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 archaeological finds 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. On the new banknotes, the watermark, which is the most important security feature, will have a more prominent role than on the current banknote series.
It takes many years to develop a new banknote series – from conceptualisation and design to trial production and putting into circulation. You can expect the new banknotes to be in circulation in 2028-2029.
Banknotes throughout history: Trust is key
Trust is crucial when it comes to banknotes. Today it goes without saying, but when Danmarks Nationalbank was established over 200 years ago, it took a long and persistent effort to convince Danes that banknotes had the value that was printed on them.
Confidence in banknotes is still carefully protected by Danmarks Nationalbank, for example, by ensuring that banknotes are difficult to copy. One of Danmarks Nationalbank's main tasks is to ensure that payments can be made safely and efficiently. This applies to both cash payments and digital payment solutions, such as payment cards, mobile or online banking.
As technological developments over time have made it easier for potential counterfeiters to copy banknotes, Danmarks Nationalbank has always had to stay one step ahead by continuously introducing new security features.
From handwritten signatures to advanced holograms
Danmarks Nationalbank issued its first banknotes in 1819. The security features on the banknotes were two handwritten signatures by Danmarks Nationalbank employees and a watermark with the King’s monogram.
The current 2009 series of banknotes featuring Danish bridges and archaeological finds includes tactile copper printing, a hidden security thread and a sophisticated hologram that reflects light in different colours. During the period 2020 to 2024, Danmarks Nationalbank issued security-upgraded versions of the 500, 200 and 100-krone banknotes, and in 2025 a security-upgraded version of the 50-krone banknote will also be issued.
New technology means it is now possible to give banknotes another security boost so that cash remains a safe and efficient means of payment, both now and in the future.