Denmark’s next generation of banknotes

29 January 2024

Why we need new banknotes

Society needs cash, both today and in the future. Although citizens and businesses are increasingly using digital payment solutions, cash is still a widespread and utilised means of payment, which is why Danmarks Nationalbank is working on developing a new and upgraded series of banknotes. The initiative aims to ensure that cash remains a secure means of payment. Since the current banknote series with Danish bridges and ancient artefacts was designed, a lot has happened in the development of banknotes. In particular, new technology has made it possible to give the banknotes a security boost that can strengthen the efforts to combat counterfeiting.

Banknotes are a tangible symbol of a country's identity and are recognised as having both cultural and historical significance. A banknote is both a means of payment and a piece of decorative art that requires aesthetics and security. The goal of Danmarks Nationalbank is to create an aesthetically pleasing new banknote series that is technically sound, recognisable to the public and incorporates the latest security technology.

A process with broad involvement

Danmarks Nationalbank will involve a wide range of stakeholders in the initial phase, gathering inspiration from many different angles to find the motifs for the new banknotes. Therefore, a number of educational institutions and museums in the cultural and natural sciences are invited to contribute suggestions for motifs. Based on these suggestions, Danmarks Nationalbank will establish several different cross-cutting themes, and during the first half of 2024, all citizens will have the opportunity to virtually voice their opinion on the motifs. Then, with the help of a number of external experts, Danmarks Nationalbank will decide which motifs will adorn the new banknotes.

The final design of the new banknotes will take inspiration from the received suggestions for motifs and input from citizens, as well as requirements for security features and options in the production process.

Danish banknotes are used in Denmark and Greenland

The current and future banknotes are used in both Denmark and Greenland, while the Faroe Islands have their own banknotes with Faroese motifs. Against this background, the Greenland National Museum - like a number of institutions in Denmark - has been invited to submit proposals for motifs.

Where can I read more about the new banknotes?

The work has started, and Danmarks Nationalbank will ensure ongoing communication about the process, including when the general public are invited to give their input.

Read more about the new banknotes and the cash of the future, including the decision to phase out the DKK 1000 banknote and banknotes issued before 2009, at nationalbanken.dk/en/the-future-of-cash.

Overview of invited institutions

Aarhus School of Architecture

ARoS

Astronomy, Aarhus University

Biology, Aalborg University

Comparative Literature, University of Copenhagen

Comparative Literature, University of Southern Denmark

Danish Museum of Science & Technology

Den Gamle By

Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark

Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University

Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen

Design School Kolding

Designmuseum Danmark

Dramaturgy and Musicology, Aarhus University

Geophysics and Space Technology, Technical University of Denmark

Greenland National Museum and Archives

Louisiana

M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark

Moesgaard Museum

Museum Odense

National Gallery of Denmark

National Institute of Aquatic Resources, DTU Aqua

National Museum of Denmark

Natural History Museum of Denmark (Zoological Museum, Geological Museum, Botanical Museum and Botanical Garden)

Nature and Culture Communication, University College of Northern Denmark

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Skagens Museum

The Danish National School of Performing Arts

The Fisheries and Maritime Museum

The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg

The Royal Danish Academy - Architecture, Design, Conservation (Architecture and Design)

The Royal Danish Academy of Music

The Royal Danish Collection

Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Copenhagen

Journalists can contact Press and Communications Officer Peter Levring on Tel. +45 3363 6383.

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