The Aruba 100 Florin Iguana Banknote: Nature, Culture and Award-Winning Currency Design
Some banknotes are remembered for their history. Others are remembered for their colour, personality and visual impact. The Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote does both, turning island wildlife, traditional dance and Caribbean identity into one of the most memorable modern banknotes.
Yes, the Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote is real. It is a vertical 100 florin banknote issued by the Central Bank of Aruba as part of the 2019 series. Famous for its green design, iguana theme and rich cultural details, it was selected as the IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2019.
What Is the Aruba 100 Florin Iguana Banknote?
The Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote is a real paper banknote issued by the Central Bank of Aruba. It belongs to Aruba's redesigned 2019 banknote series and has a denomination of 100 florin.
The note is especially known for its vertical format, green and multicolour palette, and large iguana on the front. In catalogues, it is commonly listed as Pick P#24. The banknote measures 148 × 74 mm and was printed by Crane Currency.
This is not a polymer note. The 2019 Aruba 100 florin banknote is printed on paper, but it includes modern security features that make it feel very contemporary.
Why Is the Aruba 100 Florin Banknote Famous?
The Aruba 100 florin banknote became internationally famous because it won the IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2019 award.
The International Bank Note Society gives this award to a newly issued banknote that stands out for design, innovation and overall visual appeal. Aruba's 100 florin note attracted attention because it combined a bold vertical layout, local wildlife, traditional culture and advanced security features in a very distinctive way.
It is part of a wider 2019 series created to celebrate Aruba's flora, fauna, cultural heritage, monuments and landmarks. Instead of using a generic design, the series turns Aruban identity into colourful everyday currency.
What Does the Aruba 100 Florin Banknote Show?
The front of the Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote shows a large iguana, locally known as Yuwana. The front also includes the striped anole, locally known as Toteki, and the aloe plant, which has a strong connection with Aruba.
The note uses a green base with multicolour elements, giving it a tropical and highly visual appearance. The denomination, Central Bank of Aruba text and security elements are integrated into the vertical composition.
The reverse shows Aruba's traditional Baile di Cinta, or ribbon dance. It also includes symbols and floor tile patterns inspired by antique Aruban houses, connecting the note not only to nature but also to architecture, folklore and local memory.
The watermark includes the burrowing owl, known locally as Shoco, together with the central bank logo. Altogether, the design brings together wildlife, dance, architecture and island identity in one compact piece of currency art.
Why Does the Banknote Feature an Iguana?
The iguana is part of Aruba's local wildlife and works beautifully as the central visual symbol of this island-themed banknote.
On the Aruba 100 florin banknote, the iguana is not just decoration. It helps communicate the idea that currency can represent the living character of a place. Aruba's 2019 series uses flora and fauna to make people look more closely at the natural world around them.
The presence of the striped anole and aloe reinforces the same message. This is a banknote about place: the animals, plants, colours and cultural traditions that make Aruba immediately recognizable.
Why Did This Banknote Win Bank Note of the Year?
The Aruba 100 florin banknote won the IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2019 award because it successfully combines beauty, storytelling and modern banknote technology.
Its vertical format gives the design a fresh and contemporary look. The green colour palette is vivid without feeling chaotic. The iguana creates an immediate visual focus, while the reverse adds movement and cultural meaning through the Baile di Cinta ribbon dance.
The note also includes advanced security features, including high-relief printing, colour-changing ink and a MOTION SURFACE security feature. This is important because modern banknotes must be both attractive and difficult to counterfeit.
For collectors, that balance is part of the appeal. The Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote is not famous only because it is colourful. It is famous because it turns local identity into award-winning currency design.
Why Do Collectors Like the Aruba 100 Florin Banknote?
Collectors like the Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote because it fits into many popular collecting themes at once.
It is an award-winning banknote. It is an animal-themed banknote. It is a Caribbean banknote. It uses a vertical format. It has a strong colour palette. It also tells a clear story about Aruba's nature and culture.
For beginner collectors, the note is easy to remember because the iguana gives it a strong visual identity. For more experienced collectors, it is interesting because it belongs to a modern redesigned series and won international recognition.
It can fit into collections focused on beautiful banknotes, island banknotes, vertical banknotes, Aruban florin banknotes, animal-themed banknotes or modern world banknotes.
Is the Aruba 100 Florin Iguana Banknote Valuable?
The Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote can be collectible, but its value depends on condition, authenticity and market demand.
A circulated note is one that has been used in everyday transactions. It may show folds, marks or handling. An uncirculated note is one that has not been used and usually looks fresh, crisp and clean.
Collectors may also look at the serial number, whether the note has been professionally graded, and whether it comes from a reliable seller. Grading means that a specialist company has checked the note and assigned a condition score.
It is better not to think of this banknote as an investment. Its appeal comes from its award-winning design, animal theme, Caribbean identity and collector popularity. Market prices can change, so collectors should always compare recent offers before buying.
How to Collect Caribbean and Award-Winning Banknotes
Caribbean banknotes are a fascinating collecting area because they often feature bright colours, island landscapes, wildlife, local architecture and cultural symbols.
The Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote is a strong starting point because it is visually striking, internationally recognized and easy to remember. It also connects naturally with several collecting themes.
Collectors can build a collection around Aruba banknotes, Caribbean banknotes, animal-themed banknotes, award-winning banknotes, vertical banknotes or beautiful modern banknotes. Another approach is to collect notes that show how different countries use currency to present nature and culture.
For beginners, the most important rule is simple: buy from reliable sellers, check the condition carefully and avoid overpaying just because a note is popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote real?
Yes. It is a real 100 florin banknote issued by the Central Bank of Aruba as part of the 2019 banknote series.
What animal is shown on the Aruba 100 florin banknote?
The front shows an iguana, locally known as Yuwana. It also includes the striped anole, known locally as Toteki, and the aloe plant.
Is the Aruba 100 florin banknote made of polymer?
No. The 2019 Aruba 100 florin banknote is printed on paper.
Did the Aruba 100 florin banknote win Bank Note of the Year?
Yes. The Aruba 100 florin banknote won the IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2019 award.
What is shown on the back of the Aruba 100 florin banknote?
The reverse shows Aruba's traditional Baile di Cinta, or ribbon dance, together with symbols and floor tile patterns inspired by antique Aruban houses.
Is the Aruban florin the same as the Dutch guilder?
No. The Aruban florin is Aruba's own currency. It should not be confused with the former Dutch guilder or the Caribbean guilder.
Is the Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote collectible?
Yes. Collectors like it because of its award-winning design, animal theme, vertical layout, Caribbean identity and rich colour palette.
What should collectors check before buying one?
Collectors should check authenticity, condition, serial number, grading, seller reliability and whether the note is circulated or uncirculated.
Final Thoughts
The Aruba 100 florin iguana banknote is more than a colourful island note. It is a modern piece of currency design that brings together wildlife, dance, architecture and national pride in a format collectors immediately remember.
This banknote is collectible not only because it won an award, but because it turns Aruba's nature and culture into a vivid piece of modern design. For anyone interested in Caribbean banknotes, animal-themed banknotes or beautiful world currency, it is one of the most eye-catching modern notes to know.
If you enjoy banknotes with beautiful designs and unusual stories, explore our selection of Aruba, Caribbean, animal-themed and award-winning world banknotes. Each note can reveal a different side of nature, culture and island identity.