Sardinian Satire Banknotes Go Viral on Social Media

A Sardinian Instagram page, Sardegnaesthetics, created satirical digital versions of the upcoming euro banknotes as a playful response to a European Central Bank (ECB) contest that invited citizens to suggest symbols for new notes. The designs feature local icons such as football legend Gigi Riva, journalist Egidiangela Sechi, the Barumini nuraghe and other recognisable Sardinian landmarks. Using AI‑generated artwork, the project posted a €5 note with the journalist and a €200 note with Riva, among dozens of variations.

The images quickly spread across Instagram, Facebook and other platforms, garnering thousands of likes, shares and comments. The page’s administrators explained that they wanted “the most Sardinian possible” version, even joking about the local Sardex currency as the most used note. While the ECB continues its official design process, the Sardinian parody has become a cultural talking point online.