The 25-guilder “Robin” banknote

Graphic designer Jaap Drupsteen had already worked with computer systems while designing TV shows. In 1989, he put those skills to use when DNB asked him to design his first banknote. After the Robin, he went on to design three more: the 100-guilder Little owl (1992), the 1,000-guilder Lapwing (1996), and the 10-guilder Kingfisher (1997). Drupsteen's banknotes stood out for their use of computer software. He used the Quantel Paintbox for the first sketch of the Robin, the Aesthedes to refine the lines, and the Tekari drafting computer to add intricate details. DNB leased the Dutch-built Aesthedes from Sdu in The Hague — a former state-owned printer that also used it to design giro cheques.

Drupsteen set out to create something completely different from Oxenaar’s iconic designs (like the Lighthouse, the Snipe, and the Sunflower). He succeeded – the DNB board was enthusiastic about his bold new concept. Although the Robin was his first banknote, Drupsteen was no stranger to currency design. In 1987, he made the documentary The Life of a Banknote, which earned a Dutch Golden Calf nomination. He had also designed postage stamps.

In 1981, he submitted coin designs for Queen Beatrix’s succession. Although Bruno Ninaber van Eyben’s coin design was chosen, Drupsteen's came in second out of eight entries.

Drupsteen’s design focused on making the denomination instantly clear. The Robin features large numerals and 25 background cubes – a visual cue for the note’s value. This wasn’t just for looks. DNB wanted to discourage people from writing on banknotes, so the design left no blank spaces. While filming ‘The Life of a Banknote’, Drupsteen had noticed that many notes were destroyed due to scribbles. By filling the note with decorative blocks, he hoped to prevent this.

Despite its modern design, the 25-guilder note also nods to the past. It starts with the name “the Robin”. DNB wanted a red note, and Drupsteen thought of using a robin as a watermark. Coincidentally, DNB’s very first banknotes from 1814 were also nicknamed “Robins” because of their red fronts. DNB embraced this historical link. Although the note was officially signed by President Wim Duisenberg on 25 May 1989, it bears the date 5 April 1989 – the 175th anniversary of DNB’s founding.

The robin watermark was created by Johan Christiaan Hekman, who had also designed coins for the Dutch Caribbean and watermarks like the rabbit in Oxenaar’s 250-guilder note. The paper for this note was produced by Van Houtum & Palm, DNB’s main supplier since 1880. DNB even owned the company from 1978 to 1985. Now known as VHP Security Paper, it still supplies paper for euro and other banknotes.

The 25-guilder note circulated from 27 March 1990 to 1 January 2002. Signed by DNB president Wim Duisenberg, it can still be exchanged for euros at our Cash Desk until 1 January 2032.