The CNB puts into circulation a new version of the CZK 1000 banknote

On 1 April 2008, the Czech National Bank will put into circulation a new 2008 version of the CZK 1000 banknote, which contains new protective elements compared with the older versions. The existing version of this banknote, which was put into circulation in 1996, remains legal tender. The older, 1993 version of the banknote has already ceased to be legal tender but is still exchangeable at the Czech National Bank.

“The new CZK 1000 banknote has a number of new protective elements, some visible to the naked eye and intended for the general public, and some detectable using machines and aids, intended for authentication by professional cash handlers. The CZK 1000 banknote was first modified in 1996. Almost twelve years have elapsed since then, a period after which most central banks consider it appropriate to improve the protection of banknotes against counterfeiting” said Pavel Řežábek, Chief Executive Director and member of the CNB Bank Board.

The issuance of the 2008 version of the CZK 1000 banknote is part of a long-term programme to improve the protection of Czech banknotes against counterfeiting. The 2008 version is the third version of the CZK 1000 banknote based on a design by Oldřich Kulhánek. The CZK 1000 banknote is meanwhile the second banknote of the new range of banknotes with modified protective features, after the CZK 2000 banknote issued in 2007. The programme to improve banknote protection responds on an ongoing basis to new trends in reproduction techniques and protective elements enabling genuine banknotes to be distinguished from counterfeits.

The improvements to the protection of the banknotes against counterfeiting take two main forms. New protective elements are used which are accessible and visible without any aids and enable the general public to detect counterfeits more easily. In particular, they include a new type of protective slip, which is wider than before. The negative microtext indicating the nominal value is complemented with the logo of the Czech National Bank and is larger and more legible. The new protective slip is also characterised by its metallic colour, which changes from puce to green depending on the angle at which light falls on the banknote.
Against the light, a white “1000“ with a linden leaf is visible next to the existing shaded watermark consisting of a portrait of František Palacký.

The iridescent strip to the right of the portrait, which changes colour when tilted, was monochrome and rectangular on the 1996 version. On the 2008 version it is bichrome and its right-hand part consists of an undulating strip.

Other protective elements are accessible to cash handling professionals equipped with UV lamps. The reaction of the colours used to print the new version of the banknote to UV light is much richer than on the existing versions. Details on these elements are available in leaflets describing the new banknotes issued by the Czech National Bank, and on the CNB website.

Other protective elements that can be authenticated only by machines are also used on the banknotes. They are aimed at ensuring that only genuine banknotes will continue to be put into circulation. The Czech National Bank does not publish a description and features of these protective elements.

In issuing the new version of the CZK 1000 banknote, the Czech National Bank is aiming to fully meet its obligations, which include ensuring smooth money circulation.

Presentation for the press conference (Czech version only, pdf, 896 kB)

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Pavlína Bolfová
CNB spokesperson