- The Swiss National Bank (SNB) wants to develop a new series of banknotes and is launching a design competition.
- The new notes will not be issued until the early 2030s at the earliest, as announced by the SNB.
- It is planned that the new series of banknotes will be dedicated to the unique topography of Switzerland.
According to the SNB, the new series will be launched under the theme “Switzerland and its high altitudes”. Specifically, for the 10-franc note these are the lowlands, for the 20-franc note the Mittelland, for the 50-franc note the Jura, for the 100-franc note the foothills of the Alps. The focus is on the mountains for the 200 franc note and the high mountains for the 1000 franc note. This is the task set by the SNB in the design competition.
The colors of the banknotes remain the same as the current series of banknotes. This should make it easier to recognize the banknotes in everyday life.
From February to July 2025, contestants can develop banknote designs. The evaluation then continues. The SNB wants to bring in an advisory board with experts to assess the drafts. The composition of the advisory board will be announced next year.
The National Bank also wants to use an online survey to find out the opinion of the population on the drafts and incorporate them into the evaluation. The winner should then be commissioned to further develop the banknote designs.
Series of Swiss bank notes over the years
The SNB wants to announce the results of the competition in autumn 2026 and then issue the first notes in the early 2030s at the earliest. The SNB places high demands on the new series in terms of security, functionality and graphic design, he said. Among other things, there is a need for security features that are easy to identify and difficult to create. They would also have to be easily distinguishable from each other.
Cash is and still is a popular method of payment.
«Cash is an integral part of Switzerland. Cash is and still is a popular payment method,” said new SNB President Martin Schlegel at a media conference. Therefore, the further development and redesign of banknotes in terms of security technology is central and, based on the mandate of the SNB to ensure the supply of cash, is also an issue.
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Philip Meyer, Swiss Currency Design Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Philip! It’s great to have you here to discuss this exciting initiative by the Swiss National Bank regarding the redesign of the banknotes. Let’s dive right in. What do you think prompted the SNB to launch this design competition now?
Philip Meyer: Thank you for having me! The timing is indeed interesting. The Swiss National Bank has a long-standing tradition of creating visually appealing and secure banknotes that reflect the country’s identity. With technological advancements and shifts in design aesthetics over the years, the SNB likely felt it was the right moment to refresh the series. Additionally, themes tied to Switzerland’s unique topography, especially the high altitudes, give a meaningful context to the new designs.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of those designs, the SNB is focusing on different geographical features for each banknote. Can you explain how this thematic approach enhances the significance of the notes?
Philip Meyer: Absolutely! Each denomination will encapsulate an aspect of Switzerland’s geography, which makes the banknotes not just currency but also a reflection of the country’s natural beauty. It’s a brilliant way to educate the public about their environment while also fostering a sense of national pride. By incorporating elements like the lowlands, Jura mountains, and the foothills of the Alps, these notes become a celebration of both geographic diversity and cultural heritage.
Time.news Editor: The banknotes will maintain the same color schemes as the current series. Why do you think this decision was made?
Philip Meyer: Maintaining the color scheme is a strategic move. It helps ensure that while the designs may change, the banknotes remain easily recognizable for everyday transactions. This familiarity is important, especially for a population that cherishes the security and functionality of their currency. It bridges the gap between innovation in design and the practical needs of Swiss citizens.
Time.news Editor: National Bank President Martin Schlegel has described banknotes as “calling cards” of the country. How do you see this view influencing the design process?
Philip Meyer: That perspective underscores the importance of aesthetics and symbolism in currency. It suggests that the design process will not only focus on appearance but also on the emotional and cultural narratives behind the designs. By engaging designers in this competition, the SNB invites a multitude of ideas and expressions that could embody Swiss pride. It’s about creating a narrative that reflects contemporary Switzerland while inviting future generations to connect with their heritage.
Time.news Editor: The competition spans several months, from February to July 2025. What do you anticipate from the evaluation and selection process?
Philip Meyer: The evaluation process will be crucial. I expect a diverse panel of judges will assess the designs based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and practical security features. It’s important for the finalists to balance artistic innovation with the rigorous security standards that modern banknotes require. The selected designs will not only represent Switzerland visually but will also need to uphold the functionality and safety that citizens expect from their currency.
Time.news Editor: with the rise of digital currencies, do you think there’s a place for physical banknotes in the future?
Philip Meyer: Definitely! While digital currency is growing in popularity, physical money carries a tactile and emotional significance that cannot be replaced. The Swiss have a deep-seated pride in their banknotes, which are seen as tangible representations of their heritage and prosperity. Even in an increasingly digital world, the need for physical currency will persist, especially for commemorating national identity and culture. Embracing both the digital and the physical can lead to a more holistic approach to currency in the future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Philip, for sharing your insights! The redesign of Swiss banknotes promises to be a fascinating project that reflects the country’s values and landscapes.
Philip Meyer: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see how this competition unfolds and what the next chapter in Swiss currency will look like!