How the World is Reacting to Harriet Tubman on the $20

You may have heard that some very big changes are coming to America’s currency, and of course, a lot of people have plenty to say about it.

There has been some talk in recent years of changing the “faces” of a few American banknotes in order to make them more inclusive of the various influential people in the country’s history, specifically women and people of color.

The first round of change is coming to the $20 bill, which currently features America’s 7thpresident, Andrew Jackson. Soon, however, President Jackson will be replaced with none other than Harriet Tubman, a woman who is revered by many as a historical hero, and the switch causing quite a stir.

Why We Need the Change

Placing Harriet Tubman’s portrait on the front of the $20 bill is simply the first of many changes. In fact, imminent changes are also coming for the $10 and $5 bills, but not for another few years as announced by Treasury Secretary of State, Jack Lew. One of the leading reasons why America’s money is changing is because there has been talk, and even demand for women to be incorporated on our currency. All-American money, save the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, that features a portrait depicts a prominent (white) male figure in history such as Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin. Though there is nothing overtly wrong with this, it does throw into sharp relief how male-centered the American culture is, and why a change is needed.

In America’s history as well as world history, women have played major roles in making positive, and often significant, change. Unfortunately, they are seldom recognized for doing so, and many of them go unnoticed. This push to depict women on American currency is a step forward in acknowledging that women, like men, should be recognized for their efforts to bring necessary and positive change into the world.

Harriet Tubman, who died at the age of 91 in 1913, is best known for her work in helping hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She had escaped slavery herself, which lead her to fight so hard for the lives of those made servants in a new land. After the slaves were officially freed following the Emancipation Proclamation, Tubman became a devoted supporter of a woman’s right to vote. Tubman will be the very first black woman to ever appear on an American banknote.

How the World is Reacting: Opposite Sides of the Fence

The reactions to Tubman being placed on the $20 bill are mostly positive worldwide, but there are still many individuals who find the change both unnecessary and even politically correct. In fact, many notable conservatives have reacted negatively to the news of Tubman gracing the $20, including Donald Trump and Ben Carson. In fact, Trump was quoted in saying that the change is “pure political correctness.” Still others are taken a different issue with the move.

The Los Angeles Times recently published an article relaying the reaction of their various readers to Harriet Tubman being placed on the $20. While most reactions were positive, a sizable amount of readers found the move unnecessary and Tubman herself unworthy of the honor. The article outlined how some feel that it would be better to portray a “historically significant American Indian” due to President Jackson’s view on the treatment of Native Americans. Still others defended Jackson, claiming that he should not be booted from the bill at all. To read the article in its entirety, go here.

Despite the public outcry from a sizeable group, most reactions have been overwhelming positive. Fans of Tubman, including Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, have shown unwaveringsupport and praise, calling Tubman “deserving,” a “hero,” and admiring the change overall. In fact, the move has been viewed as both served justice and a huge step towards recognizing influential women.

If you want to see even more reactions across the globe, Twitter has some of the best.

Harriet is Here to Stay

Overall, many view this change as positive and a serious advancement in global and American recognition of both women and people of color. Over time, even more changes may come to American currency such as those slated to come in the next 5-10 years with the $5 and $10 bills, as well as the different currencies around the world.

While some may still disagree, this change is nothing new. Currency all over the world is alwayschanging and growing, being redesigned and rebranded to depict important moments of history, with many of these moments becoming more and more inclusive of different people types. It seems that America is, slowly but surely, joining the trend.

http://banknoteworld.com/shop/blog/how-the-world-is-reacting-to-harriet-tubman-on-the-20/

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Abdullah Beydoun

10 Countries Featuring Women on Banknotes That Helped Shape History

Just recently, it was announced that there will finally be a woman pictured on United States’ currency. Specifically, the 10-dollar bill. This is quite an important step for us, but what if I told you that the United States is vastly far behind many other countries when it comes to this type of recognition for influential women?

