Awards

2026 · Banknote

Central Bank of Paraguay

Best New Banknote

2026 · Best New Banknote
Paraguay 100,000 guaraní

Central Bank of Paraguay

The Central Bank of Paraguay received the Best New Banknote award for its upgraded version of the 100,000 guaraní note featuring Oberthur Fiduciaire’s new security thread, Relief™. Relief™ creates an optical illusion that heightens the observer’s visual perception like a trompe l’oeil (‘to deceive the eye’) – a technique that creates a highly realistic 3D optical illusion on a flat surface. The pattern created by the Relief feature has been utilised in the security thread, with the 3D effect obtained without mechanically embossing the micro-structure, making the visual effect highly durable. The designs of the note remain the same, with Saint Roque González de Santa Cruz depicted on the obverse, complete with a stylised halo. Santa Cruz was a Jesuit priest who was the first missionary among the Guaraní people in Paraguay. In the centre of the note, to the left of Santa Cruz, features imagery of Paraguay’s national coat of arms – with the obverse of the coat of arms on the left and the reverse on the right. In the centre of these two emblems is the main image depicted within the latter, a golden lion sat in front of a staff and Phrygian cap, printed on both sides of the note in perfect registration. The reverse design features Itaipu Dam on the left, a hydroelectric dam situated on the Paraná River on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. A stylised Ñandutí (‘spider web’ in the Guaraní language) design, reminiscent of the traditional Paraguayan lace made with fine needlework, is depicted to the right of the dam. The 100,000 paper note also features intaglio, microtext created using offset and intaglio printing, security fibres and numbering activated under UV light, perfection registration for the national symbol, as well as a watermark.
2026 · Banknote

Bank of Guatemala

Best New Commemorative Banknote

2026 · Best New Commemorative Banknote
Guatemala 100 quetzales

Bank of Guatemala

The Best New Commemorative Banknote award was presented to the Bank of Guatemala for its new commemorative 100 quetzales banknote, issued to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the central bank’s foundation. The design of the new commemorative note is closely linked to that of the banknote currently in circulation, but also incorporates motifs and aesthetics from the 1960 edition of the note. The obverse depicts a portrait of Bishop Francisco Marroquin, a defender of the native people and instrumental in the progress of education in Guatemala. It also shows an image of Guatemala’s national bird, the quetzal (after which the currency is named), inspired by the first banknote issued by the Bank. The Bank’s building is depicted behind the portrait of Francisco Marroquin. The reverse design features an image of San Carlos University in Antigua Guatemala, which celebrates its 350th anniversary this year. Another new design feature of the commemorative is the incorporation of details inspired by one of the murals in the Bank of Guatemala building, recognising the iconic art and architecture of the Civic Center, declared a National Cultural Heritage site. A KINEGRAM COLORS® security thread with VIVID and FLUX effects is visible on the front of the note, with three windows and the number ‘100’ in Arabic and Mayan characters, and ‘EL QUETZAL ES ORGULLO, CONFIANZA Y FUTURO PARA GUATEMALA’ in microtext, which translates to ‘THE QUETZAL IS PRIDE, CONFIDENCE AND FUTURE FOR GUATEMALA’. The banknote was printed by Polish Security Printing Works (PWPW), with a print run of 15 million. It was presented by the Bank of Guatemala during the High Security Printing Latin America conference itself.
2026 · Banknote

Canadian Bank Note Company

Best New House Note

2026 · Best New House Note
Canadian Banknote Company Grizzly Bear

Canadian Bank Note Company

The Canadian Banknote Company (CBN) received the Best New House Note award for its Grizzly Bear banknote, which draws inspiration from one of Canada’s most dynamic natural events: the sockeye salmon run along the Adams River in British Columbia. Rather than relying on symbolic or institutional imagery, the design focuses on Canada’s remarkable biodiversity and the interconnected ecosystem that supports the salmon’s journey. The use of natural tones drawn from the river environment gives the note a visual authenticity connected to Canada’s landscape. At the centre of the design is a grizzly bear, engraved with some of the most intricate line work ever produced at CBN. On the reverse, the osprey and elk continue the environmental story, depicting the wildlife sustained by the salmon run. A subtle but striking effect emerges when two notes are placed side by side: the transparent window areas visually connect to form the impression of a continuous pool of river water, reinforcing the theme of movement and connection. The illustrations not only tell a story, but they also integrate advanced security features throughout the note. CBN’s engraving, intaglio, and front‑to‑back register work to form the foundation of the note’s security architecture. Integrated within this structure are select micro‑optical security features included through CBN’s collaboration with CCL Secure, on whose GUARDIAN™ substate the note is printed. Their CINEMA™ technology, embedded directly into the substrate, introduces subtle motion and depth that enhances the river narrative. Complementary features, including IRISWITCH™ effects in the water, Spot Colour, Shadow Image, and Half Window, work together to create a cohesive, multi-layered security design. These elements are intended to support the artwork rather than compete with it, demonstrating how thoughtful design and advanced security can elevate each other.
2026 · Banknote

G+D Louisenthal

Best New Process or Technology

2026 · Best New Process or Technology
G+D Louisenthal TwinColors® Patch

G+D Louisenthal

The Best New Process or Technology (Currency) award was presented to G+D Louisenthal for its TwinColors® Patch, a revolutionary micromirror technology that doubles the security impact of the whole patch – the inner design motif (image, number or letter as a motif flip) and, independently, the outer dynamic effect. TwinColors® is based on a two-layer micromirror architecture, with each layer implemented in a different colour. The first layer is equipped with a highly complex shutter or louvre effect and enhanced with special functional coatings. By introducing a clear colour and motif flip when the banknote is tilted, an optical effect is created that is immediately recognisable. The verification step of ‘tilt and observe the colour and motif change’ is intuitive and easy to explain. This colour motif flip goes far beyond conventional colour shifting effects: not only does the colour change, but the visible motif alternates when the note is tilted. This design allows either the top layer or the underlying micromirror layer to become visible, depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions. With virtually unlimited freedom of shape, size and placement, the TwinColors® Patch can be seamlessly integrated into national symbols, cultural themes, and contemporary designs. Intuitive public authentication and aesthetic appeal are increasingly becoming key focus areas for issuers, says the company, and this technology has been used on their medium to high denomination banknotes, with no record of counterfeits. The combination of dual-colour micromirror technology, complex layer architecture and controlled optical visibility cannot be replicated using conventional reproduction methods. G+D Louisenthal has demonstrated the TwinColors® Patch technology on its Kingfisher house note, which features two separate micromirror layers and two colours.
2026 · Banknote

Blendpaper

Best Environmental Project

2026 · Best Environmental Project
Blendpaper Tran$forma Initiative

Blendpaper

Blendpaper received the Best Environmental Project award for the Tran$forma Initiative, developed with Casa da Moeda do Brasil. The project addresses banknote waste by reintroducing recycled cotton fibers into specialty and security papers, transforming waste into a valuable resource while promoting sustainability, circular economy principles, and preserving the stringent durability, quality, and security standards required by the industry. Two years ago, BP Security and Casa da Moeda do Brasil began exploring the recovery of cotton fibres from banknote production waste. The aim was to repurpose these fibres for the manufacture of new paper products, thus giving them a second life. The recovered fibres were initially used to produce coloured paper, but has since been expanded to produce a security-grade paper incorporating features such as a watermark and embedded windowed thread. The process involves a high-oxidation chemical treatment that breaks down the original paper, destroying all inks and embedded security features such as threads and coloured fibres. Afterward, the resulting pulp is passed through a cleaning system to remove plastics and other contaminants, depending on the final application. Once cleaned, the fibres can be stored at 5% consistency or sent to a dewatering system for water removal, making them suitable for physical transport to the paper machines. These recycled fibres are compatible with various types of papermaking equipment. By upcycling destroyed banknotes into new high-performance security papers using the developed EcoBreath® technology, Tran$forma reduces the need for virgin cotton and can achieve up to 92% reduction in CO₂ emissions without compromising quality or security standards. To date, the project has processed more than 760 tons of banknote waste.
2026 · ID and travel documents

Dominican Republic

Best New Series

2026 · Best New Series
Dominican Republic National Digital ID and ePassport

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic was awarded Best New Series for its National Digital ID and ePassport programme, recognising a coordinated, end-to-end modernisation of citizen credentials: the Electronic Cédula de Identidad (electronic identity card) issued by the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) and the country’s new ePassport, issued by the country’s Dirección General de Pasaportes (DGP). The award acknowledges a single security and interoperability architecture spanning both credentials, replacing legacy documents with a durable platform designed for long validity, high tamper resistance and controlled future expansion. The Electronic Cédula is built on a polycarbonate body with laser personalisation and runs a Java Card operating system, enabling multi-application use, robust key and certificate management, and governed lifecycle control, including regulated updates where permitted. This produces an eID engineered for sustained resilience as attack techniques evolve. For first-line inspection, the Cédula integrates Multiple Laser Image (MLI) effects, tactile relief, microtext, UV-reactive inks and optically variable devices (including a KINEGRAM feature by OVD Kinegram), complemented by a secondary portrait in a transparent window. An ICAO-compliant contactless chip protects biometric data using PACE, EAC and Active Authentication, raising the technical and economic barriers to cloning and manipulation. The series also includes the new ePassport with a polycarbonate datapage, overt and covert security printing (UV elements, microtext and precision see-through effects), and electronic protection via Thales’ chip to support fast, reliable biometric authentication. Programme controls include multi-biometric enrolment, PKI-backed integrity, traceability, and secure issuance and logistics.
2026 · ID and travel documents

