IBNS Banknote of the Year 2025 Catalog: The Ultimate Guide for Banknote Collectors (6th Edition)

The world of notaphily continues to grow strongly, and each year the International Bank Note Society (IBNS) Banknote of the Year contest consolidates its position as the global benchmark for excellence in modern banknote design.

In May 2026, the 6th edition of the Banknote of the Year 2004-2025 Catalog was launched, a carefully crafted, full-color publication of great value to collectors.

I have the pleasure of knowing its creator, Serhiy Trushyn (Sergey Trushin), personally, with whom I have maintained a friendship for over 10 years. Sergey is a great promoter of notaphily at an international level, IBNS Regional Director and President of the IBNS Chapter Mosaic. I wish him every success in this and all his endeavors. It is a pleasure to see how his passion materializes in such professional projects as this catalog.

Furthermore, I am proud to highlight that Iberoamericana Banknotes has strongly supported this edition, investing in an advertising space within the catalog. We are delighted to support and participate in serious, well-executed projects that bring true value to the community of banknote collectors.

What is the Banknote of the Year and why is it important?

For over 20 years, the IBNS has organized this prestigious competition in which collectors and experts from around the world vote for the best banknote of the year. Aspects such as technical innovation, aesthetic beauty, security features, cultural relevance, and print quality are evaluated.

This 6th edition is much more than a catalog: it is a comprehensive 56-page reference that includes all nominations from 2004 to 2025, the winners with detailed descriptions, security features, market valuations, and a useful alphabetical index with prices.

Banknote of the Year 2025 Winner: Curaçao and Sint Maarten 200 Gulden

The big winner of 2025 is the impressive 200 Gulden banknote issued by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (catalog B105).

Its underwater design is exceptionally beautiful. The obverse features the long-snouted seahorse, alongside a branched barrel sponge and a cowfish. The reverse shows the famous Queen Emma Bridge, Willemstad's historic floating bridge known as the “Swinging Old Lady”.

Its security features stand out:

• Color-changing ink on the giant shell
• 3D stripe with movement and water drop effect
• Dynamic security thread
• Tactile elements for visually impaired people
• UV effects that highlight marine life

Its current price in UNC condition is around €170, according to the valuations included in the catalog.

Winners of Recent Years

• 2024 – Bermuda 5 Dollars: Blue marlin and paradisiacal beaches (approx. €20)
• 2023 – East Caribbean States 2 Dollars: Tribute to Vivian Richards and Caribbean cricket
• 2022 – Philippines 1000 Pesos: Philippine eagle and Tubbataha reefs
• 2021 – Mexico 50 Pesos: Founding of Tenochtitlan and the axolotl

Current Trends in Banknote Design

Reviewing the complete catalog reveals clear trends:

• Predominance of polymer substrate
• Complex transparent windows with movement effects and reliefs
• Environmental and biodiversity themes
• Greater accessibility (tactile elements)
• Innovations in inks and UV effects

Market Value and Opportunities for Collectors

One of the most useful parts of the catalog is its alphabetical index with updated prices (May 2026). It includes valuations in both UNC condition and PMG grades, which helps in making informed purchase or investment decisions.

Why I Recommend This Catalog

• Complete visual reference of 20 years of monetary history
• Detailed technical information for each banknote
• Real market prices
• Inspiration for thematic collections
• Direct connection to the IBNS community

Acknowledgements

The 6th edition of the Banknote of the Year 2004-2025 Catalog is, without a doubt, one of the most important publications of the year for any serious collector.

I want to publicly congratulate my friend Serhiy Trushyn once again for this excellent work and thank the entire team of the IBNS Chapter Mosaic for keeping the passion for banknotes alive and professional.

At Iberoamericana Banknotes, we will continue to support this type of initiative that dignifies and professionalizes the world of notaphily, in this case with a half-page advertisement.

Do you already have this catalog? What is your favorite banknote from recent editions?

From Iberoamericana Banknotes, we provide a "free preview" of the upcoming catalog so that our readers can assess its quality without spending a cent. DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE BY CLICKING HERE. (For the download, it will request a payment of 0.01 euros and send it to your email).

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