New Swiss banknotes: An overview of the 9th series

The new banknotes Switzerland – the so-called 9th banknote series The new banknotes were introduced gradually between 2016 and 2019. They completely replaced the 8th series and are now official Swiss cash. The new notes are smaller, more secure, and have a more modern design than all their predecessors.

1. Why a new banknote series was necessary

The SNB does not primarily renew banknotes for aesthetic reasons, but because of:

• new counterfeiting technologies
• technological progress in banknote security
• longer durability
• improved haptics and accessibility

Source: https://www.snb.ch

The 9th series sets new global standards in safety and material quality.

2. Design concept of the 9th series

Unlike previous series, the 9th series focuses on... no famous people in the foreground. Instead, the design is based on „"the diverse Switzerland"“.

Each value represents a theme:

• 10-franc note: Time
• 20 note: Light
• 50 note: wind
• 100 note: Water
• 200 note: matter
• 1000 note: Language

The design is by the graphic designer Manuela Pfrunder.

3. The most important safety features

All new banknotes feature state-of-the-art elements:

• Special films & microtext
• Safety stripes
• Transparent windows
• Multi-layer printing
• Kippfarben
• Relief structures for the visually impaired

The 9th series is among the most secure banknote series worldwide.

4. Material: Innovative substrate technology

The notes consist of a coated substrate called Durasafe®:

• increased lifespan
• improved tear resistance
• less sensitive to moisture
• improved print quality

As a result, the new banknotes are more robust throughout Switzerland than previous generations.

5. Years of introduction of the new banknotes

• 50 note: 2016
• 20-franc note: 2017
• 10-franc note: 2017
• 200-euro note: 2018
• 1000 note: 2019
• 100-franc note: 2019

The series has been fully in circulation since 2019.

6. What happened to the old sheet music?

Series 8 remains in effect. valid, but was gradually replaced.
Invalid series (such as the 6th) can – depending on the series – no longer be exchanged at the SNB.

Conclusion

The new banknotes Switzerland The 9th series is more modern, secure, and technologically advanced than any previous generation. The combination of design, security, and materials makes it one of the most innovative banknote lines worldwide.