The Central Bank of Honduras introduced a new design for the 200 Lempiras (L200) banknote. The presentation took place as part of the celebrations for Honduran Women's Day. This event became part of the country's history, symbolizing identity and trust. The new design will coexist with the previous version of the banknote, maintaining its face value and validity throughout Honduras.
Dedication to Berta Cáceres
The banknote is dedicated to Berta Isabel Cáceres Flores, a renowned environmental activist, human rights defender, and indigenous leader. She was the co-founder and coordinator of the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH) and a winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize. Cáceres was recognized as a national heroine of Honduras by a Congressional decree. This is the first banknote in the country's history featuring a woman as the main figure, as well as the first to honor a representative of the Lenca indigenous people. Her portrait on the obverse symbolizes gratitude for her contribution to protecting the environment, water, nature, and land.
Banknote Design
The predominant color of the banknote is light blue. The obverse features a portrait of Berta Cáceres, along with elements representing Honduras' biodiversity and cultural heritage, including a traditional Lenca loom. The reverse shows a view of the city of La Esperanza, the administrative center of the Intibucá department in the southwest of the country. The banknote is printed on natural compostable cotton fibers. The denomination "200" is made with a color-shifting effect (from green to blue) and an animated pattern when tilted. Tactile elements in relief and Braille for the visually impaired are included.
Security Features
The new design includes enhanced security measures to counter counterfeiting and adapt to the digital economy. These include: a segmented Rapid HD security thread with a holographic effect, translucent, with moving patterns and the letters "BCH". Watermark: a three-dimensional image of Berta Cáceres and "BCH" with multi-tone shades, visible against the light. See-through register: when held to the light, the yellow print of "200" and "BCH" on the obverse aligns with the blue on the reverse. Optically variable ink: the denomination "200" changes color with a checkerboard pattern when tilted. Microprinting: fine text visible under a magnifying glass in positive and negative. Additional elements: fluorescent under UV light, glowing serial numbers, cross lines, security fibers in yellow, red, and blue colors, magnetic properties in the numbering, and infrared printing for automated machines. These measures facilitate public verification and machine detection.
Historical and Economic Significance
The banknote is part of a series started with the modernization of high denominations to maintain confidence in cash within the digital economy. It symbolizes the unity of land, water, people, and history, as in the slogan #ElHiloQueTodoLoUne ("The Thread That Unites Everything"). The presentation took place during the administration of Honduras' first female president, Xiomara Castro. The banknote becomes a symbol exceeding its economic function, honoring Cáceres' struggle for social and environmental rights.
Vitalii Cherniuk (IBNS 13299-R) - CEO World Banknote Store - https://www.instagram.com/vm.cherniuk?igsh=MXU5anZpeHFpcDEyNQ==