In fact, many other countries have placed women on their currency long before the United States. Let’s take a look at ten of these countries and see what we’ve been missing out on in the US.

1. United Kingdom: Jane Austen

Recently in the UK, they have decided to replace a woman who was already on one of their banknotes with a man. In order to continue having at least one woman represented by their currency, they have announced that Jane Austen will be pictured on the £10 note, replacing Charles Darwin. Jane Austen in an incredibly influential writer in English Literature. Ever heard of Pride and Prejudice? That was her.

2. New Zealand: Kate Sheppard

New Zealand features Kate Sheppard, a member of the New Zealand Women’s Suffrage, on their10-dollar note. Sheppard helped New Zealand become the first country in the world with universal voting rights for both men and women… and now she has promoted universal rights on New Zealand’s currency for both men and women, too.

3. Mexico: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz

Seventeenth–century Mexican writer, poet, and nun, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, can be found on Mexico’s 200 peso note. Cruz is considered to be a large contributor to the Spanish Golden Age.

4. Korea: Shin Saimdang

On Korea’s 50,000 won note you will see Shin Saimdang, a renowned writer, artist, and calligrapher, poet, and mother of a scholar. Now, add the face of the 50,000 won to that list.

5. Canada: Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II, who can be found on multiple country’s currencies, rests peacefully on Canada’s 20-dollar note. As the longest-reigning sovereign in Canada’s modern era, it is only appropriate she is featured.

6. Chile: Gabriela Mistral

Nobel prize recipient in Literature, poet, and educator Gabriela Mistral is featured on the 5,000 Chilean peso note. Throughout her life, her influence was so great they gave her the honor of the 5,000 Chilean peso, and that truly is the dream.

7. Iceland: Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir

Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir: daughter of priest Jon Arason, wife of two bishops, and face of the 5,000 krona note. Seamstress by day, face of all Icelandic women and their contributions to Icelandic culture by night.

8. Japan: Ichyo Higuchi

As a writer and poet during the late 1800s, Ichyo Higuchi was honored with placement upon the5,000 yen note. Higuchi is said to be the most important Japanese woman writer of her period.

9. Norway: Kristen Flagstad and Sigrid Undset

Norway features not one, but two women on two separate bank notes. The first, Kirsten Flagstad, can be found on the 100 krone note while the second, Sigrid Undset, is featured on the 500 kronenote. Flagstad is known as the greatest Wagnerian soprano of the mid-20th century. WhileUndset was a novelist who received a Noble prize in literature.

10. Switzerland: Sophie Tauber-Arp 

Lastly, yet in no particular order, Sophie Taeuber-Arp sits proudly upon Switzerland’s 50 francnote as one of the foremost figures of the rebellious Dada art movement. Her multimedia works bridged the gap between fine and applied arts.

Reflect upon these, and really think about the progress that has been made within our world. Then think about all the progress that still has the chance to be made.

These countries will forever be known as the countries that put women on their currency before the United States, but at least we finally caught up with them. If banknotes are a passion of yours, I highly suggest you do more reading into the histories behind these influential women. Their strength and abilities are definitely something to admire.

http://banknoteworld.com/shop/blog/10-countries-featuring-women-on-banknotes-that-helped-shape-history/

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Abdullah Beydoun

When In Rome: Rare Roman Coin Found in Israel

Recently, National Public Radio did a piece on an ancient and extremely rare gold coin that was found in Israel. Laurie Rimon spotted this exciting artifact while hiking with a few of her friends, and the last thing she expected was for it to be such a momentous find.

The video on NPR’s website shows Laurie explaining where she was hiking and what exactly caught her eye that led to this discovery. Laurie’s friends were convinced it was worth copious amounts of money, but Laurie had simply assumed it was a toy or something of the sort.

It is by no means a toy, though. In fact, this coin is said to be so unusual that there is only one other one with the same symbols on it in the entire world.

