Norwegian Central Bank Governor Ida Wolden Bache has called the 1000-kroner bill the "world's most beautiful banknote," a remark made during her annual speech. This claim comes at a time when the bill has been in the spotlight due to Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg's suggestion to consider its removal. Stoltenberg had requested the central bank to evaluate the necessity of the 1000-kroner note as part of ongoing discussions about modernizing the currency system in the country.

Despite agreeing with Bache on the beauty of the note, Stoltenberg pointed out that national financial authorities, including Økokrim, have raised concerns about the potential for the high-value note to facilitate crime and money laundering. He indicated that while the aesthetic value of the note is acknowledged, practicality and security considerations must also guide decisions about its future. As such, the debate over the 1000-kroner bill illustrates a tension between appreciation for historical and cultural aspects of currency versus the operational needs of a modern economy.

The conversation around the 1000-kroner note reflects broader discussions in many countries about the relevance of cash in today's increasingly digital economy. Central banks are navigating the complexities of maintaining physical currency alongside emerging technologies such as digital currencies. Removing or updating high-denomination notes can signal a shift in monetary policy and societal views on cash, making this debate particularly significant for both the Norwegian public and policymakers.