Argentina

Best New ePassport

2026 · Best New ePassport
Argentina New Passport

Argentina

Argentina has won the award for the Best New Passport, recognising the country’s new-generation travel document issued under the RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas) modernisation programme. The redesign was announced in January 2026 as part of a wider update to Argentina’s passport and national ID security. A key engineering change is the introduction of polycarbonate as the datapage substrate, bringing the passport in line with contemporary international practice for high assurance ePassports. The datapage integrates optically variable features, adding overt checks that are difficult to reproduce with conventional print-counterfeit attacks. Machine readability remains fully standardised, with the MRZ maintained in the two-line, 44-character format expected for global interoperability with border inspection systems. Portrait protection is implemented through multiple images: the holder’s portrait is presented together with a ghost image positioned to the right, alongside a multiple laser image and the transparent window, providing layered resistance to photo substitution and data manipulation.
2026 · ID and travel documents

Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribuna

Best New Digital ID Programme

2026 · Best New Digital ID Programme
Costa Rica Identidad Digital Costarricense

Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribuna

Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, TSE) has been recognised with the Best New Digital ID Programme award for the delivery of the Identidad Digital Costarricense (IDC) as a core component of the country’s National Digital Transformation Strategy. The IDC is claimed to be Latin America’s first fully operational national mobile digital identity with legal equivalence to the physical card, engineered around ISO/IEC 18013-5 mobile credential standards, strong cryptography and biometric features. The IDC programme implements 100% remote issuance, enabling citizens to obtain a government-backed digital credential directly through a mobile-led process using facial biometrics for identity proofing. A dedicated verifier layer, Verificador IDC, supports privacy-by-design validation. Organisations can authenticate the credential in real time while receiving only the minimum data required for the transaction, reducing the incentive and opportunity to retain or over-collect personal data. The programme extends verifier accessibility across major platforms, including Android and iOS, to support both mobile and desktop environments. Operationally, the IDC is intended to reduce dependence on physical presence for routine procedures, replacing fragmented account logins with ‘biometric plus PIN’ access and enabling interoperability across public and private services via a standardised identity layer. The architecture is described as sovereign by design, with issuance and verification governance retained under the TSE. Early integration is underway across banks, telecoms and public institutions, with mandatory acceptance scheduled from 2027 to normalise digital identity use across service channels.
2026 · ID and travel documents

IN Groupe

Best New Process or Technology

2026 · Best New Process or Technology
IN Groupe’s LASINK™ Origin+

IN Groupe

The ID Document Awards panel recognised IN Groupe’s LASINK™ Origin+ as the Best New Technology, citing its contribution to strengthening portrait security in modern travel documents through embedded, laser-enabled colour personalisation. LASINK™ Origin+ extends previous LASINK versions, providing an upgraded implementation that enhances the inspection value of the personalised portrait while retaining the core advantages that made the LASINK family deployable at scale. A clear example of LASINK™ Origin+ is seen in the datapage of the Chilean passport, integrating the primary holder portrait within the personalisation area, alongside a secondary portrait, biographical data, and the MRZ, illustrating how portrait personalisation is integrated into a layered security design rather than treated as a standalone print element. This kind of integration is central to the LASINK approach: protecting the portrait in a way that supports rapid human checking while making alteration and substitution ever more difficult. LASINK™ Origin+ builds on that foundation by advancing the LASINK platform’s embedded colour personalisation capabilities to better support first-line inspection and higher-assurance examination. The result is a security feature that protects the area of the document that is most targeted, the portrait, while remaining practical for issuing authorities that must balance fraud resistance with consistent production throughput.
2026 · ID and travel documents

Aruban Immigration Authority

Best New Process or Technology

2026 · Best New Process or Technology
Aruba Identity Document Authentication

Aruban Immigration Authority

The Aruban Immigration Authority has been awarded Best New Process for the implementation of an upgraded identity document authentication process supporting border management in Aruba. The project was delivered in collaboration with RADEX BCMS (border control management software) and Regula, integrating high-speed, high-assurance document verification into Aruba’s arrival workflow.
The award recognises a process engineered to solve two competing border-control requirements: stronger fraud detection and faster passenger throughput without reducing inspection quality. Aruba’s introduction of a mandatory online Embarkation and Disembarkation Card system enabled pre-screening before arrival, but its operational value depends on rapid, reliable document verification at the point of entry. To meet this requirement, RADEX BCMS selected the Regula 7034M full-page document reader for frontline use. The reader performs instant capture and automated checks of key security features under white, infrared and ultraviolet illumination, supported by advanced OCR, barcode and MRZ decoding, as well as RFID chip verification. Operational results were reported as transformative. Border processing times improved by up to 300%, with the complete control sequence – identification, verification, and authentication of security features – averaging approximately 8 seconds per traveller.
2026 · ID and travel documents

Authentix

Best New House ID Card

2026 · Best New House ID Card
Authentix PICO secure™

Authentix

Authentix won the award for its House ID Card featuring PICO secure™, recognising the integration of a nano-optic, plasmonic optical variable device (OVD) engineered specifically for identity documents. The award acknowledges a design approach focused on Level 1 public authentication, combining high-contrast structural colour with pronounced movement cues intended to be immediately interpretable by non-expert inspectors. PICO secure™ is based on nanostructured surfaces that generate always-on structural colour without inks or dyes, maintaining visibility across a wide range of illumination and viewing angles. This supports rapid, front-line checks built around simple, document-specific inspection steps rather than specialist tools. A key technical attribute recognised in the House ID Card implementation is integration flexibility. Authentix’s encapsulated nano-optic structures are designed to be applied to paper and composite substrates or embedded into polycarbonate without requiring new or modified production equipment. Despite minimal thickness, the construction is engineered to tolerate converting steps relevant to ID cards, including overprinting and lamination, while maintaining optical performance. For polycarbonate card bodies, the feature offers dual-sided visibility, enabling the same nano-optic image to be viewed from both front and reverse. This allows designers to link graphics with the card’s storytelling while retaining a strong overt authentication effect at the surface.
2025 · Banknote

Bermuda Monetary Authority

Best New Banknote

2025 · Best New Banknote
2 and 5 Bermudian dollars

Bermuda Monetary Authority

The Bermuda Monetary Authority won the Best New Banknote, or rather Banknotes, award for the 2 and 5 Bermudian dollars(B$), issued last November on SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate under the theme ‘Same Look, Smarter Design’. Designed and printed by De La Rue, they incorporate a number of innovative security features. These include half windows which are fully and partially transparent, depicting a cloudy sky and an underwater scene viewable from both sides of the notes. Surrounding these windows, features such as ILLUMINATE™and ROTATE™ are fully integrated into the iridescent ink design of waves,multiple fish, and a sun, that appear when the notes are tilted. In addition, the notes feature the silver ARGENTUM™ in the form of a tuna fish and Enhanced GEMINI™ that appears under UV light. They also have raised dots as an aid to the visually impaired.
2025 · Banknote

Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten

Best New Series

2025 · Best New Series
Curaçao and Sint Maarten New Series

Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten

The winner of the Best New Series was the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, with not just a new series (including coins as well as notes) but a new currency – the Caribbean guilder. This went into circulation on 31 March, replacing the Netherlands Antilles guilder, with exceptional thought given not just to the design and features, but to engaging and educating the public about their new currency. The change has been a long time coming, given that the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2010, with Curaçao and Sint Maarten then forming a monetary union with a shared central bank and currency. But the wait has been worth it The theme of the new Caribbean guilder is ‘The World Under the Sea’ and both notes and coins have been designed with a distinctive Caribbean identity, celebrating the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity of the two island nations. The colourful new banknotes were designed and produced by Crane Currency with a landscape front and portrait reverse. Each features a different form of marine life and significant building or beach. Security features include a watermark with electrotype, MOTION SURFACE® stripe, SPARK Flow® in the shapes of shells which change from blue to green, and 3mm wide RAPID HD® Detect micro-optics threads.
2025 · Banknote

