Nominating Organziation Name

Cayman Islands Monetary Authority – Issuing Authority

Banknote Issuers Name: Cayman Islands Monetary Authority

Date of Banknote issue:

12/10/2023

Project Team:

Cayman Islands Monetary Authority’s Currency Division. De La Rue the authority’s banknote printers.

Banknote Description

In October 2023, CIMA unveiled a commemorative $70 banknote to honour the one-year anniversary of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and in recognition of her remarkable Platinum Jubilee – a wonderful tribute to her 70 years of dedication to duty.

CIMA immortalized this historic moment in a tangible form that will be cherished by generations to come. The $70 banknote is sold at face value and is limited to 10,000 units as a commemorative edition.

Innovation and unique aspects

Inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary 70-year reign, the banknote showcases three distinct portraits of Her Majesty, including a poignant depiction of her historic first visit by a reigning monarch to the Cayman Islands in 1983. The obverse side elegantly displays the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms and the Royal Cipher of Queen Elizabeth II symbolizing her reign from 1952 to 2022 both in purple the official colour of the Platinum Jubilee logo.

Overall integration of Features

The security features included in the design of the $70 banknote were all subjected to numerous individual test programmes as part of the development process by De La Rue. This included testing for physical and chemical durability against industry standard test procedures to ensure the features remain effective for lifetime of a banknote.

Adversarial testing was also done to assess the counterfeit resilience of the security feature. Further, perception testing was conducted to ensure, where applicable, that the security effects can be easily understood and interrogated by members of the public.

Tests certain aspects of the note

Appropriate testing was done to ensure that machine readable features could have been detected readily and manufacturing tests were done to ensure that any new feature can be easily integrated into standard banknote manufacturing processes.

To add to the effectiveness of the banknote, design rules were developed so that the security feature could have been integrated into an aesthetically pleasing but functional banknote, one that would be remembered for generations to come.

Highlights an event

Beyond its commemorative value, this banknote represents not only our commitment to preserving history but also our unity as a nation in celebrating this historic milestone. It serves as a symbol of our enduring connection to the British monarchy and the historical milestones we have shared.

This banknote is a cherished memento, reminding us of this once-in-a-lifetime event and the enduring legacy of our beloved late Queen.

Categories: Technical Awards 2024
Tags: Best Limited Circulation Commemorative Banknote