The Swiss National Bank recently unveiled its new 50-franc banknote, which comes as part of the first Swiss series to feature nature themes rather than portraits of famous men and women.
The note, which will enter circulation today, is wind-themed and features a dandelion, mountains and a paraglider.
“Each note in the new series now depicts a typically Swiss characteristic,” said SNB President Thomas Jordan.
The new Swiss banknote series is the country’s first to feature nature themes rather than portraits of notable men and women.
The SNB’s new notes, designed by Zurich-based artist Manuela Pfrunder, will be introduced over the following three years before replacing the current series, which entered circulation in 1995. The notes are slightly smaller than the existing bills.
PROBLEMS
The latest series has encountered problems and repeated delays since its outset in 2005, when the SNB held a public competition to design the new money. The winning design, by artist Manuel Krebs, featured blood cells and embryos and was ultimately abandoned by the bank after public opposition. Designs by Pfrunder, the competition’s second place winner, were then adopted.
Now, after technical problems with its paper supplier, the SNB has finally begun issuing its new notes, although it comes six years later than initially planned.