VANISHING
ALTITUDES
Same Earth
Different Horizon
200
This security sample banknote is inspired by two worlds of breathtaking beauty: the silent mystery of the ocean depths and the majestic stillness of the mountain peaks.
On one side, a scuba diver explores a vibrant underwater scene surrounded by corals and watched by a passing shark — symbols of life, strength, and the unknown wonders beneath the surface. Under UV light, three jellyfish emerge, glowing like hidden guardians of the sea.
On the reverse, a skier moves through a dramatic alpine landscape, representing freedom, motion, and the power of winter. In ultraviolet light, a ski lift appears above the slopes, while two little bears stand beside their mother — a reminder of the wildlife that depends on these frozen habitats.
This note is both a celebration of natural beauty and a call to protect it — so that future generations may still discover these wonders, above and below the horizon.
Digitally engraved handcrafted shark made with Corvina Engraver Software.
With sincere appreciation to NPA and the team for their valued printing support.
200
200 years from now, these extraordinary environments may no longer look the same. Coral reefs are fading, oceans are warming, glaciers are retreating, and mountain ecosystems are under pressure.
Intaglio sharks floating around the top window with one of them shifting into a striking negative pattern, seamless from a distance.
The steel intaglio plate used on this side of the banknote was precision-crafted using S-DLE laser technology used with three Orlof masks.
The intricate security patterns in the background were printed using three offset plates; in some areas only the plates alternate, yet throughout the design they consistently preserve the balanced background density and the refractive qualities of water.
The see-through element connects both sides of the design, forming a ski and a scuba mask that reveal a flicker of light when held up to illumination.
The visible ink-holders in the intaglio preserve the highlighting of the numeration while enhancing both the tactile feel and the precision of the intricate fine-line details.
The dynamic color-shifting Optically Variable Magnetic Ink (SPARK®), developed by SICPA, brings the floating eagle motif to life.
The three-plate rainbow offset background elevates the skier while the blending of colors creates vivid new tones – including striking bursts of orange – adding depth and energy to the composition.
Hidden microtexts shift within the bear motif, while tactile lines follow the skier’s pole with subtle precision.
The polymer substrate’s window provided by CCL further unites the two worlds through marine life motifs alongside alpine edelweiss flowers and iridescent framing.
Three floating jellyfish rendered in white UV ink symbolizing renewal and rebirth.
On the reverse side under ultraviolet light, two white bear cubs appear beside their mother, evoking the image of polar bear cubs and the fragile future of Arctic life highlighting the connection between distant ecosystems and the urgent need to protect habitats threatened by climate change. The ski lift is a gentle reminder of the human presence in alpine environments and giving the balance between recreation and preservation.
