First put into circulation in 1984. In November 2004, the Central Bank of Iceland put an upgraded design of the 1000 kr. note into circulation. Size: 70 x 150 mm. Predominant colour: purple on multicoloured underprint.
Obverse: Brynjólfur Sveinsson (1605-1675), Bishop of Skálholt, with borders and background featuring pictures from a bedspread at the National Museum; the written denomination is in a typeface matching the inscription on the baptismal font at Brynjólfskirkja [Brynjólfur's church], Skálholt. Reverse: Brynjólfskirkja church (1650-1802) at Skálholt, with a cross-section of it in the background. The main pattern is the same as on the borders on the obverse. At the side is an image of the Madonna from a gold ring owned by Bishop Brynjólfur Sveinsson.
Blind recognition feature: two vertical lines intaglio-printed on the obverse.
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Security features
Security features have been used in banknotes for hundreds of years. The hand-written signature was one of the first security features and many others have since been added, such as specially processed paper, watermarks, security threads and intaglio printing. In recent years central banks have issued new notes with a wider, even more sophisticated range of security features. Others have upgraded their earlier notes with the same aim. The following shows the security features of the one thousand kr. banknote.
Micro-engraved lettering tint (melt)
The number 1000 is printed horizontally with violet shadowing at the top left of the obverse and is repeated on the reverse. When magnified, the shadowing of the numbers forms a continuous pattern of the abbreviation SÍ.
Blind recognition feature
Two vertical lines are intaglio-printed on the obverse to assist the visually handicapped in recognising this note.
Silver foil
A diamond pattern linked to the underprint is reproduced on silver foil towards the top of the middle of the obverse.
Blink
A fluorescent green print enclosing the number 1000 is visible towards the bottom of the middle when the note is exposed to ultraviolet light.
Microtext
Microtext beneath the picture of the church on the reverse appears as an unbroken line to the naked eye, but when magnified, forms a continuous line with the words SEÐLABANKI ÍSLANDS. There is also microtext beneath the portrait of Bishop Brynjólfur Sveinsson on the obverse, forming a continuous line with the words SEÐLABANKI ÍSLANDS.
Extra small print
On the right half of the obverse, by the upper and lower margins, is extra small print forming a continuous line with the words SEÐLABANKI ÍSLANDS.
Intaglio printing
On both sides of the note there is intaglio printing which can be detected by touch.
Type of paper
The paper is made of raw cotton with a different feel from that of normal paper.
Security thread
The note has a multicoloured metallic thread embedded in the paper, 1.2 mm wide and windowed on the obverse. When held up to the light it appears as a continuous line. The cleartext inscription reads 1000KR.
Watermark
The watermark is a portrait of Jón Sigurðsson, leader of Iceland's independence movement. It is clearly visible on both sides of the note when held up to the light.
Cornerstone
A reinforced cornerstone watermark enhances the note?s durability and security.
Red serial number on the obverse
The unique serial number of the note is printed in red on the obverse, but appears yellow under ultraviolet light.