Middle East

Jordan new sig/date (2019) 5-dinar note (B230h) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2019.00.00_B230h_P35_869631_f
Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2019.00.00_B230h_P35_869631_r
Like B230g, but new date (2019 ٢٠١٩) and new signatures: Kanakriyah/Fariz.

Courtesy of Tomasz Jazwinski.

Lebanon new 20,000-pound note (B544) confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_20000_livres_2019.01.01_B544a_PNL_C-05_6195003_f
Lebanon_BDL_20000_livres_2019.01.01_B544a_PNL_C-05_6195003_r
Like B535, but new date (٢٠١٢), new Motion windowed security thread with demetalized 20000, diagonal, not horizontal, shading in denomination at center front, and new Western serial number font. Prefix C/05.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (dekeneh on eBay).

Iran new signature 10,000-rial note (B295c) confirmed

Iran_CBI_10000_rials_2017.06.00_B295c_P159_3-74_399299_f
Iran_CBI_10000_rials_2017.06.00_B295c_P159_3-74_399299_r
Like B295b, but new signatures (Abdolnaser Hemmati and Farhad Dejpasand).

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya (lemberg-zp on eBay).

Iraq new sig/date (2018) 25,000-dinar note (B356c) confirmed

Iraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2018.00.00_B356c_P102_157_1122600_f
Iraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2018.00.00_B356c_P102_157_1122600_r
Like B356b), but new signature (printed name) and new date (٢٠١٨ - ١٤٤٠ 2018/AH1440).

Courtesy of Idrus Abdullah.

Georgia new 10-lari note (B255) confirmed introduced 01.10.2019

According to a press release, the National Bank of Georgia planned to introduce a new 10-lari note on 1 October 2019, thereby completing the new family of notes begun in 2016.

Georgia_NBG_10_lari_2019.00.00_B255a_PNL_AA_16538561_f
Georgia_NBG_10_lari_2019.00.00_B255a_PNL_AA_16538561_r

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Afghanistan new sig/date (2016) 500-afghani note (B363d) reported

Afghanistan_DAB_500_afghanis_2016.00.00_B363d_P76_f
Like B363c, but new signatures and new date (2016).

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.

Yemen new signature 100-rial note (B131b) confirmed

Yemen_CBY_100_rials_2018.00.00_B131b_PNL_A-15_9424201_f
Yemen_CBY_100_rials_2018.00.00_B131b_PNL_A-15_9424201_r
Like unconfirmed B131a, but with new signature (Zammam). Prefix A/13 - A/15.

Courtesy of Eyad and Fawzi Alali ().

Iran to revalue and rename currency

According to a DW article dated 31 July 2019, the Iranian government has approved a plan to remove four zeroes from the rial and rename the currency the toman, a former superunit of official currency that was in circulation until 1925. Iranians have for decades continued to use the term toman for its simple conversion rate: 1 toman = 10 rial.

Courtesy of Chris Kropinski and Tu Minh Duy.

Jordan new sig/date (2019) 20-dinar note (B233f) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2019.00.00_B233f_P37_f
Jordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2019.00.00_B233f_P37_r
Like B233e, but new date (2019) and new signatures (Ezzedin Kanakriyah and Ziad Fariz).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Oman new 50-rial note (B235.5) reportedly introduced 02.06.2019

According to a press release, on 2 June 2019 the Central Bank of Oman introduced a newly enhanced 50-rial note with additional security features. The new note bears the same date and signature as the preceding issue (B235) introduced in 2012, but now has a Varifeye CC Patch instead of varifeye thread, a RollingStar windowed security thread, and a SPARK Live Truspin crown.

Oman_CBO_50_rials_2010.00.00_B235.5a_PNL_000000_2_fOman_CBO_50_rials_2010.00.00_B235.5a_PNL_000000_2_r

Azerbaijan Autonomous Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available

Azerbaijan Autonomous Republic cover
The Azerbaijan Autonomous Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Azerbaijan National Government in 1946. Published 21.05.2019.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Azerbaijan considering new polymer notes

According to press reports, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan is considering a switch to polymer banknotes in the future said Chairman Elman Rustamov at a press conference in Baku on 26 April 2019.

Azerbaijan new 10-manat note (B403a) confirmed introduced 18.03.2019

According to a press release, the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan introduced a new 10-manat note like the preceding issues (B316a), but with the bank’s new name in Azeri, and upgraded security features.



Azerbaijan_CBA_10_manat_2018.00.00_B403a_PNL_A_38724065_f
Azerbaijan_CBA_10_manat_2018.00.00_B403a_PNL_A_38724065_r

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2017) 100-riyal note (B139b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2017.00.00_B139b_P41_A_209108617_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2017.00.00_B139b_P41_A_209108617_r
Like B139a, but new date (١٤٣٨ (AH1438)/2017) and new signatures (Ahmed Abdulkarim Alkholifey and Mohammed Al-Jadaan).

Courtesy of Ghassan Samman.

Iran new 500,000-rial cheque (B296a) confirmed

Iran_CBI_500000_rials_2019.01.01_B296a_PNL_1002_327256_f
Iran_CBI_500000_rials_2019.01.01_B296a_PNL_1002_327256_r
Like B294a, but mauve in color, repositioned vignettes on front, and Mount Damavand on back.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Syria new sig/date (2017) 2,000-pound note (B632b) confirmed

Syria_CBS_2000_syrian_pounds_2017.00.00_B632b_P117_B-24_8652581_f
Syria_CBS_2000_syrian_pounds_2017.00.00_B632b_P117_B-24_8652581_r
Like B632a, but new signatures and new date (2017). Prefix B/17 - B/26.

Courtesy of Sabine Leuenberger ().

Iran new 500,000-rial cheque unveiled 01.01.2019

According to an Iran Front Page article dated 2 January 2019, the Central Bank of Iran has unveiled a new 500,000-rial note design. The new note is similar to the same denomination issued in 2014 (B294a), but orange in color, repositioned vignettes on front, and Mount Damavand on back. Most notably, the denomination is expressed as 50 in the lower right corner front/back, an indication that the CBI intends to eventually revalue the rial by removing four zeroes.




Courtesy of Tu Minh Duy.

United Arab Emirates new 100-dirham commemorative note (B252a) reported

According to a press release dated 28 November 2018, as part of the 47th National Day of the UAE celebrations, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has introduced a 100-dirham note commemorating the life of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.



Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Iran new signature 100,000-rial note (B289d) confirmed


Like B289c, but new signatures (Abdolnaser Hemmati and Masoud Karbasian)

Courtesy of Sabine Leuenberger (https://www.delcampe.net/en_GB/collectables/store/collectcurrency) and Fariborz Adib.

Iraq new 500-dinar note (B359a) confirmed


Like B353, but new date and printed name of governor, not signature.

Courtesy of Nurrulz Gustiputri.

Iraq new 250-dinar note (B358a) confirmed


Like B347, but new date and printed name of governor, not signature.

Courtesy of Nurrulz Gustiputri.

Yemen new sig. 1,000-rial note (B130b) confirmed


Like B130a, but new signature. Prefix D/29.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.

United Arab Emirates new 100-dirham note (B248a) confirmed introduced 30.10.2018

According to an article in The National dated 28 October 2018 and a bank press release, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates intends to introduce a new 100-dirham note with improved anti-counterfeiting features on 30 October 2018, including a new green-to-blue SPARK Live feature at lower left front and a green-to-blue windowed Galaxy security thread. Furthermore, the denomination has been removed from lower right front, as has the silver foil stamp from upper right front. The notes are printed at the UAE’s first banknote printing plant in the Khalifa Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi.



Courtesy of Amirali Somji.

Iraq new 1,000-dinar note (B360a) confirmed

In October 2018, the Central Bank of Iraq introduced the first three denominations in a new series of banknote designs aimed at modernizing the currency and better reflecting the nation’s heritage and diversity. As part of the redesign, the new banknotes will now feature the governor of the central bank’s printed name instead of his signature.



Courtesy of Musaab K. Ibrahim, Dmitry Svobodin, and Manish Vasan.

Abkhazia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Abkhazia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download to all.

This 1-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia in 2018. Published 16.10.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Iran new signature 5,000-rial note (B282c) confirmed

Iran_CBI_5000_rials_2013.07.00_B282c_P152_9-24_156300_fIran_CBI_5000_rials_2013.07.00_B282c_P152_9-24_156300_r
Like B282b, but new signature.

Courtesy of Sabine Leuenberger ().

Yemen new 200-rial note (B132a) confirmed

According to an article in Al Ain dated 15 August 2018, the Central Bank of Yemen in the interim capital of Aden announced plans to introduce a new 200-rial paper note dated 2018 in Arabic, and measuring 150 x 69 mm.

