Riksbank to introduce new, more secure 50 and 1,000-krona banknotes

Date 06/03/2006

On 15 March 2006, the Riksbank will introduce new, more secure 50-krona and 1,000-krona banknotes. The new banknotes will have largely the same appearance as the older versions, but will have several new security features making them more difficult to counterfeit. The older versions of these banknotes will continue to be legal tender.

The Riksbank is the first central bank in the world to use the security feature of motion (a moving image in the striped band) used on the new 1,000-krona banknote.  When the banknote is tilted, the picture in the striped band appears to move. In addition, both the 50-krona and 1,000-krona banknotes have been equipped with a foil strip and a see-through picture.

Further information and pictures can be found on www.riksbank.se, under the heading "Notes & coins". It is also possible to order free of charge the brochure “Valuable information from the Riksbank”.

On 15 March, between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., journalists will be able to come to the Riksbank at Brunkebergstorg 11 and exchange cash for the new banknotes. Press cards must be shown.

A film is available for TV with pictures of the banknotes and the new security features, as well as some sequences from the manufacturing process. The film is available in DVCAM format and be ordered free of charge from the Riksbank. Contact Tommy Persson, e-mail: tommy.persson@riksbank.se or tel. +46-8-787 03 99.