV inks or fibers, or color-changing inks to thwart copiers and printing devices. The U.S. has avoided holograms or UV light features, but the UK and the Eurozone have chosen both of these options. A few countries have actually gone a different route and chosen polymer, as opposed to paper, for their notes’ substrates. They last longer and are more difficult to replicate. Australia, Canada, and Mexico, have embarked upon this path, and many other countries are exploring polymer, including India and the United Kingdom.

What is new on the fraud prevention horizon?

As with the pharmaceutical industry, banknote scientists are looking to Mother Nature for clues for unique new innovations. From the field known as “biomimicry,” nano-optics are being used to create iridescent colors in much the same fashion as South American butterflies or male peacocks. Their shimmering hues are produced by a series of nano-sized holes and the effects they impart on light. The trick is to make artificial “nano-hole arrays,” which has been accomplished. One scientist noted, “We can tune the colors by changing the geometry of those hole arrays.”

This particular nano-technology can be used in a variety of arenas to ensure that brand names or drug containers are not compromised. In fact, it works best when applied to a plastic surface. Canada and others may have been wise to head in a plastic-based direction.

Will the Canadian Loonie soon sprout shimmering wings? Only time will tell.

For additional reading on this subject, there is a discussion of anti-counterfeiting and currency information on Forextraders.com.



Mexico new sig/date (23.04.2009) 200-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_200_pesos_2009.04.23_P125_S_N5412978_sig
200 pesos, 23 ABR. 2009. Like P125, but new date and signatures. Series S.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

United States new sig/date (2013) 10- and 20-dollar notes confirmed

United_States_FED_10_dollars_2013.00.00_PNL_MB_39880695_A_f
10 dollars, 2013. Signatures: Gumataotao Rios & Jacob Lew.

United_States_FED_20_dollars_2013.00.00_PNL_MB_04539351_A_f
20 dollars, 2013. Signatures: Gumataotao Rios & Jacob Lew.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (Bank Note Museum).

South Africa new 50-rand note with Omron rings confirmed

South_Africa_SARB_50_rand_2013.11.06_B69a_PNL_DK_6389661_C_fSouth_Africa_SARB_50_rand_2013.11.06_B69a_PNL_DK_6389661_C_r
50 rand, no date. Like note issued 06.11.2012, but with Omron rings added to front and back.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.


Colombia new date (16.08.2012) 2,000-peso note confirmed

2,000 pesos, 16 DE AGOSTO DE 2012. Like P457, but new date.

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

Vietnam new date (2013) 200,000-dong note confirmed

200,000 dong, (20)13. Like SBV B47, but new date.

Courtesy of Virosa.

Mexico new sig/date (12.06.2012) 20-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_20_pesos_2012.06.24_P122_U_N1198282_sig
20 pesos, 12 JUN. 2012. Like P122, but new date and signatures. Series U. Confirmed only in uncut sheet at this point.

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Mexico new sig/date (24.06.2011) 500-peso note confirmed

Mexico_BDM_500_pesos_2011.06.24_P126_S_M3252553_sig
500 pesos, 24 JUN. 2011. Like P126, but new date and signatures. Series S.

Courtesy of Mark Fox.

Vietnam new date (2014) 10,000-dong note confirmed

10,000 dong, (20)14. Like SBV B43, but new date.

Courtesy of Indochine1931.

Cuba new date (2013) 1-peso convertible note (BFX905d) confirmed

Like BFX905c, but new date (2013).

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Cuba new date (2008) 100-peso note (B912d) confirmed

Like B912c, but new date (2008).

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Cuba new date (2012) 10-peso note (B906n) confirmed

Like B906m, but new date (2012).

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Hong Kong Standard Chartered new sig/date (01.01.2013) 100-dollar note confirmed

Hong_Kong_SCB_100_dollars_2013.01.01_P299_AV_117244_sig
100 dollars, 1 JANUARY 2013. Like P299, but new signatures and date.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

