The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has put into circulation redesigned versions of two of its banknote denominations: the 2,000 Rwanda franc (RWF) and 5,000 Rwanda franc (RWF) notes. Both denominations—the first of the 2024 Series to be released—entered into circulation on September 3, 2024.
Rwanda’s 2024 Series banknotes are of the same substrate (paper) and size as those in the preceding 2014 Series.
Updated visual design and security features
While the dominant color schemes remain similar to the preceding series (i.e., purple for 2,000 RWF note and pink for 5,000 RWF note), there are some significant design changes. Equally notable are the updated security features to help deter counterfeiting.
New 2,000 RWF Banknote
Front side
Back side
The design of the new 2,000 franc note contains the following elements:
Front side:
- An image of Lake Kivu (center)
- A hexagon-shaped field containing hidden text (“BNR”) that is visible from a certain viewing angle
- A watermark field containing the Republic of Rwanda coat of arms and “BNR”
- A basket-shaped icon made of optically variable paint (OVI); this changes from gold to green when the note is tilted.
- A recto-verso element of the number/denomination “2000.”
Back side:
- An image of roasted coffee beans appears in the center.
- A vertical, windowed security stripe that contains “BNR” and the number “2000”; the stripe changes from green to blue depending on the viewing angle.
New 5,000 RWF Banknote
Front side
Back side
The design of the new 5,000 franc note contains the following elements (among others):
Front side:
- An image of the Kigali Congress Center building (at center).
- A hexagon-shaped field with hidden text (“BNR”) that appears when viewed from a certain angle.
- A watermark field that contains the Republic of Rwanda coat of arms and “BNR.”
- An optically variable paint (OVI) element shaped like a gorilla; it changes from gold to green as the note is tilted.
- A recto-verso element of the number/denomination “5000.”
Back side:
- The back side of the watermark.
- An image depicting a gourd in a basket inside a traditional Rwandan hut and two baskets.
- A recto-verso element.
- A vertical, windowed security stripe containing “BNR” and the number “5000”; it changes from red to green when the note is tilted.
Both denominations contain the following security features:
- IGNITE® color-changing security thread, with motion effect of the face value of the note’s denomination.
- GEMINI™ print feature that is visible under ultra-violet light.
- SICPA SPARK Live.
Previous notes already in circulation shall remain valid as legal tender and will circulate alongside the new notes.
Sources/References:
Rwanda Central Bank
Taarifa
Notafilia
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