Description of the competition
The "Best Commemorative Banknote of 2025" competition is organized by the IBNS Mosaic Chapter and is dedicated to choosing the best commemorative banknote issued in 2025 (or late 2024 with circulation in 2025). The format of the competition is similar to the global "Banknote of the Year" by the main IBNS but focuses exclusively on commemorative issues. In 2025, 13 banknotes were nominated for the competition.
Voting rules and period
Voting is open to all interested parties and is conducted via Google Forms (a Gmail account is required). Voting period: from December 15, 2025, to December 29, 2025, at 23:00 Central European Time (CET). The results will be announced after the voting concludes. Details and the voting form are available on the official page: https://ibnsmosaic.org/our-projects/best-commemorative-banknote/. As of December 17, 2025, voting is ongoing.
Nominees of the competition
13 commemorative banknotes from various countries are participating in the competition, each with a unique dedication, design, and security features.
Commemorative banknote of Belarus: 80 rubles
Dedication: 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. Issue: National Bank of the Republic of Belarus, March 31, 2025 (non-circulating). Characteristics: Paper, size 150 × 70 mm. Watermark — apple blossom. Obverse: Main monument of the Brest Fortress ("Courage" sculpture), architectural elements. Reverse: Mother's hand with a child, Minsk Gates, storks. Motive: Heroism and hope for rebirth.
Commemorative banknote of Botswana: 50 pula
Dedication: 50th anniversary of the Bank of Botswana and 2024 Olympic achievements. Issue: September 12, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Paper, size 144 × 72 mm. Security: ANIMA window, zebra watermark.
Commemorative banknote of China: 20 yuan
Dedication: Year of the Snake (2025). Issue: December 2024 / January 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Polymer, size 145 × 70 mm, mintage 100 million.
Commemorative banknote of Cuba: 1000 pesos
Dedication: 65th anniversary of the nationalization of the banking system. Issue: October 21, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Paper, size 150 × 70 mm.
Commemorative banknote of Kazakhstan: 1000 tenge
Dedication: 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Issue: May 9, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Hybrid, mintage 5 million. Protection: MOTION SURFACE®.
Commemorative banknote of Mexico: 1000 pesos
Dedication: 100th anniversary of the Bank of Mexico. Issue: August 25, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Cotton paper, size 153 × 65 mm.
Commemorative banknote of Namibia: 60 dollars
Dedication: Legacy of President Hage Geingob. Issue: March 17, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: SAFEGUARD® polymer, mintage 2 million.
Commemorative banknote of Papua New Guinea: 50 kina
Dedication: 50th anniversary of Independence and currency. Issue: August 28, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Polymer.
Commemorative banknote of Poland: 20 zloty
Dedication: Millennium of the coronation of Bolesław I the Brave. Issue: November 5, 2025 (collector). Characteristics: Hybrid, mintage 70 thousand.
Commemorative banknote of Sri Lanka: 2000 rupees
Dedication: 75th anniversary of the Central Bank. Issue: August 28, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Varnished paper, mintage 50 thousand.
Commemorative banknote of Tajikistan: 100 somoni
Dedication: 25th anniversary of the somoni currency. Issue: October 30, 2025 (circulating).
Commemorative banknote of Thailand: 100 baht
Dedication: 150th anniversary of the Ministry of Finance. Issue: April 14, 2025 (overprinted, circulating).
Commemorative banknote of Turkmenistan: 200 manat
Dedication: 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality. Issue: December 1, 2025 (circulating). Characteristics: Polymer.
Conclusion
The IBNS Mosaic Chapter "Best Commemorative Banknote of 2025" competition demonstrates the diversity of modern banknote design, combining historical, cultural, and technological elements from 13 countries. These commemorative issues reflect key anniversaries, national identity, and innovations in anti-counterfeiting, attracting the attention of collectors and numismatists.
Voting continues until December 29, 2025 — follow the link https://ibnsmosaic.org/our-projects/best-commemorative-banknote/, choose your favorite banknote and vote! Your vote will help determine the best commemorative banknote of the year.
Vitalii Cherniuk (IBNS 13299-R) - Vice President of the Mosaic Chapter
CEO World Banknote Store
