New Zealand $5 note named “Banknote of the year”
<p>New Zealand’s five-dollar note has been named “banknote of the year” by the International Bank Note Society, beating 40 other eligible designs from 20 countries.</p>
<p>For a design to be eligible, it must be issued for the first time and in general circulation during the year of the award. Banknotes are assessed by a panel on “artistic merit and/or innovative security features” as well as use of colour, contrast and balance.</p>
<p><img width="500" height="244" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/19187/nz-in-text-one_500x244.jpg" alt="NZ In Text One" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p>
<p>Almost 150 new banknotes were released last year, with the International Bank Note Society deeming over three dozen eligible for nomination.</p>
<p>New Zealand’s five-dollar note was described as the “clear winner” with Sweden’s new 20 kronor note, Russian’s 100 ruble note, Kazakhstan’s 20,000 tenge note and Scotland’s five-pound polymer note named as runners-up.</p>
<p><img width="495" height="240" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/19188/nz-in-text-two_495x240.jpg" alt="NZ In Text Two" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p>
<p>Geoff Bascand, the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, said “We are proud of all of New Zealand’s new banknotes, but to have our $5 note recognised internationally is very special. The note incorporates some of the world’s most advanced security features, yet still beautifully showcases New Zealand’s history, culture and heritage.”</p>
<p>What do you think of the winning design?</p>
<p><em>Image credit: International Bank Note Society</em></p>
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