Commemorative banknotes are a unique way for countries to honor special occasions and anniversaries. They're often designed with special features and imagery to make them stand out.
These special notes are typically released to commemorate a significant event or milestone in a country's history, such as a royal wedding or a major anniversary. The first commemorative banknote was issued in 1913 to celebrate the coronation of King George V in the United Kingdom.
Commemorative banknotes are usually printed in limited quantities, making them highly collectible. Some of these notes are even sold at a premium due to their rarity and historical significance.
Unique Aspects and Features
The ECCB $2 commemorative note is a masterpiece of design and security integration. It represents a significant step-change in the field, showcasing a cohesive marine life scene that combines multiple public security and design features.
This note was the first to be manufactured with a combination of blue hologram, ARGENTUM, and ILLUMINATE, requiring R&D development work to optimize the SAFEGUARD polymer substrate.
The overall strategy for this innovative part of the note was to push the boundaries of design by producing a highly secure and complex window that was also a compelling and engaging image.
The note features a single artistic scene that is also highly secure, with the SAFEGUARD polymer substrate design incorporating some parts of the marine life image, and the rest completed at the banknote manufacturing stage.
The type of integration used in this note, where security and design features are layered into a detailed scene in a polymer window, is necessary to stay ahead of counterfeiters.
The combination of multiple technologies and intricate aesthetic details makes it virtually impossible to simulate convincingly, and any attempts have to be nearly perfect to look right.
Here are some of the special features of the ECCB $2 commemorative note:
- Blue hologram
- ARGENTUM (a highly specialised and mirror-like silver ink)
- ILLUMINATE (a design feature that builds up texture, strong colours and intrigue around a polymer window via layering of specialist gravure inks)
- SAFEGUARD polymer substrate
The ECCB $2 note also features a complex image and artistic scene formed of different security features in a polymer window, which is a first in the world of banknote design.
The note's design integrates multiple technologies and manufacturing processes to create a highly secure and engaging image, making it a true masterpiece of innovation and design.
Event and Anniversary
Commemorative banknotes are often issued to celebrate significant events and anniversaries. The ECCB's 40th anniversary was commemorated with a special $2 banknote.
The note features a portrait of Sir Vivian Richards, a legendary cricketer known as "the Master Blaster." He's a beloved figure in the Caribbean, and the note's design honors his legacy.
The ECCB's Governor, Antoine, paid tribute to Sir Vivian Richards during the launch, highlighting the note's significance in inspiring greatness and a sense of purpose in the people of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
Highlights an Event
The note's design is a fitting tribute to the Caribbean's culture and history. Ruby red elements within the portrait honor the milestone anniversary, while an intricate aquatic ecosystem design showcases the region's thriving marine life.
Governor Antoine paid tribute to Sir Vivian Richards during the launch, highlighting the importance of rekindling a consciousness about Caribbean Civilization and self-belief. The commemorative note was a symbol of hope to inspire greatness in the people of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
Banknotes are a powerful way to capture the essence of a nation, and the ECCB $2 note is no exception. It's a fitting way to celebrate the bank's 40th anniversary and the region's rich cultural heritage.
Bank of China 100th Anniversary
The Bank of China 100th Anniversary was a significant event that took place in 2012. To commemorate this milestone, the Bank of China Limited issued special commemorative banknotes.
The banknotes were designed by the world-famous Chinese American Architect, Mr. Leoh Ming Pei, and feature the Bank of China Head Office Building on the front side. The building is tinted in gold, and the background includes the Great Wall and the press release of the founding of the Bank of China in 1912.
The front side of the banknote also features a number “100” in Chinese calligraphy to highlight the commemorative theme. The symbol of “∞” is used to replace the “00” of “100” to imply that Bank of China will continue to prosper and grow without limitation.
The back side of the banknote has a key tone of green and features a lotus in Chinese ink and wash painting. The lotus symbolizes holiness, tranquility, quietness, and peacefulness, and implies that Macau SAR will continue to prosper with harmony and peace.
Here are some of the security features of the Bank of China 100th Anniversary Commemorative Banknotes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are commemorative banknotes legal tender?
Commemorative banknotes are indeed legal tender, but they may not be intended for everyday use. They are a special type of currency that can be used to pay debts, but their primary purpose is often to commemorate a specific event or occasion.
Which banknotes are most valuable?
The most valuable banknote is the 1890 Grand Watermelon Banknote, which sold for $3.29 million. This rare American currency is highly sought after by collectors and is considered the most coveted piece of antique currency in the world.
Sources
- https://currencyaffairs.org/document/eccb-2-commemorative/
- https://www.bankofchina.com/MO/en/aboutus/ab4/ab43/201207/t20120703_1883635.html
- https://www.bot.or.th/en/our-roles/banknotes/History-and-Series-of-Banknote-And-Commemorative/banknotes-commerorative.html
- https://eshop.stc.cz/en/product/commemorative-banknote-with-a-portrait-of-alois-rasin/
- https://www.delarue.com/star-wars
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