What’s New in Bank Notes

Here is a selection of recently announced and newly circulated bank notes from throughout the world.

Belize

In an effort to decolonize the nation’s bank notes, Belize has announced the upcoming release of new BZ$100, BZ$20, and BZ$5 bills. For the first time in the nation’s history, the notes will feature national heroes, such as the country’s first prime minister, George Cadle Price, and politician Philip Goldson. These notes will replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth, who has been on Belizean currency throughout her reign.  

Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson (July 25, 1923 – October 2001) was a Belizean newspaper editor, activist and politician Central Bank of Belize
Reverse Philip Goldson Central Bank of Belize
Front: George Cadle Price (January 15, 1919 – September 19, 2011) was a Belizean statesman who served as the head of government of Belize from 1961 to 1984 and 1989 to 1993. Central Bank of Belize
Reverse Central Bank of Belize

Falkland Islands 

Manufactured by De La Rue, the new Falkland Islands £5 note features a portrait of King Charles III and another type of king–a king penguin. The note was released to circulation on Falklands Day and is made of polymer and ultraviolet designs. The famous king penguin is seen in a window made from iridescent ink. 

Front: King Charles radio.co.fk
Back: King Penguins. radio.co.fk

Macao

The Chinese special administration of Macao is one of the most densely populated places in the world. The new MOP $50 and MOP $100 notes evoke an earlier era with illustrations of historical maps depicting a time before Macao became famous for its urban scenes. Although the designs are of the past, the newly circulated notes have modern touches, with security features such as a metal security thread and light-sensitive ink. 

MOP $50 featuring a historic map. Banco Nacional Ultramarino
MOP $100 Banco Nacional Ultramarino.

Sudan

The Sudanese government has issued new SDG 500 and SDG 1,000 bank notes to weaken the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These new issues have caused longer lines at banks and disrupted supply chains. They have also enhanced the risk of famine and prevented aid for the populations claimed by RSF.  

The new SDG 500 and SDG 1,000 bank notes. Central Bank of Sudan

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