Costa Rica

June 24, 2009 - Costa Rica plans to issue a new series of banknotes starting next year.

The first of the new notes will be the 20,000 Colones note to be released on March of 2010. The entire series will be completed by January 2011.

One major change is that each note will be different in size, the smallest being the note with the smallest domination. For instance the 1,000 Colones will be 67mm by 125mm, incrementing in lenghth to 160mm for the 50,000 Colones note.

Each note will also be in different color, the 1,000 note being red, while the 50,000 note will be "morado" or purple.

The new series will also feature a new family of personalities. Inside Costa Rica

India

June 8, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs 500 denomination notes with "L" inset letter and Rs 20 note with "E" inset letter bearing the signature of its Governor D Subbarao, a RBI release said today.

Except for the change in the inset letter, the design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the bank notes in Mahatma Gandhi Series 2005

All bank notes in the denomination of Rs 500 and of Rs 20 issued by the bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

Denmark

June 5, 2009 - Denmark will issue a 50 kroner, the first of a new series of banknotes, on August 11, 2009.

Link in Danish with pictures of the new banknotes courtesy of cleo phas Denmark National Bank

Kyrgyzstan

June 4, 2009 - New 20, 50 and 100 soms bank notes will come into circulation in Kyrgyzstan from July 1, 2009, National Bank of Kyrgyz Republic reported.

New bank notes will have all the main attributes of Kyrgyz money. However there are some changes in design. So new 20 soms note will have image of Tash-Tabat and reverse side of 100 som bill will have a picture of Toktogul Hydropower Station.

Notes will have new protection elements- three dimensional watermark, latent images and holographic strip.

Design of new bills was worked out by Kyrgyz painters. According to Chokoev, notes of different value should substantially differ from each other in size and color. "Money is reflection of our history, development of our economy," he said.

New bill will gradually replace notes of the third issue. eng.24.kg

Nicaragua

June 2, 2009 - Nicaragua has issued 100 and 200 Cordobas banknotes yesterday. The 200 Cordobas note is in polymer plastic.

Info courtesy of Claudio Marana

Nepal

June 2, 2009 - The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has put into circulation a new 5 Rupee banknote in 2009. The new note removed King Gyanendra's name, image, and royal symbols from the country's currency.

Info courtesy of Claudio Marana

Bank of England

May 29, 2009 - Matthew Boulton and James Watt, leading figures of the Industrial Revolution, are to be the new faces of the Bank of England's redesigned £50 banknotes.

The Boulton and Watt £50 banknote will be launched in around 18 months time.

It is the first time two portraits will appear together on the reverse of the note. The current portrait of The Queen, first used in 1990, will be retained on the front.

Boulton and Watt formed a successful partnership in the 18th century, eventually helping turn the steam engine into a commercial success. Telegraph.co.uk

India

May 18, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to issue Rs 1000 denomination banknotes soon with "L" inset letter in both numbering panels in Mahatma Gandhi Series - 2005 bearing the signature of D Subbarao, governor, RBI. Except for the change in the inset letter, the design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi Series - 2005, with additional/new security features issued on Oct. 21, 2005.

All banknotes in the denomination of Rs 1000 in Mahatma Gandhi series issued by the apex bank from the year 2000 will continue to be legal tender. My Iris

Jamaica

May 16, 2009 - The Bank of Jamaica will in September issue a $5,000 bank note, which will bear the image of late former prime minister, Hugh Lawson Shearer.

The highest Jamaican note in circulation now is the $1,000 bill.

The new $5,000 bank note, which is $930 above the minimum wage of $4,070 per week, would at yesterday's trading rate be valued at US$56.19.

Info courtesy of Cleo Phas Jamaica Observer

Nicaragua

May 15, 2009 - Nicaragua has issued the first 10 and 20 Cordobas polymer banknotes yesterday. The rest of the series will be released next week.

Link in Spanish with pictures of the 10 Cordobas note courtesy of cleo phas at La Prensa

Pakistan

May 14, 2009 - The State Bank of Pakistan will issue the banknotes bearing the signature of Syed Salim Raza, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan from the field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation (Bank) with effect from 15th May 2009.

These banknotes will be in the same denomination, colour, design and size as the existing new design banknotes. The banknotes bearing the signatures of his predecessors will also continue to remain in circulation as Legal Tender. Online-International News Network

Nepal

May 9, 2009 - The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has put into circulation a new 20 Rupee banknote in 2009. The new note removed King Gyanendra's name, image, and royal symbols from the country's currency.

Scans courtesy of Claudio Marana at Some Interesting Facts About Paper Money

India

May 9, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a new Rs 100 denomination bank notes with inset letter "R" in numbering panel in Mahatma Gandhi Series bearing the signature of Dr. D. Subbarao, Governor.

Scans courtesy of Claudio Marana at Some Interesting Facts About Paper Money

India

April 16, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be issuing Rs 5 denomination bank notes with inset letter "E" in numbering panel in Mahatma Gandhi Series bearing the signature of Dr. D. Subbarao, Governor.

