1016) A New 2019 Fourth Series of Banknotes, Aruba, issued by the Central Bank of Aruba (Centrale Bank van Aruba) on 04.06.2019 comprising five denominations with the theme of "Endangered Flora and Fauna of Aruba" and historic monuments and landmarks:
The island of Aruba is located in the Caribbean Sea, North of the State of Falcon. It is a part of the archipelago of the Antilles and is at a distance of about 27 kilometres North of the Paraguana peninsula on the Northern coast of Venezuela.
The island is oriented Northwest-Southeast for a distance of about 30 kilometres, the entire area of Aruba is about 193 kilometres and Aruba has a coastline which is about 69 kilometres long.
Aruba has a hot and very dry tropical climate, somewhat semi-desert, but cooled by winds of the Atlantic Ocean. It contains only a small part of the tropical flora found elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Aruba's main cities are - the capital Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas, Santa Cruz and Noord.
The languages spoken are - Papiamento (spoken by about 90% of the population), about 85% of the population speaks or understands English, 40% speak or understand Spanish, 2% speak Dutch as their mother tongue.
History of Aruba - A brief:
Around 1000 AD, Aruba was first populated by Amerindians caiquetios (an Arawak tribe from present day Venezuela).
In 1499, the Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda landed on the island. A huge ranch was established by the Spanish where horses, sheep, goats, pigs etc were introduced.
Thereafter, Aruba became a sanctuary for pirates and Spanish buccaneers. The Spaniards lived in peaceful co-existence with the Arawaks, some descendants of whom still inhabit the island.
Until 1636, Aruba remained a Spanish Colony, whereafter, the Kingdom of the Netherlands made it a colony. After the Spaniards left, Marranos Jews fleeing persecutions in Spain and Portugal came to settle on Aruba.
Between 1642 and 1646, the island was under the control of a Dutch governor - Pieter Stuyvesant - who later became governor of the Dutch province of New Amsterdam until its annexation by the British in 1664 as New York.
Therafter, Aruba changed its possession several times - initially, it was owned by the Dutch West India Company and became a colony attached to Dutch Guiana.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the British Empire took control of the island (1799-1802 & 1805-1816), before returning it to the Dutch.
On 10.05.1940, during World War II, the Netherlands were occupied by Nazi Germany. The next day the British placed the island under their protection before leaving it in the control of the USA on 16.01.1942, who occupied it till the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945.
On 18.03.1948, the Dutch Crown gave the status of self-determination to Aruba.
On 29.12.1954, the Netherlands Antilles was granted autonomy, of which Aruba was a part of this group consisting of the Leewards Islands - Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - located near the coast of Venezuela - and the Windward Islands - St. Martin, Saba and St. Eustace - located East of Puerto Rico.
In 1955, a Constitution was introduced. The Kingdom of Netherlands was now recognised as two entities with equal rights - the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles.
In 1977, in a referendum, the population voted in a majority for the independence of Aruba.
On 01.01.1986, autonomy was granted to Aruba.
In 1983, an agreement was concluded, which provided for independence to Aruba in 2006, but the Aruban government decided to suspend this clause in 1994.
Since 30.04.2013, the Sovereign of the Netherlands - Willem Alexander is the head of state of Aruba. The governor represents the Dutch head of state in Aruba.
The Aruban Florin Banknotes:
The Florin is the currency of Aruba subdivided into 100 cents.
In 1986, the Aruban Florin was introduced, replacing the Netherlands Antillean Guilder at par.
The Central Bank of Aruba (Banco Central di Aruba) introduced the First Series of Banknotes with the issue date as 01.01.2019, in the denominations of 5, 10, 25,50 and 100 Florin.
In 1990, the Central Bank issued the same denominations in the Second Series of Banknotes, but these Banknotes were more colourful, designed by the Aruban artist - Evelino Fingal. As the Director of the Archeological Museum, Evelino found inspiration in old Indian paintings and pot shards for the Banknote designs and combined decorative motifs found on pre-Columbian pottery with pictures of animals unique to the Island.
In 1993, the 500 Florin Banknotes were introduced.
In 1995, the 5 Florin Banknote was replaced by a square coin.
In 2003, a new Series of Banknotes - the Third Series of Banknotes - introduced strengthened security features as an anti-counterfeiting measure, but retained the earlier designs.
The 2019 Fourth Series of Aruban Florin Banknotes:
In 2019, the Centrale Bank van Aruba (CBA) has circulated on 04.06.2019, the Fourth Series of Aruban Banknotes which includes the denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100 and a new denomination of 200 Aruban Florins.
The new Series has a completely different design and incorporates several enhanced security features.
The CBA has co-ordinated with local artists and local and international experts on the new designs for these Banknotes.
