The design of the current banknotes at a glance
For the current series the SNB adopted an entirely new design approach – individuals are no longer depicted. Rather, each denomination depicts a typical Swiss characteristic, represented by means of a key motif. Each characteristic is illustrated with an activity, a location in Switzerland and other design elements. The theme of the current banknote series is ‘The many facets of Switzerland’.
The 20-franc note
The 20-franc note focuses on Switzerland’s creativity – expressed by light, the note’s key motif.
Main colour: Red
Dimensions: 70 x 130 mm
Date of issue: 17 May 2017
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Hand
The hand holds a prism through which light is dispersed into various colours.
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Globe and constellations
The motif of light is echoed in the constellations over the globe.
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Kaleidoscope
The background of the note is reminiscent of a kaleidoscope in which colourful patterns are produced through reflected light.
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Security strip
The motif of light also plays an important role on the security strip: night-time light emissions are overlaid on a map of Switzerland and the surrounding regions, and the distances between various celestial bodies and the earth are listed in light seconds.
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Film festival
Creativity, as can be experienced at a film festival, is expressed through the projection of light onto a screen.
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Butterfly
Light reveals the colour of the butterfly's wings and allows us to behold the rich diversity of nature.
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Iris
The lines on the back of the 20-franc note portray an iris, which regulates the amount of light entering the human eye.
There are many other design elements on the note, all of which illustrate its theme of creativity and its key motif, light.
'Swiss Banknotes' app
Discover the banknote with the SNB's ‘Swiss Banknotes’ app.
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