Banco de Guatemala

Best New Commemorative Banknote

2025 · Best New Commemorative Banknote
Guatemala 1 quetzal

Banco de Guatemala

This award went to the Banco de Guatemala (Banguat) for the 1 quetzal commemorative note issued to mark the 100^th anniversary of the introduction of the national currency, named after the Resplendent Quetzal, the Central American country’s national bird. The Q1 is only the second commemorative banknote in Banguat’s history, and the denomination has been brought out of retirement, having been replaced by a coin in 2012. It is similar in design to the previous editions of the note, but has been produced on paper rather than polymer and was printed by Giesecke+Devrient. The note features a portrait of General José María Orellana, President of Guatemala from 1921 to 1926 who introduced monetary reform and oversaw the introduction of the quetzal. The key security feature is an octagonal varifeye® ColourChange patch, depicting the iconic arch of Santa Catalina in Antigua Guatemala. The patch is gold in reflected light, with a window on the reverse that appears in transparent blue when the note is held up to the light. When the banknote is rotated, a change between the years 1924 and 2024 is optically visible.
2025 · Banknote

Casa da Moeda do Brasil, BlendPaper and Hueck Folien

Best New House Note

2025 · Best New House Note
Cotton Cycles House Note

Casa da Moeda do Brasil, BlendPaper and Hueck Folien

The Best House Note Award was first introduced at the sister event HSP EMEA last year, but such was the demand and pace of innovation that it has now been extended to Latin America and the Caribbean. The winners of this inaugural award for the region were Casa da Moeda do Brasil, BlendPaper and Hueck Folien for the Cotton Cycles House Note, produced to highlight the importance of using natural resources in the production of banknotes, and reducing resource waste. These themes were explicit in the design of the note, with the history of cotton cultivation featuring on the front, and the production of security paper from banknote waste on the reverse. Casa da Moeda do Brasil printed the note on a substrate from BlendPaper made of recycled fibres from shredded Brazilian real banknotes under the Tran$forma initiative, a pioneering and scalable solution that enables the reuse of banknote fibres as raw material for new security papers. The Optomove® micro-optics security thread was made from recycled PET and aluminium and supplied by Hueck Folien.
2025 · Banknote

Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH

Best Environmental Project

2025 · Best Environmental Project
Banknote Fiber Extraction (BFE)

Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH

Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH won the award for its Banknote Fiber Extraction (BFE) solution. Central banks are seeking new ways to use unfit cotton banknotes, going beyond burning them for energy recovery to create a proper circular economy. While shredded cotton banknotes are a valuable material, to convert them into new products is not a one step process. Louisenthal’s BFE solution addresses this problem in a novel, low impact way transforming unfit banknotes into material useable and useful for recycling and reworking in business areas which nearly all economies have. While the BFE equipment can process papermill waste, it has also been designed to be connected directly with high speed sorting machines, and the output can be briquetted in the same way as traditional shreds. This solution, therefore, is suitable for nearly all economies and extends the opportunity for cotton banknote waste to add value far beyond energy recovery solutions.
Commendations
In addition, two special commendations have been made for projects within this category which were assessed to have special merit: First was CCL Secure, which has developed a Banknote Waste Management (BWM) programme which helps its customers recycle their unfit polymer notes. CCL Secure in Latin America has followed an extended producer responsibility route to help customers manage their polymer waste and access appropriate recyclers whether in the country, region or further afield. The result is that all its customers recycle their polymer waste. Second was Banco de Portugal, which has initiated a programme of sustainability work across energy, the circular economy, less cash movement and coin management, the last of these being a pioneering coin swap agreement across the Eurosystem. Banco de Portugal has been working with Banque de France and Casa da Moeda do Brasil. This is a tangible example of what a central bank can achieve with a strong focus on sustainability.
2025 · ID and travel documents

Ministry of National Security,St Kitts and Nevis

Best New ePassport

2025 · Best New ePassport
St. Kitts and Nevis

Ministry of National Security,St Kitts and Nevis

The Ministry of National Security,St Kitts and Nevis has been awarded Best New Passport for its innovative 2024 ePassport—making it the first nation in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to win a High Security Printing award. The new ePassport builds on St. Kitts and Nevis’ legacy as the OECS pioneer in digital travel documents, having first introduced ePassports in 2010. The 2024 version introduces a durable polycarbonate data page and a new secure issuance system that improves the process from application through delivery. The passport design celebrates national heritage, drawing from the pre-Columbian island names ‘Liamuiga’ (St. Kitts – ‘fertile land’) and ‘Oualie’ (Nevis – ‘land of beautiful waters’), with interior imagery reflecting the motto ‘Country Above Self’. Visual and UV elements guide the holder through the islands’ landscapes and flora. Security features include tactile elements, optically variable magnetic ink, and transparent windows, ensuring it is one of the most secure government issued documents in the Caribbean. This series represents a technological and symbolic leap forward balancing security, efficiency, and cultural identity while reinforcing St. Kitts and Nevis’ role as a leader in high-security travel credentials.
2025 · ID and travel documents

Peru’s National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC)

Best New ID card

2025 · Best New ID card
Peru ID Card

Peru’s National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC)

Peru’s National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC) has been awarded Best New National ID Card for the 2024 launch of its DNIe 3.0 (Documento Nacional de Identidad Electrónico) an advanced electronic identity card engineered to support secure digital transformation. Made of polycarbonate and embedded with a Common Criteria EAL6+ chip, the DNIe 3.0 offers secure, contactless functionality and complies with ICAO standards for international interoperability. It incorporates biometric verification, digital signatures, and encrypted authentication. The card features multi layered security elements, including optically variable inks, UV fluorescence, a Changeable Laser Image (CLI), microtext, a transparent DIDT inlay, and laser-engraved tactile data ensuring resilience against forgery. A machine-readable zone and encrypted QR code support automated identity verification across digital and physical platforms. The visual design honours Peru’s heritage with imagery of Machu Picchu, Asháninka textiles, and the pre-Columbian archaeological site, Chan Chan. Citizens can use the DNIe for secure access to government services, electronic voting, and digital transactions. Supported by 31 decentralised personalisation centres and robust PKI infrastructure, the DNIe 3.0 represents a transformative leap toward a fully integrated digital identity system combining strong security with accessibility and national pride.
2025 · ID and travel documents

Government of Guyana

Best New National ID System

2025 · Best New National ID System
Guyana ID System

Government of Guyana

The Government of Guyana has been recognised for its groundbreaking new biometric ID system, developed in partnership with Veridos. More than just a card, the initiative represents a secure, fully integrated national identity ecosystem supporting inclusive public services and digital transformation. At its core is a polycarbonate ID card featuring advanced security technologies: Spectre ID (a dynamic image of a running jaguar symbolising national pride), Magic ID (optical animation for visual verification), and CLIP ID (high-resolution, colour portrait embedded directly into the card structure). These innovations offer robust fraud resistance and durability. The system enables biometric verification nationwide, ensuring all citizens urban and rural can securely access government services such as healthcare, education, financial systems, and social support. With full compliance to international standards, the citizen’s ID is interoperable with global identity infrastructure. Beyond technology, the project reflects deep cultural identity and civic pride. Veridos supported implementation with tailored strategies and capacity building, ensuring sustainable operation and national ownership. Guyana’s new ID system marks a transformative milestone blending world-class security with national symbolism and laying the foundation for a digitally empowered future.
2024 · Banknote

Centrale Bank Van Suriname

Best New Banknote

2024 · Best New Banknote
200 and 500 Suriname dollars

Centrale Bank Van Suriname

The Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) picked up the award for the Best New Banknote for the two new high denomination notes – the 200 and 500 Suriname dollars (SRD) – issued earlier this year. Exceptional security was a priority for the two notes. In addition, given Suriname’s forestry and agriculture basis, CBvS was attracted to a more environmentally friendly and durable substrate which could at the same time provide state-of-the-art security features. CBvS had already experienced the durability of composites through the adoption of Hybrid ADDvance® for the SRD 5 and 10 notes. The choice of the Green Banknote from Louisenthal was, therefore, a logical next step. The mix of organic cotton and certified cellulose are reported to reduce carbon emissions by 63% compared to fibres made from conventionally grown cotton. Additionally, the carrier film for the key security features – RollingStar i+ security thread and varifeye™ ColourChange security patch – comes from a certified recycling circuit with 70% recycled polyester.
2024 · Banknote

Banco Central de Reserva del Perú

Best New Series

2024 · Best New Series
New Peru Soles Series

Banco Central de Reserva del Perú

The winner of the Best New Series was the Banco Central de Reserva del Peru, which recently completed the introduction of Peru’s family of new notes with the 200 soles. The first notes in the series – the 10 and 100 soles – were put into circulation in mid-2021, followed a year later by the 20 and 50 soles and concluding with the 200 soles last December. The new series was designed by De La Rue and is dedicated to Peruvian 20th century figures in the arts, literature, history and science, with indigenous fauna and flora on the reverse. For the first time, the reverse side of the notes have a vertical orientation. Both notes also include tactile marks to help the blind identify the note’s denomination. All notes feature SICPA’s SPARK® Live, De La Rue’s GEMINI™, which splits into two colours under UV light, and rainbow fibres in four colours. The 10, 20 and 100 soles notes feature a 4mm wide RollingStar® security thread from Louisenthal and the 50 and 200 soles notes a RAPID® Detect thread from Crane. This was the first wholesale redesign of Peru’s currency since 1991 and was a collective effort between suppliers – De La Rue for the design, different printers for the individual denominations, along with the two suppliers of the security threads.
2024 · Banknote

