Oct 2006
Russia to replace 10-ruble note with coin
Oct 31, 2006 10:34 AM Category: Eurasia
On October 31, 2006, the Central Bank of Russia announced that it intends to replace all 10-ruble (Pick 273, US$0.37) bank notes with coins. “Coins serve longer than bank notes,” explained deputy chairman Georgy Luntovsky. Coins can circulate for 10 to 15 years, while 10- and 50-ruble notes have a lifetime of approximately half a year.
Images courtesy of Mikhail Istomin.
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Madagascar upgrades security on 5,000-ariary note
Oct 30, 2006 06:22 PM Category: Africa
5,000 ariary (US$2.45), ND (2006). Issued October 2006. Like Pick 84, but with Omron rings (security feature consisting of patterns of yellow circles) on front and back. 150 x 75 mm.
In addition to the note reported above, Madagascar plans to add Omron rings to the 2,000- and 10,000-ariary notes to be issued in the coming months.
Images courtesy of La Banque Centrale de Madagascar.
© 2007 - Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
England unveils new £20 note featuring Adam Smith
Oct 30, 2006 10:34 AM Category: Europe
Today the Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, announced that Adam Smith, one of the fathers of modern economics, will replace Sir Edward Elgar on the back of the new £20 note to be introduced in the spring of 2007. This is the first design in a new series of notes from the bank known collectively as “Series F.”
The new notes will circulate in parallel with the current £20 (Pick 390), which will be progressively withdrawn from circulation. Measuring 149 x 80 mm, the new £20 will be the same size as the current note. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II will be retained on the front, but the new note will feature a brighter color purple, as well as a large silver holographic strip, a registration device, additional intaglio printing, improved watermark, and more UV features to deter counterfeiters. The new note will bear the signature of Andrew Bailey, Chief Cashier.
A portrait of Smith appears on the back of the new note, along with an engraving showing “The division of labour in pin manufacturing” with the parenthetical quote “and the great increase in the quantity of work that results” drawn from his major work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The image of Adam Smith is based on a likeness of the portrait of him by James Tassie — Scottish National Portrait Gallery — and reproduced by permission; and the image of pin manufacturing is based on an original image, and by permission of The British Library. Adam Smith (1723 - 1790) is the first economist and the first Scotsman to appear on a Bank of England note.
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Sudan new 5,000-dinar note dated 2002 reported
Oct 27, 2006 10:34 AM Category: Africa
5,000 dinars, 2002/AH1422. Peach and pink, orange on back. “BS” latent image in upper left, dome with tower wmk, registration device, holographic strip at far right. People’s Palace in Khartoum. Sail boat, headquarters of the Bank of Sudan, windowed security thread on back. 140 x 65 mm.
Images courtesy of Morris Lawing (IBNS member 4282).
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Ireland’s Ulster Bank to issue £5 note featuring George Best
Oct 26, 2006 10:34 AM Category: Europe
Northern Ireland’s Ulster Bank today announced that it will release a limited edition £5 (US$8) note featuring legendary football (soccer) star George Best. The bank plans to issue one million commemorative notes in November to coincide with the first anniversary of the death of the celebrated Northern Irishman and Manchester United star at age 59 due to multiple organ failure following decades of alcohol abuse.
Application forms will be available from Ulster Bank branches in Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland or online from this web site starting November 13. The commemorative notes will then be available to purchase at any Ulster Bank branch in Northern Ireland starting November 27.
More information can be found in this article from The Belfast Telegraph.
Images courtesy of Frank van Tiel.
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Six Arab states plan to issue unified currency in 2010
Oct 24, 2006 10:34 AM Category: Middle East
The Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC),
consisting of six Arab states — Bahrain, Kuwait,
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab
Emirates — plans to issue a unified currency in
2010.
More information can be found in this Dar Al-Hayat article.
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More information can be found in this Dar Al-Hayat article.
Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
South Korea to issue new 1,000- and 10,000-won notes in 2007
Oct 23, 2006 10:41 AM Category: Asia
The Bank of Korea (BOK) announced that newly-designed 1,000- and 10,000-won notes with strengthened anti-forgery features will begin circulating on January 22, 2007. For more information, read this The Korea Times article and this one.
The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation has been delivering the new W1,000 notes to the BOK since May 19, 2006, and began printing the new W10,000 banknotes on July 7, 2006.
Update (12/22/06): Lawmakers were poised to approve the introduction of larger denominations as early as 2008.
