Pandemic Banknotes

2020 has been extremely unusual for most people. The COVID-19 pandemic has kept most of us in our homes and affected every aspect of our lives. In the collector market, nearly every exhibition has been canceled or postponed. Silver and gold have spiked in prices and many government precious metal coins have sold out. While there has not been a commemorative COVID19 (aka “coronavirus”) banknote, Switzerland has produced a COVID-19 stamp. We also saw a recently-debunked theory that banknotes could carry the virus.

It seems a good time to look back to interesting banknotes from the most recent pandemic. This would be 2009. “What you say- 2009? I thought the last pandemic was 1918- you know the poorly named Spanish Flu?” Actually, the world has experienced flu pandemics in 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009. So while 2020 has led to more extreme closures and government control than 2009, it is impossible to know if the actions of 2020 are more effective than the actions taken in prior years. I do remember though that in 2009, my kids were kept home from school for a couple weeks and we were all asked to stop shaking hands and to socially distance.

So what about 2009 Pandemic Banknotes?

Bermuda issued a series of very interesting and nice banknotes in 2009. This series, printed by De La Rue included a window in paper, covered by a clear holographic film. The images on each denomination were local animals, birds and fish. The entire set has a great feel of the Caribbean and fit Bermuda really well.

Singapore has a history of creating well designed currency. In 2009, Singapore created a polymer $2 banknote that includes well designed windows and UV fluorescent features.

South Korea introduced a 50,000 Won with Crane’s MOTION security thread. This is one of the best integrations of the this type of thread. The colors works well and the thread is well placed.

The last pandemic banknote I want to mention is the 2009 Mexico 100 Peso commemorative note. The banknote is actually a 2010 product but was issued in 2009. This note has great colors with an intaglio image of a steam locomotive on the obverse and images of indigenous people on the reverse. The note commemorates the Mexican Independence of 1910. This note is certainly in my top 50 of the best banknotes ever.