Staff Reporters
THE Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) has won a major award for the design and outlook of its new M200 note.
The bank produced the new note to commemorate King Letsie 111’s 60th birthday.
It clinched the Commemorative Banknote of the Year Award at High-Security Printing Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 4-6 March this year.
“The selection of Lesotho’s M200 currency was based on the following majestic features: It was regarded as the very best banknote in design and innovation, it presented the cultural heritage and background of the country from which it was issued, it was one of the world’s first green banknotes to be made with African organic cotton reflecting the King’s passion for agriculture and environmental sustainability,” the CBL said.
“The banknote has the following environmentally friendly features, 75% cotton made in Africa and 25% FSC-certified wood pulp, mineral oil-free inks were used for the simultaneous printing, reduced plastic content, and lowest lifecycle carbon print.”
Each year, the High-Security Printing Conference covers the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions, nominating the best new banknotes and new commemorative banknotes of the year.
In these awards, banknotes that combine design, technical sophistication, highest security standards and reflect the cultural background of their countries in an appealing manner, are recognized with the “Regional Banknote of the Year Award”.
This award is divided into different categories namely, Best New Banknote and Best New Commemorative Banknote of the Year. The Lesotho commemorative banknote was nominated and won the Commemorative Banknote category.
The CBL thanked His Majesty for his cooperation in developing the note produced to commemorate his 60th birthday which was celebrated on the 17th of July 2023.
Acquainted of the time it takes from the design of a banknote to its launch, the conception of the idea to commemorate His Majesty’s 60th birthday began in January 2022, the CBL said.
“The bank consulted the office of His Majesty King Letsie III to request for approval for the issuance of this special banknote.
“On the 13th of July 2023, CBL issued the first M200 Commemorative Banknote to celebrate His Majesty King Letsie III’s Diamond Jubilee. The banknote became legal tender in Lesotho on 22nd December 2023.
“The bank expresses its sincere words of appreciation and gratitude for His Majesty’s favorable cons ideration of its noble gesture and also humbled by His Majesty the King’s generous cooperation and support throughout the journey,” CBL said in a statement on Friday.