Thailand to launch new 100-Baht banknote

The Bank of Thailand has launched a new 100-Baht banknote. The new banknote is part of the 16th series of banknotes issued by Thailand’s Central Bank, and entered circulation on the 26 February 2015. According to the Bank’s press release, the new banknote continues to use the same colour and dimensions as its predecessor, but…

EU flag

Bundesbank records 63% rise in counterfeit banknotes

Germany’s Central Bank, The Deutsche Bundesbank, has released their 2014 counterfeit banknote statistics which shows a large increase in comparison with 2013. The number of counterfeit banknotes removed from circulation during 2014 by banks, retailers and police authorities totaled 63,000 notes, with a nominal value of €3.3 million, a 63% rise compared to 2013. Though…

Euro currency

Increase in euro counterfeit banknotes

The European Central Bank (ECB) has released its banknote counterfeit figures for the second half of 2014, showing an increase in the number of fake banknotes withdrawn from circulation. 507 thousand counterfeit banknotes were removed, an increase of 53% compared to the first half of 2014 and an increase of 44% compared to the same…

Cuba issues new high denomination banknotes

From the 1st February 2015, the Central Bank of Cuba will issue new denomination banknotes, 200,500 and 1000 pesos, into circulation. The aim is for the new high denomination banknotes to ease economic transactions, as currently the highest denomination banknote is the 100 peso note. All three notes will have the same dimensions, 150 x…

Ukraine to issue new 100 hryvnia banknote

According to a statement released by the National Bank of Ukraine, a new 100 hryvnia banknote will be released into circulation on March 9, 2015. The new banknote is the result of a long term project to replace the previous banknote series issued between 2003 and 2007. The new notes will run alongside the previous…

Kazakhstan 1000 tenge banknot

Kazakhstan issues new 1000 tenge banknote

On the 01 December 2014 the Central Bank of Kazakhstan issued its new 1000 tenge banknote into circulation. The new paper banknote design, which is predominantly coloured yellow and brown, includes 2 SPARK security features from SICPA. It also includes a windowed security thread and watermark amongst other modern anti-counterfeit security features. The note will…

Russia to issue Crimea commemorative banknote

A report by The Moscow Times, states that Russia’s Central Bank is to release a 100-ruble banknote commemorating the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The banknote is currently being designed and the artwork is yet to be made public. This follows the release of two 10-ruble coins which feature Crimean landmarks – one a Crimean castle and…

Mobile payments

Rwandans advised to use less cash

According to an article by the Rwandan news agency The New Times, Rwandans have been advised to use less cash in their daily transactions to help minimise banknote wear and tear. John Rwangombwa, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, is promoting the use of cashless payment methods, such as electronic cards, and mobile phone…

Cuba to issue new banknotes

According to various news reports, the Central Bank of Cuba (Banco Nacional de Cuba) has announced that it will be introducing new security features to its banknotes as part of its monetary reform. The denominations affected will be the 20, 50 and 100 pesos and will notably have an updated watermark image.   Source: CubaSi

New Zealand reveals new banknote designs

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has unveiled designs for their next series of banknotes. Named “Brighter Money”, the new notes use bright colours in their designs and will also incorporate modern security features whilst continuing to use polymer substrates. The Bank states that the new banknote series will continue to use the same denominations,…