The RBI will also be issuing Rs 50 denomination notes with inset letter "E" in both numbering panels in the Mahatma Gandhi Series - 2005 bearing the signature of the Governor.

The design of these new notes will be similar to the previously issued notes in the Mahatma Gandhi series except for the change in the inset letter. All Rs 5 and Rs 50 denomination bank notes issue in the past by the RBI will continue to remain legal tender. Institute of International Trade

Burundi

April 5, 2009 - Burundi to issue new 2000 Franc and 5000 Franc banknotes on this Tuesday.

Link in French courtesy of cleo phas Net Press

Czech Republic

April 1, 2009 - The Czech National Bank is preparing to issue a new version of the 500 CZK banknote in April 2009. The new note contains new or improved protective elements (for example, a watermark, a protective strip, optically variable ink). The technical innovations of the banknote under preparation are the same as those in the new versions of the 1,000 CZK and 2,000 CZK banknotes.

The aim of the new versions of the three most used banknotes is to better protect the banknotes against counterfeiting and to help the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit banknotes.

Link in Czech shows picture of the new note courtesy of Marian Klubert Czech National Bank

Argentina

March 30, 2009 - The Central Bank of Argentina is planning to issue new series of banknotes with new persons and tourist nature motives.

Link in Spanish courtesy of cleo phas. Terra

Barbados

March 30, 2009 - Barbadian $100 notes with new and upgraded security features will go into circulation on April 20, 2009. "With the introduction of this $100 note we are completing the upgrades process that we began in 2007," explained Julia Weekes, Director Banking, Currency & Investments at the Central Bank of Barbados. "These features are intended to make the note more secure and are similar to those currently found in the $20 and $50 notes."

Among those features:

1. A small watermark-type image of the Pride of Barbados flower has been added to the right of the map of Barbados watermark.

2. The security thread is now wider and less reflective than the previous thread, but like it, is printed with the text "CBB$100". When held up to light, the thread becomes a solid line. Under UV light, the thread fluoresces blue and the text fluoresces yellow.

3. The $100 numeral on the top left corner of the note is significantly raised above the surface of the paper, giving the paper a unique feel. This raised numeral will also allow the denomination to be more easily identified by the visually impaired.

4. The Coat of Arms and the waves near the flying fish in the centre of the banknote fluoresce green and yellow under UV light. In addition to the changes, several of the existing security features, including the highly reflective gold foil dolphin can still be found on the upgraded $100 note.

Weekes revealed that the upgraded note will be in simultaneous circulation with older issues of the $100 note. "Both the new note and those we have issued previously will be legal tender and completely acceptable as payment for goods and services," she stated. Central Bank of Barbados

India

March 30, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will shortly issue Rs 1,000 denomination banknotes without inset letter in both numbering of Mahatma Gandhi series, 2005. The banknotes will bear the signature of RBI governor D Subbarao. Except for the change in the inset letter, the design of these notes will similar to old banknotes.

The banknotes issued by the RBI in the past, however, will continue to be legal tender. Iris

Greenland

March 27, 2009 - In 2006 a bill was introduced for Greenland to have banknotes with its own motifs, and the Act on Banknotes in Greenland entered into force on 1 June 2007. Miki Jacobsen has been chosen by the Greenland Home Rule Government to illustrate the Greenlandic banknotes. The draft proposals are expected to be presented to the Home Rule Government in early 2009, and all the denominations are scheduled to be issued at the same time in 2011.

Info courtesy of cleo phas. Denmark National Bank

India

March 20, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of India will issue Rs 10 denomination banknotes with "L" inset letter.

Except for the change in the inset letter, the design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the notes in Mahatma Gandhi Series - 2005 with additional and new security features.

All notes in the denomination of Rs 10 issued by the apex bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

Tunisia

March 17, 2009 - A new 50 dinar banknote is soon due to be issued said the Governor of Tunisia's Central Bank (BCT), Mr Taoufik Baccar, on Monday.

The banknote will represent the literary scholar Ibn Rachiq Al Kairouani ten days after the launch of festivities celebrating Kairouan as Islamic Cultural Capital for 2009.

Ibn Rachiq Al Kairouani (999-1063) who was born in Mhamdia near Tunis, was a poet, writer and literary critic. He is known for his magisterial "Al Umda", a treatise of literary criticism in two volumes, written during the golden age of Arab culture.

There are currently three types of banknotes in circulation in Tunisia, ten dinar notes, twenty dinar notes and thirty dinar notes. Tunisia Online News

Iran

March 9, 2009 - Iran released into circulation a new 20,000 Rial banknote in 2009. The front is similar to previous issue but the back is now showing a mosque in Jerusalem.

Link in Persian shows picture of the new banknotes courtesy of cleo phas. Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Bermuda

March 3, 2009 - The Bermuda Monetary Authority to release new design banknotes into circulation starting Monday, March 9. The banknotes are the first redesign of the island's currency in more than 30 years.

The new banknote series was first unveiled last year.

