Eswatini’s 50 Emalangeni Banknote:
In a symbolic effort to combine heritage, modernity and sustainability, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has introduced a new 50 Emalangeni banknote to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Central Bank of Eswatini. The banknote was launched in May 2024 and serves to commemorate the Central Bank's jubilee while simultaneously reflecting Eswatini's rich cultural heritage, its advancements in financial security technology, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship using Giesecke+Devrient's innovative Green Banknote technology.
Pioneering Security and Sustainability
The new banknote represents a significant advancement in security and sustainability. It incorporates cutting-edge elements, combining robust security features with an innovative and environmentally conscious design. One of the most striking features is the RollingStar® i+ security thread, which is a highly dynamic element that shifts colors from magenta to green. This enables new possibilities for a unique and eye-catching banknote design with a plus in brilliance that increases visibility during authentication, even in low light conditions. The thread, which bears the inscription "CBE" when held up to light, serves as an effective safeguard against counterfeiting.
RollingStar® i+
RollingStar® i+
Equally important, this banknote is part of Giesecke+Devrient’s Green Banknote initiative, which prioritizes sustainability in currency production. The 50 emalangeni note is manufactured using the sustainable Hybrid ADDvance® substrate, which incorporates organic cotton with cellulose derived from sustainably managed forests. A combination that enhances the durability of the banknote, even under varying climatic conditions, while significantly reducing its environmental footprint, thereby supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
The use of the RollingStar® Patch represents a synthesis of two of Giesecke+Devrient's most advanced security technologies, the incorporation of micromirrors and ColorShift™ technology. "This makes the colorful foil highly reflective and enables the integration of a range of 3D-like images with dynamic and detailed effects in high resolution that are unmatched by other features," states Ulrich Rebele, regional Sales Director (EMEA). These effects become visible when the banknote is tilted, even in low-light situations. According to Ulrich Rebele, the patch is not only visually striking but also extremely difficult to replicate, thus achieving a new level of counterfeit protection that can only be attained with the use of foil elements.
RollingStar® Patch
RollingStar® Patch
An Innovative and Sustainable Tribute to Eswatini’s Cultural Heritage
Beyond its advanced security features, the new banknote is a testament to Eswatini's cultural heritage. The front prominently features King Mswati III, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch in 1986. Accompanying his portrait is the national coat of arms, updated with a purple optically variable ink (OVI) device to enhance security and modernize its appearance. It includes a lion and an elephant supporting a shield, topped with a crown of feathers known as „lidlabe“, symbolizing the nation's strength and royal lineage.
On the reverse, the King Mswati III International Airport replaces the previous image of the Central Bank, highlighting Eswatini's aspirations for progress. The airport is depicted alongside Emlembe, the country’s highest peak, symbolizing the balance between tradition and modernity.
Eswatini’s new 50 emalangeni banknote is more than currency: it is a symbol of the Central Bank’s 50-year legacy, blending rich traditions with a forward-looking vision, making it a canvas of national identity, pride, and commitment to eco-friendliness. The integration of sophisticated security features, cultural significance, and sustainability sets a new standard for currency design in the region, embodying Eswatini's journey past, present, and future.
Further Reading
RollingStar® Security Threads
RollingStar’s striking colour shift and dynamic effects are a real eye-catcher and ideal for immediate level-one authentication. Use them to achieve distinctive effects, such as the striking “rolling cube” where a truly dynamic colour shift reflection travels over the surface.
RollingStar® Patch
RollingStar Patch is based on the same technology as RollingStar LEAD – and gives you complete freedom to choose any patch size, shape and position on the note. That makes it really easy to integrate it into your banknote design.