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

Best New Commemorative Banknote

2024 · Best New Commemorative Banknote
ECCB 2 Dollars

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

This award went to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) for its commemorative $2 note, issued to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Designed and produced by De La Rue in close collaboration on SAFEGUARD® polymer, the front of multi-colour yellow, red, blue, and purple note features legendary cricket star Sir Viv Richards, also known affectionately as ‘The Master Blaster’ in a set of islands that is passionate about cricket, as well as the 40th anniversary bank logo, turtles, and fish. The back of the vertically designed note combines fish, coral, turtles and a map of the islands in contrasting bright blue. The banknote’s visual impact is enhanced by features including the first appearance of an aqua-blue tinted holographic foil, turtle imagery, along with the silver of the Argentum and vibrant colours of the ILLUMINATE™ feature within the note’s window. The note is legal tender and can be used for transactions throughout the eight member countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. With this award, the ECCB has scored a hat trick – having already won the International Bank Note Society (IBNS) Banknote of the Year 2023 award by an overwhelming majority in mid-May and, just two days later, the commemorative banknote category in the IACA Excellence in Currency Awards.
2024 · Banknote

Casa de Moneda de Chile

Best New House Note

2024 · Best New House Note
CdM House Note 281

Casa de Moneda de Chile

The HSP Best House Note Award is a global rather than regional award and is presented at sister event HSP EMEA. But such is the quality of and innovation in Casa de Moneda de Chile’s newly released 281 house note that a special award was made. The name of the house note (281) is the age of CdM, which was founded in 1743. It is CdM’s second house note on polymer and was a joint collaboration with CCL Secure, with the themes of geography and marine life utilised to demonstrate some of the latest security features possible on GUARDIAN™ substrate. The vertically-oriented front features the sea bed, waves and a black dolphin (native to Chile). The horizontally-oriented reverse features the Osorno volcano in southern Chile reflected in Lake Llanquihue. Artificial intelligence was used to support the design process, enabling ultra realistic images and dynamic effects. The note includes several features specific to GUARDIAN, including – for the first time – VIVID Reveal™ in the window which appears as a grey rock and seaweed in normal light, but displays brilliant colours under UV light.
2024 · ID and travel documents

National Institute of Migration - Honduras

Best New ePassport

2024 · Best New ePassport
Honduras ePassport

National Institute of Migration - Honduras

The National Institute of Migration (INM) has revealed the new Honduran electronic passport, a significant step forward in the nation’s efforts to modernise its infrastructure. This cutting-edge passport incorporates over 65 security measures, ensuring heightened protection and compliance with international standards set by ICAO. One of the most notable features is the embedded chip, which enhances security by storing biometric data that is essential for verifying the identity of the passport holder. This technology aligns with global trends in secure travel documentation, providing Honduran citizens with a passport that is recognised and respected worldwide. The introduction of the electronic passport not only enhances security but also reflects Honduras’ rich history and commitment to social equality and cultural inclusion. The passport’s design celebrates the nation’s heritage, incorporating elements that highlight its diverse cultural landscape. In addition to bolstering security and celebrating cultural identity, the new passport aims to improve services for Honduran citizens. The INM is upgrading its facilities and expanding online support, making the process of obtaining and renewing passports more efficient and user-friendly. These improvements are expected to streamline administrative processes and reduce waiting times, offering a more convenient experience for all passport applicants.
2024 · ID and travel documents

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Best New ePassport

2024 · Best New ePassport
Canadian ePassport ‘B’ Series

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

As there is no separate HSP conference or awards programme for North America, the award to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for the new ‘B’ Series Canadian ePassport was presented alongside the HSP Latin America awards. The B Series represents the culmination of 10 years of research and development, with a design and development process that spanned the challenging period from 2019 to 2023. The underlying theme of the new series is ‘The Four Seasons of Canada’. It’s modern and contemporary styling showcases how Canadians interact with the diverse seasons across its vast nation. Starting with the ePassport’s cover, the distinctive maple leaf – the iconic symbol of Canada – is embossed on the front and rear and marks a major departure from all previous generations of documents. The inside cover leverages various printing technologies and sets the stage for the seasonal styling. Four unique and complex colour palettes, each representing a season, are divided across the interior visa pages; each season is printed onto custom watermark paper which also features seasonal icons (sun, flower, snowflake and leaf). The polycarbonate datapage (a first for Canadian passports) incorporates artistic design elements within the physical properties of the data page such as complex window shapes. The document demonstrates what can be accomplished when the fundamentals of security printing are leveraged to their maximum.
2024 · ID and travel documents

Electoral Tribunal and the National Registry Directorate - Panama

Best New ID card

2024 · Best New ID card
Panama ID Card

Electoral Tribunal and the National Registry Directorate - Panama

The Electoral Tribunal and the National Registry Directorate, along with Mühlbauer ID Services, won the joint award for the Best New ID Card for the Panamanian identity card. This is a new generation of the document, which includes the modernisation of the physical card, containing enhanced security measures that are visible in natural and UV illumination. As part of the issuing procedure, biometric validation mechanisms establish a unique identity for each person, delivering a document that enables identification for authorities, institutions and third parties. All this in accordance with the rights and guarantees of the citizen established in the Constitution of the Republic of Panama. The polycarbonate identity document is personalised by laser engraving of the portrait of the document holder, protecting the image from alteration and falsification.
2024 · ID and travel documents

Brazil’s Digital Government Secretariat

Best New ID card

2024 · Best New ID card
Brazil ID Card

Brazil’s Digital Government Secretariat

The award to Brazil’s Digital Government Secretariat / Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services was for the Brazilian Identity Card (CIN). This, along with the National Civil Identification Service were established by legal decree in November 2023. The main objective was the modernisation of the current system of federal states, which operate civil registration and birth and death certificates, building a social civil identification platform. Among the innovations incorporated in the CIN is the inclusion of a QR code, which presents the option of easy and reliable checking by public and private service units, in addition to the inclusion of a specific area for the MRZ, with the opportunity to use it as a travel document, as long as there is an agreement between countries. The CIN can be issued in physical format, on paper or polycarbonate, and digitally through the federal GOV.BR application process. By March 2024, more than 4 million new CINs had been issued in 24 federal states. The national goal is to issue more than 24 million CINs by the end of this year.
2024 · ID and travel documents

National Superintendent of Migration - Peru

Best ID Project

2024 · Best ID Project
Peruvian Foreigners’ Card

National Superintendent of Migration - Peru

The National Superintendent of Migration and IN Groupe received their award for the Peruvian Foreigners Card. With support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the new card is a modern, avant-garde and secure document: it has many security features that did not exist in the previous version of the document. Today, the new Peruvian ID card has a completely different vision from the aesthetic and IT point of view. With the integration of a chip in the document, it is possible to store the holder’s biographical and biometric data, making it much more secure and more resistant to fraud.
2024 · ID and travel documents

Paraguay Ministry of Interior

Best New ID or Travel Document

2024 · Best New ID or Travel Document
Paraguay eID and ePassport

Paraguay Ministry of Interior

The new Paraguayan electronic ID card (eID), commissioned by the Paraguay Ministry of Interior and developed by Thales, exemplifies cutting-edge security and technological innovation. Designed to last a minimum of 10 years, the card offers Paraguayan citizens superior features and security. The card is constructed entirely from polycarbonate, with sheets fused under heat and pressure to create a robust, monobloc structure. Featuring both contact and contactless interfaces, the chip supports various applications including digital signatures, Match On Card, and ICAO’s logical data structure (LDS). The project also incorporates an instant issuance system operational at seven different sites nationwide, enabling citizens to obtain their new eID within just 60 minutes of request. This innovative eID integrates secure and attractive features that enhance verifiability, conveying a sense of national pride. It supports modern public and private eServices, facilitating the growth of the digital economy. The eID is fully compliant with relevant standards and regulations, ensuring seamless integration across borders. The new Paraguayan electronic passport (ePassport), also developed by Thales, represents a new standard for secure travel documentation. The ePassport offers advanced functionalities and security for Paraguayan citizens and is available in two separate formats: 32-page Ordinary Passport and 12-page Refugee Passport. The ePassport mitigates identity theft through biometric verification, ensuring the uniqueness of each applicant. Its advanced security features facilitate reliable visual inspections, making forgery exceedingly difficult. The ePassport includes secure embedded software and a polycarbonate data page, enhancing the overall security profile of the document. The internal cover and visa pages incorporate sophisticated security elements, including intricate patterns and embossing effects with line width modulation, two-colour rainbow printing with UV features to enhance document security, microtext and intaglio printing to add layers of complexity and tactility. The visa pages feature national symbols and intricate designs, promoting Paraguayan heritage while ensuring security. The combination of secure embedded software and physical design elements results in a highly secure and attractive travel document.
2023 · Achievement

