The CNB puts into circulation a new version of the CZK 2000 banknote

On 2 July 2007, the Czech National Bank will put into circulation a new 2007 version of the CZK 2000 banknote, which contains more protective elements than the older versions. The existing versions of this banknote, which were put into circulation in 1996 and 1999, remain legal tender.

'The new CZK 2000 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 2000 banknote was first modified in 1999. Eight 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 2007 version of the CZK 2000 banknote is part of a long-term programme to improve the protection of Czech banknotes against counterfeiting. The 2007 version is the third version of this banknote based on a design by Oldřich Kulhánek. CZK 2000 banknotes were not issued until 1996, i.e. some time after the creation of the independent Czech currency.

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. Although the issuance of the new CZK 2000 banknotes is not linked with any immediate threat of a massive occurrence of counterfeits of this banknote, it is a response to signals of such a potential threat seen in recent years.

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 strip, which is wider than before. The negative microtext indicating the nominal value is complemented with the abbreviation 'ČNB". It is also larger and more legible. The new protective strip is also characterised by its shiny metallic colour, which changes from green to puce depending on the angle at which light falls on the banknote.

Against the light, a white '2000" with a small ornament is visible next to the existing shaded watermark consisting of a portrait of Ema Destinnová.

The iridescent strip to the right of the portrait, which changes colour when tilted, was monochrome and rectangular on the 1999 version. On the 2007 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 2000 banknote, the Czech National Bank is aiming to fully meet its obligations, which include ensuring smooth money circulation.

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Contact:

Pavlína Bolfová
CNB spokesperson