Making Waves

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Curaçao and Sint Maarten introduced a new shared currency, the Caribbean guilder, which went into circulation in March 2025.
The Caribbean guilder replaces the Netherlands Antillean guilder previously used by the two countries.
The new banknote series was launched following a public awareness campaign for the two Caribbean nations, which are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The series has received numerous awards, including Banknote of the Year from the International Bank Note Society.

Theme: “world under the sea” on the front and local landmarks on the back, emphasizing marine life and cultural landmarks.
Featured marine species: gray angelfish; giant tun snail shell; spotted eagle ray; green sea turtle; stoplight parrotfish; longsnout seahorse.
Highest-denominated note: the 200 Caribbean guilder bill features longsnout seahorses on the front and Curaçao’s Queen Emma Bridge in historic Willemstad on the reverse.
Rationale: The underwater motif was chosen to demonstrate the connection between the two countries’ distinct identities and cultures—“Fish swim freely, they see no borders,” reflecting unity and a monetary union.

Immediate public uptake: residents lined up at ATMs to obtain the new notes.
Cultural response: social media activity included songs inspired by the new currency.
Local commentary: a Curaçao resident joked, “It costs two seahorses,” referencing imagery on the 200 Caribbean guilder note.

Central Bank: Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) led the initiative; Nancy Guttenberg-van der Wal noted launching an entirely new currency is rare in recent decades.
Design partner: Crane Currency (US-based firm) collaborated with the CBCS on design.
Security features described as “a major upgrade” and include:
- a 3D moving stripe
- security threads
- high-relief printing
- transparent features
- iridescent ink
CBCS design priorities summarized by Eleanore Reynaert: “It has to be nice, it has to be beautiful, but most importantly, it has to be secure.”

Source: Making Waves — MELINDA WEIR, F&D Magazine, September 2026.