Imaprok

Lifetime Achievement

2023 · Lifetime Achievement
Harald Klint

Imaprok

Concluding the awards ceremony, a special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Harald Klint, of Colombian security agency Imaprok, and among the best-known figures in the industry, particularly in the region. Harald, aged 86, is probably the oldest person currently working in the security printing and minting community. He set up Imaprok nearly 30 years ago in, and in that time it has represented many European companies in Latin America. He has also been a proud participant in every HSP Latin America event since its inception in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, .and a great supporter of Reconnaissance over the years.
2023 · Banknote

Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina

Best New Banknote

2023 · Best New Banknote
Argentina 1,000 Pesos

Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina

The Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina is currently replacing the images of flora and fauna on its existing notes, introduced in 2016, with national heroes. The new 1,000 pesos, which has been unveiled and will go into circulation later this year, features one of its best known historical statesmen, José de San Martín, who played a major role in winning independence from Spain and bringing freedom to his native Argentina in 1812 (and is often referred to as the Homeland Father). He also won independence for Chile (1818) and Peru (1821). The key security features of the new note are a 4mm wide RollingStar® i+ thread (the latest iteration of the company’s micro-mirrors technology) on the front, and SICPA’s SPARK Flow®. The thread features the Flame effect, representative of the votive flame which evokes the spirit of José de San Martín, and BRCA is incorporated as Cleartext, along with magnetic properties for machine readability. The SPARK feature is also in the shape of the votive flame. The colour shift of both are a matching gold-to-green.
2023 · Banknote

Bank of Guyana

Best New Banknote

2023 · Best New Banknote
Guyana $5,000

Bank of Guyana

Joint winner of the Best New Banknote was the Bank of Guyana for its upgraded $5,000 , issued in December 2022. Although the same design as its predecessor, the previous DualTrack™ thread on the reverse, and holographic stripe on the front have been replaced with and a 5mm wide Pulsar™ thread from Oberthur Fiduciaire. The note also benefits from the addition of a SPARK® Live Truspin image in the shape of a jaguar (Guyana’s national animal). The colour shift in both the SPARK feature and the thread are a synchronised gold-to-green. This is the first circulating note to feature the Pulsar colorshift thread, which was launched last year, and combines two colours with micro-optics to create dynamic movement, colour and optical effects.
2023 · Banknote

Central Bank of Barbados

Best New Series

2023 · Best New Series
New Barbados Dollars Series

Central Bank of Barbados

The Central Bank of Barbados was awarded the Best New Series prize for its new family of polymer banknotes introduced in 2022. The notes, in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Barbados dollars, were designed and printed by De La Rue on its SAFEGUARD polymer substrate. They retain the key motifs of the previous series, but have a vertical rather than horizontal layout, larger portraits and a cleaner, more modern look. The security features include the highly reflective ARGENTUM™ on the three lower denominations, and a holographic stripe with depth effects which are visible on both sides of the note on the three highest denominations All notes feature GEMINI™, a print feature that reveals itself under light, and embossed tactile marks for the visually impaired. The reverse of the series is brought together by a satellite image of the island of Barbados being printed in part on each banknote. This forms a complete image across all six denominations when the notes are placed together, the outline of which glows when placed under UV light.
2023 · ID and travel documents

Department of Federal Police, the Brazilian State Mint Casa da Moeda and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Best New ePassport

2023 · Best New ePassport
New Brazilian Passport

Department of Federal Police, the Brazilian State Mint Casa da Moeda and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The quality of entries for the Best New Passport category was so high this year that it seemed unfair to have to decide between the top two entrants – so it was agreed to make this a joint award. The first joint Best New Passport award went to Brazil for the new passport designed and developed by department of Federal Police, the Brazilian State Mint Casa da Moeda and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Brazil has many cultural and natural resources. Its people, traditions, fauna and flora are well known, and appreciated across the globe. The project represents the country’s identity by honouring the most outstanding icons from all states and biomes throughout the passport pages. The team’s goal was to allow each citizen to feel represented and to learn about the great natural and cultural diversity of the country. The new passport integrates a suite of security features including latent images, OVI, 3-colour Orloff intaglio print, bicolour UV-fluorescent security fibres, tri-colour UV-fluorescent sewing thread, UV-fluorescent security thread embedded into chemically sensitive paper, electrotype and mould made watermarks, as well laser perforation and a holographic security laminate on the datapage. Each passport page features a different design both in print and watermarks illustrating Brazil’s biodiversity. This is the first major redesign since the booked was last redesigned over two decades ago.
2023 · ID and travel documents

Republica de Costa Rica

Best New ePassport

2023 · Best New ePassport
Costa Rica New Passport

Republica de Costa Rica

The second joint Best New Passport award went to Costa Rica for the new biometric passport designed and developed by Veridos together with partner GSI Sertracen and the government. Costa Rica embraced the modernisation of its passport in 2021, just as the nation reached the 200-year anniversary of independence from Spain. The new passport illustrates the values of the country, showcasing four important facets: biodiversity, renewable energy, education and peace, and talent. These are represented in a series of motifs showing plants, animals, ancient monuments, and other elements that are unique to the country’s different regions. The passport’s pages feature more than 60 security features, including holographic effects, microtext, security threads, intaglio, latent images, relief patterns, multiple laser images, and flipbook animations – some visible to the human eye, others not. But some of the most innovative elements sit within the passport’s main data page. Taking advantage of the properties of polycarbonate, the new Costa Rica data page features multiple laser-engraved images including a transparent portrait window and a holographic strip. The technical feat of creating a bright, clear image on polycarbonate was achieved through the use of Veridos’ innovative CLIP-ID technology. It is the first country in the region to implement polycarbonate colour photo with CLIP-ID technology. The passport is now ICAO compliant meeting the high standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation for travel documents.
2023 · ID and travel documents

National Registry of Natural Persons of the Government of El Salvador

Best New ID card

2023 · Best New ID card
El Salvador New ID Card

National Registry of Natural Persons of the Government of El Salvador

The Best New National ID Card award this year went to the National Registry of Natural Persons of the Government of El Salvador for the recently introduced Unique Identity Document (DUI) used to identify all Salvadorans both inside and outside its borders. In addition to serving as an identification document, the card is used to vote in municipal or presidential elections as well as gain access to various government-provided services. In 2021, the government of El Salvador signed a contract with Mühlbauer to introduce a new ID card with multiple laser image (MLI), which carries the laser engraved birthdate and portrait of the cardholder. The new DUI is issued through a biometric personalisation and identification system that uses state-of-the-art technology making it highly secure. The personalization process is based upon the MB Alfresco® technology, a combination of laser engraving and inkjet printing for the portrait of the owner. Made of polycarbonate and integrating 37 security features, which minimises the risks of forgery or alteration, the new DUI is a highly resistant, durable and ecological document. Mühlbauer also extended the physical card into a mobile ID, implementing the MB Steel Reader app, which holds the information of the physical document. The information can be shared with institutions in private and public sectors electronically. The new hardware to enable the digital changes also comprised self-enrolment kiosks distributed all over the country. The national system now comprises multiple enrolment, personalisation and issuance offices across El Salvador and includes mobile enrolment facilities for citizen who are unable to attend of the enrolment centres. In addition, several dozen El Salvadorian consulates in the USA and Canada have been equipped to process applications and issue National ID Cards to El Salvadorian citizens.
2023 · ID and travel documents

Road Traffic Department of the Government of the Bahamas

Best New Other Security Document

2023 · Best New Other Security Document
Bahamas New Driving License

Road Traffic Department of the Government of the Bahamas

The winning entry in this category went to the Road Traffic Department of the Government of the Bahamas for the new Bahamas Driver License introduced together with the new Learner Permit, Public Service License and Vehicle Title Certificate. The Bahamas Driver License project started after many incidents of fraud and counterfeits with the previous Bahamas DL. The design was conceived with colour notes of Bahamas great beaches and their magnificent birds. A large array of complex features is integrated into the card including rainbow graphics with guilloche pattern, microtext with deliberate error, relief effect microtext, OVI, CLI, UV print, personalisation with laser engraving and a Kinegram®. The license is designed to combine various elements to ensure its authenticity and prevent counterfeiting, built into polycarbonate material. All the documents are in sync to the colour theme and maintain the individual secure functionality complementing their aesthetics.
2022 · Banknote