An expert with the Israel Antiquities Authority believes it was created by Roman Emperor Trajan in the year 107. Trajan’s coins are very rare, so to have found one of them is a huge step toward learning more about the Roman army presence in the Galileo area at that time.

Gold coins, such as this one, were worth an incredible amount of money in the early time periods. A quote from NPR’s article really helps form an idea of how valuable they really were, “…They were worth so much — one gold coin would cover a month of a soldier’s salary, according to Ariel — that they were difficult to actually use.” That’s quite an impressive coin!

The fact that such a minuscule item can lead to such big discoveries is truly amazing. Hopefully, this coin will lead to more discoveries and more understanding of the world around us. Perhaps we should all take a break from our busy lives and take a hike; who knows! We may find something truly amazing. It’s time to dream big and head out and see what there is to discover. In the meantime, though, this rare gold coin from Israel will teach us a lot, and that is a beautiful thing!

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Abdullah Beydoun

Behind the Designs of the Most Popular Banknotes in the World

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Abdullah Beydoun

Today’s society is so accustomed to seeing and handling money that most of us likely don’t pay much attention to its design. With the United States announcing a huge redesign of their banknotes, however, many of us may start to take more notice.

Despite being overlooked, the designs behind different countries banknotes speak to the culture the money is representing and have much larger significance than we may think.

Here are a few of the most popular banknotes in the world, and what makes them so visually appealing.

USA

Source: Modern Money

The United States’ banknotes are so popular because of their consistency and themes that connect each bills design to the next. Though the US just announced major redesigns of its current bank notes to honor historic events that occurred at the Lincoln Memorial, the fight for liberty, and the women’s suffrage movement.

While the portraits featured on the bank notes will change or be expanded upon, the design of the banknotes will continue with their current theme, symbols of freedom.

In 2003, symbols of freedom were incorporated into the banknotes, with the Statue of Liberty’s torch, the Great Seal of the United States, a bald eagle, the American flag, and the Declaration of Independence all being featured on the banknotes. The next theme will be “An Era of Democracy.”

United Kingdom

Source: Bank of England

The Bank of England utilized a handful of different design aspects to make their banknotes so appealing. The banknotes have metallic thread embedded within them that appears as a dashed line until held up to light, where the metallic thread connects the dashed line into a continuous one. They also have raised print that creates texture to the bank note on words such as “Bank of England,” and are printed on a special paper that gives them their unique feel.

The most notable aspect of England’s banknotes, however, are their intricate designs. Charles Darwin is presented on their

Charles Darwin is presented on their ten-pound note alongside a small illustration of the HMS Beagle ship he was employed on as a naturalist during his lifetime. Alongside the ship are illustrations of Darwin’s own magnifying lens, and the flora and fauna he may have encountered during his studies and travels.

China

Source: China Today

China not only invented paper but is also recognized as the first country in the world to use paper money. Chinese banknotes feature pictures, known as vignettes, which were originally added to the design of the banknotes in order to prevent counterfeiting.

However, these vignettes have grown from just attempting to prevent counterfeiting to representing different aspects of Chinese history, economics, politics, and culture. The banknotes feature famous structures such as the Great Wall of China and the Confucian Temple, as well as vignettes of daily life, the great diversity of the people of China, or important inventions or historical events.

Chinese money is praised for its detailed imagery that is not only beautiful in looks but also telling to their current culture.

France

Source: Wikipedia

France’s banknote designs feature some of the most prominent artists that have come out of their country, playing homage to their creative identity. French banknotes have featured famous composer Claude Achille DeBussy, impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, architect and designer of the Eiffel Tower Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, and physicist and chemist Marie Curie. The designs feature prominent portraits accompanied by

The designs feature prominent portraits accompanied by cartoon like drawings. The banknotes are comprised of vivid and bright colors, seemingly to mimic the vibrancy and creativity of the artists they are honoring.