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Bhutan to issue new note series in November
Oct 23, 2006 10:41 AM Category: Asia
The Royal Monetary Authority of
Bhutan plans
to release a redesigned series of notes in
November, ranging from 1 to 500 ngultrum. The new
notes are printed by De La Rue in the UK. They
feature a double coating of varnish to improve
durability and prevent soiling and counterfeiting.
More information can be found in this Kuensel online article.
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More information can be found in this Kuensel online article.
Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
Paraguay cancels new G50,000 notes due to theft
Oct 23, 2006 10:41 AM Category: South
America
The Central Bank of Paraguay reported that six boxes containing 250,000 new 50,000-guaranies notes were stolen during shipment by sea between France (where they were printed by François-Charles Oberthur) and Uruguay. The notes carry a “C” serial number prefix, have “50 MIL” in the upper left-hand corner, feature an intaglio-printed star below the watermark area, and are dated 2005 between the signatures or Ramon Arréllaga, Gerente General and Monica Perez, Presidenta. They were intended to enter circulation in early December 2006, but in response to the theft the Central Bank has canceled the emission of the “C” series in this denomination. The total value of the theft exceeds US$2.3 million.
Some of these notes entered circulation before the theft was made public and are beginning to surface in the collectors’ market at prices up to US$200.
Information and images courtesy of Central Bank of Paraguay.
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United States unveils new signature $20 note dated 2006
Oct 23, 2006 10:40 AM Category: North
America
Treasury
Secretary “Hank” Paulson visited the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing (BEP) in Washington, DC on
October 23, 2006, for the unveiling of the first
paper currency with his signature. The signature,
which he provided to the BEP on his first day in
office this past July, uses his formal name: Henry M.
Paulson Jr. The new $20 Series 2006 notes also bear
the signature of Anna Escobedo Cabral, Treasurer. The
notes are expected to be sent to the Federal Reserve
for distribution as needed.
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Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
Nepal issues revised 20-rupee note (2006)
Oct 20, 2006 06:21 PM Category: Asia
20 rupees (US$0.30), ND (2006). Issued October 20, 2006. Like Pick 47, but text at center in different location and slightly reworded, plus signature 16 (Bijay Nath Bhattarai, Governor).
Images courtesy of Sagar Man Shrestha.
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Hungary issues new 500-forint note dated 2006
Oct 20, 2006 10:34 AM Category: Europe
500 forint, 2006. Issued October 20, 2006, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution and war of independence. Front like Pick 188, but new back with Parliament building, the tri-color national flag with a hole, registration device, and three dots in upper right-hand corner for the partially sighted. Watermark contains inscription of “50. EVFORDULO 1956. OCTOBER 23.”
Information and images courtesy of Magyar Nemzeti Bank and banknoteshop@gmx.net.
Special thanks to Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle for bringing this to my attention.
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Serbia issues new 100-dinar note dated 2006
Oct 20, 2006 10:33 AM Category: Europe
100 dinar, 2006. Issued October 20, 2006. Like Pick 41, but with new coat of arms and signature (Radovan Jelasic, guverner) on back. Blue, green, and ochre-yellow. Scientist Nikola Tesla, magnetic induction calculation formula, electrical discharge, and Tesla’s electric induction device. Tesla (from the photograph of Nikola Tesla from his Museum in Belgrade), electromagnetic engine, and “Tesla’s Dove” on back. 143 x 68 mm.
Images courtesy of National Bank of Serbia.
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Kazakhstan’s new note series misspells “bank”
Oct 18, 2006 10:41 AM Category: Eurasia
Officials at the National Bank of Kazakhstan admit that there’s a problem with the new series of notes issued on November 15. The word “bank” on some of the new notes is misspelled with an alternate Kazakh form of the letter K (above, top), not the Cyrillic version (above, bottom), which has a slightly different pronunciation. Despite politicians’ calls to scrap the new issue, bank officials plan to release the error notes and then gradually withdraw them from circulation.
This error affects only some 2,000- and 5,000-tenge notes, and not the other denominations in this new series. Curiously, the misspelled “bank” appears on both sides of the KZT2,000 (US$15.65), but only on the face of the KZT5,000 (US$39.10).
More info can be found in this New Zealand Radio article.
Images courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Eduard Han.