Central Bank of The Bahamas

Best New Series

2022 · Best New Series
New Bahamian Banknote Series

Central Bank of The Bahamas

In October 2021, the Central Bank of the Bahamas released its new $100 banknote, completing the roll-out of its CRISP (Counterfeit Resistant Integrated Security Product) Evolution series which it began back in 2016. The new series is – as the name suggests – an evolution of the original CRISP series first introduced in 2005, and is remarkable both for incorporating a broad cross-section of substrates, printers (including Orell Füssli, Crane Currency, De La Rue, Giesecke+Devrient and Canadian Bank Note) and features, and for its introduction of multiple firsts for feature-substrate pairings. In total, the family comprises eight notes – ranging from from $½ to $100 notes. The $1 and $5 were printed on Louisenthal’s Hybrid composite substrate with a RolllingStar thread. The paper $20 was produced by De La Rue and features its Active thread. This made its debut on the new $10, issued in 2016, albeit that this was subsequently replaced by a note from Crane Currency with a RAPID Detect 4mm micro-optic security thread. The $50 was produced on Landqart’s Durasafe substrate, and includes a MOTION RAPID thread from Crane. Not only was this the first note in the world to integrate the micro-optics feature into the composite substrate, but the window itself (at 33mm) is the longest to appear in a circulating note. The eighth and final banknote of the new series – the $100 – was printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company on Durasafe substrate. It features a MOTION Surface stripe from Crane, another first for the combination of the two technologies.
2022 · Banknote

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

Best New Series

2022 · Best New Series
New ECCB Banknote Series

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

In March 2021, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) issued its new $5 polymer banknote, completing the transition of the Eastern Caribbean dollar to De La Rue’s SAFEGUARD polymer that began in 2019. According to the ECCB, the reasons for the transition were threefold – the environment, cost, and security. The banknotes are denominated in 5, 10, 20 50 and 100 dollars, and key to the ECCB’s decision to switch to polymer was the environment, according to its Governor, Timothy Antoine. The Caribbean is one of the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world, he said, but one of the regions most impacted by global warming. The islands have a target of being net zero by 2022 and are well on the way to achieving this goal. The longer lifespan and lower environmental impact of polymer is part of this focus, as well as demonstrating moral authority and taking action on global warming. The switch will also save on costs and allowed for the incorporation of advanced new security features. The notes have been changed to a vertical orientation but remain the same size and dimensions – all uniform regardless of denomination. The colour scheme of the previous series has also been retained to aid public recognition and acceptance of the new notes, as have many of the design features, albeit that they have a much fresher and more modern appearance, helped by the portrait orientation. They also incorporate a unique tactile emboss feature to aid recognition by the blind and visually impaired.
2022 · Banknote

Banco de México

Best New Banknote

2022 · Best New Banknote
Mexican 50 & 100 Pesos

Banco de México

The winner of the Best New Banknote was the Banco de México for not one but two notes – the new 50 and 100 pesos. The former – the sixth and final note in the new G series, was issued last November. It is produced on CCL Secure’s GUARDIAN polymer, along with the 100 pesos, issued the previous year, and the 20 pesos, also issued in 2021, which is a commemorative note celebrating the country’s bicentennial. The design theme throughout the new series is events, buildings or people reflecting key stages in Mexican history on the front, and images reflecting the country’s eco-heritage and biodiversity on the reverse. Both the 50 and the 100 are in a vertical orientation, front and back. Each incorporates a large complex transparent window that feature G-SWITCH and METALIX inks. The former changes colour from blue to gold when tilted. The latter is copper-coloured. They also incorporate an integrated magnetic thread and SPARK Live denoting the denomination numeral.
2022 · Banknote

Bank of Guatemala

Best New Commemorative Banknote

2022 · Best New Commemorative Banknote
Guatemala 20 quetzales

Bank of Guatemala

Guatemala 20 quetzales, which is the first ever commemorative note to be issued by the Bank of Guatemala. The note is vertically oriented on the front with themes relating to the country’s independence, and in a landscape format on the back, with a quetzal bird (after which the currency is named, and which appears on all the country’s notes). The main overt security feature is a 5mm wide Galaxy thread with a double effect. When tilted horizontally, the thread displays an animation with a circle, embodying the number 20, moving up and down. But if the note is used in vertical format, ie. the same as the print orientation, it flips image from 20 to a quill. In both orientations it features colour shift from magenta-to-green. This note was also produced by Giesecke+Devrient, and the thread and paper by Louisenthal.
2022 · Banknote

Central Bank of Honduras

Best New Commemorative Banknote

2022 · Best New Commemorative Banknote
Honduras 200 lempira

Central Bank of Honduras

One is the 200 lempira commemorative note issued last September by the Central Bank of Honduras (albeit that this is a new denomination, so it has become de facto a circulation note). Honduras is known for its rich biodiversity and natural resources, which is reflected on the reverse of the note, showing two scarlet macaws (the national bird) flying over the UNESCO-listed Río Plátano Biosphere. The main image on the front of the note of children reading denotes the importance of education, which is seen one of the one of the fundamental pillars for the development of the nation The 200 lempira note is the first in the world to feature a registered Galaxy thread with different and precisely positioned windows. When tilting the banknote, a change can be observed in the upper and lower windows from a bell, to 200, and vice versa. The middle window incorporates an image of a parchment and quill, and all three windows contain a dynamic circle that seems to move beneath the surface. Between the windows, the letters BCH can be viewed in transmission. The green-to-azure colour shift matches that of the SPARK feature. The note was produced by Giesecke+Devrient and thread and paper by Louisenthal.
2022 · ID and travel documents

Honduras National Registration Office (RNP)

Best New ID card

2022 · Best New ID card
National ID Card

Honduras National Registration Office (RNP)

The winner of the Best New National ID Card was THALES for its work on the National Record System Transformation in Honduras. This programme was established to enhance citizens identity security with improved ID cards to prevent identity theft and also to establish a trust framework for interaction with various government services for Hondurans. Thales was awarded the Honduras National ID card project, which was procured and financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNPD) for the Honduras National Registration Office (RNP). The scope of the project was to provide 5.9 million national chipless polycarbonate ID’s along with the personalisation of 5.5 million IDs. The laser engraved polycarbonate card contains three levels of security features including a DOVID hologram, changeable or multiple laser images, optically variable and UV fluorescent inks, microtext and barcode – providing a deterrence against the existing problem of fake IDs in Honduras.
2022 · ID and travel documents

INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral), Mexico

Best Civil ID card

2022 · Best Civil ID card
Mexico Civil ID card

INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral), Mexico

The winner of the Best Civil ID card was the INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral), the autonomous public organisation responsible for organising federal elections in Mexico. One of the key responsibilities of the INE is to issue photo-voting cards to all citizens that have requested to be included in the electoral registry and is an essential document to exercise the right to vote in Mexico. The INE card was a public open bidding tender process, won by a consortium formed by Veridos, Giesecke+Devrient, IECISA México (now INETUM) and HuBox. Veridos, G+D and IECISA México focused their efforts on the physical security elements of the document. HuBOX supplied the digital security element with their technology ‘Personal Code’ (the high density QR codes on the obverse of the card) and the verification app that functions in an offline mode and without database queries. On the one hand, the INE credential includes top physical-security elements, and on the other an outstanding digital-security element. It was this combination of the best of the physical with the digital worlds of identity that earned the consortium the award for the photo-voting card.
2021 · Banknote

Central Bank of Costa Rica

Best New Series

2021 · Best New Series
New Costa Rican Banknote Series

Central Bank of Costa Rica

Again, the Central Bank of Costa Rica, this time for the entire new series, featuring flora and fauna and a wealth of new features that, in the view of the judges, clearly states ‘this is us, this is our country’. Along with the 20,000 colones, the 2,000 and 5,000 notes were printed by Oberthur Fiduciaire. The 1,000 and 10,000 colones were printed by Orell Füssli.
2021 · Banknote

Central Bank of Costa Rica

Best New Banknote

2021 · Best New Banknote
New 20,000 Colones

Central Bank of Costa Rica

The Central Bank of Costa Rica for the new 20,000 colones, a stand-out banknote in terms of design and security. It was printed by Oberthur Fiduciaire.
2021 · Banknote

Banco de México

Best New Commemorative Banknote

2021 · Best New Commemorative Banknote
Mexican 20 Peso

Banco de México

Banco de Mexico for the Mexican 20 peso issued (as with the other award-winning banknotes) to commemorate the anniversary of independence, in this case 200 years. The note was printed by the Bank of Mexico Printing Works.
2021 · ID and travel documents

National Vital Statistics Registry for Colombia

Best New ID card

2021 · Best New ID card
Columbia New eID Card

National Vital Statistics Registry for Colombia

IDEMIA and the National Vital Statistics Registry for Colombia’s new eID card, which is loaded with innovative features, including connectivity to a mobile phone and the use of a QR code.
2021 · ID and travel documents

Argentina National Registry of People

Best New ID or Travel Document

2021 · Best New ID or Travel Document
Argentina’s Smart DNI

Argentina National Registry of People

HID Global and the Argentine National Registry of People for Argentina’s Smart DNI, judged as a good example of the trend in the function of ID and travel documents to link identity to a range of government services.
2019 · Banknote

Banco Central de Bolivia

Best New Series

2019 · Best New Series
The First Family of Bills of the Plurinational State of Bolivia

