The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has just issued a new ten-pound denomination banknote in a fresh design and printed on a polymer (plastic) substrate—the first polymer banknote to be issued in Egypt. On 5 July 2022, CBE issued the new note and announced that it reflects its goals of keeping pace with modern technology and quality measures in securing and printing currency. The new banknotes will be circulated alongside the paper 10-pound currency already in circulation.
The power of polymer
Polymer banknotes are known for their flexibility, strength, and thin profile. They are quite durable, with a life span of up to five times that of paper currency made of cotton, thus reducing the need for reprinting. Polymer banknotes have other advantages as well. For example, they are water-resistant, less affected by dust, environmentally friendly, and harder to counterfeit.
The introduction of the polymer 10-pound note is aligned with objectives outlined in Egypt’s Vision 2030: to raise the quality of banknotes circulating in the Egyptian market, reduce printing costs over time, and contribute to sustainable development.
A closer look at Egypt’s new 10-pound note
The new polymer note was designed by De La Rue. SAFEGUARD® polymer by De La Rue and CCL Secure with GUARDIAN™ polymer substrate have both been supplied for the new banknote, which was printed at the new printing house from the Central Bank of Egypt.
The note measures 132 x 69mm.
The imagery on the new banknote celebrates Egypt in the modern age while also paying homage to Egypt’s ancient history.
Front side
The front side of the note features an image of the Al-Fattah Al-Aleem Mosque, one of the landmarks of the Islamic architectural styles in the new administrative capital. The text on this side is in Arabic.
Back side
The back side of the note depicts a statue of female pharaoh Hatshepshut, representing the Pharaonic civilization, and the identity of the ancient Egyptian state. On the back side, all text appears in English.
The new note contains several modern security features to prevent fraud. These include:
Both sides:
- A large polymer window containing a kinegram patch and a hologram (described below).
- KINEGRAM® Patch by KURZ (appears in silver color on the face and in golden color on the back).
- A finely detailed hologram of the Fattah Al-Alim mosque (also silver on the face and golden on the back). When the note is tilted, it appears in different colors.
- The words “Central Bank of Egypt”, “Ten Egyptian Pounds”, the denominational value and design of the mosque which are printed with advanced intaglio techniques.
- A see-through register (the stylized flower).
Front side:
- UV images on left edge (foliage), Islamic motifs as well as the number 10 appear in green, yellow and orange.
- Copper colour number “10” sparkles when the note is tilted
- Textured print
Coming up: A new 20-pound note in polymer
The CEB announced last year that it has designed a new 20-pound note, also in polymer, which it will start issuing sometime this year (exact date to be determined).
Sources/References:
Central Bank of Egypt
Banknote Industry News
De La Rue
Egypt Independent
Egypt Today
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