Central Banks around the world are known to issue commemorative banknotes to highlight significant events, figures or cultural heritage. The N$60.00 banknote commemorating the Life and Legacy of Late President, H.E Dr. Hage G. Geingob is no different.

The denomination was chosen to symbolize the six decades the Late President Geingob devoted to Namibia. From his early activism in the 1960s to his leadership role as President of the Republic of Namibia, a role he fulfilled up until the time of his passing. Dr. Geingob was instrumental in forging the country’s identity.

As Chief Architect of our Constitution, he was instrumental in shaping the Namibian Constitution, ensuring that principles of inclusivity, accountability and transparency were fundamental elements in what is now recognized as one of the world’s most respected Constitution.

During his tenure as President, the Late Dr. Geingob’s leadership was further characterized by a transformative agenda in renewable energy and socio-economic inclusivity, and these elements together with his dedication to Public Service have been transposed onto the N$60.00 commemorative banknote.
 
The N$60.00 commemorative banknote is printed on polymer, a material chosen for its durability and longevity compared to cotton. This substrate also enables advanced security features such as the transparent windows, which enhances the banknotes resistance to counterfeiting.

From a design perspective, the N$60.00 is rich in symbolism with key design elements including the portrait of Dr. Geingob, see-through windows featuring his image and the Independence Memorial Museum. Both these windows offer a glimpse into Namibia's history, showcasing both Dr. Geingob's image and the iconic Independence Memorial Museum, a monument to Namibia's hard-won freedom.

Furthermore, state-of-theart security features like raised ink and colour-shifting elements on the front of the banknote provides added security making it difficult to forge. Thoughtfully designed for inclusivity, a key leadership trait of the Late President, the banknote features a tactile element for the visually impaired: a circle of 12 raised dots.
The phrase “Forward Ever,60,Backward Never” taken from the Late President’s 2023, New Year’s Message, captures the Late President’s commitment to fostering a sense of inclusivity, unity and forward thinking for all Namibians.
All of these elements, combined with advanced level two security features, make the new N$60.00 banknote not only secure, but artistically well blended.
 
Dual Purpose: Legal Tender and Collectible Item
Commemorative banknotes are distinguishable from regular banknotes by their unique designs, themes, limited issuance, higher potential collectible value, and temporary circulation. While the N$60.00 commemorative banknote will circulate as legal tender, its limited print run also makes it a sought-after collector’s item, treasured by both numismatists and those seeking a connection to Dr. Geingob’s Legacy. This dual purpose highlights its significance as both a functional currency and a commemorative piece celebrating a national hero. The Bank recognizes this appeal given the Late President’s standing as a respected Pan-African and an international figure.

In conclusion, the N$60.00 commemorative banknote is more than just a piece of currency and a means of exchange; it is a tribute to Dr. Hage G. Geingob’s enduring legacy and a testament of his contributions to Namibia’s journey towards unity and prosperity. The N$60.00 banknote should serve as an inspiration for future generations to uphold his vision of a prosperous and unified nation.

As Namibians hold this banknote in their hands, they are reminded not just of its monetary value, but also of the invaluable legacy of Dr. Hage G. Geingob who has now been immortalized.