Designs feature typical Bermuda scenes, flora and fauna while heightened security aspects include a watermark of a hibiscus flower. The Royal Gazette

Libya

February 27, 2009 - The Central Bank of Libya (BCL) announced on Thursday that it will issue new bank notes in the form of 20 dinar notes (1,300 Libyan dinars = 1 US dollar), 10 dinars, 5 dinars and 1 dinar on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the proclamation of people's power in Libya celebrated on 2 March every year.

Sources close to the BCL indicated that the new bank notes complied with security and template standards and will be put into circulation alongside the former notes of the same value as from 3 March. Afrique en ligne

South Korea

February 26, 2009 - South Korea plans to released a new 50,000 Won note in May or June 2009. Worth only about US$35, this note, however, is 5 times more than current highest denomination, the 10,000 Won note featuring King Sejong.

Also, for the first time, a woman is featured on a South Korean banknote. The note features Shin Saim-dang (1504-1551), painter, author, and mother of the great philosopher Yul-gok, also known as Yi I (1536-1584).

Link shows pictures of the new banknotes courtesy of cleo phas. Seoul Village

Iran

February 22, 2009 - Iran plans to issue a new bank note to mark the country's first domestically-produced satellite launch.

Iran launched a research and telecoms satellite called Omid on Feb. 3.

State radio said the central bank would issue such notes and coins without giving detail on when and in which denomination.

More info at Reuters India

Kyrgyzstan

February 20, 2009 - Kyrgyzstan to issue a new 5000 Som note on March 2, 2009. This note will be the highest denomination ever issued by this country.

The front side of the banknote will be decorated with a portrait of the Kyrgyz renowned actor, writer and sportsman Suimenkul Chokmorov. The reverse side reflects picture of one of the oldest cinemas of the capital city, Ala-Too.

The banknote will be protected with a water mark and the so-called "magic digits" technology.

Info courtesy of Cleo Phas Kyrgyz National News Agency

Zimbabwe

February 2, 2009 - Zimbabwe slashed 12 zeroes from its currency as hyperinflation continued to erode its value, the central bank announced Monday.

That means that Z$1 trillion will now be equivalent to Z$1.

The old notes - with the highest being 100 trillion dollars - not enough to buy a loaf of bread - will remain valid until June 30, 2009 after which they will cease to be legal tender. One U.S. dollar is trading above 300 trillion Zimbabwe dollars.

This third attempt to lop off zeros comes barely six months after the Zimbabwe government last adjusted its currency as it continues to lose value.

World-record inflation estimated to be in the billions of percent - but officially at 231 million percent as of July last year - has quickly eroded the currency's value again and again. The highest note on the new set is 500 Zimbabwe dollars.

Link shows pictures of the new banknotes. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Denmark

January 29, 2009 - The Central Bank has announced that it will issue a new crop of Danish currency, with the redesigned 50 kroner note hitting the streets from 11 August.

The new notes will use new security measures to make it more difficult for counterfeiters to copy the Danish currency. Among the new security features is a motion thread with a "moving" motif. The notes will also have a sophisticated hologram that reflects light in different colours. The traditional security features such as the watermark and the hidden security thread will also remain.

Timeline for new notes

50 kroner: 11 August 2009 - depicting the Sallingsund Bridge and the Skarpsalling vessel

100 kroner: May 2010 - depicting the old Little Belt Bridge and the Hindsgavl dagger

200 kroner: October 2010 - depicting Knippelsbro bridge and a belt-plate from Langstrup

500 kroner: February 2011 - depicting Queen Alexandrine's Bridge and the bronze vessel from Keldby

1,000 kroner: May 2011 - depicting the Great Belt Bridge and the Sun Chariot

More info at The Copenhagen Post

South Korea

January 27, 2009 - South Korea's central bank said Tuesday that it will issue a 50,000 won (about 35.93 U.S. dollars) banknote in the first half of 2009, dropping its previous plan to issue a 100,000 won (about 71.86 U.S. dollars) due to economic slowdown.

The central bank plans to make public the final version of the 50,000 won bills in February and to put the notes into circulation starting in May or June, said the Bank of Korea (BOK).

Currently, 10,000 won banknotes are the highest-denominated bills in South Korea.

In May 2007, the central bank had announced its plan to issue 100,000 won and 50,000 won bills in the first half of this year. However, the central bank decided to drop its plan to issue 100,000 won notes on Jan. 22 at the request of the government amid controversy over its design and effectiveness, local media said.

The 50,000-won note will be featured by Shin Saim-dang, a famous female writer and calligraphist and also the mother of Yulgok, one of the most respected scholars of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). China View

Paraguay

January 21, 2009 - Banco Central del Paraguay to release a new 5,000 Guarani note in April. The issuance of a new 2,000 Guarani polymer note has been delayed.

Link in Spanish courtesy of Carlo Turco Banco Central del Paraguay

Latvia

January 19, 2009 - The Bank of Latvia releases into circulation today a new 500-lats banknote incorporating security features already used in the banknotes of other denominations.

Info courtesy of cleo phas Bank of Latvia

St. Thomas and Prince

January 18, 2009 - The central bank of St. Thomas and Prince released a 100,000 Dobra banknote, the highest denomination ever issued by this country, on December 22, 2008.

