Aruba’s Fun New Florin Banknote Series

For those who have read my posts describing my favorite banknote will remember that my favorite banknote is the Netherlands 50 Gulden, 1982 banknote. This beautiful note’s principal theme is Sunflowers. Well there might be a new banknote series to displace this note. The new Aruba series might become my favorite. I didn’t know this before, but Aruba was a Dutch overseas territory and citizen’s of Aruba are subsequently Dutch citizens, so maybe I just have a thing for Dutch banknotes?

Aruba partnered with Crane Currency to create an amazing new series of banknotes that focus on local animals, sea creatures and flora. They also decided to make the new banknotes fun so they engage the public better.

The New Design

Each of the denominations 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 follow a similar theme with a large portrait of an animal or bird on the portrait oriented obverse. On the reverse are smaller animals, and a wide bar with security designs.

Security Features

All denominations include SICPA SPARK LIVE and CRANE SURFACE. These 2 features are some of the most advanced and interactive public features. They create motion when the note is tilted therefore, are extremely difficult to mimic. Given the expense of these 2 features, they are typically used only in high denominations. The 10 florin is worth about $5. I can only surmise that the bank wanted to use the same features and design concepts across the entire series and they probably wanted to make sure they didn’t need to upgrade their notes soon. (The last time was in 2003).

What is truly interesting is that the Bank and Government of Aruba agreed to have fun with the issuance. It’s essential that the public knows how to recognize and authenticate its banknotes when they release a new series. Most governments spend too little and are too technical in their educational material. Aruba used humor and put the turtles, lizards and birds on display and called them ‘The Stars of Aruba’. They also released an app to help in education and authentication. The public support, engagement and familiarity with the new notes far exceeded the typical level of interest.

The 120,000 residents of Aruba plus the visitors are truly lucky to have some colorful and fun currency. And maybe someday the 10 Florin might become by new favorite.

Additional Sources:

Image Main Thumb | New Aruba 10-200 Florin Series| 2019 | Source: Banknote News