Danmarks Nationalbank is developing the next generation of Danish banknotes. The work has several phases – from design and tendering to production and distribution – and the new banknotes are expected to be launched in 2028-29. The new selection of banknotes will consist of DKK 50, 100, 200 and 500 notes.
Why we need new banknotes
Society needs cash, both today and in the future. Although citizens and businesses are increasingly using digital payment solutions, cash is still a widespread and utilised means of payment, which is why Danmarks Nationalbank is working on developing a new and upgraded series of banknotes.
The initiative aims to ensure that cash remains a secure means of payment. Since the current banknote series with Danish bridges and ancient artefacts was designed, a lot has happened in the development of banknotes. In particular, new technology has made it possible to give the banknotes a security boost that can strengthen the efforts to combat counterfeiting.
Banknotes are a tangible symbol of a country’s identity and are recognised as having both cultural and historical significance. A banknote is both a means of payment and a piece of decorative art that requires aesthetics and security. The goal of Danmarks Nationalbank is to create an aesthetically pleasing new banknote series that is technically sound, recognisable to the public and incorporates the latest security technology.
A process with broad involvement
Danmarks Nationalbank will involve a wide range of stakeholders in the initial phase, gathering inspiration from many different angles to find the motifs for the new banknotes.
Therefore, a number of educational institutions and museums in the cultural and natural sciences are invited to contribute suggestions for motifs. Based on these suggestions, Danmarks Nationalbank will establish several different cross-cutting themes, and during the first half of 2024, all citizens will have the opportunity to virtually voice their opinion on the motifs. Then, with the help of a number of external experts, Danmarks Nationalbank will decide which motifs will adorn the new banknotes.
The final design of the new banknotes will take inspiration from the received suggestions for motifs and input from citizens, as well as requirements for security features and options in the production process.
The new banknotes are expected to be launched in 2028-2029
Overview of invited institutions
- Aarhus School of Architecture
- ARoS
- Astronomy, Aarhus University
- Biology, Aalborg University
- Comparative Literature, University of Copenhagen
- Comparative Literature, University of Southern Denmark
- Danish Museum of Science & Technology
- Den Gamle By
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark
- Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen
- Design School Kolding
- Designmuseum Danmark
- Dramaturgy and Musicology, Aarhus University
- Geophysics and Space Technology, Technical University of Denmark
- Greenland National Museum and Archives
- Louisiana
- M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark
- Moesgaard Museum
- Museum Odense
- National Gallery of Denmark
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, DTU Aqua
- National Museum of Denmark
- Natural History Museum of Denmark (Zoological Museum, Geological Museum, Botanical Museum and Botanical Garden)
- Nature and Culture Communication, University College of Northern Denmark
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
- Skagens Museum
- The Danish National School of Performing Arts
- The Fisheries and Maritime Museum
- The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg
- The Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation (Architecture and Design)
- The Royal Danish Academy of Music
- The Royal Danish Collection
- Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Copenhagen