Curaçao and Sint Maarten Wins 2025 IBNS Bank Note of the Year
The International Bank Note Society has officially named the Curaçao and Sint Maarten 200 gulden as the 2025 IBNS Bank Note of the Year. Chosen by IBNS voting members, the note marks a major milestone for the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which received the award for the first time.
Part of the new Caribbean guilder series introduced in 2025, the 200 gulden stands out for its bold color palette, marine-inspired artwork, and layered security printing. The series draws from the theme “World Under the Sea,” with each denomination combining local marine life on the front and cultural or historic landmarks on the back.
Why the 200 Gulden Stood Out
The winning note is the largest denomination in the new series and is predominantly purple. On the front, it features longsnout seahorses and a giant tun shell, with the shell rendered in blue-to-green optically variable ink. On the reverse, the design shifts to a vertical layout and showcases the well-known Queen Emma Bridge.
That front-and-back orientation is one of the more striking parts of the design. The face is horizontal, while the reverse is vertical, giving the note a more dynamic presentation than many standard circulation banknotes.
Printed on Paper by Crane Currency
Unlike many recent award contenders that use polymer, the 200 gulden was printed on paper by Crane Currency. The note measures 147 × 66 mm and entered circulation on March 31, 2025 as part of the new Caribbean guilder rollout. For collectors, that makes it especially interesting. It is a modern, security-rich paper banknote that still feels very current in both design and technical execution.
Security Features
The 200 gulden integrates a strong set of security elements, including:
- Compass rose watermark with electrotype XCG
- 3D moving stripe
- High-relief printing
- Color-changing ink
- Security thread that creates the illusion of moving waves
- Iridescent color
- See-through register
- Tactile markings along the short edges for the visually impaired
According to the Central Bank, the moving stripe shows XCG inside the sun over a shell in the ocean, while the security thread creates the effect of rapidly moving waves when tilted. The color-changing shell shifts from blue to green, and raised ink appears on the sea creature, issuing authority, signatures, date, and denomination.
Part of a New Caribbean Guilder Series
The award-winning 200 gulden belongs to a newly launched five-denomination series for Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The full series was designed around marine life native to the islands, paired with landmarks and local identity on the reverse. The note is signed by Richard A. Doornbosch, President of the Central Bank, and Leila A. Matroos-Lasten, Directory Secretary.
IBNS noted that nearly 100 new banknotes were released worldwide during 2025, but only 17 were considered sufficiently new in design to be nominated. From that field, the Curaçao and Sint Maarten 200 gulden emerged as the winner.
Why Collectors Are Paying Attention
This note works on multiple levels. It has strong technical security, a clear artistic concept, a fresh layout, and a memorable color scheme. It also reflects a broader trend in modern banknote design, where circulation notes are expected to deliver both visual impact and advanced anti-counterfeiting features.
For paper money collectors, the 200 gulden is the kind of note that checks every box: attractive, modern, meaningful, and tied to a significant first for its issuing authority.
Final Thoughts
The Curaçao and Sint Maarten 200 gulden is a strong and deserving winner for 2025 IBNS Bank Note of the Year. With its undersea theme, bold purple design, Queen Emma Bridge reverse, and deep set of security features, it stands out as one of the most memorable modern circulation banknotes released in recent years.
See other winners from prior years: https://lankludesigns.com/2026/01/21/banknote-of-the-year/