The Netherlands

Source: Creative Review

The Netherland’s banknotes are unlike any others in the world. The portraiture featured on them is much more stylized and modern, and the color scheme differs from bill to bill, some being monochromatic blues, others the colors of a warm sunset, and some light turquoises and greens.

The designer, Ootje Oxenaar, brags that he snuck some personal touches into the notes as he designed them; his fingerprint is incorporated into the design of the 1000 guilder note, and he managed to hide his granddaughter, girlfriend, and friend’s name within the 250 guilder note. Because of these hidden treasures, the notes have a more personal feel than many other banknotes, which is fitting for their unique design.

Banknotes can be stunning in both their beauty and the amount of history they tell through their imagery.

This entry was posted in History, Paper Currency by Abdullah Beydoun. Bookmark the permalink

Message From The President

Message

The National Printing Bureau is entrusted with the role of manufacturing products of a highly public nature on an exclusive basis, including Bank of Japan notes, which play an important role in the Japanese payment and settlement systems, and the Official Gazette, through which the Japanese government issues official notices about laws, regulations and other issues. These products can be said to be an integral part of the basic infrastructure that supports the national economy (e.g. financial and legal infrastructure).

For more than 140 years since the National Printing Bureau was founded in 1871 as the Paper Money Office (Shiheishi), the Bureau has been making untiring efforts to win the trust of people through ensuring a stable supply of high-quality products for the public in response to social and economic needs of the times.

During its first years at the dawn of the Meiji era, the Bureau of course worked to meet the challenge of catching up with its counterparts in Western countries in terms of printing and papermaking technologies. The Bureau employed foreign engineers and dispatched staff to the printing bureaus of foreign governments to obtain advanced printing technologies

proactively from Germany, Italy, the United States and other countries, while independently developing highly durable banknote paper using Mitsumata (Edgeworthia chrysantha or Oriental paperbush), a plant used for making traditional Japanese paper. By around 1890, as a result of implementing these measures, the Bureau had acquired then first-class technologies for the manufacture of banknotes.
During the period of recovery from World War II and the subsequent high economic growth period, the Bureau increased the production amount in response to a substantial increase in demand for banknotes fueled by Japan's economic growth, while also continuing to enhance its R&D abilities to produce Bank of Japan notes with the world's most advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies.

At present, Japan has the far lowest detection ratio of counterfeited banknotes among major countries and regions, and Bank of Japan notes fundamentally support the healthy "circulation of blood" in the Japanese economy, because they are not easily counterfeited for the following three reasons.

First, Bank of Japan notes are manufactured using highly advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies, which the National Printing Bureau has uniquely developed for exclusive use in the notes. Anti-counterfeiting technologies tend to lose their effectiveness as they are adopted more widely and used more widely, while the anti-counterfeiting technologies used in Bank of Japan notes are incomparable to any other technologies adopted in the world in terms of their uniqueness and exclusivity.

Second, Bank of Japan notes are manufactured and issued with high homogeneity. It is true that nothing can be manufactured without variations. Excessive variations between individual banknotes, however, could weaken society's ability to discern counterfeit banknotes, because people might more probably accept counterfeit banknotes, mistaking them for variants of authentic banknotes. In this regard, the National Printing Bureau has the world's best quality management ability.

Third, the environment in which Bank of Japan notes are circulated helps prevent counterfeiting. Japan is one of the most advanced countries in terms of the machine processing of banknotes, and generally speaking, Bank of Japan notes are processed by ATMs, vending machines and various other automatic cash handling machines more frequently than any other banknotes used in the world. These automatic machines are equipped with functions to detect counterfeit notes, though the level of precision varies between them, and banknotes are checked for their authenticity every time they pass through the machines. Moreover, it should be noted that Bank of Japan notes are circulated among Japanese people, who have high levels of intelligence and are nurtured by sensitive culture. Exquisite sensibility of Japanese people detects counterfeit notes instantly and removes them.