The note features Sao Tomé poet Francisco José Tenreiro and includes verses from one of his poems.

info courtesy of cleo phas

Zimbabwe

January 16, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has introduced a 100 trillion dollar note in the wake of a hyperinflation that has paralyzed that land-locked South African country's economy, and to ease shortages of cash, media reports said.

State media announced Friday plans for the new 100,000,000,000,000 Zim-dollar bill. The bank is introducing three other notes in trillion-dollar denominations of 10, 20 and 50.

Info courtesy of cleo phas RTT News

Scotland

January 14, 2009 - Clydesdale Bank launched its first new series of notes in almost 20 years, featuring some of Scotland's most famous faces and places, to tie in with the Year of Homecoming.

The new notes, with designs featuring five famous Scots and the country's five world heritage sites, will be in circulation by the end of the year. stv.tv

Sri Lanka

January 13, 2009 - The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CB) will release new currency notes in 2010 which would mark the 11th series of currency notes the Bank has issued so far.

The new notes reflect two themes, firstly the development and prosperity on the obverse of the notes and dances of Sri Lanka on the reverse.

The currency notes reflect different aspects of social, economic, cultural, political and religious dimensions of the society, in addition to facilitating payments and settlements.

The CB has so far issued 10 series of currency notes from 1951 to 1991 under different themes.

Info courtesy of cleo phas Sri Lanka Business News

Tonga

January 13, 2009 - Tonga National Reserve Bank will issue new 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Pa'anga notes on January 21, 2009.

"This is a new epoch for the country after they have been using the old notes for more than ten years", the bank's Finance Manager said during a televise program on TV Tonga 1.

One of the new features include the replacing of his Late Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou V image to the reigning king, King George Tupou V.

Among other new features also includes the Puatalefusi wharf, whales watching, sports and education among others.

Other changes also include the color as well which according to Lata as something that needs to be change with time.

Info courtesy of cleo phas Tonga Broadcasting Commission

Zimbabwe

January 10, 2009 - The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has unveiled new 20 billion and 50 billion Zimbabwean dollar notes. The new notes are expected to be in circulation on Monday. The CNN Wire

Macao

January 5, 2008 - The Bank of China has been authorized to issue new Pataca notes with denominations of MOP1000, MOP500, MOP100, MOP50, MOP20 and MOP10.

The themes of the six denominations are being arranged in their historical/chronological order.

The MOP10 note has the image of the A-Ma Temple on its recto, the ruins of the St. Paul's image features MOP20 note, MOP50 note has the image of the Dom Pedro V Theatre, Guia Fortress is for MOP100 note, MOP500 note carries the image of the Mandarin's House and the "Leal Senado" Building image features the MOP1000 note.

The image of the Macao Banking of China Building features the verso of all notes with the four bridges of Macao in the background. These symbolize the "bridging" function of Macao in the communication of cultures and its economic development.

The new notes are all modernity. Contemporary composite designs have been adopted which display the same theme via different angles and thus multiple messages are being carried in one design. The sizes, colours of the new notes are in line with the Bank of China Pataca notes which are currently in circulation.

The new Bank of China Pataca notes will be released for circulation between 6 January 2009 and Chinese New Year. Meanwhile, the old notes continue to be the legal tender.

Info courtesy of cleo phas MSAR Government Information Bureau

Paraguay

January 2, 2009 - The Bank of Paraguay released into circulation new 20,000 Guarani (Prefix B) and 100,000 Guarani (Prefix D) banknotes. The notes have modified designs from previous issues, new signatures, dated 2007 (issued 2008). See scans courtesy of Claudio Marana at Paraguay

banknotes

banknotes

Congo Democratic Republic

December 31, 2008 - Congo Democratic Republic plans to issue new 1000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 Franc banknotes in the first half of 2009. Link in French courtesy of cleo phas, Israel allAfrica.com

Turkmenistan

December 29, 2008 - The Central Bank of Turkmenistan will issue new denomination banknotes to replace the old ones. 1 new manat will equal 5000 old manat.

The exchange of old banknotes will be carried out starting from 1 January to 31 December 2009.

New banknotes (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 manat) will carry pictures of famous Turkmen historical personalities as well as historical-architectural sights of Turkmenistan.

Link shows pictures of the new note series courtesy of cleo phas, Israel The State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan.ru

Albania

December 26, 2008 - The Bank of Albania has released into circulation a new 2000 Lek banknote. The note, dated 2007, was released on December 23, 2008. info courtesy of cleo phas

Turkey

December 22, 2008 - The new Turkish Lira banknotes, to be put into circulation as of January 1st, 2009, will be protected by 12 different security measures.

With the new banknotes to be put into circulation as of January 1st, 2009, the duration which began with the dropping of six zeros and the adding of the word "Yeni" (new) on January 1st, 2005 will have come full circle. The new Turkish Lira banknotes will be protected by the following security measures.

- Safety strip: Will be buried within the paper on all notes.

- Watermark: When the banknote is held up to light a watermark in the image of Atatürk will be visible from both sides.

