Aruba’s New Banknotes Spotlight Nature - IMF F&D
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Bibliographic details
- Authors: NICCOLE BRAYNEN-KIMANI, MELINDA WEIR
- Published: June 1, 2020
Overview
- Article authors: NICCOLE BRAYNEN-KIMANI and MELINDA WEIR.
- Publication: F&D Magazine, June 2020.
- Purpose: Describe Aruba’s 2019 banknote redesign, outreach campaign, design choices, security features, reception, and symbolic significance.
- Timeline highlights:
- First new currency design since 1990.
- Florin previously upgraded once in 2003.
- Redesign process lasted seven years.
- New series released in 2019.
Design and public outreach
- Strategy to encourage public acceptance:
- Central Bank of Aruba (CBA) launched an outreach campaign called “Streanan di Aruba” (“Stars of Aruba”).
- Campaign used comical, celebrity-style depictions of indigenous wildlife (e.g., birds getting “pedicures,” an iguana at the salon).
- Promotion via social and traditional media to spark curiosity and dialogue.
- Outcome: more than 85 percent of the old notes were returned before they were taken out of circulation.
- Use of local artistry:
- CBA worked with local artists to capture the island’s flora and fauna and broader cultural elements.
Flora, fauna, and cultural imagery on notes
- Fauna featured: red land crab, the endangered green turtle, Caracara cheriway, the troupial bird, and the iguana.
- Cultural and historical imagery:
- 100 florin banknote (most widely circulated): front features a young green iguana; back features dancers braiding ribbons in a folklore dance.
- 25 florin banknote: heralds Amerindian pottery.
- 10 and 50 banknotes: pay homage to architecture past and present.
- 200 florin banknote: front features the Caracara cheriway bird; back features a caha di orgel (self-playing piano).
Security and durability features
- Security technologies incorporated in the new notes:
- High-relief printing.
- Color-changing ink.
- A 3D “motion surface,” described as a moving stripe with miniaturized micro-optics.
- Purpose of features:
- Enhance durability.
- Make the currency among the world’s most secure.
- Facilitate identification by law enforcement and the central bank and help mitigate counterfeiting.
- Security design partner: Crane Currency of Sweden.
Reception and recognition
- Public reception:
- The outreach campaign was described as “a huge success” by Jane Semeleer, president of the CBA.
- Awards:
- The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) chose the Aruban 100 florin banknote as 2019 Banknote of the Year.
- Noted design element: cheeky young green iguana (they turn gray as they age) on the 100 florin.
Economic context and symbolism
- Economic vulnerability noted:
- Aruba’s economy has heavy reliance on tourism and, like Caribbean neighbors, is being hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Symbolic messaging:
- CBA emphasized showcasing aspects of Aruba beyond tourism to support sustainable industry and preserve natural habitat.
- Jane Semeleer highlighted the 200 florin’s Caracara cheriway as exuding “courage and fearlessness,” reflecting the island’s resilience.
Aruba’s New Banknotes Spotlight Nature - IMF F&D
Content in this bundle
- أوراق العملة
- Aruba’s New Banknotes Spotlight Nature – IMF F&D
- Notas monetarias: Nuevas estrellas ● Finanzas y Desarrollo ● Junio de 2020
- 华丽转身 - 货 币 - 《金融与发展》 2020年6月号 - 国际货币基金组织季刊