Banknote themes changing with times

The U.K.-based Central Banking Institute has highlighted the debate in many countries, including Canada, surrounding banknote designs – especially following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

In addition to Bank of England notes, the late monarch is currently shown on 57 denominations from 15 countries, crown dependencies and British Overseas Territories.

The Bank of England’s new notes with the portrait of King Charles III, the late queen’s son, will enter circulation in 2024 with no other design changes; however, other countries, including Australia, have opted against featuring the new king on its future notes.

A March 9 report from Central Banking, which looked at the main themes of 163 banknote issues, found prominent people remain the most popular theme of a note’s face.

“All in all, 59 per cent of the issuers included in their notes such a portrait as the main theme – however, current or former monarchs represented only 14 per cent,” reads the report. “The second most popular theme on the front is a building, monument or landscape with 19 per cent presence followed by flora and fauna with 10 per cent. The rest consists of either abstract, artistic and symbolic or of various societal themes.”

The backs of notes have a different thematic breakdown with the main themes including buildings, monuments and landscapes.

Leave a Reply

Canadian Coin News

Canada

Canadian Coin News is Canada's premier source of information about coins, notes and medals.

Although we cover the entire world of numismatics, the majority of our readers are Canadian, and we concentrate on the unique circumstances surrounding collecting in our native land.

Send Us Your Event

Running an event? Send it to us and we will display it on Canadian Coin News!

Submit Event →

Subscribe To 26 Issues For Just $59.99/year

Subscribe today to receive Canada's premier coin publication. Canadian Coin News is available in both paper and digital forms.

Subscribe Now

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.