- Holographic silver ribbon: This is made up of a type of foil that is being used globally for the first time. When the banknote is moved it will reflect shiny colors.

- Raised printing: The portion containing a portrait of Atatürk as well as the writing "Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Merkez Bankasi'' (Turkey's Central Bank) as well as the middle section which displays the denomination will all be printed with raised lines.

Slovakia

December 21, 2008 - Slovakia switches over to euro on January 1, 2009, becoming the 16th member of the European Union to join the Eurozone. AFP

Chile

December 20, 2008 - Chile plans to issue a new design banknote series in the second half of 2009. Link in Spanish courtesy of cleo phas, Israel latercera.com

Zimbabwe

December 19, 2008 - Zimbabwe's central bank Friday issued a 10 billion dollar banknote, as inflation drove the value of the currency to new depths, according to state radio. A bulletin said the 10 billion dollar note, issued simultaneously with 1 billion and 5 billion Zimbabwe dollar notes, "would go a long way in improving workers' access to cash."

Only a week ago new notes of up to 500 million Zimbabwe dollars in value were issued in a bid by the Reserve Bank to ease mammoth queues at banks around the country caused by acute cash shortages. Pictures (see link) courtesy of Claudio Marana Some Interesting Facts About Paper Money

South Korea

December 18, 2008 - The government has indefinitely suspended a long-cherished plan to issue W100,000 banknotes. The Finance Ministry will soon officially notify the National Assembly and the Bank of Korea of its plan to defer issuing the bills, while giving the a green light only to new W50,000 bills scheduled to be circulated early next year. Digital Chosunibo

Zimbabwe

December 11, 2008 - Zimbabwe's central bank is today expected to introduce a new $500 million dollar note printed on 100 percent cotton material, worth about US$8 and enough to buy just eight loaves of bread, in the latest sign of spiralling hyperinflation in the southern African country. ZimOnline

Mauritius

December 10, 2008 - The Bank of Mauritius has concluded plans to introduce polymeric bank notes in order to reduce the expenditure in having new paper bank notes printed each year, APA learns in the Mauritian capital Port Louis.

The press release from the Bank issued on Wednesday in Port Louis indicates that the cost for the manufacture of paper banknotes costs the bank five US cents while the polymeric notes would cost around 50 US cents. Nevertheless, the release adds, the polymeric notes offer many advantages.

The communiqué also points out that the polymeric notes are forgery-proof, while paper notes can be illegally reproduced with the help of high technology equipment.

The release also adds that such bank notes are waterproof and have a life span of some 20 to 25 years whereas paper should be replaced very quickly.

The communiqué explains that the Bank of Mauritius will invite tenders for the manufacture of polymeric bank notes of new Mauritian Rupees 25, 50 and 100 for the government in early 2009. African Press Agency

Zimbabwe

December 7, 2008 - Inflation-wracked Zimbabwe plans to introduce a 200 million dollar note just days after a 100 million dollar note came into circulation, the government announced Saturday.

Colombia

December 4, 2008 - Colombia will issue a new banknote of 100,000 pesos to commemorate the 100 years of the birth of ex-president Carlos Lleras Restrepo. Link in Spanish. Info courtesy of Cleo Phas, Israel Terra Colombia

Czech Republic

December 3, 2008 - The Czech National Bank is preparing to issue a new version of the 500 CZK banknote in April 2009.

The new note contains new or improved protective elements (for example, a watermark, a protective strip, optically variable ink). The technical innovations of the banknote under preparation are the same as those in the new versions of the 1,000 CZK and 2,000 CZK banknotes.

The aim of the new versions of the three most used banknotes is to better protect the banknotes against counterfeiting and to help the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit banknotes. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel Czech National Bank

Zimbabwe

December 3, 2008 - Zimbabwe's central bank will introduce new higher denomination banknotes of up to 100 million Zimbabwe dollars, as it battles to contain hyperinflation, state media reported on Wednesday.

The Herald newspaper said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe had unveiled new Z$10 million, Z$50 million and Z$100 million notes that would go into circulation on Thursday.

The previously highest denomination was Z$1 million.

Paraguay

November 25, 2008 - Banco Central del Paraguay will issue a new denomination 2000 Guarani banknote in 2009. The 1000 Guarani banknote will be replaced by a bi-metal coin. Link in Spanish. Info courtesy of Cleo Phas, Israel Banco Central del Paraguay

Bermuda

November 24, 2008 - The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) unveiled this morning new bank notes to be issued in early 2009. The designs "incorporate a distinct Bermudian look with the use of bold colours, as well as local scenes, flora and fauna".

It is the first redesign of Bermuda's note currency since the Bermuda dollar was issued in 1970. See link for pictures of the new banknotes. Bermuda Monetary Authority

Papua New Guinea

November 10, 2008 - The Bank of Papua New Guinea announced the release of K2 and K50 banknotes to commemorate the 35th Anniversay of the Bank.

The new commemorative K2 polymer note retains its existing design and security elements except for the front, which incorporates a special overprint design bearing the logo of the Bank of Papua New Guinea located between the Parliament House and the security window of the note.

