On June 7, the Central Bank of the Republic of Burundi began issuing modified, upgraded banknotes in the denominations of 5,000 and 10,000 Burundi Franc (BIF). They are part of the country’s 2022 series, and both notes are dated 7 November 2022.
The upgraded notes are printed on the ENDURANCE™ substrate by Crane Currency. This material provides a strong foundation of cotton fibers infused with AST, a chemical that imparts additional strength as well as resistance to and soil and moisture.
The design and security of the new 10,000 Franc note
The color scheme of the new 10,000 Franc note is rose (pink), a change from the yellow/brown color of the previous version.
Front Side
Back Side
Front side: Portraits of Prince Louis Rwagasore and former President Melchior Ndadaye; geometric ornaments in the background; pale green horizontal lines at top and bottom; an image of a Nile hippopotamus; in the stylization of the seal, the Burundi coat of arms surrounded by the country’s motto: UBUMWE – IBIKORWA – AMAJAMBERE (Unity – Work – Progress); the national flag; and identification marks (horizontal lines). Also at the left edge are five raised (tactile) squares arranged vertically; this feature helps visually impaired and blind consumers identify the denomination.
Back side: The primary motif is the contour of the country, filled with plants. There are also green horizontal stripes, at the top and bottom of the note.
Security features
As in the previous version, a Rapid® security thread and SICPA SPARK® Live are the main security features.
Two important changes (compared with the previous 2018 series) are:
- The note’s dominant color is now pink with two horizontal stripes in green.
- A modernized watermark is now visible in an oval shape.
The design and security of the new 5,000 Franc note
The color scheme of the new 5,000 Franc note is grey. The previous version was primarily blue.
Front Side
Back Side
Front side: The primary motif is of dancers with drums; background with geometric ornaments; pale rose (pink) horizontal lines at top and bottom; the image of an African buffalo; within the stylized seal is the coat of arms of Burundi surrounded by the country’s motto: UBUMWE – IBIKORWA – AMAJAMBERE (Unity – Work – Progress); and the national flag. At the left edge are markings (four squares, arranged vertically) to help visually impaired and blind consumers identify the note’s denomination.
Back side: The primary image is the contour of Burundi, around a landscape scene; and pale rose (pink) horizontal lines at top and bottom.
Security features
As in the previous version, a Rapid® security thread and SICPA SPARK® Live are the main security features.
Three important changes (compared with the 2018 series) are:
- The note’s dominant color is now grey with two horizontal stripes in rose.
- The color of the security thread is now grey instead of blue.
- A modernized watermark is now visible in an oval shape.
2018 versions of these denominations withdrawn from circulation
Banknotes in denominations of 5,000 and 10,000 Burundi francs dated 04/07/2018 were withdrawn from circulation on 07/06/2023 and ceased to be legal tender on 18/06/2023.
Sources/References:
Central Bank of the Republic of Burundi
Banknote Industry News
Notafilia
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