Banco Central de Bolivia

Bolivia saw its new Bolivianos notes scoop the Best New Series Award with the judging panel recognising the five-denomination series as a perfect blend between design and the latest state-of-the-art security features, reflecting the personality of the country through the imagery and the features. For the first time, the new notes include emblematic figures in Bolivia’s history – indigenous heroes or martyrs who gave their lives for the country; natural sites that enhance the richness and geographical and cultural diversity of the country; and species of fauna and flora, many of them in vulnerable or in danger of extinction. The security features of the notes are designed to bolster public confidence in the national currency and consolidate the remonetisation (or bolivianization) of the economy.
2019 · Banknote

Banco de México

Best New Banknote

2019 · Best New Banknote
The Mexican 500 Peso

Banco de México

The Mexican 500 Peso, which received the Best Banknote Award, is the first denomination in a new family of banknotes that have improved security features and designs representing Mexico’s historical and natural heritage. The theme of the new series is ‘Historical identity and natural heritage’, portraying historical scenes of Mexico on the front and national natural heritage sites recognised by UNESCO on the reverse. The new 500 pesos banknote was manufactured by the Printing Works of Banco de México on Crane Currency’s durable ENDURANCE™ paper. It contains several state-of-the-art security features, such as SPARK Live and MOTION RAPID thread, which the judges regarded as setting set the standard in terms of security and design for the rest of the notes to follow.
2019 · Banknote

Banco Central del Uruguay

Best New Commemorative Banknote

2019 · Best New Commemorative Banknote
Uruguay 50 Pesos

Banco Central del Uruguay

Uruguay’s commitment to improving the quality of its currency was also recognised with its banknote celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of the Central Bank of Uruguay (in 1967) winning the Best Commemorative Award. The note has been produced on Guardian polymer – a first for the country – and has a modern style with an abstract design. It includes an innovative feature in the form of a large, eye-catching half window, which enhances both the aesthetic and functionality of the note. The beautiful design showcases creativity, technical skill, excellent integration with security features and distinct representations of the Central Bank of Uruguay’s 50th anniversary.
2019 · ID and travel documents
The New ePassport of the Plurinational State of Bolivia

Direction General de Migration Bolivia

Best New ePassport
2019 · ID and travel documents
The New Colombian e-Passport

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Colombia

Best ePassport Upgrade
2016 · Achievement

Banco de la República de Colombia

Special Achievement

2016 · Special Achievement
100,000 Pesos

Banco de la República de Colombia

In addition to the regional banknote award, a Special Achievement Award was made to Colombia’s central bank, Banco de la República de Colombia, for the successful and innovative introduction of its 100,000 pesos banknote. In 2016, the bank will be issuing a new family of banknotes, featuring six denominations. With an increase in income and minimum wage in the country, the bank has introduced a 100,000 pesos banknote for the first time to meet demand for higher denominations. The 100,000 pesos was launched in March 2016, the first note in the new series. This features an image of President Carlos Lleras Restrepo as well as the Quindio Cocora Valley and the country’s national tree, the palm wax.

The launch of the banknote was supported by an extensive public communications campaign, with the bank providing training materials, videos, audio message and multimedia presentations. The campaign also included the introduction of an application for smartphones and tablet devices which uses five actions (look, touch, lift, turn and check) to help the public recognise the security features implemented in the notes. The bank is also providing a series of training programmes, in particular for those who are visually impaired. The remaining denominations ($20,000, $50,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,000 will be released throughout 2016). The series continues the concept of biodiversity shown in the family of coins which began circulating in 2012, while highlighting a group of cultural elements and geographical landscapes, which symbolise wealth, Colombian variety and creativity.
2016 · Banknote

Banco Central de Nicaragua

Best New Series

2016 · Best New Series
New Cordobas Series

Banco Central de Nicaragua

The award was presented to Banco Central de Nicaragua for a new series of polymer and paper banknotes launched in 2015. The five new polymer notes have greater durability, especially in the lower denominations, than previous notes. The highest denomination, the 500 cordobas, is printed on paper. The banknotes have been redesigned and upgraded with leading-edge security features, greater harmony in the designs (which feature architecture on the front and cultural traditions on the reverse – each denomination relating to a specific region of the country), more contrasting colours and more use of optical effects. The polymer notes are printed on Innovia’s Guardian® substrate (including, for the first time, the 50 and 100 cordobas) while the 200 cordobas is the first circulating banknote in Nicaragua to feature Latitude® – a substrate-integrated diffractive optically variable device using silver nanoparticles that are not restricted to patch or stripe formats – with the shape of a guardabarranco (Nicaragua’s national bird). The 500 cordobas, printed on paper, is one of the first banknotes to feature SPARK Live. It also features Oberthur Fiduciare’s DualTrack security thread, with the sacuanjoche (Nicaragua’s national flower) connecting the two non-adjacent tracks. The flower features in the watermark as well.

According to the central bank, the new series has achieved its objectives of improved aesthetics, increased durability, enhanced differentiation and recognition between the notes and greater resistance to counterfeiting. Moreover, the public reaction has been positive and less vault space is required for storage.
2015 · Banknote

Casa de Moneda Argentina

Best New Series

2015 · Best New Series
New Argentine Banknote Series

Casa de Moneda Argentina

The regional Banknote of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievement in the design, technical sophistication and security of a banknote or banknote series, the key judging criteria being that successful banknotes should combine visual artistry and high levels of technical and security sophistication, with considerable emphasis placed on reflecting the cultural heritage of the issuing country in the note, and the relevance of the overall design and symbolism to the issuing country.

‘We have a Homeland’ is the theme behind the new Argentine banknote series – the first new series for 20 years. This is a recurring theme in Argentina and signifies that all Latin American countries are united and have enshrined the ideals that were fought for by heroes of independence across the continent. This is also part of the country’s recent process to forge a new identity on both a national and regional basis.

For example, the new 5 peso note not only features national hero José de San Martín but other liberators of Latin America – Simón Bolívar, Gervasio Artigas and Bernardo O’Higgins – symbolising the common background shared by all Latin American nations and possible political union. The 100 peso honours Eva Perón, the first time a woman has appeared on an Argentine banknote – while the 50 peso is the first banknote to feature a place, the Malvinas Islands. The series also includes a commemorative 100 pesos banknote which honours ‘Madres y Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo’- the protest movement of mothers and grandmothers formed to find out the fate of their missing children who disappeared during the ‘Dirty War’ of the 1970s and early 1980s, and who in doing so stood up to the country’s military dictatorship. The front of the note features the white headscarf which became the movement’s symbol, while on the reverse, the image of a DNA helix is a reference to the successful identification of some of these children of those who disappeared (who were adopted by military families) through DNA testing. The new series was publicised through a communication campaign that included tv advertising, social media and a mobile app, a documentary film, a book, a short film competition, a public exhibition and other memorabilia. The award was received by Casa de Moneda Argentina.
2015 · ID and travel documents

Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil, Peru

Best New ID card

2015 · Best New ID card
National Electronic ID Card (DNIe) of Peru

Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil, Peru

National-Electronic-ID-Card-DNIe-400The Regional ID Document of The Year aims to promote the best in security printing, system infrastructure and implementation of a government passport, identity or other security card scheme.

Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil (RENIEC) introduced a national e-ID card in 2013 as part of Peru’s move to greater e-government development.

The Documento Nacional de Identidad electronico (DNIe) is a polycarbonate card featuring a cryptographic chip, which contains the personal information of the individual. It also integrates two digital certificates for authentication and digital signature, including a biometric fingerprint. This enables the card holder to certify their identity electronically, enabling them to access e-government services more conveniently – with only a computer, smart card reader and internet connection – and sign electronic documents remotely. The card can also store information to access other services such as banking, education, health and taxation – and may be used in future to enable citizens to vote electronically from home. The card integrates a series of physical security features including a map of Peru printed with optically variable ink, a hologram, micotext and design guilloche pattern – while data security conforms to international ICAO standards. As part of a campaign to raise awarness in Peru of the need to register children at birth, RENIEC issued the fictional children’s character Paddington Bear with his own ID card. The award was accepted by RENIEC. The award judges comprised the Board of Directors of Reconnaissance International, the conference organiser, publisher of ID & Secure Document News and joint publisher of Currency News. Nominations were sought from the high security printing community and, for future awards, this community will be invited to take part in the process of shortlisting winners as well.
2014 · Achievement

Louisenthal

Lifetime Achievement

2014 · Lifetime Achievement
Alec Hutchinson

Louisenthal

The currency industry has lost one of its most well-known, and ebullient, figures following the death of Alec Hutchinson. He started his career with De La Rue and spent 15 years there, during which time he held a number of senior management positions in Latin America and served as the Managing Director of its security print operations. He moved on to join SICPA as Global Sales and Marketing Director, before taking up the position of Senior Vice President with Banknote Corporation of America (at the time, a subsidiary of Oberthur). From there he joined Secure Products Inc, a supplier of taggants, as Managing Director of Currencies, helping grow the company and steer its acquisition by Honeywell in 2007. He also worked for Bundesdruckerei International Services and spent the last four years representing Louisenthal in Latin America.
2014 · Achievement