The new K50 banknote retains many of the design elements of the existing K50 note, however it incorporates modified and improved advanced security features to help protect it from counterfeiting, and standardize its features that appear on the front of all notes.

See link for pictures of the new notes. Info courtesy of Claudio Marana Bank of Papua New Guinea

Bhutan

November 4, 2008 - Bhutan issued new 50 and 1,000 Ngultrum notes. Info courtesy of Claudio Marana

Lao

November 4, 2008 - Lao released a new 1000 Kip note on October 31, 2008. The note is similar to previous issues but with modified deign and dated 2008. Picture (see link) courtesy of Claudio Marana. Also many thanks to Carlo Turco for sending a similar picture. Some Interesting Facts About Paper Money

Zimbabwe

November 3, 2008 - The central bank of Zimbabwe Monday introduced three new higher denomination bank notes, up to the one million Zim-dollar note (Z$1,000,000), as the country battles with record inflation of more than 230 million per cent.

The bank said new Z$100,000, Z$500,000 and the Z$1,000,0000 bank notes would enter circulation to make it easier and convenient for the public to trade. Until now, the highest denomination bank note in the country was the Z$50,0000, introduced two months ago.

The central bank has introduced a series of new higher denomination bank notes in the last few months, but they have all been rapidly eroded by high inflation. Officially, inflation was pegged at 231 million per cent in July, the last month figures are made available, and is now estimated to be running around 1,000 per cent. In August, the central bank was forced to chop off 10 zeroes from the national currency to make it easier for the public and companies to transact. AFRIK.com

Bangladesh

October 28 2008 - Bangladesh Bank announced the release of a new 1000 Taka banknote on October 27. The note is the highest denomination ever issued for this country. Info courtesy of Carlo Turco Bangladesh Bank

Poland

October 27, 2008 - The National Bank of Poland is planning to issue a collector note with the face value of PLN 10 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland.

The face of the note will depict the figure of Commander Józef Pilsudski and the front façade of the Belweder Palace, the back of the note - image of the Emblem of the Polish Republic - the White Eagle, as designed in 1919, as well as the Monument of the Heroic Deed of Polish Legions in Kielce. Info courtesy of Carlo Turco National Bank of Poland

Zimbabwe

October 11, 2008 - The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) will, with effect from Monday, introduce a 50,000 Zimbabwe dollar note as part of measures to bring convenience to the banking public ahead of the festive season, The Herald reported on Saturday. www.news.cn

South Korea

October 9, 2008 - No Banknote Would Be Complete Without Dokdo

It has been reported that the scheduled release of a new 100,000 won banknote early next year has been suspended due to disbute over the map on the back of the note not including the islets of Dokdo.

The 50,000 won bill reportedly still to be issued as scheduled. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel The Marmot's Hole

Latvia

October 5, 2008 - The Bank of Latvia issues a revised design 10 Latu note. The note is similar to previous issues except with new signature, improved security features and dated 2008. Link shows pictures comparing the old and new notes. Bank of Latvia

Turkey

October 3, 2008 - Turkish Central Bank Governor Durmus Yilmaz introduced the new Turkish paper banknotes and coins on Friday and said the biggest banknote would be 200 lira while the smallest one would be 5 lira.

The new banknotes will be in circulation as of Jan. 1, 2009, Yilmaz said.

The Turkish Central Bank dropped six zeros from Turkish Lira (TL) three years ago as inflation in the country fell from high rates and removed it from circulation. Turkey replaced this currency with new Turkish Lira (YTL), which will be completely phased out by the end of 2009.

The central bank is concluding this process by dropping the "new" from the currency and returning to original TL.

The value of the Turkish lira currency will not be adjusted with this latest issuing of banknotes and coins. HotNew Turkey.com

Zimbabwe

September 29, 2008 - Harare - Not yet two months after President Robert Mugabe's government slashed 10 zeroes off the country's plunging currency, Zimbabwe has introduced new 10,000 and 20,000 Zimbabwe dollar notes as the new money goes the way of the old.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper said Monday that the two new bigger notes would be brought into circulation immediately.

This is the second set of new notes introduced since August, when the Reserve Bank, in one fell swoop, lobbed 10 zeroes off the dollar, transforming 10 billion Zimbabwe dollars into one Zimbabwe dollar. At that time, the biggest note was 500 dollars.

The new 20,000 Zimbabwe dollar will only buy two packets of cigarettes, but is also the equivalent of two months' pay for a police constable. m&c

Libya

September 28, 2008 - The Central Bank of Libya has issued a new 50 Dinar denomination banknote. Link in pdf format shows pictures of the new note. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel Central Bank of Libya

Indonesia

September 18, 2008 - Bank Indonesia has postponed the printing of Rp 2.000 banknotes and delayed plans to transform Rp 1.000 banknotes to coins, which was previously scheduled for implementation beginning of this year due to technical problems in the production process, such as acquiring the supply of paper and necessary equipment.

"It is not easy to get this kind of paper," Bank Indonesia deputy governor, Budi Rohadi said yesterday. The Central Bank had planned to print the money on July 2008 but had to wait until the end of the year.

