SNB introduces new 20-franc banknote
ZURICH: The Swiss National Bank takes its money seriously.
Fresh from winning banknote of the year for its 50-franc denomination, it unveiled a new 20-franc design on Wednesday that deputy chairman Fritz Zurbruegg argues might be the world’s most secure bill.
Red in colour and based on a theme of light and culture, the new 20, made of cotton paper and an inner polymer core, will come into circulation as of May 17.
“The 20-franc note focuses on Switzerland’s creativity, highlighting the country’s vibrant cultural and artistic scene in a variety of areas,” Zurbruegg said at a ceremony in Bern.
The 20 follows the introduction last year of a new 50-franc note, which was named banknote of 2016 by a group of international connoisseurs, beating out 18 competitors including the Bank of England’s controversial polymer note.
Switzerland’s new series f eatures nature rather than portraits of historical Swiss figures.
The new 20 has 15 security features, including a globe that changes colour, a silver map of Switzerland and a cross that morphs into the country’s flag.
In response to a question about whether the note might be the world’s most secure, Zurbruegg said with a chuckle: “I’d claim that it is.”