Snøhetta banknotes could be “end of era” for paper currency in Norway

As Snøhetta’s new 50 and 500 kroner notes go into circulation in Norway, the studio speculates its pixelated vision of the country’s coastline could be its very last banknote design.

Today's launch of the 50 and 500 notes into circulation marks the midway point in Norway's redesign of its paper currency. Snøhetta and Metric Design were commissioned to design a new suite of notes for the country in 2014, which are now being brought into use.

The 50 and 500 kronor notes issued today  join the new 100 and 200 notes that were put into circulation in 2017. The final design, a 1,000 kroner note, is expected to be in use by the end of 2019, completing the renewal of the paper currency redesign.

With the increasing focus on digital currencies, Snøhetta speculates this could be the final revision of the country's currency as we know it.

The 50 and 500 kronor notes issued today join the new 100 and 200 notes that were put into circulation in 2017

"While the final release will mark a new and fresh start for the entire banknote collection, the release could also be the end of era as the notes could well be Norway’s last paper currency before stepping into a future of digital-only currency and exchange," says Snøhetta.

The final design, a 1,000 kroner note, is expected to be in use by the end of 2019, completing the renewal of the paper currency redesign

The five notes feature pixelated design based on the Beaufort wind speed scale, representing the country's strong relationship between land and sea. The 50 kroner note is covered in a pattern of small green cubes, representing low wind intensity. The intensity of the design escalates with the value of the banknotes, with the 1,000 kroners representing harsh winds and choppy waters. 

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