## The Design and Printing of Bank Notes: Considerations When Introducing a New Currency

_IMF Working Papers, March 1, 1995_

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## Bibliographic details
- Authors: Richard K. Abrams
- Published: March 1, 1995
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451844320.001

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### Summary
- Many newly independent or systemically transforming countries feel a pressing need to--or must--introduce their own national currency.
- Other countries simply wish to enhance the attractiveness, usefulness, durability, and/or security of their currencies.
- It is difficult to find consistent published information on the various aspects of designing, producing, and printing a new currency.
- This paper discusses the main issues in designing, producing, and printing a new currency to help those charged with these tasks proceed in an orderly and informed manner.
- Attention is given to examining the options that may be available when this exercise must be undertaken on an emergency basis, with little or no warning.

### Key considerations in designing, producing, and printing a new currency
- Clarify objectives: attractiveness, usefulness, durability, and security of the currency.
- Organize the process to proceed in an orderly and informed manner.
- Understand the roles and capabilities of the bank note printing industry and bank note producers.
- Consider operational aspects of bank note printing operations and logistics for note circulation.
- Account for interaction with monetary policy, inflation, and public expenditure considerations.

### Options and contingencies for emergency introductions
- Examine alternatives available when introduction must be undertaken on an emergency basis, with little or no warning.
- Assess short-term measures versus longer-term production and design strategies.

### Subjects and keywords (as listed)
- Subject: Banking, Currencies, Expenditure, Financial institutions, Inflation, Labor, Money, Prices, Public expenditure review, Securities
- Keywords: bank note issue, bank note printing industry, bank note printing operation, bank note producer, bank notes, Bank of Canada note circulation, Currencies, Inflation, printing work, Public expenditure review, Securities, WP

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2016/12/30/the-design-and-printing-of-bank-notes-considerations-when-introducing-a-new-currency-1854_