The Bank of Zambia would like to inform the public that it will be issuing into circulation
banknotes that have been upgraded with new security features. The new security features
have been included in order to strengthen the security of the banknotes against
counterfeiting and for easy verification by members of the public.
As you are aware, advances in technology have provided counterfeiters with ever
improving methods for imitating genuine banknotes. The Bank therefore will always take
measures that ensures the Zambian banknotes are adequately protected from
counterfeiting. This includes continually adopting more advanced security features that
safeguard the integrity of the national currency. At the same time, the authenticity of the
banknotes must be easy to verify.
The Bank has upgraded the Zambian banknotes as follows:
i. K20, K50 and K100 denominations
a) A new security feature called SPARKLIVE has been incorporated in the
figure on the lower right hand side to further shield these banknotes
from being counterfeited. This security feature will exhibit three overt
visual characteristics i.e. color- shift properties, optical brightness and
dynamic light effects.
b) A 5mm optically visible four window security thread with micro
optical dynamic effects has replaced the hologram on the three
denominations.
c) The ‘birds in flight’ feature has shifted from the right edge of the back
of the banknote to the left edge
d) “The tactile mark” for the visually impaired have now been put on
both edges of the banknotes to enhance tactility or the feel effect.
ii. K10 denomination
a) A new four-window security thread will replace the hologram on the
front of the banknote.
b) Tactile marks for the visually impaired have been put on both edges of
the banknote to enhance tactility.
iii. K2 and K5 denominations
a) Different images (dove, text K2 and K5) appear as a new glossy varnish
with a blind embossing for ease of identification.
b) Tactile marks for the visually impaired have been put on both edges of
the banknotes to enhance tactility.
The Bank wishes to also advise the public that all other features on the banknotes will
remain the same.
The public is further advised that the Bank will start circulating the upgraded banknotes
in a phased manner, starting the with K2 and K5 denominations in August 2018. The
Bank will not withdraw the existing banknotes until the end of their circulation life. This
means that the existing banknotes will co-circulate with the upgraded series and will
continue to be honored at full value.
Source:boz.zm
