New Bermuda bills were released into circulation Monday the first redesign of the Island's banknotes since 1970.

Designs pictured on the currency are of typical Bermuda scenes, flora and fauna, while heightened security aspects include a watermark of a hibiscus flower.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority first revealed the new design last November as part of an extensive public awareness campaign prior to their release into circulation, to inform and educate the community about the changed appearance and the state-of-the-art security features.

The Royal Gazette took to the streets to ask passers-by what they thought of the new bills.

The general consensus? Very pretty to look at but are they durable enough?

Said Judy Motyer, 48 from Southampton: "It doesn't look like money. It's pleasant looking but it looks flimsy."

She added: "How much did it cost us? If it didn't cost taxpayers anything then fine, but to me it's the wrong time for us to be paying for new money."

Raymond Bell from Pembroke said: "It's nice and pretty. I can live with that."

However Terricka Outerbridge, 22, from Devonshire said: "It looks like too much is going on. I like the old money better."

Amir X said: "I would much rather see us celebrate people instead of things. I would like to see prominent people who made some sort of change or sacrifice on our money someone who inspired or uplifted us."

"I don't like the reduced Queen's head. We are still a colony and she should be prominently featured," said financial investor, Allan Marshall. "It sort of looks like Monopoly money. Even the Bermuda Monetary Authority name is not as bold as on the old dollars."

The 54-year-old Smith's Parish resident said of the pictured images: "You don't need to have history and culture on your tenure to get your point across. That should be in the classroom and books. There was nothing wrong with the old money if it ain't broke then don't fix it."

Daniel Reece, 35 of Southampton said: "It's a lot more playful but feels thinner. It's very busy. I like the note and I have no objections to it.

"At some point, however, I would like to see a local figure on it."

Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler said: "I think it's absolutely beautiful. It will make you pay attention though until you get used to it."

Laura Lyons, 26, of Hamilton Parish said: "I have nothing against it. It's pretty and aesthetically pleasing but I didn't see anything wrong [with the old money] and they used the wrong bird on the $50 note."