Egyptian economist Hani Abul Photoh commented on the appearance of the colors of the gay flag on the new 20-pound currency in Egypt and the controversy that arose in the country.
Abul Photoh explained that the new Egyptian currency has many advantages, and despite the aforementioned advantages, the plastic currency has faced some criticism, primarily due to the watermark used on the currency, which resembles the spectrum of a rainbow, which is commonly understood as a symbol of homosexuality.
And he continued: “This symbolism is considered inappropriate from the point of view of some people and contrary to their cultural and religious values. This watermark is controversial and generates social discord and controversy over its suitability for use on currency.”
An Egyptian economist pointed out that the watermark on the twenty-pound plastic currency contains the colors of the rainbow and is considered part of the currency’s security design. The watermark uses advanced printing technology to create a multi-color optical effect that reflects light rays and gives the coin a unique look.
He noted that it should be noted that the advantage of the watermark is to increase the level of financial security and combat counterfeiting, since plastic currencies are known for their advanced security technology, which includes many security features, and the watermark is part of these features. The watermark has been designed intricately and is difficult to fake as it contains the colors of the rainbow that change with the gradient and small details that are difficult to replicate in multiple ways.
He continued, “Of course, the watermark can be replaced if the decision to do so is made by the relevant authorities. The decision to replace the watermark can be made based on the specific circumstances and criteria established by the responsible authorities. This procedure requires an appropriate technical and production process to make design changes and their consistent implementation in accordance with the required safety and quality standards.
Abul Photoh pointed out that based on the above characteristics, twenty pounds plastic currency can be said to have significant advantages over traditional currency, such as durability, damage resistance, safety, cleanliness and sustainability. However, the use of the rainbow watermark on the coin has been criticized due to cultural and religious considerations and differences in interpretation. Therefore, these aspects must be carefully evaluated and appropriate decisions made regarding the use of symbols and signs on coins in order to fully and balancedly reflect the requirements of society.
Plastic currencies are seeing an increase in their use around the world, and the Central Bank of Egypt announced a twenty-pound issue ahead of the blessed Eid al-Adha. This is one of the initiatives to convert to plastic currencies in the footsteps of 50 countries around the world that have been using it since 1988. It improves endurance and durability, and reduces the damage from continued use of coins that have been converted to plastic. This coin has a number of unique features that distinguish it from traditional twill paper coins. However, the use of this plastic currency is not without criticism and controversy. In this article, we look at the difference between a twenty-pound plastic coin and a traditional currency of the same denomination, and highlight the potential advantages and disadvantages of issuing plastic coins.
According to him, plastic currency is characterized by a set of basic features that distinguish it from traditional paper money. Firstly, it is durable as it is made of strong and durable plastic materials that make it better able to withstand daily handling and wear and tear over time. It is also resistant to wear and deformation associated with moisture, heat and friction. Thus, it retains its shape and quality longer, which increases the life of the coin and reduces the need for frequent replacement.
In addition, plastic money contains additional anti-counterfeiting security features as it uses advanced printing technologies to add light stripes, recognizable characters and intricate patterns to plastic money, making counterfeiting more difficult and more secure. It is also hygienic and hygienic as it holds dirt and stains better and allows for easy sterilization and cleaning, making it a hygienic and clean option for everyday use. Finally, plastic money is more environmentally friendly than traditional paper money as it lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent production of new coins and reducing paper consumption.
Source: RT
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