French Pacific Territories new 2014 note family confirmed

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_500_francs_2014.01.20_B5a_PNL_091845_D9_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_500_francs_2014.01.20_B5a_PNL_091845_D9_r
IEOM B5 (PNL): 500 francs (US$5.65)
Green and red. Front: Papaya leaf and fruit as registration device; tapa cloth patterns (Wallis); kava leaves; bird of paradise flowers. Back: Plumeria (Frangipani) and Gardenia taitensis (Tahitian Gardenia or Tiaré Flower); siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); papaya leaf and fruit. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 500. Printer: (BDF). 120 x 66 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_1000_francs_2014.01.20_B6a_PNL_515530_A8_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_1000_francs_2014.01.20_B6a_PNL_515530_A8_r
IEOM B6 (PNL): 1,000 francs (US$11)
Brown and orange. Front: Parakeet as registration device; sting ray; tortoise. Back: Horned parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus) on branch; Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) bird in flight; white terns; siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); parakeet. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 1000. Printer: (BDF). 126 x 66 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_5000_francs_2014.01.20_B7a_PNL_302315_D0_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_5000_francs_2014.01.20_B7a_PNL_302315_D0_r
IEOM B7 (PNL): 5,000 francs (US$57)
Blue and green. Front: Fish hooks as registration device; tapa cloth patterns (Wallis); volute and 7-finger shells; nautilus; pennant coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus) and coral. Back: Coral and open oyster with pearl; fish as SPARK patch; humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) fish; seashells in border; siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); fish hooks. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM logo and INSTITUT D’ÉMISSION D’OUTRE-MER. Green-to-blue color-changing windowed security thread. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 5000. Printer: (BDF). 132 x 73 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.

French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_10000_francs_2014.01.20_B8a_PNL_304980_D6_f
French_Pacific_Territories_IEOM_10000_francs_2014.01.20_B8a_PNL_304980_D6_r
IEOM B8 (PNL): 10,000 francs (US$113)
Red and yellow. Front: Stone pestle as registration device; tapa cloth patterns (Wallis); two oars; faré (thatched hut) and palm trees. Back: Round houses; flèche faîtière (Kanak house finial) SPARK patch; Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa, New Caledonia; siapo cloth patterns (Futuna); stone pestle. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized IEOM logo and INSTITUT D’ÉMISSION D’OUTRE-MER. Green-to-blue color-changing windowed security thread. Watermark: Outrigger canoe and electrotype 10000. Printer: (BDF). 138 x 73 mm.
a. No date. Signature 14. Intro: 20.01.2014.

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

Singapore new 10-dollar note variety confirmed

Singapore_MAS_10_dollars_2012.01.00_B10h_P48_4GM_989473_r
10 dollars, no date. Like MAS B10, but with one star below SPORTS on back. Intro: January 2014.

Courtesy of Bin Hee Jum.

Pakistan central bank appoints acting governor

According to a report on The News dated 31 January 2014, Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has appointed Ashraf Mahmood Wathra, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as the Acting Governor SBP till further orders. Wathra takes over from Yaseen Anwar, who tendered his resignation as governor of the State Bank of Pakistan on 24 January.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Sweden new date (2012) 500-krona note confirmed

500 kronor, (201)2. Like P66, but new date. Signatures Gernandt & Ingves.

Courtesy of Dott. Michele Cristiano (www.cristianocoins.it) and Peter Mosselberger (www.banknote.ws).

British Honduras chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 12-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of British Honduras from 1894 to 1973. Revised 08.05.2018.

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 president at central bank as of 10.01.2014

According to an article on LaRed21 dated 10 January 2014, Alberto Graña took over from Mario Bergara as president of the Banco Central del Uruguay. New signature varieties may result from the transition.

Bank of England 1- and 100-million pound notes in video


Check out this video from Channel 4 News in which you can view the Bank of England's 1-million and 100-million pound notes.

Mauritius new sig/date (2013) 200-rupee note confirmed

Mauritius_BOM_200_rupees_2013.00.00_B27b_PNL_BQ_005378_sig
200 rupees, 2013. Like BOM B27, but new date and signatures.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Philippines new 100-peso Iglesia ni Cristo commemorative confirmed

Philippines_BSP_100_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_KK_992984_f
100 pesos, 2013. Like P194, but with blue IGLESIA NI CRISTO CENTENNIAL 1914 2014 overprint.

This note commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Church of Christ.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Leo Belmonte III.

Macau Banco da China new date (01.07.2013) 10-, 20-, and 100-pataca notes confirmed

10 patacas, 1 DE JULHO DE 2013. Like BDC B13a, but new date. Prefix AB.

20 patacas, 1 DE JULHO DE 2013. Like BDC B14a, but new date. Prefix AE.

100 patacas, 1 DE JULHO DE 2013. Like BDC B16a, but new date. Prefix AE.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Pakistan central bank governor resignation reported

According to a report on The News dated 24 January 2014, Yaseen Anwar, governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, has tendered his resignation. If true, new signature varieties on current banknotes can eventually be expected.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.

Philippines new 100-peso Shell commemorative confirmed

Philippines_BSP_100_pesos_2013.00.00_PNL_*_1517588_f
100 pesos, 2013. Like P194, but with black Shell 100 TAON 1914 • 2014 overprint.

This note commemorates Shell's 100th anniversary in the Philippines.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Leo Belmonte III.

Vietnam chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam (State Bank of Vietnam) from 1964 to present. Revised 23 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.

