4. News
Stay up to date on Breaking news about world paper money...
The global currency note's landscape is highlighted by major shifts in the UK’s wildlife-focused redesign, the US Federal Reserve's upcoming rollout of newly designed bills, and the ongoing global transition toward highly secure, eco-friendly polymer banknotes. Central banks worldwide are aggressively modernizing physical cash and piloting digital alternatives.
Euro Redesign
First full redesign of euro banknotes
The European Central Bank (ECB) is currently evaluating final designs for the first full redesign of euro banknotes in over two decades. The new notes—featuring either "European culture" (historical figures) or "Rivers and birds" (nature)—will be decided by the end of 2026, with physical notes entering circulation several years later.
Redesign Process & TimelineFinalizing Designs: Following a design contest that launched in 2025, the ECB is currently assessing shortlisted proposals and will conduct a public survey before the Governing Council makes the final decision.
Themes in Contention: The redesign has been narrowed down to two main themes:European Culture: Featuring figures like Ludwig van Beethoven and Marie Curie paired with everyday scenes.Rivers and Birds: Highlighting Europe's natural ecosystems and wildlife as symbols of freedom and unity.
US Dollar Updates
Trump's signature to appear on US dollars in first for sitting president
Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting US president to have his signature on US banknotes, the treasury department has announced.
Trump's signature will appear alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, an unprecedented move that the department said would mark America's 250th anniversary.
"There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name," Bessent said. US banknotes have traditionally carried the signatures of treasury officials.
It is the latest move by the administration to associate Trump's name with a range of government programmes and public buildings.
The first $100 (£75) bills with the signatures of Trump and Bessent will be printed in June, with others to follow.
Notes currently being printed bear the signatures of former President Joe Biden's Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, and Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
It has been tradition since 1861 for the US treasurer's signature to appear on bank notes, a tradition that would end under the Trump administration's plans.
British Pound
Redesign
The Bank of England is retiring its 50-year tradition of using notable historical figures (such as Churchill and Shakespeare) on the reverse side of its notes.
Instead, the upcoming series of \(£5\), \(£10\), \(£20\), and \(£50\) notes will showcase UK nature and wildlife.
Timeline: The design contest and public consultations conclude in 2026, with the final designs set to be announced.
Existing King Charles III notes and Queen Elizabeth II notes will continue to be legal tender and co-circulate.
The ₹2,000 Note
The Withdrawal of the ₹2,000 note
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) withdrew the ₹2,000 banknote from circulation in May 2023. While the note is still legally valid (legal tender), it is no longer issued or accepted for exchange at regular commercial banks.
To deposit or exchange remaining notes, you must now use designated RBI Issue Offices or India Post.Key facts about the ₹2,000 withdrawal.
Why it was removed: The RBI discontinued the notes under its "Clean Note Policy," as they had reached their 4 to 5-year lifespan and were rarely used for everyday transactions.
Where to exchange: Regular commercial bank branches stopped accepting these notes for deposit or exchange on October 7, 2023.
Current options: You can only exchange or deposit them at one of the 19 RBI Issue Offices (up to ₹20,000 per visit) or send them via India Post for direct credit to your bank account.Over 98% of the ₹2,000 notes have already been successfully returned to the banking system, and they are no longer dispensed by ATMs.