The Banknotes have been printed by Crane Currency. All of Aruba's Banknotes prior to this issue were printed in Haarlem, Netherlands by Royal Joh Enschede, but as that firm has decided to exit the Banknote Printing Business on 12/2016, this step has been taken by the CBA.
These Banknotes portray endangered Flora and Fauna commonly found in Aruba, combined with cultural and historical motifs originating from the Pre-ceramic period, as well as, monuments and landmarks. These Banknote designs aim to promote public awareness for adequate protection, preservation and conservation of endangered flora and fauna and historical monuments etc.
The four lower denominations have maintained the same basic colour schemes as in the past.
The sizes of all the Banknote denominations are 148.0 mm x 74.0 mm.
The individual Banknotes of the Fourth Series:
The Fronts and Backs of the five denominations of the 4th Series of Banknotes (2019) placed together
The five denominations placed alongside their description sheets
A prominent Display of the five Banknote denominations placed for public viewing on the date of release of the Banknotes
The Green Sea Turtle design poster
The 10 Aruban Florin Banknote is predominantly Blue in colour and exhibits the following features incorporated on its Obverse or Reverse designs:
The Green Sea Turtle or Pacific Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas):
This is a species of large sea turtle. Its range extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
This sea turtle's dorsoventrally flattened body is covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace; It has a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. It is mostly herbivorous. Adults usually inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of sea-grasses. Like other sea turtles, green sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and hatching beaches. Females crawl out on beaches, dig nests and lay eggs during the night. Later, when hatchlings emerge, they make a beeline for the water. These turtles can live upto 80 years.
The green Sea Turtle is on the endangered list of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and CITES and is protected from exploitation in many countries. In addition, many countries have laws and ordinances to protect nesting areas. Human activity - agriculture and real estate development - has resulted in habitat loss by eliminating nesting beaches.
Spotted Trunk Fish (Turtuga Blanco Lactophrys Bicaudalis):
An image of the Spotted Trunk-fish
The Spotted Trunkfish is a member of the family Ostracidae. It can be found in nests throughout the Caribbean, as well as, the South-eastern Atlantic Ocean.The species gets its name from the black spots it has covered over its golden body.
The Spotted Trunkfish, secretes a colourless toxin from glands on its skin when touched. The toxin is only dangerous when ingested, so there is no immediate harm to divers. Predators, however, as large as nurse sharks can die of eating a trunkfish.
Common Sea Fan (Fototo Gogonia ventalina):
An image of the purple Sea-Fan
The purple Sea Fan is an octocoral found in the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. It is a fan-shaped coral with several main branches and a latticework of linking smaller branches. The skeleton is composed of calcite and gorgonion, a collagen-like compound. The calyces in which the polyps are embedded are in two rows along the branches. Many of the smaller branches are compressed in the plane of the fan. It often has smaller accessory fans growing sideways from the main fan and can grow to a height of 1.5 metres (or 5 feet) and is variable in colour - white, yellow or pale purple.
It is a filter feeder. It is sometimes attacked by the fungus Aspergillus sydowii, which results in damaged patches, galls, purpling of the tissues and even coral death.
Waira di Lama
The Troupial Design Poster
The 25 Aruban Florin Banknote is predominantly Orange in colour and exhibits the following features incorporated on it Obverse or Reverse designs:
Troupial (Icterus icterus):
An image of the Troupial facing right perched on a cactus
The Venezuelan Troupial is the National Bird of Venezuela and one of the 25 (approx.) species of New World Orioles, found in Colombia, Venezuela and the Caribbean Islands of Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and Puerto Rico. These are fairly large birds with a long tail and a bulky bill. It has a black head and upper breast. The feathers on the front of the neck and upper breast stick outward, making an uneven boundary between the black and the orange of the bird's lower breast and underside. The rest of the orange colour is found on the upper and lower back, separated by black shoulders. The wings are mostly black, except for a white streak that runs the length of the wing, when in a closed position. The eyes are yellow and surrounding each one, there is a patch of bright, blue naked skin.
Venezuelan Troupials inhabit dry areas like woodlands, gallery forest, dry scrub, plains and open savanna where they forage for insects, a variety of fruit, small birds and eggs. Their breeding season is from March to September, but they do not construct their own nests and are obligate nest pirates.
Burrowing Owl (Athene Cunicularia Arubensis):
An image of a Burrowing Owl perched on a branch looking towards the viewer
The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and south America. Burrowing owls can be found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts or any other open dry areas with low vegetation.
They nest and roost in burrows, like those excavated by prairie dogs. Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the midday heat.
Like many other kinds of owls, they do most of their hunting from dusk to dawn, when they can use night vision and hearing to their advantage. The burrowing owl has longer legs that enable it to sprint, as well as, fly, when hunting.
