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SMI is the acknowledged world leader in the provision of independent technical & commercial expertise to the currency industry. Founded in 1994, SMI consultants each have many years’ experience working in the currency industry, and consequently have extensive knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the banknote and coin markets, offering consultancy services on a range of issues related to the security, manufacture, issue, circulation and management of physical cash in the economy.

Uruguay upgrades 200 pesos banknote

Banknotes, NewsBy SMI 04/01/2017

The Central Bank of Uruguay has issued an upgraded 200 Uruguayan pesos banknote with improved security features. The Banco Central Del Uruguay (BCU) began issuing the new banknote, which continues to be part of the F 2015 series, on 29 December 2016. The new banknote includes tactile markings on the short sides of the note, to aid those…

Paraguay upgrades high value banknotes

Banknotes, NewsBy SMI 23/12/2016

The Central Bank of Paraguay has upgraded the security thread within its top three high value banknotes. The Banco Central Del Paraguay (BCP) has today begun to issue upgraded versions of the ₲20,000 (known as Series G), ₲50,000 and ₲100,000 banknotes (both known as Series I) with different security threads. The ₲50,000 and ₲100,000 notes no longer use micro-optic security threads, but instead include a…

Latvia release translucent collector coin

Coin, NewsBy SMI 22/12/2016

The Bank of Latvia has issued a new five euro collector coin called “The Earth”, uniquely made of translucent perlucor. The coin has a silver outer ring and a symbol of the Earth is shown in the centre of the transparent coin. The coin’s graphics, by architect M. Kalniņš, was the winning design in a competition held…

Innovia bought by Canada’s CCL Industries

News, TechnologyBy SMI 21/12/2016

An agreement has been made to allow Canadian CCL Industries Inc to acquire the Innovia Group for CAN $1.13 billion (c. £685 million). Innovia specialise in BOPP films and polymer banknote substrates used in many banknotes currently circulating throughout the world, including the newly issued five pound notes in the UK and Australia. The agreement came from…

Indonesia issues new banknote family

Banknotes, NewsBy SMI 20/12/2016

Bank Indonesia has introduced new banknotes and coins with improved security features and new designs featuring national heroes, traditional dances and natural sites. Seven new banknotes and four new coins were introduced in Indonesia on 19 December 2016, following their announcement last September. At the unveiling, Bank Indonesia Governor, Agus Martowardojo told reporters that the new banknotes…

Macedonia issues two new banknote denominations

Banknotes, NewsBy SMI 16/12/2016

The National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia has issued two new banknotes to mark 70 years of central banking activities. The new 200 and 2,000 Denar banknote denominations from Macedonia are circulating banknotes, joining the current family of banknotes that began circulating in the 1990’s. The new banknotes have been printed by UK banknote printers…

Sixth issue Saudi banknote family designs revealed

Banknotes, NewsBy SMI 15/12/2016

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority has revealed the designs of the sixth issue of national banknotes and coins named “Confidence in Security”. The following video from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) is available from its website and its YouTube channel, introduces the designs of the new family of banknotes. Notably, the 1 riyal banknote…

South Korea to eliminate coins by 2020

Cashless Payments, Coin, NewsBy SMI 13/12/2016

The Central Bank of South Korea plans to remove coins from circulation by 2020, in efforts to become a cashless society. According to local reports, The Central Bank of South Korea announced on 1 December 2016 that it plans to abandon coins by 2020 to encourage the use of cashless payments. It is encouraging citizens to…

De La Rue Acquires holography company, DuPont

News, TechnologyBy SMI 13/12/2016

De La Rue has agreed to acquire the Authentication business of DuPont Electronics & Communications for a cash consideration of US $25 million. DuPont produces photopolymer holographic films and 3D holograms and associated software, used in the brand protection and identity authentication industry. Its products are based on Lippmann holography technology. DuPont Authentication, with around 40 employees, is…

Just 3 days to exchange Venezuela banknotes

Banknotes, Coin, Currency, NewsBy SMI 12/12/2016

Venezuelans have just three days to exchange their high value 100 bolivar banknotes, following an announcement by President Nicolas Maduro. The central bank of Venezuela is about to release their new banknote series which will consist of increased value denominations – the 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 bolivar banknotes and three new coins of 10,…