Switzerland presents new 20-francs note

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has presented its new 20-francs banknote yesterday. This is the second note of the new series after the 50-francs note which was issued last year.

The theme of the red-colored note is creativity, expressed through the key motif of Light. On the front we see a hand which holds a prism through which light is dispersed into various colours. The motif of light is echoed in the constellations over the globe on the front. The background of the note is reminiscent of a kaleidoscope in which colourful patterns are produced through reflected light. The motif of light also plays an important role on the security strip: night-time light emissions are overlaid on a map of Switzerland and the surrounding regions, and the distances between various celestial bodies and the earth are listed in light seconds.

The back of the note has more elements connected with Light. Creativity, as can be experienced at a film festival, is expressed through the projection of light onto a screen. Light reveals the colour of the butterfly’s wings and allows us to behold the rich diversity of nature. The lines on the back of the 20-franc note portray an iris, which regulates the amount of light entering the human eye.

The new 20-francs note will be issued from 17 May 2017.

I think this is a beautiful banknote and a serious contender to win the title of Banknote of the Year again after the 50-francs note won the award for 2016.