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With the Central Bank of Eswatini having unveiled the new E50 banknote, citizens are preparing to embrace this new currency, and it is essential to familiarize themselves with the distinct features of the note which has been described as “easily recognizable and secure.”
How to identify the new note? The E50 note stands out not only for its cultural representations but also for its advanced security measures. When you hold the banknote in your hands, several features will catch your eye, ensuring that it is both beautiful and secure. For looks, one of the most striking features is the RollingStar I + Security Thread.
This highly dynamic thread shifts colours from magenta to green, capturing the light in a captivating dance of colour. Hold the note up to the light, and you’ll see the letters ‘CBE’ emerge, a clever design that enhances security while celebrating our national identity.
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The Watermark with Electrotype is another key feature. By holding the banknote against a well-lit background, you can more clearly see the three-dimensional watermark depicting the portrait of His Majesty, adorned with a highlighted necklace.
This not only adds an element of artistry but also serves as a landmark for authenticity. When viewing the note at an angle, look for the See-through Register. When held to the light, the number 50 will reveal itself in full clarity, ensuring that the note’s value is unmistakable.
For feel, the tactile experience of the E50 note is equally impressive. The portrait of His Majesty is printed using intaglio, a traditional printing method that gives the king’s likeness a unique texture.
When you touch the necklace, the red feathers, and the hair, you’ll feel a roughness that differentiates these elements from the smooth areas of the note. Intaglio printing serves as a crucial security feature, with specific sections designed to feel distinctively rough, making it easy for users to authenticate the note by touch.
For those who are visually impaired, the note includes tactile features, specifically the spear and umgobo, located on the left and right sides, respectively. This thoughtful design ensures that all citizens can easily identify the E50 note.
When you tilt the banknote, additional security features come into play. The numbering is a key element to observe; each banknote has two identical 9-character serial numbers on the back.
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One is printed horizontally in black on the bottom left-hand side, while the other is vertically printed in red on the right-hand edge, with characters that increase in font size. This dual numbering system not only enhances security but also adds to the note’s unique design.
The RollingStar Security Patch is another dynamic feature, showcasing brilliant colours that shift from magenta to green. This patch also exhibits a flip effect, transitioning from a shield to the number 50, further reinforcing the note’s authenticity. Lastly, Microprints can be found throughout the design.
These tiny letters, numbers, and images are barely perceptible to the naked eye but reveal themselves under low magnification, adding an extra layer of security that only the keenest observers will notice.
