Holograms have a long and successful history as a decorative enhancement on coins (see HN November 2022). Recent releases show that mints are continuing to explore holographic innovation to convey stories, celebrate heritage, enhance value, and improve security.

In the January and February 2025 issues of Holography & Optical Technology News™, we covered banknotes featuring optical innovations from Argentina, Mauritius, Romania, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Kenya, China, the Falklands, and Belize.

With its charming riverside setting, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent public transport, Basel hosted the 21st edition of High Security Printing™ EMEA (HSP EMEA).

On 23 January 2025, the Central Bank of Belize (CBoB) announced a new series of banknotes (in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100) featuring holographic threads and stripes. This announcement signifies a significant milestone in Belize’s financial landscape, showcasing innovative designs that celebrate the country’s rich heritage while embracing modernity.

In the November 2024 issues of Holography News™, we covered banknotes featuring optical innovations from Samoa, Lesotho, Bermuda, and Cambodia.

The Central Bank of Samoa has issued limited-edition commemorative banknotes, designed and printed by De La Rue, honouring Samoa’s historic hosting of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), being held in Apia, Samoa from 21-26 October 2024.

At the recent Global Currency Forum (GCF) in Oman, industry players showcased new security threads on themes ranging from butterflies, chameleons, meadows, and ocean to Venus.

In the July month issues of Holography News™, we covered Japan’s new banknote series, all three featuring holographic portraits. In the August issue, we covered Morocco’s 50 dirham banknote featuring a TRILUMIC® thread from Hueck Folien and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) commemorative $50 featuring a hologram.

In last month’s issue of Holography News™, we covered Japan’s new banknote series, all three notes in which feature holographic portraits.

On 3 July 2024, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) issued a new series of banknotes carrying holographic portraits. In the first design change in 20 years, the 10,000, 5,000, and 1,000 yen bills contain what appears to be a different stereographic portrait.