Currency around the world is continually being improved to ensure aesthetics and enhance security. Do you know which 9 most exquisite banknotes belong to which countries?
The Hardest Banknotes to Counterfeit
- 1. Australian banknotes are waterproof and hard to counterfeit
- 2. China’s 100 yuan note “destroys” ATMs
- 3. The island nation of Aruba with stylized wildlife banknotes
- South African banknotes featuring the Big Five and President Nelson Mandela
- New vertical Canadian banknotes with a transparent section
- Vietnamese banknotes with microprinting and advanced security features
- New Zealand banknotes awarded “Banknote of the Year” for intricate details
- Bahamas banknotes designed with starfish and pineapple motifs
- Israeli banknotes with high security and features for the visually impaired
1. Australian Banknotes are Waterproof and Hard to Counterfeit
Australian banknotes are among the most advanced currencies in the world. They are not only completely waterproof but also very difficult to counterfeit due to their incredibly complex design.
Australia was the first country to introduce polymer banknotes in 1988, followed by China and Vietnam. One of the most interesting features of the Australian $5 note (AUD) is its dynamic visual effect.
When you move the banknote in various directions, you will see the wings of the spinebill bird (a native Australian species) appear to be in motion.
2. China’s 100 Yuan Note “Destroys” ATMs
The 100 yuan note from China can be considered the pinnacle of the country’s fight against counterfeiting. Not only is it gold-plated, but it also features complex designs that leave counterfeiters at a loss.
When this banknote was first released, Chinese ATMs could not read it and even malfunctioned. The Chinese government had to announce that it would take several days to update the ATMs to recognize the new currency.
3. The Island Nation of Aruba with Stylized Wildlife Banknotes
Aruba seeks to showcase its national identity on each banknote. Each denomination of Aruba’s banknotes (10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 Florin) is printed with a different ink color and stylized images of native animals.
Everything from conch shells, green snakes, owls, frogs, and grouper fish is depicted on the country’s banknotes.
South African Banknotes Featuring the Big Five and President Nelson Mandela
In 1961, when it became a republic, South Africa issued the Rand. Each different denomination features one of the Big Five animals representing various regions of South Africa: the rhinoceros, elephant, lion, buffalo, and leopard. In 2012, the Rand notes also included images of former President Nelson Mandela.
The Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Gill Marcus, described this currency as a unique symbol of the nation.
New Vertical Canadian Banknotes with a Transparent Section
In March 2018, Canada revealed plans to issue a new $10 banknote featuring Viola Desmond, a human rights activist from Nova Scotia, printed vertically with a transparent section.
According to Azure magazine, each banknote is made from a single piece of polymer to increase durability and incorporates anti-counterfeiting security features, including a moire pattern.
Vietnamese Banknotes with Microprinting and Advanced Security Features
The Vietnamese Dong has a tumultuous history, having undergone five changes before 2006 due to a lack of consistency and security. The current polymer banknotes are considered to have advanced inks that are difficult to counterfeit, making Vietnamese currency one of the most sophisticated in the world.
New Zealand Banknotes Awarded “Banknote of the Year” for Intricate Details
In 2015, the International Banknote Society awarded the title of “Most Beautiful Banknote in the World” to New Zealand’s $5 note for its intricate portrait design.
According to the IBS website, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand began issuing a new series of banknotes in 2015, featuring denominations of $5 and $10. Each note depicts historical figures, maps of New Zealand, along with enhanced security features.
Bahamas Banknotes Designed with Starfish and Pineapple Motifs
The currency of the Bahamas (located in the Caribbean) features five different coins. The 1-cent coin is engraved with three starfish, while the 5-cent coin depicts a pineapple. Patterns such as bonefish, hibiscus flowers, and sailboats appear on other denominations.
The Central Bank of the Bahamas even offers rare banknotes with limited editions for sale worldwide.
Israeli Banknotes with High Security and Features for the Visually Impaired
Israeli banknotes are known for their colorful designs and high-security features. Each Israeli banknote includes the signature of the governor, making them very difficult to counterfeit. Notably, the Shekel banknotes vary in length according to their denomination to assist visually impaired individuals.
