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Does the Number of Banknotes in Circulation Already Exceed 900 Billion?

If every central bank and monetary authority were to consistently publish the number of banknotes in circulation, this article wouldn’t be necessary. However, that isn’t the case, and the question is raised every now then in discussions. Various estimates, some around 550 billion, are cited in industry reports and presentations, which prompted me to dig deeper as the numbers seemed low. This article highlights some of the challenges involved when considering the question and provides an estimate for further discussion.

Banknotes - May 28, 2025 midnight

Patches are Making a Splash

Banknote security is an undisputable must. But what are the developing trends in banknote security, and how are industry suppliers meeting these challenges?

Features - May 28, 2025 midnight

GemVision™ – the Industry’s First CDI2 Fitness Solution

Sensor and feature specialist Authentix has announced the launch of the banknote industry’s first CDI2 fitness solution – the GemVision™ Camera System, designed to help central banks lower currency management costs, combat counterfeiting, and improve the quality of circulating banknotes.

Technology - May 28, 2025 midnight

Fusing Tradition with Modern Minting at MDC 2025

The 32nd Mint Directors Conference (MDC) was held from 27–29 April 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, co-hosted by the South African Mint. The event focused on merging traditional minting with modern technology via keynotes, workshops, and panel sessions. An awards ceremony recognised achievements in coin design and packaging (see CN April 2025).

Events - May 28, 2025 midnight

New Round Up of New Notes and Coins

Currency News™ is publishing a round-up of all new banknotes and coins issued in 2024. This annual summary will be issued each year from now on, covering the previous year’s new issues.

Studies, Reports - May 28, 2025 midnight

Note and Coin News

The National Bank of Kazakhstan has issued a commemorative 1,000 tenge note celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the end of World War II in Europe.

Banknotes - May 28, 2025 midnight

Be Smart with BeeSmart

In keeping with our apiology theme (ie. the study of bees), one company that is using the stripey stingers to support a major financial literacy initiative is Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions, who presented the BeeSmart educational platform at the recent HSP EMEA conference in Basel.

Companies - May 22, 2025 midnight

From Money Trees to Honey Bees – Cash that Buzzes

The United Nations and its agencies hold international observance days (and in some cases weeks or even years) to promote global issues . There are 218 overall – many on familiar topics such as women, family, oceans, the environment. But there are some unexpected ones too - toilets, potatoes, tea, tuna, bicycles, seagrass.

Free - May 19, 2025 midnight

News In Brief

Tuvalu is home to 11,000 people and now, for the first time, five ATMs as well, thereby opening up electronic banking for the tiny Pacific island’s inhabitants.

News - May 2, 2025 midnight

Sensors and Polymer Fuel Spectra Growth

Spectra Systems reported a strong performance for fiscal year 2024, which for the first time included the financial results for Cartor Security Printers (CSP), which it acquired in December 2023.

Companies - May 2, 2025 midnight

Central Banks and Cash Round-Up

Our periodic series of articles covering cash information in central bank annual reports is playing catch-up, particularly as it is around this time of year that a number of central banks issue their annual reports for 2024 (and in some cases, previous years).

Central Banks - May 2, 2025 midnight

The Consumer Decides

On 4 April Microsoft turned 50 years old. Amazon is just over 30, Meta is 21 and the iPhone is just 18. Will they last as long as Microsoft?

Comment - May 2, 2025 midnight

New Currency for Curaçao and Sint Maarten

A country that has issued not just a new family of banknotes and coins, but a whole new currency, is Curaçao and Sint Maarten, where the Caribbean guilder (Gg) went into circulation on 31 March, replacing the Netherlands Antilles guilder.

Banknotes - May 2, 2025 midnight

In Other News…

The Bermuda Monetary Authority’s (BMA) new $5 polymer banknote has won the International Bank Note Society’s (IBNS) Bank Note of the Year Award for 2024.

News - May 2, 2025 midnight

Cape Town Presents MDC 2025 Coin Awards

The 32nd Mint Directors Conference (MDC) has recently concluded in Cape Town, South Africa. The event hosted the MDC Coin Awards, which were presented during the MDC Gala Dinner at Cape Point Vineyards.

Events - May 2, 2025 midnight

De La Rue Goes Private in £263M Atlas Deal

De La Rue, the 211-year-old British icon known for printing some of the world’s most secure banknotes, is turning the page. In a move that marks the end of its public market journey, US- based Atlas Holdings (through its vehicle ACR Bidco Limited) will acquire the company for £263 million in an all-cash deal.

Companies - May 2, 2025 midnight

Giesecke+Devrient Reports Strong Growth

Giesecke + Devrient (G+D) reported its highest revenue in the company’s history, with sales of €3.132 billion for 2024 surpassing its previous record of just under €3 billion in 2023. The company also reported incoming orders of €3.3 billion, again an all-time high, suggesting that the growth strategy is set to continue.

Companies - May 2, 2025 midnight