20 ice mark note
The 20 ice mark note will be the first denomination of ice marks to be issued by the Central Bank of Westarctica. As such, it is intended to become the first legal tender paper currency ever created by Westarctica. While the banknote itself has been approved, the specific design and features have yet to be finalized. The Westarctican government anticipates the release of between 600 and 1000 20 ice mark banknotes in late 2018.
History
The note was designed by the Baron of Bastanchury in his capacity as Commissioner of the Treasury. There was significant debate about backing the ice marks with some real commodity, such as silver, but this was ultimately rejected as financially unfeasible.
The Central Bank has not yet announced the proposed exchange rate for the marks.
Characteristics
The 20 ice mark note is 70 mm x 140 mm in size (2.75 in x 5.5 in). It has been printed on 75& cotton rag, 25% linen paper, the same fiber content of American banknotes. It contains red and blue fibers, has a weight of 85 GSM (grams per square meter) making it only slightly more dense/ heavy that typical office copy paper, and has no optical brighteners. The paper is waterproof and acid-free, and has a set of security features. Each note will have an individual serial number and a QR code which bearers can scan with a smartphone for more information about the note series.