SNB reveals new Swiss banknote designs, asks public to vote for favourite

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has published 12 draft designs for a new series of banknotes, expected to enter circulation in the early 2030s. The public is now being asked to vote for their favourite designs, and you have until September 7 to take part! 

Swiss National Bank releases new franc banknote designs

Between August 13 and September 7, the general public in Switzerland will be asked to give their opinion on 12 different draft banknote designs via a dedicated website. An advisory board made up of external experts will also assess the designs. 

Based on the public vote and the expert opinions, the six best designs will then advance to the second stage of the competition, the bank said. The winner is expected to be announced at the beginning of next year, but the banknotes won’t hit people’s wallets until the early 2030s at the earliest. 

New Swiss franc design to depict Switzerland’s unique topography

Back in October 2024, the SNB announced that it was working on its 10th banknote series, and over the past few months 12 different teams have developed designs for the new banknotes, based on the theme “Switzerland and its high altitudes”, dedicated to Switzerland’s topography from plateaus to mountains, and the diverse forms of life that inhabit different altitudes. 

The banknote colours and denominations will remain unchanged, but the new Swiss francs will be themed according to elevations. The 10-franc note depicts the “lowlands”, including major Swiss cities, the 20-franc note depicts the Central Plateau, the 50-franc note the Jura, the 100-franc note the foothills of the Alps. The 200-franc note focuses on the lower mountain peaks, while the 1.000-franc note looks at the high mountains. 

The teams have interpreted the theme in various ways. One team has depicted a variety of regional specialities, for instance, while others have focused on rock formations, animals or landscapes. 

Take part in the survey

Have an opinion on the designs? Want to choose your favourite? Anyone can participate in the survey until September 7.