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Sri Lanka issues new date (2005) 500-rupee note
Oct 17, 2006 10:41 AM Category: Asia
500
rupees, 2005-11-19. Issued October 17, 2006. Like
Pick 119, but new signatures (Mahinda Rajapaksa,
Minister of Finance; Mr Sunil Mendis, Governor),
“H/112” prefix, and new security features including
red-to-green 3-mm StarChrome windowed security thread
with butterflies, and Cornerstone wmk.
More information available in this official press release.
Images and additional information requested.
Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
More information available in this official press release.
Images and additional information requested.
Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
Sri Lanka issues first ever 2,000-rupee note
Oct 17, 2006 10:41 AM Category: Asia
2,000 rupees, 2005-11-02. Issued October 17, 2006. Peach, orange, and lime green on m/c unpt. Signatures: Dr Sarath L B Amunugama, Minister of Finance; Mr Sunil Mendis, Governor. Denomination in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Security features include red-to-green 4-mm StarChrome windowed security thread, heraldic lion with sword wmk, Cornerstone wmk, registration device, fluorescent ink, microlettering, and intaglio printing. Sigiriya Rock at center, Sesatha (ceremonial flag) at right. Sigiriya fresco and iridescent stripe on back (vertical format). Printer: De La Rue (with imprint). 164 x 82 mm. First ever Rs2,000 (US$18.70) denomination note for Sri Lanka.
More information available in this official press release.
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Venezuela issues revised 50,000-bolivare note dated 2006
Oct 16, 2006 10:47 AM Category: South
America
Pick 94: 50,000 bolivares, 2006. Issued October 16, 2006. Like Pick 83, but with “REPUBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA” in upper left, windowed security thread now 2.5 mm wide, new signatures (unknown, Presidente; unknown Primer Vice President), circle in gold to green OVI, “50MIL” added to José María Vargas wmk, denomination no longer fluoresces under UV. Printer: Casa de la Moneda, Venezuela (with imprint).
More details can be found on the Banco Central de Venezuela web site and in this press release (Spanish only).
Images and additional information requested.
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Poland issues new 50-zlotych “Pope note”
Oct 16, 2006 10:47 AM Category: Europe
50 zlotych, 16 padziernika 2006. Issued October 16, 2006, the 28th anniversary of Karol Wojtya’s election to the papacy. Designed by Andrzej Heidrich and engraved by J.M. Kopecki. John Paul II holding crucifix-topped staff at right, world map in background. Signatures (Leszek Balcerowicz, Prezes; Mariusz Mastalerz, Glówny Skarbnik). Wmk of papal seal, security thread printed “50 ZL”, microlettering of countries visited by pope, Peter’s keys as registration device, “JP II” as latent image, papal seal fluoresces red and green under UV light, “JP” prefix. Inauguration of John Paul II with cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, a quotation from Letter to Poles, Jasna Góra Monastery and church on back. 2 million pieces issued in special folder for 90 zlotych. Printer: Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartociowych SA (with “PWPW S.A.” imprint). 144 x 72 mm.
More details can be found on the National Bank of Poland web site.
Images and information courtesy of Krzysztof Rene, Tomasz Jazwinski, and Jacek Tylicki.
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Latvia issues revised 5-lat note dated 2006
Oct 12, 2006 10:47 AM Category: Europe
5 lats, 2006. Issued October 12, 2006. Like Pick 49, but new date, new signature (Rimsevics, Governor), and new security features, including two relief inscriptions of the nominal value imprinted above the oak-leaf registration device, parallelagram of “LATVIJAS BANKA” microprinting beneath large “5” in OVI at left. Starting serial number suffix apparently “R” with replacement notes presumably continuing to use “Z” suffix.
Read the official press release from the Bank of Latvia.
Images courtesy of Girts Eisters (IBNS member 9639).
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Bank of Israel publishes new book on notes and coins
Oct 11, 2006 10:47 AM Category: Middle East
The
Bank of Israel
has
published a new book, “Banknotes and Coins of
Israel 1927-2006.” The fruit of intensive
research, the book is published by the Currency
Department of the Bank of Israel.
The book details the entire series of banknotes and coins issued during the period covered. Each note and coin is presented pictorially, and accompanying text describes both the design of motif and the choice behind it. The publication is unique in its technical detail of the notes and coins––size, cover, security measures against counterfeiting, designers and periods of circulation––as well additional background material including the original photographs which provided the source of the designs of the banknotes and coins. Next to the photos of each coin is an example of the original coin––usually an ancient Hebrew coin––upon which the modern coin was based.
