Public involvement in the selection of future banknotes
The National Bank (Nationalbanken) announces that 68,000 citizens have taken the opportunity to suggest motifs for the next generation of banknotes. This is done through a survey that can still be answered for one more week. By Friday, the number of responses was around 68,000, and the National Bank is positively surprised by the large participation. “We have not tried to conduct this type of survey before. We are pleasantly surprised that so many have participated in the survey. 68,000 is definitely something we can use,” says Niels Kaas, Head Treasurer of the National Bank.
Three themes have been selected as possible motifs for the upcoming 50, 100, 200, and 500 kroner banknotes: ocean, flowers, and everyday life. Among the selected individuals and figures behind these themes are, among others, Tove Ditlevsen and her novel “Barndommens Gade” (The Street of Childhood), Arne Jacobsen and his design and architecture, as well as the astronomer Tycho Brahe, authors H.C. Andersen and Benny Andersen. Other selected individuals include researcher and physician Marie Krogh, seismologist Inge Lehmann, and polar explorer Arnarulunnguaq.
By responding to the National Bank’s questionnaire, citizens have the opportunity to evaluate the selected motifs and make their own suggestions. “It is a unique opportunity to leave a mark on the next generation of banknotes,” says Niels Kaas, adding that it is the first time citizens are involved in the process of selecting motifs for future banknotes.
The purpose of the citizen survey is to gather as much external input and perspective as possible on which motifs resonate best with citizens. The questionnaire can be found on the National Bank’s website and can be answered until June 2. The new banknotes are expected to be put into circulation between 2028 and 2029. The current banknote series, released from 2009 to 2011, feature motifs of bridges on one side and ancient discoveries on the other side.