One of the main features of a top quality currency note, and we were told that the new notes incorporated virtually all of these is durability, that is its ability to retain its original colour, ‘feel’ etc. However, many of the notes I’m passed in shops and even by my bank, are decidedly limp and grubby. The R20 notes are particularly tacky.
Whatever the reasons, I feel whoever gave the go-ahead for the notes should tell the printer that they have to up their game. Otherwise, another security printer should be found and they told in no uncertain terms that they have to do better.
Having worked in a note issuing bank overseas, I can say with some confidence, that a high percentage of all the notes we have in circulation here would be classified as ‘soiled’ and withdrawn.
Wouldn’t it be nice if our commercial banks along with the Reserve Bank did something along the same lines here?
Al Gledhill
La Lucia
