Meet Switzerland’s New 20-Franc Note

The Swiss National Bank takes its money seriously.

Fresh from winning banknote of the year for its 50-franc denomination, it unveiled a new 20-franc design on Wednesday that Vice President Fritz Zurbruegg argues might be the world’s most secure bill.

Red in color and based on a theme of light and culture, the new 20, made of cotton paper and an inner polymer core, will come into circulation as of May 17.

“The 20-franc note focuses on Switzerland’s creativity, highlighting the country’s vibrant cultural and artistic scene in a variety of areas,” Zurbruegg said at a ceremony in Bern.

The 20 follows the introduction last year of a new 50-franc note, which was named banknote of 2016 by a group of international connoisseurs, beating out 18 competitors including the Bank of England’s controversial polymer note. Switzerland’s new series features nature rather than portraits of historical Swiss figures.

The new 20 has 15 security features, including a globe that changes color, a silver map of Switzerland and a cross that morphs into the country’s flag.

In response to a question about whether the note might be the world’s most secure, Zurbruegg said with a chuckle: “I’d claim that it is.”