Bank Indonesia was scheduled to print 1.2 billion of Rp 2.000 bills, 1.4 billion new coins. Tempointeractive

Zimbabwe

September 17, 2008 - Zimbabwe's central bank Wednesday issued a new 1,000 dollar note in a bid to ease widespread cash shortages as the country battles the world's highest inflation rate.

The bank has introduced a series of new notes since August, after the central bank struck 10 zeros off the local currency. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel newzimbebwe.com

Qatar

September 8, 2008 - The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) will introduce new bank notes with special features on September 15. The new bank notes of QR1, 5, 10 and 50 denominations will have a value numeral and vertical bars facilitating the visually impaired to recognize the value.

The QR50 currency notes will have special security features. This includes a holographic strip in distinctive shape with Qatar's emblem and the value appearing alternatively when viewed from different angles. The falcon head is also featured in the holograph. The Peninsula

Turkmenistan

September 7, 2008 - The Central Bank of Turkmenistan announced that it will issue new denomination banknotes to replace the old ones. 1 new manat will equal 5000 old manat. The 10,000-manat banknote, the biggest one currently in circulation, will be made equal to 2 new manats.

The exchange of old banknotes will be carried out starting from 1 January to 31 December 2009. In this period old and new banknotes will be used as a legal means of payment in all forms of cash payments.

New banknotes (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 manat) will carry pictures of famous Turkmen historical personalities as well as historical-architectural sights of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan.ru

Mexico

September 1, 2008 - Banco de Mexico announced today that a new design 200 Peso note will be released on Monday, September 8th. Info courtesy of Cedrian López-Bosch Martineau

Iran

August 27, 2008 - Iran's central bank will issue a new 2,000,000 Rial Bearer Cheque next October. Earlier this month, the bank released 500,000 Rial and 1,000,000 Rial Bearer Cheques. Link with pictures of the new notes. Info courtesy of Carlo Turco Iran Collector

Turkey

August 27, 2008 - Turkish Central Bank will put into circulation country's new currency the "Turkish Lira" (TL) replacing the "New Turkish Lira" (YTL) as of the beginning of 2009, bank's governor Durmus Yilmaz said on Wednesday.

In 2003, Turkish parliament passed a law that allowed removal of six zeroes from the currency, and circulation of the new lira (YTL). It was introduced on January 1st, 2005 replacing the previous lira.

Governor Yilmaz said YTL and TL would be in circulation together for 1 year until 2010.

He also said that the bank would issue 200 TL banknotes and that 1 TL would be in circulation only as coins. Today, the highest denomination is 100 YTL.

Yilmaz added that Central bank would make public new sizes, designs and security features of the new banknotes and coins on October 3rd. World Bulletin

Iraq

August 24, 2008 - The Central Bank of Iraq has taken steps to rebase the Iraqi dinar and issue new banknotes, a senior official at the bank has said.

"We have reached a conclusion that we should take off three zeroes from the current Iraqi dinar banknotes," Mudher Qasim, the bank's senior advisor, told Dow Jones Newswires in an exclusive interview.

Qasim didn't give a timeframe when that decision would be taken, but said printing new banknotes and fully replacing old notes would take two years from the time the decision is taken.

If the rebase decision is taken, it means a current 25,000 Iraqi dinar banknote will become 25 dinars. When three zeroes are knocked off the Iraqi dinar, a dollar will equal only 1.20 dinars. Gulf Times

Iran

August 21, 2008 - Iran's central bank has begun issuing its own high-denomination paper notes to replace the promissory notes issued by private banks which will now be banned, state media said on Thursday.

Central bank governor Tahmasb Mazaheri said the move was intended to reassert control over the money supply as the bank considers broader currency reform amid double-digit inflation.

A 500,000-rial (35-euro) note was issued on Saturday and a one-million rial note is to follow this weekend, Mazaheri told the official IRNA news agency on Wednesday. AFP

Tonga

July 30, 2008 - His Majesty King George Tupou V officially launched Tonga's new one hundred pa'anga note at the National Reserve Bank of Tonga today (July 25). The new one hundred pa'anga note will be issued to the public on 30 July 2008 to mark the coronation of His Majesty and the new epoch for the Kingdom.

His Majesty also introduced today the new design of pa'anga notes which is planned to be issued to the public in early 2009. Info courtesy of cleo phas

Zimbabwe

July 30, 2008 HARARE (AFP) - Zimbabwe will issue new bank notes from August 1 that will knock 10 zeros off the dollar and revalue a 10 billion dollar note to equal one zimdollar, the Central Bank governor said Wednesday.

"Ten billion dollars today, will as from August 1 be revalued to one zimdollar dollar," Gideon Gono said at a function, attended by President Robert Mugabe.

"With effect from August 1, the Reserve Bank is issuing new currency notes, not bearer cheques which some have been counterfeiting," Gono said in an announcement aimed at addressing acute cash shortages rocking the inflation-battered nation. AFP

Georgia

July 29, 2008 - The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) issued a new style of GEL 5 and GEL 20 banknotes on July 21.