The book has a foreword by the Governor of the Bank, Professor Stanley Fischer, and was written by Yigal Arkin, a collector and researcher of means of payments, with scientific editing by Dr. Rachel Barkay, numismatic curator of the Bank of Israel.
This colorful, hardback, richly illustrated book has colored margins for ease of reference. The Bank of Israel hopes that such an extensive compendium will provide both a source of information and enjoyment to the public, and will help to increase general knowledge of the banknotes and coins of both the modern-day Israel and of the young state-in-the-making.
The book is available in both Hebrew and English and is priced at NIS 98 (approximately US$23).
Though the book will shortly be for sale at stores, currently it can only be purchased directly from the Bank of Israel. To buy the book, payment can be either by credit card from the Publications Unit of the Bank of Israel: Tel: 02-6552767; Fax: 02-6552984; email: matikahn@boi.gov.il; or by sending a check (payable to the Bank of Israel) to: The Bank of Israel Publications Unit P.B. 780 Jerusalem 91007.
Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
The book details the entire series of banknotes and coins issued during the period covered. Each note and coin is presented pictorially, and accompanying text describes both the design of motif and the choice behind it. The publication is unique in its technical detail of the notes and coins––size, cover, security measures against counterfeiting, designers and periods of circulation––as well additional background material including the original photographs which provided the source of the designs of the banknotes and coins. Next to the photos of each coin is an example of the original coin––usually an ancient Hebrew coin––upon which the modern coin was based.
The book has a foreword by the Governor of the Bank, Professor Stanley Fischer, and was written by Yigal Arkin, a collector and researcher of means of payments, with scientific editing by Dr. Rachel Barkay, numismatic curator of the Bank of Israel.
This colorful, hardback, richly illustrated book has colored margins for ease of reference. The Bank of Israel hopes that such an extensive compendium will provide both a source of information and enjoyment to the public, and will help to increase general knowledge of the banknotes and coins of both the modern-day Israel and of the young state-in-the-making.
The book is available in both Hebrew and English and is priced at NIS 98 (approximately US$23).
Though the book will shortly be for sale at stores, currently it can only be purchased directly from the Bank of Israel. To buy the book, payment can be either by credit card from the Publications Unit of the Bank of Israel: Tel: 02-6552767; Fax: 02-6552984; email: matikahn@boi.gov.il; or by sending a check (payable to the Bank of Israel) to: The Bank of Israel Publications Unit P.B. 780 Jerusalem 91007.
Neither information nor images from this site may be reproduced without permission.
South Korea’s 10,000-won note remains country’s largest
Oct 10, 2006 10:47 AM Category: Asia
According to The Korea Times, the Ministry of Finance and Economy is opposed to issuing 50,000- and 100,000-won notes and re-denominating the currency, fearing it “may fuel inflationary pressure and destabilize the real estate market.’’ The Bank of Korea has been pushing for currency re-denomination and issuance of high-denomination notes since 2002 to boost the status of the won on global markets. At present, the largest available note is the 10,000-won, equivalent to US$10.40. In the face of the ministry’s opposition, the bank has pushed ahead with redesigning notes with anti-forgery features. It released new 5,000-won notes (see above) on January 2, 2006, and plans to issue new 1,000- and 10,000-won bills early in 2007.
Update (12/22/06): Lawmakers were poised to approve the introduction of the larger denominations as early as 2008.
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Bangladesh issues smaller 5-taka note dated 2006
Oct 08, 2006 10:25 AM Category: Asia
Pick 46: 5 taka, 2006. New date. Issued October 8, 2006. Like Pick 25, but reduced size (118 x 62 mm), new signature (Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Governor), and 3-mm windowed security thread.
The 5-taka note was discontinued some years ago and has now been re-introduced, reportedly as a temporary emergency issue printed on 100-taka paper due to lack of coinage.
Images courtesy of Morris Lawing (IBNS member 4282).
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Mongolia issues first ever 20,000-tugruk note (Pick 70)
Oct 02, 2006 10:47 AM Category: Asia
20,000 tugruk (face value US$17.10), 2006. Issued October 2, 2006. Chinggis Khaan as portrait and wmk, foil soyombo emblem, “Mongolia” in both Soyombo and Hudam scripts, a warrior on horseback as latent image, and signature of the president of Mongol Bank. State Nine White Banners and windowed security thread on back. Printed in Germany.
More details can be found in this UB Post article.
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