Intergraf Committee of Experts

Lifetime Achievement

2014 · Lifetime Achievement
Malcolm Cuthbertson

Intergraf Committee of Experts

Malcolm Cuthbertson was a key figure and much loved member of the secure documents community. Malcolm was very proud to have started his working life as a Jackaroo in Australia. Following this he returned to the UK and had an extremely distinguished career in the British Army where he rose to the rank of Major. Malcolm first joined Bradbury Wilkinson in 1981 and then transferred to De La Rue as part of the acquisition in 1986. He started life in De La Rue as a banknote salesman but soon joined the Identity business where he later became one of the industry’s most renowned and highly respected experts on global travel documents and passports. Malcolm’s impact and influence has been unrivalled within the industry; he acted as the ISO Principle UK Expert on Machine Readable Travel Documents and sat on one of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) working groups. He also participated in various travel document workshops with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Organisation for American States (OAS). Malcolm became one of the most knowledgeable people in the passport world and was for so many people the ‘go to’ person when they were wrestling with a difficult issue. In 2003 Malcolm was invited to join the Advisory Board of the Keesings Journal and in 2012 he joined the Intergraf Committee of Experts of the International Security Printers Conference. One thing that he felt very passionate about was the need to bring like minded people together and it was with this in mind that he embraced the concept of the document producers working closely with the fraud labs. This is now the accepted practice in so many countries.
2014 · Banknote

Reserve Central Bank of Peru

Best New Banknote

2014 · Best New Banknote
New 100 Nuevos Soles

Reserve Central Bank of Peru

A new series of banknotes went into circulation in Peru in 2011. The second highest denomination of these is the 100 Nueovs Soles, which was issued at the end of last year. The main feature of the note is the portrait of the Peruvian historian Jorge Basadre Grohmann. The note features a Motion optically variable therad and watermark The principle denomination numeral on the front was originally represetned with OVI, but in the new version, this has been replaced with SPARK with a rolling bar effect. The upgrade demonstrates how the visual appeal and security of a note can be significantly enhanced without detracting from the existing features and the public’s familiarity with these. The award was received by Alejandro Rozas Alosilla Velasco of the Reserve Central Bank of Peru.
2014 · ID and travel documents

Casa de Moneda de Chile

Best New ID card

2014 · Best New ID card
New Chilean Drivers Licence

Casa de Moneda de Chile

Chile’s new drivers licence is due to be issued next year. A national database is being created, and a new central production system is being put in place to replace the 240 or so existing enrolment and issuing centres throughout Chile to eliminate duplication and fraud, and enable licences to be checked and verified in real time. Key objectives of the programme are to provide licences with full traceaiblity, to integrate and harmonise the systems of all the different municipalities, to ensure secure issuance and to increase durability. The polycarbonate licence has a ten year lifetime and incorporates a number of new features. These include complex backrounds, guilloche images, microtext, UV ink and laser personalisation. The image of the holder is partially covered with a Kinegram, over which a relief laser printed feature is applied to provide tactility. In addition to the personal data and unique ID and serial numbers on each licence, they also – unsually – include a QR code to enable quick validation in the field by, for example, traffic officers. The award was received by Francisco Mandiola, CEO of Casa de Moneda de Chile
2013 · Banknote

Central Bank of Armenia

Best New Banknote

2013 · Best New Banknote
100 Pesos Eva Perón note

Central Bank of Armenia

The organisers of the Latin American High Security Printing (HSP) Conference are delighted to announce at the Conference in Bogota, Colombia today, that the inaugural award of Latin American Banknote of the Year 2013 was presented to Senora Katya Daura, President of S.E. Casa de Moneda, Argentina for the 100 Pesos Eva Perón note. The Argentinean 100 Pesos banknote was issued in 2012 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the death of former first lady Eva Perón. The banknote was designed by Roger Pfund based on the earlier work of Renato Garrasi and produced by S.E. Casa de Moneda.

The Latin American banknote award, introduced by HSP, aims at recognising banknote design developments and achievements in the fast-evolving Latin American region. The Award Committee comprises the Board of Directors of HSP organising company Reconnaissance International Ltd, and the editorial representatives of Currency News, the periodical dedicated to the global currency industry.

The selection criteria are based on design visibility, banknote functionalities, security sophistication as well as thematic relevance. Commenting on the Award Committee’s decision, Martyn White, Chairman of Reconnaissance International, remarked on the note’s bright-coloured appeal, the ‘world-class’ intaglio portrait of Eva Perón, the integrative use of security elements as well as the rich heritage perceived through the banknote and readily identified by the population.

Nominations are open to banknote printers and central banks for the next Latin American Banknotes of The Year, and Reconnaissance International foresees the expansion of the Award Committee to include industry representatives.

Background

Evita Note Finally Sees the Light of Day In July 2012, the Central Bank of Argentina issued a 100 Peso commemorative note bearing the image of the former first lady, Eva ‘Evita’ Peron to mark the 60th anniversary of her death. After the death of Eva Peron in 1952 both the Central Bank and the banknote printer, SE Casa de Moneda (CMA), started work immediately, the idea being to replace the Liberty Effigy in the existing 5 Peso with a portrait of Eva, but this idea was rejected by the authorities. It was then that CMA artist Renato Garrasi created a new sepia-tinted design that had Eva’s portrait on one side, with the intention of paying homage to her extensive social work for the poor. However, in 1955 the President was ousted in a military coup, and the subsequent regime set about eliminating all signs of Peronism, including the destruction of any images associated with Juan and Eva Peron. To avoid the loss of the banknote designs, a CMA employee hid them, and they remained hidden, and forgotten, for the next five and a half decades. It was only in 2006 – with the removal of furniture as part of a refurbishment of the design department – that the original sepia-tinted artwork, hand-painted by Garrasi, came to light. It was this artwork that provided the inspiration for the new note and, after extensive research undertaken by personnel from CDM, the concept for the 21st century version was presented in 2012. It was unveiled to the nation in July 2012 by HE President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, one day before the 60th anniversary of Eva Perón’s death, and was issued two months later, in September. The brightly-coloured commemorative note features intaglio printing, a watermark, an optically variable feature and a thread, and was created by the Swiss banknote designer Roger Pfund together with designers from CMA. The portrait was engraved by Sergio Pilosio, an Argentinan citizen living in Switzerland. It is the first time a new design has been introduced in Argentina for 20 years, and the first Argentinean banknote to feature a woman. Although designed as a commemorative banknote, in January 2013 President Kirchner announced that it is is to become the new 100 Peso circulating note, replacing the current note carrying the portrait of the 19th century president Julio Argentino Roca. The circulating version will feature the numeral 100 in SPARK® with a green to blue colour shift and rolling-bar effect, see-through register, watermark and 5mm wide Picture Thread™ with Eva Peron’s image. It will be issued in a few weeks time to provide a lasting, and everyday, tribute to the iconic former first lady.

Awards

Awards

Paraguay 100,000 guaraní

Guatemala 100 quetzales

Canadian Banknote Company Grizzly Bear

G+D Louisenthal TwinColors® Patch

Blendpaper Tran$forma Initiative

Dominican Republic National Digital ID and ePassport

Argentina New Passport

Costa Rica Identidad Digital Costarricense

IN Groupe’s LASINK™ Origin+

Aruba Identity Document Authentication

Authentix PICO secure™

2 and 5 Bermudian dollars

Curaçao and Sint Maarten New Series

Guatemala 1 quetzal

Cotton Cycles House Note

Banknote Fiber Extraction (BFE)

St. Kitts and Nevis

Peru ID Card

Guyana ID System

200 and 500 Suriname dollars

New Peru Soles Series

ECCB 2 Dollars

CdM House Note 281

Honduras ePassport

Canadian ePassport ‘B’ Series

Panama ID Card

Brazil ID Card

Peruvian Foreigners’ Card

Paraguay eID and ePassport

Harald Klint

Argentina 1,000 Pesos

Guyana $5,000

New Barbados Dollars Series

New Brazilian Passport

Costa Rica New Passport

El Salvador New ID Card

Bahamas New Driving License

New Bahamian Banknote Series

New ECCB Banknote Series

Mexican 50 & 100 Pesos

Guatemala 20 quetzales

Honduras 200 lempira

National ID Card

Mexico Civil ID card

New Costa Rican Banknote Series

New 20,000 Colones

Mexican 20 Peso

Columbia New eID Card

Argentina’s Smart DNI

The First Family of Bills of the Plurinational State of Bolivia

The Mexican 500 Peso

Uruguay 50 Pesos

The New ePassport of the Plurinational State of Bolivia

The New Colombian e-Passport

100,000 Pesos

New Cordobas Series

New Argentine Banknote Series

National Electronic ID Card (DNIe) of Peru

Alec Hutchinson

Malcolm Cuthbertson

New 100 Nuevos Soles

New Chilean Drivers Licence

100 Pesos Eva Perón note