"The new notes only have a different series date and signatures of the Georgian National Bank president and Finance Minister," a statement from the NBG reads.

The GEL 5 banknotes carry the portrait of the Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili (1876-1940) and a portrait of Ilia Chavchavadze (1837-1907) is on GEL 20 notes

Samoa

July 23, 2008 - Samoa has issued a new set of banknotes. The 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 tala notes began circulating this week, and will gradually replace the old ones. The new money depicts churches, beaches, government buildings, the Manu Samoa sevens rugby team that won the 2007 Sevens in Hong Kong and tattoo motifs.

The government says it moved to change the banknotes to new currency was brought in to fight counterfeiting and in celebration of the late Head of State, Maleitoa Tanumafili II.

Kazakhstan

July 23, 2008 - The National Bank of Kazakhstan issued a 5000 Tenge note to dedicate 15-years of National currency. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel

Macao

July 19, 2008 - The government of Macao plans to issue a new series of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Pasata banknotes.

All the banknotes will have new images printed on them:
A-Ma Temple for 10 Patacas, Ruins of Saint Paul for 20 Pasatas, D. Pedro V theater for 50 Pasatas, Guia Fortress for 100 Patacas, Mandarin House for 500 Pacatas and Senado Building, now the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) headquarters, for 1,000 Pacatas.

The issue date to be printed on the notes is August 8, 2008. But no exact date was given as to when these notes will be circulating.

However, the new notes will not affect the circulation of the current banknotes, and once the new notes are out, it is expected that there will be a total of 13 billion banknotes circulating in Macao altogether. Macau Daily Times

Zimbabwe

July 19, 2008 - HARARE, July 19 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's central bank will introduce new higher-value 100 billion Zimbabwe dollar notes on Monday as part of a desperate fight against spiralling hyperinflation.

Hong Kong

July 14, 2008 - Hundreds of people began queueing outside Hong Kong branches of the Bank of China on Monday, desperate to get their hands on special banknotes released to commemorate the upcoming Olympics.

The bank unveiled the notes last week. The front features a picture of a plinth, the Beijing 2008 logo and the landmark Bank of China tower in Hong Kong.

On the reverse is the image of the Beijing Olympic stadium, better known as the "Bird's Nest".

The bank is releasing four million of the banknotes at its Hong Kong and Macau branches and in some overseas branches. China Daily

China

July 7, 2008 - BEIJING (Reuters) - China's central bank will drop former leader Mao Zedong's face from six million new 10 yuan notes to mark next month's Olympic Games.

One side of the new cyan-coloured note features the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest, in north Beijing, the main venue for the August 8-24 Games.

The "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing" Games emblem, designed to look like the red-inked Chinese character stamps used since imperial times, is positioned above the nest, with the capital's historic Temple of Heaven public park as a backdrop.

The reverse side features an ancient Greek marble statue of a discus-thrower, Discobolus, portraits of athletes and the numeral "2008", the bank said.

Macao

July 7, 2008 - The Bank of China, Macao Branch, plans to issue 4 million 20 Patacas notes in commemoration of the 29th Olympic Games that will be held in Beijing this August.

Front: Bank of China Building, the architecture representing the location of he torch relay of the ancient Olympic Games, as well as the emblem of the Beijing Olympic Games and a vertical line that reads "In Commemoration of the 29th Olympic Games" in both Chinese and Portuguese.

Back: Beijing Olympic Stadium (also known as the "Bird's Nest"), Macau's Golden Lotus symbol, and the same bi-lingual print as on the right hand side. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel Macau Daily Times

Pakistan

July 3, 2008 - Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar on Thursday presented new notes of Rs. 50 and Rs 5 denominations to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and briefed him about their security features.

She told the Prime Minister that the new designs of the currency notes have been approved by the federal cabinet.

The Prime Minister appreciated that pictures of K-2 peak and Gwadar Deep Sea Port feature on the back of the Rs. 50 and Rs. 5 notes respectively.

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar told the Prime Minister that the sophisticated security features have been introduced to avoid counterfeiting. Associated Press of Pakistan

Cambodia

May 16, 2008 - The National Bank of Cambodia issued a new 20,000 Riel note on May 12, 2008. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel

Zimbabwe

May 15, 2008 - Zimbabwe's central bank introduced 500 million Zimbabwe dollar notes worth just $2 on Thursday in the latest sign of spiralling hyperinflation, only a week after issuing the 250 million bill.
The new highest denomination note would buy about two loaves of bread.
The central bank also introduced special agricultural cheques in 5 billion, 25 billion and 50 billion Zimbabwe dollar denominations to facilitate payments to farmers during the current selling season.

Paraguay

May 13, 2008 - The central bank of Paraguay issued new 50,000 Guaranies, series 2007 banknotes on May 12, 2008. Info courtesy of cleo phas, Israel

Zimbabwe

May 5, 2008 - The reserve bank of Zimbabwe has unveiled a new 100 million and 250 million dollar notes and these will be in circulation starting tomorrow. IC Publications