Passion Flower (Shoco Passiflora foetida):
An image of two Passion Flowers in full bloom
This species if Passion Flower is native to several countries including the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America etc. It is a creeping vine and yields an edible fruit. "Foetida" means "stinking" and refers to the strong aroma emitted by damaged foliage.
The Crab Design poster
The 50 Aruban Florin Banknote is predominantly Red in colour and exhibits, inter alia, the following features incorporated on its designs:
Shoreline Purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum):
This is a sprawling perennial herb that grows in coastal areas throughout much of the world. It grows in sandy clay, coastal limestone and sandstone, tidal flats and salt marshes and is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and South America.
The plant is primarily pickled and eaten as pickle.
Banana di Rif:
This is a common shore plant and found around most of the warm areas of the Americas, Hawaii and the Caribbean. It is used as a pot herb, puree and pickle and is sometimes referred to as a "pre-salted salad".
The 100 Aruban Florin Banknote is predominantly Green in colour and exhibits the following features incorporated on its designs:
An image of the Green Iguana
Iguana (Iguana iguana):
The green Iguana also known as the American iguana is a large arboreal , mostly herbaceous species of lizard. The green iguana ranges over a large geographic area and is a native of Southern Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico and the Caribbean islands and in Puerto Rico.
A herbivore, it has adapted significantly to its varied habitats. It grows to 1.5 metres (about 4.9 feet) in length and some specimens have been measured at over 2.0 metres (6.6 feet) with body weights upward of 20 pounds (or 9.1 kilograms).
It is kept as a pet due to its calm disposition and bright colours.
Striped Anole (Yuwana Anolis Lineatus):
The Striped Anole is a species of lizard native to Curacao and Aruba of the Netherland Antilles. It is generally common to densely vegetated gardens on the island and is found in dry tropical shrubland at all elevations in its range. It is often seen on rocks, walls of buildings, tree-trunks and at various heights, but often close to the ground. Adult males can reach a height of 7 to 7.7 cms (2.8-3.0 inches), while adult females can grow to about 6.0 cms (2.4 inches).
Its IUCN status is presently of "Least Concern" (LC).
Aloe Vera (Waltaka Aloe Bardadensis):
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species, which isan evergreen perennial. It originates from the Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in tropical climates around the world and is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. The species is also used for decorative purposes and grows indoors as a potted plant.
It has many uses in consumer products, including beverages, skin lotions, cosmetics, ointments for minor burns, sunburns etc.
The Crested Caracara Design Poster
The 200 Aruban Florin Banknote is predominantly Brown in colour and exhibits the following features incorporated on its Obverse or Reverse designs:
Crested Caracara (Caracara Cheriway):
An image of a Crested Caracara facing left sitting on its perch
The Northern Crested Caracara is a bird of prey. It is found in Cuba, Northern South America, Central America and Mexico. It is also found in the Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire). It is a bird of open and semi-open country. It lives in lowlands but can also live in mid-elevation in the Northern Andes. The species is most common in cattle ranches with scattered trees, shelterbelts and small woods, with small human presence. They are also found in agricultural land, prairies, coastal woodlands including mangroves, coconut plantations, scrub along beach dunes etc.
It is mainly a carnivorous scavenger that feeds primarily on carrion, but occasionally eats fruits.Their prey includes small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, crabs, insects, earthworms, shellfish and young birds.
It has an average length of 49-58 cm (or 19-23 inches), a wingspan of 107-130 cm (or 42-51 inches) and weight 800-1355 grams (or 1,764-2.987 pounds). It is second in size only to the Southern Caracara.
It was treated as a "sacred eagle" and was depicted in several pre-Columbian Aztec Codices as well as Florentine Codex.
Ruby Topaz Humming-bird (Warawara Chrysolampis Mosquitus):
An image of a Ruby Topaz Humming Bird
This is a small bird that breeds in the Lesser Antilles and tropical Northern South America from Columbia, Venezuela and the Guyanas, South to Central Brazil and Northern Bolivia, Colombia upto Southern Panama.
It is a seasonal migrant and inhabits open country, gardens and cultivation.
It is 8.1 cm long and weight 3.5 grams. The food of this hummingbird is nectar, taken from a wide variety of flowers and some small insects. Ruby Topaz humming-birds can perch conspicuously and defend their territories aggressively. The call of this species is a high-pitched "tsip".
Leaf Cactus (Dornasol Opuntia Caracassana)
Tuna
A poster showing all the five main animals featured on the Banknotes - Green Turtle, Troupial, Burrowing Owl, Crested Caracara, Crab.
Security Features:
The new Banknotes inter alia contain the following security features:
(These representative features have been illustrated on a 10 Aruban Florin Banknote in the Information Brochure being used to widely familiarize the user public with the new Banknotes:
1 - High Relief Printing: One can feel the raised ink on the animal portrayed, the pattern of house symbols, CENRALE BANK VAN ARUBA, the denomination and the signatures.