Thanks to the interaction of the aforementioned three factors, people can use Bank of Japan notes with ease of mind and without concern. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to developing and manufacturing high-quality banknotes in a manner suitable for the Japanese banknote circulation environment.

As for the Official Gazette, since its first issue in 1883, Japanese laws and ordinances have been promulgated through it to the present, and the Gazette has been duly fulfilling its role supporting the legal infrastructure of Japan.

Moreover in November 1999, in response to further digitization of the economy and society, we launched the Online Official Gazette Service to provide readers of the Gazette with greater convenience. Subsequently in September 2001, we also started the Official Gazette Search Service (a charged service), and these services are widely used by citizens. We will continue to improve such services in cooperation with the related governmental agencies, such as the Cabinet Office.

Bank of Japan notes, the Official Gazette and other products manufactured by the National Printing Bureau are all essential elements of the basic infrastructure that is indispensable for people's lives. In order to ensure appropriate and smooth functioning of the infrastructure, the National Printing Bureau must continue to manufacture and supply high-quality products with high precision by using leading-edge technologies as its primary requirement. In addition, as another requirement to be met by the Bureau, we are highly aware of the importance of helping a greater number of citizens deepen their understanding of our products and organization so that we can win their trust and contribute to increasing the trustworthiness of the basic infrastructure. We understand that the National Printing Bureau cannot contribute to the maintenance of society's ability to prevent counterfeiting and the legal stability of the country without gaining the confidence of people in the Bureau itself.

We at the National Printing Bureau will continue to make strenuous efforts to meet the aforementioned two requirements and fulfill our mission in an appropriate manner, so that we can make further contributions to the development of the national economy.

In consideration of the various forms of support National Printing Bureau received from other countries at the beginning of its history and the increasing globalization of technical development, we consider technical cooperation and information exchange with overseas security printers important. We also aim to devote resources to this field.

Finally on behalf of the Bureau, I would like to ask for your kind understanding and continued support.

Hiroyuki Ujikane
President of the National Printing Bureau

The History of Japanese Paper Currency

The History of Japanese Paper Currency and Major Historical Events

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Efforts to Enhance Identifiability

The Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Japan, and the National Printing Bureau are making efforts to make banknotes easier to use for people who are visually impaired.

We are working on future design changes to banknotes (timing of the design changes is yet to be determined) to enhance the ease with which people who are visually impaired can tell the difference between banknotes. We continue to listen to the feedbacks of a variety of interested parties, gather information on what is being done in other countries, and review the issue from many different perspectives.

Tactile marks

Series-E banknotes issued in November 2004 (Heisei 16) have tactile marks that make it possible for people who are visually impaired to tell the difference between the notes with fingers. Textured marks are made with deep intaglio printing.

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Series-E 5,000 yen notes upgrade

In May 2014 (Heisei 26), the transparent layer with the hologram (glossy transparent seal) that is attached to the bottom left of the front of the Series-E 5,000 yen note was made 1.7 times larger and the shape was also changed.

This change enhances the ease with which this banknote can be differentiated from other denominations because the different size of transparent layer with the hologram feels different from other banknotes, while minimizing the effect this revision has on ATMs and other cash handling machines.

• Note:Dimensions, designs, etc. of the Series-E 5,000 yen note do not change with this revision.

• 5/08/2014 Modification of 5,000 yen note hologram to facilitate identification

Banknote identification app “U・Qui・Ch-kun” (available only in Japan)

As part of our efforts to provide those who are visually impaired with a means to identify the difference between Bank of Japan notes, the National Printing Bureau released “U・Qui・Ch-kun,” an app for identifying banknotes (for iPhone). The app was released on December 3, 2013 (Heisei 25), and is available for download free of charge.

• 11/14/2014 U-Qui-Ch-kun (Universal Quick Checker for Bank of Japan notes) wins IAUD silver award