Sign up

Iran new signature 50,000-rial note confirmed

Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2013.00.00_B12e_P149_sig
50,000 rials, no date. Like P149, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Kazem Aghapour A.


India notes without dates to be withdrawn 01.04.2014

According to a press release dated 22 January 2014, the Reserve Bank of India has announced that all banknotes issued prior to 2005 are to be withdrawn from circulation as of 1 April 2014. The affected notes are easily identified by their lack of a printed date at lower center on back (up to Pick 94). The notes remain legal tender, but after 1 July 2014, "to exchange more than 10 pieces of 500- or 1,000-rupee notes, non-customers will have to furnish proof of identity and residence to the bank branch in which she/he wants to exchange the notes.

Courtesy of Jinesh Joseph.

Afghanistan new sig/date (2012) 500-afghani note confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_500_afghanis_2012.00.00_B60c_P76_sig

500 afghanis, ١٣٩١ (SH1391/2012). Like DAB B60, but new date and signature 20.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Guyana new 5,000-dollar note confirmed

Guyana_BOG_5000_dollars_2013.12.09_B18a_PNL_AA_102649_f
Guyana_BOG_5000_dollars_2013.12.09_B18a_PNL_AA_102649_r
Guyana_BOG_5000_dollars_2013.12.09_B18a_PNL_AA_102649_sig

On 9 December 2013, the Bank of Guyana introduced a 5,000-dollar banknote with the following features:

  • Bank of Guyana logo and the Map of Guyana (front)
  • Guyana's Rainforest and National Bird (back)
  • Watermark: The Macaw and Value of the note (5000)
  • Spark: When tilted the colour of the value shifts from Magenta to green and the rolling bar moves up and down
  • Holographic Stripe: When tilted at an angle the image of a Jaguar can be seen.
  • See- through: The value of the note ($5000) appears when the note is held up to the light.
  • Latent Image: At a certain angle the value 5000 can be seen.
  • Blind Mark: Mark for the visually impaired and partially sighted. (Right of note)
  • Dual Track: Two track thread with optically variable and metallic print properties (Back)
  • Intaglio Print: A distinctive raised feel
  • Novel Numbering: Progressively larger numbers
  • 156 x 65 mm
Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de), Alex Zlotin, and Thomas Augustsson.

Kuwait new signature 1-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_1_dinar_1994.04.03_B25h_P25_CE-262_581938_sig
1 dinar, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B225g, but new signatures (Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel and Mustafa Jassim Al-Shamali).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Curaçao and Saint Maarten new 25-guilder notes bear "future" date

25_guilder_2014.02.01
According to an article on Curaçao Chronicle dated 17 January 2014, the new 25-guilder notes are intentionally dated 1 februari 2014. Even though this date is in the future, they are still valid and were issued early because the Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten ran out of notes of this denomination with earlier dates.

Jordan new sig/date (2013) 20-dinar note (B233d) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2013.00.00_B233d_P37_fJordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2013.00.00_B233d_P37_r
Like B233c, but new date (2013) and signature 25.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

European Monetary Union new 10-euro note unveiled

10euro_front_HR_europa10euro_back_HR_europa
On 13 January 2014 the European Central Bank unveiled the new 10-euro note to be issued 23 September 2014.

Peru revised 100-nuevo sol note confirmed

Peru_BCRP_100_nuevos_soles_2012.03.22_PNL_A_8195384_S_fPeru_BCRP_100_nuevos_soles_2012.03.22_PNL_A_8195384_S_rPeru_BCRP_100_nuevos_soles_2012.03.22_PNL_A_8195384_S_sig
According to a press release, on 18 December 2013 the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú introduced a revised 100-nuevo sole note like the preceding issues, but with the vertical 100 on front rendered in SPARK ink, new signatures, dated 22 DE MARZO DE 2012, and watermark of portrait with vertical electrotype 100 below and a flag above.

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle and Thomas Augustsson.

French Pacific Territories new note security features unveiled

The Institut d’Emission d’Outre-Mer now has a video on its site showing the security features of the new banknotes for the French Pacific Territories (New Caledonia, Polynesia, Wallis & Futuna) which will be issued on 20 January 2014.

Courtesy of Jake Read (https://www.facebook.com/jake.numismatics).

Colombia new date 20,000- and 50,000-peso notes confirmed

20,000 pesos, 5 DE AGOSTO DE 2010. Like P454, but new date.

50,000 pesos, 25, 26, and 27 DE AGOSTO DE 2011. Like P455, but new dates.

Courtesy of Bartosz Gosztyla and Claudio Marana.

Scotland Royal Bank new sig/date (23.06.2012) 20-pound note reported

20 pounds, 23rd MAY 2012. Like P354, but new date and signature (Stephen Hester).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.