Yemen_CBY_200_rials_2018.00.00_B132a_PNL_A-08_2087294_fYemen_CBY_200_rials_2018.00.00_B132a_PNL_A-08_2087294_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

United Arab Emirate new date (2017) 500-dirham note (B242b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2017.00.00_B242b_P32_005_190448_f
United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2017.00.00_B242b_P32_005_190448_r
Like B242a, but new date ١٤٣٨ (AH1438)/2017. Prefix 005.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Yemen new 100-rial note (B131a) reported

According to an article on Press24, the Central Bank of Yemen in the interim capital of Aden announced plans to introduce a new 100-rial paper note dated 2018 in Arabic, and measuring 150 x 69 mm.

Yemen_CBY_100_rials_2018.02.09_BNL_PNL_A-01_0000000_fYemen_CBY_100_rials_2018.02.09_BNL_PNL_A-01_0000000_r

Courtesy of Fabien Louart.

United Arab Emirates new date (2017) 200-dirham note (B241b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2017.00.00_B241b_P31c_009_309861_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2017.00.00_B241b_P31c_009_309861_r
Like B241a, but new date (2017). Prefix 009.

Courtesy of Radoslaw Dlouhy.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2017) 500-riyal note (B140b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2017.00.00_B140b_P42_A_090962586_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2017.00.00_B140b_P42_A_090962586_r
Like B140a, but new date (١٤٣٨/2017) and new signature. Prefix A.

Courtesy of Sabine Leuenberger ().

United Arab Emirates new date (2017) 5-dirham note (B236b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2017.00.00_B236b_P26_005_541723_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2017.00.00_B236b_P26_005_541723_r
Like B236a, but new date (2017). Prefix 005.

Courtesy of Алексей Маслов (https://shopofmoney.com/en/).

Jordan new sig/date (2018) 5-dinar note (B230g) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2018.00.00_B230g_P35_902320_fJordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2018.00.00_B230g_P35_902320_r
Like B230f, but new signatures and new date (2018 ٢٠١٨).

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Iran new signature 20,000-rial note (B286c) confirmed

Iran_CBI_20000_rials_2009.03.00_B286c_PNL_37-33_180409_fIran_CBI_20000_rials_2009.03.00_B286c_PNL_37-33_180409_r
Like B286b, but new signatures. Prefix 37/33.

Courtesy of Jean-Michel Engels.



Azerbaijan new 200-manat note (B407a) confirmed introduced 24.05.2018

According to a press release dated 23 May 2018, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan introduced a new denomination, the 200-manat note designed by Crane Currency in the US and printed by Giesecke & Devrient in Germany. The motif of the notes is "the ‘Heydar Aliyev Center’ constructed to the memory of the architect of independent Azerbaijan, the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The new banknote features the majestic image of the Heydar Aliyev Center, one of the most contemporary symbols of our capital, the main exterior and interior design elements, elements of national carpet samples, and other national ornaments."

Azerbaijan_CBA_200_manat_2018.00.00_B404a_PNL_A_06447197_fAzerbaijan_CBA_200_manat_2018.00.00_B404a_PNL_A_06447197_r

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Mehdi Kasumov, Claudio Marana, and Jerôme Deschamps.

Bahrain new security feature 5-dinar note (B308b) confirmed

Bahrain_CBB_5_dinars_2006.00.00_B308b_P32_489775_fBahrain_CBB_5_dinars_2006.00.00_B308b_P32_489775_r
Like B308a, but with SPARK Live Truspin, not hologram, at upper left front. Intro: 03.06.2018.

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Afghanistan new sig/date (2016) 50-afghani note (B361d) confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_50_afghanis_2016.00.00_B361d_P69_17_8631328_f
Afghanistan_DAB_50_afghanis_2016.00.00_B361d_P69_17_8631328_r
Like B361c, but new date (١٣٩۵) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.

Afghanistan new sig/date (2016) 100-afghani note (B362d) confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_100_afghanis_2016.00.00_B362d_P75_16_0161229_f
Afghanistan_DAB_100_afghanis_2016.00.00_B362d_P75_16_0161229_r
Like B362c, but new date (١٣٩۵) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.

Iran new sig 20,000-rial note (B287b) confirmed

Iran_CBI_20000_rials_2014.12.15_B287b_P153_77-26_039821_fIran_CBI_20000_rials_2014.12.15_B287b_P153_77-26_039821_r
Like B287a, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Afshin Sadri.



Iran new signature 10,000-rial note (B295b) confirmed

Iran_CBI_10000_rials_2017.06.00_B295b_P159_2_128411_f
Like B295a, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Afshin Sadri.



Iran new signature 100,000-rial note (B289c) confirmed

Iran_CBI_100000_rials_2010.06.22_B289c_P151_26-22_397839_fIran_CBI_100000_rials_2010.06.22_B289c_P151_26-22_397839_r
Like B289b, but new signature (Masoud Karbasian). Prefix 26/22.

Courtesy of Sabine Leuenberger ().




Lebanon new 100,000-pound note (B543) confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_100000_livres_2017.01.01_B543a_PNL_E_010011603_fLebanon_BDL_100000_livres_2017.01.01_B543a_PNL_E_010011603_r
Like B535, but slightly revised designs, new security thread and SPARK, and different serial number formats.

Courtesy of .

Jordan new sig/date (2018) 10-dinar note (B232e) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2018.00.00_B232e_P36_fJordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2018.00.00_B232e_P36_r
Like B232d, but new signature () and new date (2018).

Courtesy of Eyad Alali.

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Shlomo Tepper Collection of Palestine auction on 11.04.2018

18018_Page_01
On 11 April 2018, Spink will hold a live auction in London of The Shlomo Tepper Collection of Palestine banknotes.

Yemen new 1,000-rial note (B130) confirmed

Yemen_CBY_1000_rials_2017.00.00_B130a_PNL_A-53_7748064_fYemen_CBY_1000_rials_2017.00.00_B130a_PNL_A-53_7748064_r
Like B129, but the physical size reduced, and the security features changed.

Courtesy of Eyad Alali.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2016) 1-riyal note (B130d) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2016.00.00_B130d_P31_1552_991453_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2016.00.00_B130d_P31_1552_991453_r
Like B130c, but new date (١٤٣٨/2016) and new signatures. Prefix 1528 - 1562.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn (http://www.facebook.com/myriakorea).

Afghanistan new sig/date (2016) 20-afghani note (B360c) confirmed

Afghanistan_DAB_20_afghanis_2016.00.00_B360c_P68_11_0451149_fAfghanistan_DAB_20_afghanis_2016.00.00_B360c_P68_11_0451149_r
Like B360b, but new signatures, new date (2016).

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2017) 5-riyal note (B136b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2017.00.00_B136b_PNL_A_106921000_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2017.00.00_B136b_PNL_A_106921000_r
Like B136a, but new date (١٤٣٨/2017) and new signatures. Prefix A.

Courtesy of Liza Zapata (Numisbing).

United Arab Emirates new date (2016) 50-dirham note (B239b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2016.00.00_B239b_P29_009_063786_f
United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2016.00.00_B239b_P29_009_063786_r
Like B239a, but new date (١٤٣٨)/2016. Prefix 009.

Courtesy of Shibu Paul (www.ebanknoteshop.com).

Armenia new 500-dram commemorative note (BNP301) confirmed introduced 22.11.2017

According to a press release dated 22 November 2017, Armenia introduced a new 500-dram note commemorating Noah’s Ark, the vessel that supposedly saved Noah’s family and the all the world’s animals from a biblical flood before coming to rest atop Mount Ararat in modern day Armenia. 300,000 notes were packaged in brochures and sold for 1,700 dram each.



Armenia_CBA_500_dram_2017.00.00_BNP301a_PNL_ՆՏ_055008_fArmenia_CBA_500_dram_2017.00.00_BNP301a_PNL_ՆՏ_055008_r

BNP301 (PNL): 500 ԴՐԱՄ (dram) (US$1.05)
Yellow, gray, brown, and blue. Front: Armenian text; cabinet with Noah’s Ark relic in green-gold Kinegram; Etchmiadzin Cathedral building; back side of Mount Ararat; flying dove with olive branch in beak. Back: Armenian text; Mount Ararat; animals and birds flanking Noah’s family; flying eagle. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Noah’s Ark and electrotype 500. Printer: (Giesecke & Devrient). 140 x 76 mm. Hybrid.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Mikhail Plakhov.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2017) 50-riyal note (B138b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2017.00.00_B138b_PNL_A_097344763_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2017.00.00_B138b_PNL_A_097344763_r
Like B138a, but new date (١٤٣٨/2017) and new signatures. Prefix A.

