2016 - New banknotes and coins

In 2015 and 2016, Sweden got a new, modern banknote and coin series. A new denomination, the 200-krona banknote, was also introduced. The Riksbank also started to issue the 2-krona coin again. The banknotes had new security features and the coins were smaller, lighter and nickel-free.

The Riksbank decided to replace the old banknotes and coins for several reasons. The older banknotes, which became invalid in 2016 and 2017, were designed around 30 years ago and needed to be modernised. The new banknotes have been given new security features to make them harder to counterfeit.

The new coins are significantly smaller and lighter than the old ones. This means fewer transports, making handling costs lower. It also leads to a lower environmental impact.

The new coins are also completely nickel-free. In addition, they are significantly cheaper to produce than the old coins. The Riksbank, and thereby the state, can thus reduce costs.

By introducing a 2-krona coin, fewer coins will be needed as the 2-krona coin will replace two 1-krona coins in many payments.

The Riksbank’s assessment is that cash will remain for a long time to come, even though payments using coins and banknotes are decreasing and the usage of cards and electronic payments is increasing strongly.