Banxico Introduces New 20 Peso Bill

The new MX$20 (US$1) “Solemne y Pacifica, Entry of the Exercise of the Three Guarantees into the Capital of Mexico on September 27 of the Memorable Year 1821” bill began circulating on September 24 honors important symbols of Mexican history and ecosystems, said the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) in a press release.

“The reason for the composition consists of a fragment of the artistic work referenced with the certificate: Solemn and peaceful entry of the Army of the Three Guarantees to Mexico City on September 27 of the memorable year of 1821,” reads Banxico’s press release. As the bill aims to become a symbol of the anniversary of Mexico’s independence, its design was based on Mexican artwork “by an anonymous author, that is part of the collection of the National Museum of History, Castillo de Chapultepec, located in Mexico City. On its left flies the Flag of the Army of the Three Guarantees and, to the right, the Flag of Mexico.”

On the back, the bill illustrates different Mexican symbols. “The mangrove system is represented with the Mexican crocodile and the chocolate heron in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, in the state of Quintana Roo, a natural heritage of humanity.” The introduction of these two species and the specific area of the Sian Ka’an reserve in Quintana Roo seeks to showcase the richness of Mexico’s ecosystems. Also, the bill highlights the Sian Ka’an, which means “where the sky begins” in the Mayan language. This area is also protected by UNESCO since 1987 as it is considered a Natural Heritage site.

One of Banxico’s main concerns regarding the bill’s design was security, so it includes several important security elements to battle counterfeiting. The new bill includes touch-sensitive reliefs, linear backgrounds, multicolor designation, polymer, color-changing elements, fluorescence and transparent windows.

“The message the bill communicates is a celebration of dialogue, union and overcoming our differences in favor of a higher common good,” wrote Alejandro Díaz de Leon, Governor of Banxico, in a press release. “Like the rest of our paper money, this bill is apart of an efficient and secure mean of payment, an authentic letter of presentation of Mexico that enriches our long and recognized numismatic tradition.”