Courtesy of Rahiz Z. Hassan.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2017) 10-riyal note (B137b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2017.00.00_B137b_PNL_A_092200846_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2017.00.00_B137b_PNL_A_092200846_r
Like B137a, but new date (١٤٣٨/2017) and new signatures. Prefix A.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Yemen new 500-rial note (B128) confirmed

Yemen_CBY_500_rials_2017.00.00_B129a_PNL_B-01_4761374_f
Yemen_CBY_500_rials_2017.00.00_B129a_PNL_B-01_4761374_r
Like B125, but with the front and back vignettes swapped, the physical size reduced, and the security features changed.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Israel new 20-new shekel note (B442) confirmed

Israel_BOI_20_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B442a_P65_0210367281_f
Israel_BOI_20_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B442a_P65_0210367281_r

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Armenia unveils new designs for notes to be introduced 22.11.2018

On 22 November 2017, the central bank unveiled the following designs for the third family of notes, to be introduced into circulation one year later, on the 25th anniversary of the dram, the national currency. These notes were designed by Edward Kurginyan, Vardan Vardanyan, and Suren Simonyan, but considerable changes are likely to be appear on the actual notes printed by Giesecke & Devrient, Germany. The new notes will continue to circulate in parallel with the existing notes. No new 100,000-dram note is planned.

Armenia_CBA_1000_dram_2018.00.00_B320as_PNLs_ԱԱ_00000000_fArmenia_CBA_1000_dram_2018.00.00_B320as_PNLs_ԱԱ_00000000_rArmenia_CBA_2000_dram_2018.00.00_B321as_PNLs_ԲԱ_00000000_fArmenia_CBA_2000_dram_2018.00.00_B321as_PNLs_ԲԱ_00000000_rArmenia_CBA_5000_dram_2018.00.00_B322as_PNLs_ԳԱ_00000000_fArmenia_CBA_5000_dram_2018.00.00_B322as_PNLs_ԳԱ_00000000_rArmenia_CBA_10000_dram_2018.00.00_B323as_PNLs_ԴԱ_00000000_fArmenia_CBA_10000_dram_2018.00.00_B323as_PNLs_ԴԱ_00000000_rArmenia_CBA_20000_dram_2018.00.00_B324as_PNLs_ԵԱ_00000000_fArmenia_CBA_20000_dram_2018.00.00_B324as_PNLs_ԵԱ_00000000_rArmenia_CBA_50000_dram_2018.00.00_B325as_PNLs_ԵԱ_00000000_fArmenia_CBA_50000_dram_2018.00.00_B325as_PNLs_ԵԱ_00000000_r


Azerbaijan new date (2017) 1-manat note (B401b) confirmed

Azerbaijan_CBA_1_manat_2017.00.00_B401b_P31_F_19606213_fAzerbaijan_CBA_1_manat_2017.00.00_B401b_P31_F_19606213_r
Like B401a, but new date (2017). Prefix F.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Thomas Augustsson.

Azerbaijan new date (2017) 5-manat note (B402b) confirmed

Azerbaijan_CBA_5_manat_2017.00.00_B402b_P32_C_42711608_fAzerbaijan_CBA_5_manat_2017.00.00_B402b_P32_C_42711608_r
Like B402a, but new date (2017). Prefix C.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Qatar new signature 50-riyal note (B218b) confirmed

Qatar_QCB_50_riyals_2008.09.15_B218b_P31_84_309708_f
Qatar_QCB_50_riyals_2008.09.15_B218b_P31_84_309708_r
B218b: Like B218a, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Igor Tereshkov.

Israel new 100-new shekel note (B444) confirmed

Israel_BOI_100_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B444a_P67_0100008950_fIsrael_BOI_100_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B444a_P67_0100008950_r

Courtesy of Paul Nahmias.

Georgia new 5-lari note (B254) confirmed

According to a press release, on 1 September 2017 the National Bank of Georgia introduced a 5-lari note with "upgraded" security features, including UV, microprinting, latent images, windowed security threads, holographic stripes, iridescent stripes, security fibers, watermarks, and more.


Georgia_NBG_5_lari_2017.00.00_B254a_PNL_AA_18453224_fGeorgia_NBG_5_lari_2017.00.00_B254a_PNL_AA_18453224_r

Courtesy of Дмитрий Чохонелидзе, Claudio Marana, and Vadim Tislenko.



Syria new 2,000-pound note (B632) confirmed

Syria_CBS_2000_syrian_pounds_2015.00.00_B632a_PNL_L-01_3688621_f
Syria_CBS_2000_syrian_pounds_2015.00.00_B632a_PNL_L-01_3688621_r
According to an AP report dated 2 July 2017, the Central Bank of Syria introduced a 2,000-pound note depicting President Bashar Assad on front and the back depicts the People's Council of Syria inside the Parliament Building in Damascus, Syria. These notes appear to have been printed by Goznak several years ago and have been introduced because the Syrian pound has crashed in value due to the civil war in Syria.

Courtesy of Claude Akl ().



Iran new 10,000-rial note (B295) confirmed

Iran_CBI_10000_rials_2017.06.00_B295a_PNL_1_407115_f
Iran_CBI_10000_rials_2017.06.00_B295a_PNL_1_407115_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Yemen new 500- and 5,000-rial notes reported

Yemen_CBY_500_rials_2017.00.00_B129as_PNLs_B-01_0000000_f
Yemen_CBY_500_rials_2017.00.00_B129as_PNLs_B-01_0000000_r
There are various reports out of war-torn Yemen of a new 500-rial note, supposedly printed in Russia and intended for circulation by the "official" Central Bank of Yemen now located in the southern city of Aden.

Yemen_CBY_5000_rials_2017.00.00_B130a_PNL_fYemen_CBY_5000_rials_2017.00.00_B130a_PNL_r
Meanwhile, a competing bank in the northern city of Sana'a is rumored to have ordered new 5,000-rial notes, also from Russia. A truck full of the new notes was captured by tribal gunmen in the al rayon desert east of al Jawf province.

Courtesy of Cleophas Schockem.

Georgia new 5-lari note (B254) unveiled for 01.09.2017 introduction


According to a press release dated 7 June 2017, the National Bank of Georgia has unveiled the design of a new 5-lari note with revised designs/colors/dimensions and enhanced security features that is slated for introduction on 1 September 2017.

Georgia_NBG_5_lari_2017.00.00_B254as_PNLs_AA_12345678_fGeorgia_NBG_5_lari_2017.00.00_B254as_PNLs_AA_12345678_r

Courtesy of Cleo Has.

Yemen new sig/date (2017) 1,000-rial note (B129c) confirmed

Yemen_CBY_1000_rials_2017.00.00_B128c_P36_10_1594489_f
Yemen_CBY_1000_rials_2017.00.00_B128c_P36_10_1594489_r
Like B129b, but new date (2017) and new signature (Mohamed Awad Bin Humam).

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (www.banknote.ws).

Iraq new sig/date (2015) 10,000-dinar note (B355b) confirmed

Iraq_CBI_10000_dinars_2015.00.00_B354b_P101_95_6529465_fIraq_CBI_10000_dinars_2015.00.00_B354b_P101_95_6529465_r
B354b: Like B354a, but new date (٢٠١٥ - ١٤٣٦) and new signature. Prefix ن/١٤٦.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.


Iraq new sig/date (2015) 25,000-dinar note (B356b) confirmed

Iraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2015.00.00_B355b_P102_146_4913912_fIraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2015.00.00_B355b_P102_146_4913912_r
B355b: Like B355a, but new date (٢٠١٥ - ١٤٣٦) and new signature. Prefix ن/١٤٦.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.


Qatar new signature 10-riyal note (B217b) confirmed

Qatar_QCB_10_riyals_2008.09.15_B217b_P30_80_197362_f
Qatar_QCB_10_riyals_2008.09.15_B217b_P30_80_197362_r
B217b: Like B217a, but new signature. Prefix denominator 80.

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Iran at least two years away from revaluing rial as toman

According to a Financial Tribune article dated 3 April 2017, Valiollah Seif, the governor of the Central Bank of Iran, said the CBI has sent a bill to the government requesting the removal of a zero from the currency to reflect the public's use of the term "toman" to refer to 10 rials. Any revaluation must wait until inflation has stabilized.

Courtesy of Rok Jarc.

United Arab Emirates opens new banknote printing facility

The National has an excellent series of photos showing the opening of a new banknote printing plant in the United Arab Emirates.

Bahrain new 0.50-, 1-, and 5-dinar notes (B306-B308) confirmed

These notes are like the preceding issues, but with tactile lines added at center right front for the visually impaired.

