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The corners of the note have been strengthened to increase the durability and lifespan of the note.
The size remains the same as that of previous series.
The design elements remain the same as those of the 1997-1999 series.
The notes will continue to be printed using the intaglio printing process, however the large value numeral found on the left side (front view) of the note is more raised than in previous series, allowing the visually impaired to more easily differentiate between denominations.
The watermark remains the same as that of previous issues.
The electrotype is a secondary watermark found on the left side (front view) of the note, next to the map of Barbados. Lower denominations – $2, $5 and $10 – have the image of the broken trident as the electrotype, while higher denominations – $20, $50 and $100 – have the image of the Pride of Barbados flower as the electrotype.
The security thread on all denominations has been changed.
The see-through feature remains the same as those in the 1997-1999 series.
partially visible when lying flat – and has CBB as well as the denomination $2, $5 or $10 printed at intervals. The thread is not a straight line like in previous series, but rather is made in a wave-like in appearance. Its edges and printed portions are highly reflective. When the note is held up to light the missing portions become visible and form a complete thread. Higher Denominations ($20, $50, $100): the thread is “windowed”
– partially visible when lying flat and has CBB$20, CBB$50 or CBB$100 printed on it.
When the note is held up to light the missing portions of the thread appear and create a solid line. The thread is less reflective than threads in previous issues; however under UV light the thread fluoresces blue while the text fluoresces yellow. The See-Through Feature
The see-through feature remains the same as those in the 1997-1999 series
The visible portion of the security thread on lower denomination notes ($2, $5, $10) is made of highly reflective foil, while the security thread on higher denominations ($20, $50, $100) is less reflective than the thread used in previous series. Other foil features – the blue foil pelican on the $50 and the gold foil dolphin on the $100 – remain the same.
On higher denomination notes ($20, $50, $100), the security thread and its text fluoresce under ultra violet light – the thread glows blue while the text glows yellow. In addition, the waves near the flying fish in the centre of the note and the Coat of Arms fluoresce green and yellow under ultra violet light. Other areas continue to react to UV light as they did in the 1997-1999 series.
Barbadian banknotes are not printed on wood pulp paper – the type of paper used for notepads and in photocopiers and printers. Instead Barbados’ banknotes are printed on paper made of cotton fibre, which is more durable.
Banknotes feel neither waxy nor smooth, but have a slightly coarse feel, and the paper will not disintegrate when wet.
Unlike the EURO banknote or the British Pound Sterling, all denominations of Barbadian banknotes are the same size: 150mm x 65mm.
The basic design of all denominations of Barbadian banknotes is uniform. The back of all notes features a vignette of the Parliament buildings and the careenage, as well as half of the see-through feature on the extreme right.
On the front of the note, while there is some variation by denomination, there are common elements:
The portrait differs by denomination, as does the colour of the note and the image represented in the see-through feature (with one exception)
Barbadian banknotes are printed using the intaglio printing process, which results in the ink being raised above the surface of the paper and the notes having a coarse, uneven feel.
The ink on banknotes is colourfast and will never run or bleed when wet.
The watermark is found on the left side (front view) of all banknotes and is only visible when the note is held up to light. The watermark, which is the same on all denominations, features a map of Barbados and a few waves. The watermark has lighter and darker areas and should not look like a mere outline of the island.
The security thread is found on the left side of all banknotes. The appearance of the security thread varies depending on the denomination of the note.
Nb. Previous series of 20-dollar notes do not have a windowed thread. In these series, the security thread is thicker than in lower denomination notes and has CBB$20 printed on it but is only visible when the note is held up to light.
On the left side (front view) of all banknotes, there is a see-through feature: a partial image that corresponds to another partial image on the back of the note. When the note is held up to light, the see-through feature forms a complete image. The image differs depending on the denomination of the note:
On the higher denomination notes – $50 and $100 – the Central Bank has included highly reflective foil elements that cannot be easily duplicated by photocopiers and colour printers. On the front of the 50-dollar note, there is a blue pelican overprinted with the Pride of Barbados flower on the right side of the note, and on the 100-dollar note, the image is a gold dolphin, also overprinted with the Pride of Barbados flower. On both denominations,as well as the $20 note, the windowed portion of the security thread is silver metallic foil.
In newer editions of Barbadian banknotes, certain areas fluoresce under ultra violet light. The serial number, the iridescent elements, the Coat of Arms, and the flying fish all glow, and the value of the note in numerals appears. It is important to note that certain conditions, e.g. washing, ageing, soiling can increase or decrease the level of fluorescence.
The Central Bank of Barbados was founded in 1972. Prior to 1973 Barbados’ currency was issued by various organizations/entities. The following are PowerPoint presentations of currency notes issues by::