Tunisia new 20- and 50-dinar notes confirmed

On 20 October 2011, the Central Bank of Tunisia introduced a new 20-dinar (US$14.20) note dated 2011 and measuring 153 x 76 mm. The preceding 20-dinar note dated 1992 (Pick 88) will remain legal tender for the time being, but will be gradually withdrawn from circulation. The front of the new 20-dinar note is similar to the preceding issue, but it’s pinkish red and brown in color instead of purple. The back of the note features an entirely new design. A new 50-dinar (US$35.45) note was also issued. Like the 2008-dated commemorative note (P91) of the same denomination, it features a portrait of Rachiq, but the front and back designs have both changed.


PNL 20 dinars (US$14)
Red, blue, and yellow. Front: Ksar Ouled Soltane fortified granary in Tataouine district; Kheireddine Ettounsi with sword on horse. Back: L’ecole Sadiki (Sadiki College) building in Tunis. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 20 DINARS BCT. Watermark: Olive tree with electrotype 20. Printer: Unknown. 153 x 76 mm. 2011-3-20. Signature unknown. Intro: 20.10.2011.


The same signature combination appears on both the 20- and 50-dinar notes. I am unsure of to whom the signatures belong. The bank’s web site identifies them by title only, which are Governor and Vice Governor of the Central Bank, positions currently occupied by Mustapha Kamel Nabli and Brahim Saada. However, given the recent turmoil in Tunisia, it’s not certain that these were the signaturories for the notes.


PNL 50 dinars (US$34)
Green, blue, and orange. Front: Musée de la Monnaie (Currency Museum) building in Tunis; scholar Ibn Rachiq. Back: Place Gouvernement la Kasbah, central square in Tunis. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 50 DINARS BCT. Watermark: Olive tree and electrotype 50. Printer: Unknown. 158 x 79 mm. 2011-3-20. Signature unknown. Intro: 03.11.2011.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.