Bahrain_CBB_0.50_dinar_2006.00.00_B306a_PNL_626605_f
Bahrain_CBB_0.50_dinar_2006.00.00_B306a_PNL_626605_r

Bahrain_CBB_1_dinar_2006.00.00_B307a_PNL_291346_f
Bahrain_CBB_1_dinar_2006.00.00_B307a_PNL_291346_r

Bahrain_CBB_5_dinars_2006.00.00_B308a_PNL_774445_f
Bahrain_CBB_5_dinars_2006.00.00_B308a_PNL_774445_r

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Iran new 10,000-rial note (B295) to be introduced June 2017

According to a press release dated 9 February 2017, the Central Bank of Iran plans to introduce a new 10,000-rial note in June 2017. The note is reduced in size, and features the large number 1 as registration device, perhaps in preparation for the eventual revaluation of the rial.

Iran_CBI_10000_rials_2017.06.00_B295a_PNL_1_951209_f
Iran_CBI_10000_rials_2017.06.00_B295a_PNL_1_951209_r

Courtesy of Hamid Kazemi.

Azerbaijan new 100-manat note (B406a) confirmed

Azerbaijan_CBA_100_manat_2013.00.00_B403a_PNL_C_40419512_f
Azerbaijan_CBA_100_manat_2013.00.00_B403a_PNL_C_40419512_r
Like B319, but new bank name and new date (2013). Prefix C.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.


Israel new 20- and 100-new shekel notes unveiled

According to a press release dated 31 January 2017, the Bank of Israel has unveiled the designs of the last two denominations in its new series of notes. These are expected to be introduced by the end of 2017.

Israel_BOI_20_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B442a_PNL_0370002038_f
Israel_BOI_20_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B442a_PNL_0370002038_r
B442 (P65): 20 new shekels (US$5.25)
Red. Front: Menorah as registration device; open book in gold-to-green SPARK; palm trees; poet, Rachel Bluwstein; microprinted poem “Kinneret.” Back: Sea of Galilee shoreline; segment of poem “Perhaps it was nothing…;” menorah. Kinegram Volume holographic stripe. Windowed color-changing security thread with demetalized 20 and portrait of Rachel Bluwstein. Watermark: Rachel Bluwstein and electrotype 20. Printer: Unknown. 129 x 71 mm.
a. 2017. Signature 15. Intro: Expected "end of 2017."

Israel_BOI_100_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B444a_PNL_0230008534_f
Israel_BOI_100_new_shekels_2017.00.00_B444a_PNL_0230008534_r
B444 (PNL): 100 new shekels (US$26)
Orange. Front: Menorah as registration device; open book in gold-to-green SPARK; almond tree blossoms; Leah Goldberg; microprinted poem “In the land of my love the almond tree blossoms.” Back: Gazelles; poem segment, “White days;” menorah. Windowed color-changing security thread with demetalized 100 and portrait of Leah Goldberg. Watermark: Leah Goldberg and electrotype 100. Printer: Unknown. 143 x 71 mm.
a. 2017. Signature 15. Intro: Expected "end of 2017."

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Li Dong.

Bahrain new 1/2-, 1-, and 5-dinar notes reportedly introduced 11.01.2017

According to a press release dated 11 January 2017, the Central Bank of Bahrain will begin introducing new 1/2-, 1-, and 5-dinar notes with enhanced security features (SPARK and Motion thread) and tactile lines added at center right front for the visually impaired.

Bahrain_CBB_0.50_dinar_2017.00.00_B306_PNL_tactile_lines



Egypt chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Egypt chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 49-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of Egypt from 1899 to 1960, the Egyptian Government from 1916 to 2006, and the Central Bank of Egypt from 1961 to present. Revised 12 December 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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United Arab Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The United Arab Republic chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers notes of the Central Bank of the United Arab Republic dated 1958 and the Egyptian/UAR Government issues from 1958 to 1961. Revised 12 December 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Saudi Arabia new notes (B136 - B140) unveiled for 26.12.2016 introduction



These notes are slated for introduction on 26 December 2016.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2016.00.00_B136a_PNL_A_000000000_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2016.00.00_B136a_PNL_A_000000000_r

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2016.00.00_B137a_PNL_A_000000000_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2016.00.00_B137a_PNL_A_000000000_r

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2016.00.00_B138a_PNL_A_000000000_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2016.00.00_B138a_PNL_A_000000000_r

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2016.00.00_B139a_PNL_A_000000000_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2016.00.00_B139a_PNL_A_000000000_r

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2016.00.00_B140a_PNL_A_000000000_f
Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2016.00.00_B140a_PNL_A_000000000_r



Saudi note issuer changes name to Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority

According to a press release dated 4 December 2016, "the name of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency has been changed to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, with effect from the date of this announcement. The acronym SAMA remains unchanged. All existing agreements, obligations and contracts under the previous name of SAMA will continue to remain in force."

Furthermore, according to an article on Albawba.com dated 8 December 2016, SAMA plans to unveil the designs of a new banknote family on Tuesday 13 December 2016.

Courtesy of Morad H. Kamvar and Cleo Phas.

Iran proposes replacing rial with toman as new currency unit

According to an article on DW dated 7 December 2016, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's government proposed changing the name and denomination of the country's official currency from the rial to the toman. With 1 toman equal 10 rials, this would effectively remove a single zero from prices, making transactions slightly easier to calculate. A US dollar would currently buy 3,200 tomans at official exchange rates, and 3,900 tomans at unofficial rates.

Courtesy of Rok Jarc.


Iraq new 500-dinar note (B353) confirmed

Iraq_CBI_500_dinars_2015.00.00_B357a_PNL_21_3801502_f
Iraq_CBI_500_dinars_2015.00.00_B357a_PNL_21_3801502_r
B353: Like B348, but with Kurdish text on back.

Courtesy of Robert Mol.

Georgia new 100-lari note (B258) confirmed

Georgia_NBG_100_lari_2016.00.00_B258a_PNL_AA_16893181_f
Georgia_NBG_100_lari_2016.00.00_B258a_PNL_AA_16893181_r

Courtesy of Дмитрий Чохонелидзе.


Saudi Arabia announces new finance minister

According to a press release dated 2 November 2016, Saudi Arabia has appointed Mohammed Al-Jadaan as the new finance minister, replacing Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf, who served in that position from 30 October 1996. New signature varieties may be forthcoming.

Courtesy of Ghassan Samman.

Press release: The Banknote Register 2nd edition

The Banknote Register 2nd editionbr-photo2
The Banknote Register: CIS and Baltic Countries
1991-2016, General Issues
Second edition (English)

Author: Dmitry Zagorenko (IBNS #11608, General Secretary of the Russian Chapter of IBNS).
Editor: Dmitry Litvak (IBNS LM #204, President of the Russian Chapter of IBNS).
Format: A4. Weight: 1,5 Kg.
Hard cover with pressed gilding and book jacket band.
344 full-color pages (paper 115 g/m2).
16 Chapters (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Transnistria, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Estonia).
Edition: 1000 pieces.

The Banknote Register provides the most detailed information on all emissions of paper money in post-Soviet countries from 1991 to present. It describes the history of money circulation establishment and development in the new sovereign states. The book gives detailed information on each banknote, variations and types, commemorative and souvenir issues, security features, designers, signatories, serial prefixes, images portrayed on the notes. It will be no exaggeration to say that the author with the help of collectors and staff of national banks has compiled the best known up to now data, many of which will be published for the first time, and also data unknown to many collectors. This work has resulted in compilation and classification of the most complete information on currency circulation in the post-Soviet countries.

The publication of the Register will, for sure, reduce the number of blank spaces in the history of circulation in CIS and Baltic states. Nevertheless, the author continues searching for materials and communicating with paper money collectors, museum workers, designers and bank specialists and laymen. We hope that the Register of Banknotes of CIS and Baltic Countries will encourage you as well to study actively the currency circulation in the post-Soviet countries.

Promo-video: https://youtu.be/O33FxdonxS0
Official website: http://banknote-register.com

For a $7 discount off the list price of $62, use the coupon code "BanknoteBook" when ordering the book by email. Registered shipment to any country in the world is $22, so the total discounted cost is only US$77.

Georgia new 100-lari note (B258) to be issued 01.11.2016

According to a press release dated 23 September 2016, the National Bank of Georgia plans to introduce the following new 100-lari note on 1 November 2016.

