Sir Edmund Hillary graces the New Zealand $5 note. Photo: Supplied
Notaphilists the world over are tingling with anticipation.
Nowhere is the excitement felt more strongly than in New Zealand, where the nation's $5 note has been nominated for the International Banknote Society's (IBNS) Banknote of the Year.
It is going head-to-head with 19 other finalists around the world, in a festival of notapilly - the appreciation and study of banknotes.
The fiver's focal point, Sir Edmund Hillary, is a New Zealander so impressive that the nation broke tradition to put him on the cash while he was still alive.
El Gaucho waves the flag on Argentina's contender. Photo: Supplied
However, Argentina's new 50 peso note is about as bold they come.
One one side, a big map of the Falkland Islands. On the other, Antonio Rivero​, who murdered the five leaders of a Falklands settlement.
For added patriotism, "El Gaucho" is pictured waving the Argentinian flag atop a rearing horse.
The hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) on the Kiwi $5 note maintains the fine New Zealand tradition of using flightless, threatened birds to symbolise itself.
Up, up and away! The Chinese Yuan entry. Photo: supplied
It's up against The Gambia's Senegal parrot, while Burundi has entered a potentially dangerous antelope/pineapple combination.
China's 100 yuan note is undoubtedly the biggest threat there, with a cyborg-like bird transforming itself into a biplane, jumbo jet and ultimately, a space station.
The winner of the coveted Banknote of the Year award will be announced at the the next IBNS board meeting.
Members will consider the artistic merit, design, use of colour, contrast, balance, and security features of each nomination.
A penguin perches on the other side of the New Zealand entry. Photo: Supplied
- Stuff.co.nz
