CNB preparing new version of 500 CZK banknote

The Czech National Bank is preparing to issue a new version of the 500 CZK banknote in April 2009. The new note contains new or improved protective elements (for example, a watermark, a protective strip, optically variable ink). The technical innovations of the banknote under preparation are the same as those in the new versions of the 1,000 CZK and 2,000 CZK banknotes. The aim of the new versions of the three most used banknotes is to better protect the banknotes against counterfeiting and to help the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit banknotes.

A draft decree containing a description of the new protective elements and the differences between the 2009 version of the 500 CZK notes and the still valid 1995 and 1997 versions of the same denomination is currently being circulated for interdepartmental comments. The public will be informed in detail about the protective elements before the banknotes are put into circulation.

Pavlína Bolfová
CNB spokesperson