Georgia_NBG_100_lari_2016.00.00_B258as_PNL_AA_12345678_fGeorgia_NBG_100_lari_2016.00.00_B258as_PNL_AA_12345678_r


Bahrain new 20-dinar note (B310) confirmed

Bahrain_CBB_20_dinars_2006.00.00_B310a_PNL_1689212_f
Bahrain_CBB_20_dinars_2006.00.00_B310a_PNL_1689212_r
B310 (PNL): 20 dinars (US$53)
Brown and light blue. Front: SPARK Live Truspin; King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. Back: Al Fateh Islamic Center in Juffair. Rapid Motion windowed security thread with demetalized ٢٠ / 20. Watermark: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa with electrotype TWENTY and denomination in Arabic text. Printer: (TDLR). 154 x 74 mm.
a. ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Signature 1. Intro: 04.09.2016.

Courtesy of Paul Mclean.


Bahrain new 10- and 20-dinar notes (B309, B310) reported

According to a press release dated 4 September 2016, the Central Bank of Bahrain has introduced these notes which are like the preceding issues, but with enhanced security features (SPARK and Motion thread) and tactile lines added at center right front for the visually impaired.

Bahrain_CBB_10_dinars_2016.00.00_B309a_PNL_123456_f
Bahrain_CBB_10_dinars_2016.00.00_B309a_PNL_123456_r

Bahrain_CBB_20_dinars_2016.00.00_B310a_PNL_123456_f
Bahrain_CBB_20_dinars_2016.00.00_B310a_PNL_123456_r

Courtesy of yaqoob AlShaer.


Bahrain revised 10- and 20-dinar notes reported

Bahrain_CBB_10_dinars_2016.00.00_B309a_PNL_f
Bahrain_CBB_10_dinars_2016.00.00_B309a_PNL_r

Bahrain_CBB_20_dinars_2016.00.00_B310a_PNL_f
Bahrain_CBB_20_dinars_2016.00.00_B310a_PNL_r
According to unattributed images circulating online, the Central Bank of Bahrain is apparently planning to introduce 10- and 20-dinar banknotes like the current issues (B304 and B305), but with enhanced security features (Orbital SPARK instead of holographic patch on front, and possibly Motion threads on back) and slight redesigns. It's unclear if the other denominations issued in March 2008 will also be revised, or when the new notes will be issued.

Courtesy of Yaqoob AlShaer.

Iraq new 500-dinar note with Kurdish confirmed

For more than five years, the Central Bank of Iraq has planned to remove three zeroes from the banknotes and add Kurdish text. To date the efforts to redenominate the dinar have failed to come to fruition, but as this note demonstrates, the addition of Kurdish text is underway, with the language first appearing on the 50,000-dinar note (B356) introduced on 11 November 2015.

Iraq_CBI_500_dinars_2015.00.00_B357a_PNL_20_3537561_fIraq_CBI_500_dinars_2015.00.00_B357a_PNL_20_3537561_r
Like B348, but Kurdish text added to lower left and upper right on back, new date (٢٠١٥ - ١٤٣٦), and new signature (Ali Mohsen Ismail).

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online) and Musaab Ibrahim.

Oman corrected date (2015) 1-rial commemorative note (B236b) confirmed

Oman_CBO_1_rial_2015.00.00_B236b_PNL_50731401_f
Oman_CBO_1_rial_2015.00.00_B236b_PNL_50731401_r
Like B236a, but date on front corrected: ١٤٣٧ (1437).

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).


Oman corrected 1-rial commemorative note reported

According to a Times of Oman article dated 19 June 2016, the Central Bank of Oman has reportedly issued a corrected 1-rial note which fixes a date error on the note (B236) which was originally issued 18 November 2015 to commemorate the 45th National Day (18 November), the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father in 1970.

Jordan new sig/date (2016) 1-dinar note (B229h) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2016.00.00_B229h_P34_169585_f
Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2016.00.00_B229h_P34_169585_r
B229h: Like B229g, but new signatures and new date (2016).

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Jordan new date (2016) 50-dinar note (B234i) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2016.00.00_B234i_P38_f
Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2016.00.00_B234i_P38_r
Like B234h, but new date (2016 ٢٠١٦).

Courtesy of Raphael Dvir.

Egypt reported to resume printing of 1-pound notes (B316)

Egypt_CBE_1_pound_2007.12.24_B316_P50_700__f
Egypt_CBE_1_pound_2007.12.24_B316_P50_700__r
According to an Albawaba Business article dated 7 June 2016, the Central Bank of Egypt’s printing house has begun producing 500 million new 1-pound banknotes to alleviate a shortage of small change. The new notes are expected to be identical to the 1-pound note (B316) which has not been produced since 2008 when it was replaced by a coin of the same denomination, but will bear the signature of Governor Tarek Amer, who took office in November 2015.


Saudi Arabia reportedly to replace 1-riyal note (B130) with 2-riyal coin

According to an ArabNews article dated 1 June 2016, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency plans to replace the 1-riyal note (B130) with a 2-riyal coin.

Courtesy of Brian Lema.

Persia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Persia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 12-page catalog covers notes issued by the Imperial Bank of Persia from 1890 to 1932. Published 22 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

Sign up

Lebanon new 50,000-pound note (B542) confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2016.01.01_B542_PNL_D_059966080_f
Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2016.01.01_B542_PNL_D_059966080_r
B542 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Violet, blue, green, and orange. Front: Cedar tree; geometric block design; stylized boat. Back: Cedar tree; geometric block design. Windowed Motion security thread. Watermark: Cedar tree and electrotype ٥٠٠٠٠. Printer: (OT). 140 x 77 mm.
a. ٢٠١٦ (2016). Signature 12. Prefix D.

Courtesy of Claude Akl ().

Lebanon new 1,000-pound note (B541) confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_1000_livres_2016.01.01_B541_PNL_K_010594301_f
Lebanon_BDL_1000_livres_2016.01.01_B541_PNL_K_010594301_r
B541 (PNL): 1,000 livres (US$0.65)
Green. Front: Cedar tree; alphabetic characters. Back: Cedar tree; alphabetic characters. 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BDL 1000. Watermark: Coat of arms and electrotype ١٠٠٠. Printer: (OT). 115 x 60 mm.
a. ٢٠١٦ (2016). Signature 12. Prefix K.

Courtesy of Claude Akl ().

Iran new signature 10,000-rial note (B283i) confirmed

Iran_CBI_10000_rials_1992.10.24_B283i_P146_7-44_702204_f
B283i: Like B283h, but new signatures (Valiollah Seif and Ali Tayebnia). Prefix 8/44.

Courtesy of Christian Funke.

United Arab Emirates new 200-dirham note (B241a) confirmed

According to an article in The Gulf Today dated 6 March 2013, the United Arab Emirates Central Bank intends to introduce a new 200-dirham note (B241a) with enhanced security features (OVI coat of arms and 3-mm wide, color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 200) as well as tactile bars at the edges to assist the sight impaired.

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2015.00.00_B241a_PNL_004_196223_f
United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2015.00.00_B241a_PNL_004_196223_r
B241 (PNL): 200 dirhams (US$54)
Tan and gold. Front: Saker falcon head as registration device; OVI coat of arms; Sheikh Zayed Sports City and Judicial Department and Sharia Court buildings in Abu Dhabi. Back: Saker falcon; UAE Central Bank headquarters building in Abu Dhabi; Saker falcon head. Holographic stripe with denomination. 3-mm wide, color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 200. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 200 and coffee pot. Printer: Unknown. 159 x 68 mm. a. 2015 and ١٤٣٦ (AH1436). Sig 4. Prefix 004. Intro: 07.03.2016.

Courtesy of Ludek Vostal.

Georgia's new 20- and 50-lari notes (B256 and B257) awarded Regional Banknote of the Year 2016

Georgia_NBG_20_lari_2016.00.00_B256a_PNL_AA_12933002_f
Georgia_NBG_20_lari_2016.00.00_B256a_PNL_AA_12933002_r

Georgia_NBG_50_lari_2016.00.00_B257a_PNL_AA_06857403_f
Georgia_NBG_50_lari_2016.00.00_B257a_PNL_AA_06857403_r
The 20- and 50-lari banknotes issued by the National Bank of Georgia on 1 February 2016 were honored as the Regional Banknote of the Year 2016 at Reconnaissance International’s High Security Printing Europe.

Iran new security thread 100,000-rial note (B289a3) confirmed

Iran_CBI_100000_rials_2010.06.22_B289a3_P151_48-15_888044_f
B289a3: Like B289a2, but windowed security thread with demetalized I.R. IRAN and stylized sun.

Courtesy of David Murcek (The Monetary Unit).


Israel new sig/date (2014) 20-new sheqel note (B436d) confirmed

Israel_BOI_20_new_sheqalim_2014.00.00_B436d_P59_5330542466_fIsrael_BOI_20_new_sheqalim_2014.00.00_B436d_P59_5330542466_r
B436d: Like B436c, but new date (2014) and new signature 15.