2 - Elements for the Visually Impaired: One can feel the raised ink along the top and bottom edges of the Banknote corresponding to the denomination.
3 - 3D Moving Stripe: One can tilt the Banknote to see pulsing rays of the sun and the three dimensional droplet magnifying the stars beneath it
4 - Colour-changing Ink: One can tilt the Banknotes to see a wave effect of changing colour from gold to green on the head of the Prikichi denomination .
5 - Iridescent Stripe: One can tilt the Banknote to see the denomination and a flower motif in golden metallic colour.
6 - Watermark: One can look for the multi-tonal image of the Shoco combined with the CBA logo when held to the light.
7 - See Through Feature: One can look for the patterns on the Front and Back of the Banknote to complete the denomination when held to the light.
8 - Micro-text and Images: One can examine the Banknote closely to reveal the text hidden in the design on the Front and Back of the Banknote.
9 - UV Printing: One can examine the Banknote under ultra-violet light to reveal the denomination, the (hidden) animals portrayed, and security fibres in three colours - blue, red and yellow - throughout the Banknote.
The timeline for the emission/release of the 2019 (Fourth) Series of Banknotes:
03.06.2019 - Official emission of the new 2019 Series Florin Banknotes
04.06.2019 - 11.08.2019 - Co-circulation of 2003 Series and the new 2019 Series Florin Banknotes (10 weeks)
12.08.2019 - 2003 Series Banknotes cease to be legal tender
04.06.2019 - 04.12.2019 - Exchange of 2003 Series f or new 2019 Series Florin Banknotes only at commercial banks (6 months)
05.12.2019 - 12.08.2049 - Exchange of 2003 Series for 2019 Series Florin Banknoyes only at Central Bank of Aruba (30 years)
In the coming months, the CBA will carry out extensive information campaigns through various media channels - newspapers, radio, TV, CBA's Facebook, Instagram and its website to inform the users about the new 2019 Banknote series and how to identify and familiarise themselves with the new designs and security features.
Information about the new Series of Banknotes will also be disseminated through the National Library, Schools, Post Offices, Commercial Banks etc.
Links to some other interesting posts from South American countries & Mexico:
21) Three-toed Sloth - "Wildlife of Nicaragua" Coin Series - Second Silver Coin of 100 Cordobas issued in 2018
22) Giant Ant-Eater - "Wildlife of Nicaragua" Coin Series - Third Silver coin of 100 Cordobas issued in 2018
23) Ocelot: "Wildlife of Nicaragua" Coin Series: Fourth Silver coin of 100 Cordobas issued in 2018
24) Bolivar Soberano (or "Sovereign Bolivar"), Venezuela: (2018 Series of Banknotes) introduced by Banco de National, the Central Bank of Venezuela on 20.08.2018
25) 50 Boliviano Banknote, Bolivia: The third Banknote circulated by the "Banco Central de Bolivia" (Central Bank of Bolivia) in the new 2018 Banknote Series: This Banknote introduced into circulation on 15.10.2018
26) A new 100 Boliviano Banknote from Bolivia: issued by the "Banco Centrale de Bolivia" (Central Bank of Bolivia) on 15.01.2019 under its new 2018 Banknote Series
27) Central Bank of Uruguay ("Banco Centrale del Uruguay"): 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) - 1967-2017 - celebrated with the issue of a 50 Peso Commemorative Banknote on 14.09.2018
28) "Aconcagua"", Argentina: 25 Dollars High Relief Silver Coin: - The third coin in the "7 Summits Coin Series" issued by the Cook Islands in co-ordination with Coin Invest Trust (CIT) and minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH issued in November 2018
6) Dutch Aviation, Netherlands: Centenary Celebrations (1919-2019): Three coins - one Gold (10 Euros), One Sterling Silver (5 Euros) and a Silver-plated (5 Euros) Coins, along with a Silver medal celebrate this milestone in Dutch Aviation history: Coin issue date: 14.03.2019
29) Did You Know Series (44): Decoding the Aztec Calendar Sone (or the Sun Stone of Axyacatl)
30) A New 2019 Fourth Series of Banknotes, Aruba, issued by the Centra Bank of Aruba (Centrale Bank van Aruba) on 04.06.2019 comprising five denominations with the theme of "Endangered Flora and Fauna of Aruba" and historic monuments and landmarks
For other interesting posts on issues from the Royal Dutch Mint, Netherlands, please visit the following links:
5) The Beemster, Netherlands: 20th Anniversary of Beemster Polder being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: An efficient Land reclamation Project emulated by several countries world-wide: A set of Gold (10 Euro), Sterling Silver, Silver-plated and Uncirculated (All 5 Euro) coins brought out by the Royal Dutch Mint, Utrecht in 2019
