The advanced security features of banknotes make them difficult to counterfeit. Still, some counterfeit banknotes may be well executed and difficult to detect. If you are not sure whether you have received a counterfeit banknote, try comparing it with a genuine banknote and pay special attention to the features that are most difficult to imitate.
Danmarks Nationalbank has a monopoly on producing banknotes and coins in the Kingdom of Denmark. As technology advances, counterfeiters are constantly developing better tools to copy banknotes.
One of Danmarks Nationalbank’s objectives is to promote safe payments. High-quality security and design are key to upholding trust in Danish banknotes and coins. Therefore, Danmarks Nationalbank regularly assesses the quality of the security features.
Security upgrade of current banknotes
In 2020, the 500-krone banknote was released in a new, security-upgraded version, and from February 2024, the 100- and 200-krone banknotes in the current series featuring bridges and archaeological finds (2009 series) have also been released in updated versions. In 2025, the 50-krone banknote will also undergo a security upgrade. The security-upgraded versions are called the 2009A series.
The 1000-krone banknote will not be updated, since, like all older banknote series, it will not be valid as a means of payment after 31 May 2025.
The security-upgraded versions of the banknotes are very similar to the previous versions, which will continue to be valid. But there are differences to look out for to see whether you are holding one of the new banknotes. Some security features such as holograms, watermarks and microtexts are the same as on previous editions, but new features have also been added, as you can see on this page. In addition to new security features, the security-upgraded versions of the banknotes have a new surface treatment that makes the banknotes feel slightly stiffer and heavier.
The previous editions of the banknotes from the current banknote series will still be valid, and therefore do not need to be exchanged for new ones. Instead, they are taken out of circulation in society as they pass through Danmarks Nationalbank (via the cash-handling companies).