Courtesy of Eli Schachar.

Jordan new sig/date (2013) 10-dinar note (B232d) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2013.00.00_B232d_P36_f
Jordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2013.00.00_B232d_P36_r
B232d: Like B232c, but new signature and new date (2013).

Courtesy of Enas Sherif and Peter Mosselberger.

Georgia new 20- and 50-lari notes (B256 and B257) confirmed

According to a press release, on 1 February 2016 the National Bank of Georgia introduced revised 20- and 50-lari notes. The revised 100-lari note previously unveiled has not yet been issued, but is still expected in 2016, along with upgraded 5- and 10-lari notes "later." Designed by Bacha Malazonia, the notes have revised designs/colors/dimensions and security features enhanced with assistance from De La Rue (England), Giesecke & Devrient (Germany), and Oberthur Fiduciare (France), although the bank has not disclosed which firm actually printed the notes.

Georgia_NBG_20_lari_2016.00.00_B256a_PNL_AA_12933002_f
Georgia_NBG_20_lari_2016.00.00_B256a_PNL_AA_12933002_r
B256 (PNL): 20 lari (US$12)
Magenta. Front: Denomination as registration device; magenta-to-green SPARK ornament; publishing house; magazine Sakartvelos Moambe and newspaper Iveria; personal belongings, including lens, watch, pen, and inkpot; publisher Ilia Chavchavadze. Back: Panorama of old Tbilisi featuring the Narikala fortress; equestrian monument to King Vakhtang Gorgasali; map of Tbilisi in the 18th century (prepared by Vakhushti Batonishvili); coat of arms. Iridescent stripe. Holographic stripe with Ilia Chavchavadze, 20, phaeton (horse-drawn carriage), and map of Georgia. Magenta-to-gold windowed security thread with demetalized 20 ლარი. Watermark: Ilia Chavchavadze with electrotype 20 and lari symbol. Printer: Unknown. 132 x 66 mm.
a. 2016. Signature 10. Prefix AA. Intro: 01.02.2016.

Georgia_NBG_50_lari_2016.00.00_B257a_PNL_AA_06857403_f
Georgia_NBG_50_lari_2016.00.00_B257a_PNL_AA_06857403_r
B257 (PNL): 50 lari (US$30)
Green. Front: Denomination as registration device; green-to-gold SPARK ornament; cave monastery in Vardzia; King Tamar; XIII-century bas-relief from Pitareti Virgin Mari Monastery. Back: Astrological sign of Sagittarius from a Georgian miniature manuscript of the XII century; coat of arms. Iridescent stripe. Holographic stripe with King Tamar, 50, lari symbol, griffin, and map of Georgia. Magenta-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized 50 ლარი. Watermark: King Tamar with electrotype 50 and lari symbol. Printer: Unknown. 137 x 68 mm.
a. 2016. Signature 10. Prefix AA. Intro: 01.02.2016.

Courtesy of Дмитрий Чохонелидзе.

Israel new 200-new shekel note (B445) confirmed

Israel_BOI_200_new_shekels_2015.00.00_B445a_PNL_0160157625_fIsrael_BOI_200_new_shekels_2015.00.00_B445a_PNL_0160157625_r
B445 (PNL): 200 new shekels (US$58)
Blue. Front: Menorah as registration device; open book in gold-to-green SPARK; fall leaves; Natan Alterman; microprinted poem “Eternal Meeting.” Back: Moonlit tree branches; menorah. Windowed color-changing security thread with demetalized 200 and portrait of Natan Alterman. Watermark: Natan Alterman and electrotype 200. Printer: Unknown. 150 x 71 mm.
a. 2015. Signature 15. Intro: 23.12.2015.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Iraq new 50,000-dinar note (B357) confirmed

According to an Arabic press release dated 11 November 2015 (English translation here), the Central Bank of Iraq introduced the following 50,000-dinar note.

Iraq_CBI_50000_dinars_2015.00.00_B356a_PNL_1_1270015_f
Iraq_CBI_50000_dinars_2015.00.00_B356a_PNL_1_1270015_r
B356 (PNL): 50,000 dinars (US$42)
Brown, green, yellow, and blue. Front: Assyrian jar as blue-to-green SPARK patch; water wheel on the Euphrates river; palm trees; flying birds; Gali Ali Beg waterfall in Kurdistan; Assyrian palm tree as registration device. Back: Assyrian palm tree; fishermen poling canoes through marshes with flying ducks, water buffalos, reed house; outline map of Iraq showing Euphrates and Tigris rivers; palm trees. varifeye thread with spiral minaret, Malwiya Tower, at the Great Mosque of Samarra. 4-mm wide purple-to-green RollingStar Cube windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text (The Central Bank of Iraq). Watermark: Horse head and electrotype 50000. Printer: (G&D). 156 x 65 mm.
a. ٢٠١٥ - ١٤٣٦ (2015/AH1436). Signature 18. Prefix ١/٨. Intro: 11.11.2015.

Courtesy of Musaab Ibrahim, John Raine, and Fikri Kawar ().

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 100-riyal note (B134c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2012.00.00_B134c_P36_555_957682_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2012.00.00_B134c_P36_555_957682_r
Like B134b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and new signature.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Oman new 1-rial commemorative note (B236) confirmed

According to a press release dated 18 November 2015, on the occasion of the 45th National Day 2015, the Central Bank of Oman announced the introduction of a new commemorative 1-rial banknote.

There are unconfirmed reports that the bank immediately withdrew the note because of an error in the Hijri year on the front of the note below the signature. It should be ١٤٣٧ (1437) but appears as ١٤٢٧ (1427). The date is correct on the back as 1437 H / 2015 G.
Oman_CBO_1_rial_2015.00.00_B236a_PNL_11027539_date

Oman_CBO_1_rial_2015.00.00_B236a_PNL_1040651_fOman_CBO_1_rial_2015.00.00_B236a_PNL_1040651_r
B236 (PNL): 1 rial (US$2.60)
Purple. Front: Sultan Qaboos bin Said; coat of arms with crossed swords and khanjar (dagger); Al Alam Palace in Muscat, khanjar as registration device. Back: Flowers; khanjar; Desert white butterflies (Pontia glauconome); 45th National Day logo; Sultan Qaboos University in Al Khoudh in the Muscat Governorate. Two-tone windowed security thread. Watermark: Sultan. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 71 mm.
a. 1437 H / 2015 G. Signature 2. Intro: 18.11.2015.

Iran new 50,000-rial commemorative note (B290) confirmed

This note commemorates the 80th anniversary of the founding of the University of Tehran.

Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2015.10.00_B290a_PNL_34-20_114100_fIran_CBI_50000_rials_2015.10.00_B290a_PNL_34-20_114100_r
B290 (PNL): 50,000 rials (US$1.80)
Purple, brown, green, and orange. Front: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Back: Tree; entrance to Tehran University; double-helix strand of DNA; Capable is / the one who is wise / Knowledge makes / the old heart young / Ferdowsi; chemical symbol; planet Saturn. Holographic windowed security thread with demetalized 50000 and stylized sun. Watermark: Ruhollah Khomeini. Printer: Unknown. 166 x 79 mm.
a. No date. Signature 30. Intro: 2015.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online) and Hamid Kazemi.


Hedjaz chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Hedjaz chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 5-page catalog covers the unissued notes of The Arabian National Bank of Hedjaz from 1925. Published 23 October 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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United Arab Emirates new 20-dirham note (B238a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2015.00.00_B238a_PNL_050_435801_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2015.00.00_B238a_PNL_050_435801_r
B238 (PNL): 20 dirhams (US$5.45)
Blue. Front: Coat of arms; Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club building. Back: Saker falcon; dhow with sail. Windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 20. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 20 and coffee pot. Printer: Unknown. 150 x 63 mm. a. 2015 and ١٤٣٦ (AH1436). Sig 4. Prefix 050.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

United Arab Emirates new 1,000-dirham note (B243a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2015.00.00_B243a_PNL_052_869645_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2015.00.00_B243a_PNL_052_869645_r
B243 (PNL): 1,000 dirhams (US$272)
Brown. Front: Saker falcon head as registration device; OVI coat of arms; Al Hosn Palace (White Fort) in Abu Dhabi. Back: Saker falcon; Abu Dhabi skyline with Corniche; Saker falcon head. Holographic stripe with denomination. 3-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 1000. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 1000 and coffee pot. Printer: Unknown. 163 x 70 mm.
a. 2015 and ١٤٣٦ (AH1436). Sig 4. Prefix 052.

Courtesy of Naeem Ahsan Jamil.


United Arab Emirates new 10-dirham note (B237a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2015.00.00_B237a_PNL_165_469502_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2015.00.00_B237a_PNL_165_469502_r
B237 (P27d): 10 dirhams (US$2.70)
Green. Front: Coat of arms; traditional dagger (khanjar). Back: Saker falcon; agricultural scene with date palm trees. Solid security thread with demetalized UAE 10. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 10 and coffee pot. Printer: Unknown. 147 x 62 mm.
a. 2015 and ١٤٣٦ (AH1436). Sig 4. Prefix 165.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Iran new 500,000-rial cheque confirmed

According to various web sites, in December 2014 the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran introduced a new 500,000-rial cheque.

Iran_CBI_500000_rials_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_1002_187422_fIran_CBI_500000_rials_2014.00.00_BNL_PNL_1002_187422_r
500,000 rials (US$19)
Purple, green, and yellow. Front: Imam Reza Holy Shrine entrance, dome with flag, and minaret in Mashhad; 50 and flying dove as registration devices. Back: Flying dove, Esmail Talayi fountain in the shrine’s court. 2.5-mm windowed security thread with demetalized I. R. IRAN. Solid security thread with demetalized I. R. IRAN. Watermark: Flying dove and electrotype 50. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 68 mm.
a. No date. Signature Valiollah Seif. Intro: December 2014.

Courtesy of Ms. Hamaseh Golestaneh, Christian Funke, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Oman Currency Museum is open to the public

The Times of Oman has a nice article dated 27 August 2015 about the Oman Currency Museum which looks like a must-see for any collector passing through Oman.

Lebanon new 50,000-pound polymer commemorative note (B540) confirmed

According to a press release dated 22 July 2015, on 1 August (Army Day) the Banque du Liban will introduce a new 50,000-livre polymer note commemorating 70 years of the Lebanese army.

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2015.08.01_B540a_PNL_D-00_0002000_fLebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2015.08.01_B540a_PNL_D-00_0002000_r
B540 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, green, brown, and red. Front: Two soldiers in silhouette; coat of arms; soldier carrying Lebanese flag. Back (vertical): Monument to martyrs in Yarze (headquarters of the Lebanese Ministry of Defense); soldier saluting in silhouette; stalk of wheat. Simulated security thread with demetalized BDL. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. 2015. Signature 12. Intro: 01.08.2015.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (www.dekeneh.com).

Azerbaijan new variety or error notes reported without guilloches

Azerbaijan_AMB_100_manat_1993.00.00_B308a_P18a_A-1_04584505_r
Azerbaijan_AMB_100_manat_1993.00.00_B308b_P18b_BA_3099899_r
A frequent contributor to this site has reported a possible error or new variety of Azerbaijan B308, the 100-manat note from 1993. Specifically, the silver guilloche which nomrally appears at upper right on back (bottom) is missing (top). The note with the missing guilloche has serial number A/1 04584505.

Other contributors have sent scans of other 100-manat notes without the guilloche, but there doesn't seem to be any particular serail number range with or withou the guilloche.

Furthermore, I've now seen images of 250-manat note (B303a) without guilloche, as well as 50-manat note (B307a) without guilloche.

However, all of the "without guilloche" images I've examined are of well worn notes, leading me to wonder if perhaps the guilloche design was printed with ink that wore off or washed off. Do these "without guilloche" varieties exist in uncirculated form?

If you have any of these notes without the guilloche in like new condition, please let me know.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn and Alex Tarasoff.

Syria new 1,000-pound note (B631) confirmed

Syria_CBS_1000_syrian_pounds_2013.00.00_B631a_PNL_B-63_8144601_f
Syria_CBS_1000_syrian_pounds_2013.00.00_B631a_PNL_B-63_8144601_r
B631 (PNL): 1,000 Syrian pounds (US$6.60)
Green, purple, red, and yellow. Front: Ancient Roman amphitheater in Bosra. Back: Tile mosaic of grape harvest from ancient Romain ruins in As-Suwayda; olive branches. 4-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized SP1000 and Arabic text. Watermark: Electrotype 1000 and eagle coat of arms. Printer: (Goznak). 155 x 65 mm.
a. 2013. Sig. 17. Prefix B/G3. Intro: 30.07.2015.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online), Cleo Phas, Reha Yucememis, and Christof Zellweger.

Qatar new signatures 1- and 5-riyal notes confirmed

Qatar_QCB_1_riyal_2015.00.00_B215b_P28_542302_f
Qatar_QCB_1_riyal_2015.00.00_B215b_P28_542302_r
B215b
1 riyal, no date. Like B215a, but new signatures (Abdullah Saud Al-Thani and Ali Shareef Al Emadi). Intro: 2015.

Qatar_QCB_5_riyals_2015.00.00_B216b_P29_576641_f
Qatar_QCB_5_riyals_2015.00.00_B216b_P29_576641_r
B216b
5 riyals, no date. Like B216a, but new signatures (Abdullah Saud Al-Thani and Ali Shareef Al Emadi). Intro: 2015.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

United Arab Emirates new 500-dirham note (B242a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2015.00.00_B242a_PNL_061_333144_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2015.00.00_B242a_PNL_061_333144_r
B242a
500 dirhams, 2015 and ١٤٣٦ (AH1436). Like B232, but with tactile printing at left/right center front for the visually impaired.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

United Arab Emirates new 5-dirham note (B236a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2015.00.00_B236a_PNL_151_121324_f
United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2015.00.00_B236a_PNL_151_121324_r
B236a
5 dirhams, 2015 and ١٤٣٦ (AH1436). Like B226, but with tactile printing at left/right center front for the visually impaired.

Courtesy of Nin Cheun (Noteshobby).

Israel new sig/date (2014) 200-new sheqel note confirmed

Israel_BOI_200_new_sheqalim_2014.00.00_B439e_P62_f
B439e
200 new sheqalim, 2014. Like B439d, but new date and new signature (Karnit Flug).

Courtesy of Raphael Dvir.

Israel new sig/date (2014) 100-new sheqel note confirmed

Israel_BOI_100_new_sheqalim_2014.00.00_B438d_P61c_f
B438d
100 new sheqalim, 2014. Like B438c, but new date and new signature (Karnit Flug).

Courtesy of Raphael Dvir.

Saudi Arabia new notes and coins reportedly planned

2015-635723119730498135-49
According to a Saudi Press Agency posting, Dr. Fahd Bin Abdullah Almobarak, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, briefed King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on new banknote and coin designs. It is unclear when the new designs will be introduced into circulation.

Couresty of Raihan Ahmed.

United Arab Emirates new 5- and 500-dirham notes to be introduced 08.07.2015

According to an article on GulfNews.com dated 7 July 2015, on 8 July the Central Bank of the UAE will introduce 5- and 500-dirham notes with tactile marks (not Braille) so that they will be readable by the visually impaired, just like the 50- and 100-dirham notes introduced on 9 March.

Kuwait wins IACA Award for Best Banknote Issue 2015

IACA_Kuwait_award
According to an article on the Kuwait News Agency site dated 18 May 2015, the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) awarded the Central Bank of Kuwait the 2015 International Award for Best Banknote issue for its sixth series of notes (CBK B29-B34) issued 29 June 2014.

"This is considered a most prestigious award within the banknote industry and is based on votes cast by central banks and international companies specialised in the production of banknotes in a competition between currencies issued by eighteen countries around the world.
In making the award the sponsors indicated that the sixth banknote issue deserved to win due to the visual artistry and high levels of technical and security sophistication of the notes, coupled with the considerable emphasis placed on reflecting the country’s heritage as well as its modern style. The six denominations of the new currency banknotes all feature the landmarks of the State of Kuwait and its political and economic milestones. Notes have a vibrant design, each capturing a different aspect of Kuwait culture - such as sea and land life, democracy and Islamic history. Additionally, consideration has been given to the needs of the visually impaired through the use of raised print which help distinguish each banknote’s value.
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Y. Al-Hashel, Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, expressed his pleasure and pride in achieving this very significant award, and further stated that the Sixth Issue had also been awarded Regional Banknote of the Year 2014 (Asia) at the High Security Printing Conference in Manila, the Philippines.
His Excellency, The Governor indicated that such awards represent recognition by specialised organisations of achievement in design, the incorporation of latest security features and relevance of symbolism with regard to the State of Kuwait, its accomplishments and economic milestones throughout history.
In acknowledging the international awards given to the Sixth Issue of KWD banknotes, His Excellency, The Governor dedicated such achievements to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah bestow them good health and wellbeing, in recognition of their enduring support to the Central Bank of Kuwait and their benevolent guidance of our beloved Kuwait and the welfare of its kind people."

United Arab Emirates new 50-dirham note (B239a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2014.00.00_B36a_PNL_001_068036_f
United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2014.00.00_B36a_PNL_001_068036_r
B239 (P29e): 50 dirhams (US$14)
Purple. Front: Arabic text; OVI coat of arms; oryx (antelope) head with silver foil stamp. Back: English text; Saker falcon; Fort Jahili at Al Ain. 3-mm wide, color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 50. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 50 and coffee pot. Printer: (Unknown). 151 x 64 mm. a. ١٤٣٦ (AH1436)/2014. Sig. 4. Prefix 000 - 018.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Kuwait to withdraw fifth issue notes as of 01.10.2015

According to a Central Bank of Kuwait press release dated 19 April 2015, all fifth issue (CBK B23-B28) notes introduced beginning in 1994 will lose their legal tender status on 1 October 2015, after which time they may still be exchanged by the CBK for a period of ten years.

United Arab Emirates new 100-dirham note (B240a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_100_dirhams_2014.00.00_B37a_PNL_167_671036_f
B240 (P30f): 100 dirhams (US$27)
Red. Front: Arabic text; OVI coat of arms; Fahidi Fort in Dubai with silver foil stamp of castle tower. Back: English text; Saker falcon; Trade Centre Tower in Dubai. 3-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 100. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 100 and coffee pot. Printer: (Unknown). 155 x 66 mm. a. ١٤٣٦ (AH1436)/2014. Sig. 4. Prefix 167 - 249.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Iran new signature 5,000-rial note (B282b) confirmed

Iran_CBI_5000_rials_2013.07.00_B82b_P152_25-21_956668_sig
B282b
5,000 rials, no date. Like CBI B282a, but new signatures (Valiyollah Seif and Ali Tayebnia).

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

United Arab Emirates new 50- and 100-dirham notes to be introduced 09.03.2015

According to an article on ArabianBusiness.com dated 7 March 2014, on Monday 9 March the Central Bank of the UAE will introduce 50- and 100-dirham notes with tactile marks (not Braille) so that they will be readable by the visually impaired.

Iraq to withdraw 50-dinar notes as of 30.04.2015

According to an Arabic-language press release dated 25 February 2015, the Central Bank of Iraq is withdrawing its lowest-denomination note, the 50 dinar note (CBI B46), as of 30 April 2015.

Courtesy of Nick.

Iran new 50,000-rial commemorative note reported for spring 2015 introduction

Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2015.00.00_BNL_PNL
According to an article on FARS News Agency, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the University of Tehran, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran has announced its intention to introduce a new 50,000-rial note in the spring.

Courtesy of Hamaseh Golestaneh and
Christian Funke.

Iran chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Iran chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 54-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque Mellié Iran/Bank Melli Iran (National Bank of Iran) from 1932 to 1958, and the Bank Markazi Iran (Central Bank of Iran) from 1961 to present. Published 30 January 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Iran new signature 10,000-rial note (B283h) confirmed

Iran_CBI_10000_rials_1992.10.24_B83h_P146_19-43_881896_sig
B283h
10,000 rials, no date. Like B283, but new signatures (Tahmasb Mazaheri and Davoud Danesh-Jafari).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Iran new 20,000-rial note confirmed

Iran_CBI_20000_rials_2014.12.15_B87a_PNL_46-22_872501_f
Iran_CBI_20000_rials_2014.12.15_B87a_PNL_46-22_872501_r

20,000 rials, no date. Like unlisted 20,000-rial introduced in 2009, but new building (Aghazadeh Mansion wind catchers in Abarkooh) depicted on back. Signatures Ali Tayebnia and Valiyollah Seyf. Intro: 15.12.2014. Read press release in Farsi.

Courtesy of Ms. Hamaseh Golestaneh, Christian Funke, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Jordan new date (2014) 50-dinar note (B234h) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2014.00.00_B234h_P38_fJordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2014.00.00_B234h_P38_r
Like B234g, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Lebanon new date (2014) 5,000- and 10,000-pound notes confirmed

5,000 livres, ٢٠١٤ (2014). Like B536a, but new date. Prefix A/03.

10,000 livres,
٢٠١٤ (2014). Like B537a, but new date. Prefix B/03.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (
www.dekeneh.com).

Jordan new sig/date (2014) 20-dinar note (B233e) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2014.00.00_B233e_P37_fJordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2014.00.00_B233e_P37_r
Like B233d, but new date (2014) and new signature (Umayya Toukan).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Jordan new date (2014) 5-dinar note (B230f) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2014.00.00_B230f_P35_963960_fJordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2014.00.00_B230f_P35_963960_r
Like B230e, but new date (2014).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Iraq new 10,000-dinar note confirmed

According to a press release dated 7 August 2014, the Central Bank of Iraq has introduced a new 10,000-dinar banknote.

Iraq_CBI_10000_dinars_2013.00.00_B54a_PNL_86_3083652_f
Iraq_CBI_10000_dinars_2013.00.00_B54a_PNL_86_3083652_r
CBI B54 (PNL): 10,000 dinars (US$8.60)
Green. Front: Gold-to-green SPARK patch; sculptor Jawad Saleem’s Freedom Monument in Baghdad. Back: al-Hadba’ (the hunchback) minaret and trees at the Great Nur al-Din mosque in Mosul. varifeye thread and RollingStar Cube windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text. Watermark: Horse head. Printer: (G&D). 170 x 78 mm.
a. ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Signature 17. Intro: 07.08.2014.

Courtesy of Daisy and Thomas Augustsson.

Iran new 50,000-rial note variety confirmed

Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2010.03.00_B12d_P149_25-9_754212_f
Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2010.03.00_B12e_P149_65-13-848259_f
Earlier versions of the 50,000-rial note (P149) with signatures of Mahmoud Bahmani and Shamseddin Hosseini have solid Farsi text at center front (top), where as later versions have hatched Farsi text (bottom). The transition from solid to hatched takes place on notes between prefix denominators 10 and 13 (in Farsi).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Georgia new sig/date (2014) 100-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_100_lari_2014.00.00_B52d_P74_G_25000308_sig
100 lari, 2014. Like B52, but new date and new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Nodar Khaduri).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Lebanon new date (2014) 20,000-pound note confirmed

20,000 livres, ٢٠١٤ (2014). Like B533a, but new date and different Western s/n font. Prefix C/05. Intro: 03.11.2014.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (www.dekeneh.com).

Iraq new 5,000- and 25,000-dinar notes confirmed

Iraq_CBI_5000_dinars_2013.00.00_B53a_PNL_159_0802698_f
Iraq_CBI_5000_dinars_2013.00.00_B53a_PNL_159_0802698_r

Iraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2013.00.00_B55a_PNL_122_6671222_f
Iraq_CBI_25000_dinars_2013.00.00_B55a_PNL_122_6671222_r
According to an Arabic languague press release, the Central Bank of Iraq has issued new 5,000- and 25,000-dinar notes like the existing notes (CBI B50 and B52, respectively, but with enhanced seucirty features and dated 2013. The 5,000-dinar note has a green-to-blue SPARK patch at lower right front, and a 4-mm wide green-to-blue RollingStar Cube windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text. The 25,000-dinar note has a revised agricultural scene on front, a varifeye security thread, and a 4-mm wide purple-to-green RollingStar Cube windowed security thread with demetalized Arabic text.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin and Thomas Augustsson.

Iraq new sig/date (2013) 5,000-dinar note confirmed

Iraq_CBI_5000_dinars_2012.00.00_B50d_P94_f
5,000 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٤ (2013/AH1434). Like CBI, but new date and signature 17.

Courtesy of Dmitry Svobodin.

Iran new signature 1,000-rial note confirmed

Iran_CBI_1000_rials_1992.10.24_B4g_P143_13-12_979012_sig
1,000 rials, no date. Like P143, but new signatures (Tahmasb Mazaheri and Shamseddin Hosseini).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Iraq new 250- and 500-dinar notes confirmed

Iraq_CBI_250_dinars_2013.00.00_B47c_P91_f
250 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Like CBI B47, but new date, new signature (Abdul Basit Turki Saeed), and one intaglio circle at upper left front for the sight impaired.

Iraq_CBI_500_dinars_2013.00.00_B48b_P92_f
500 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Like CBI B48, but new date, new signature (Abdul Basit Turki Saeed), and two intaglio circles at upper left front for the sight impaired.

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher, Sejin Ahn, and Thomas Augustsoon.

Iraq new 1,000-dinar note (B349d) confirmed

Iraq_CBI_1000_dinars_2013.00.00_B53a_PNL_f
B349d
1,000 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٥ (2013/AH1435). Like B349c, but new date, smaller signature, and three intaglio circles at left front for the sight impaired.

Courtesy of Jürg Rindlisbacher and Sejin Ahn.

Israel new 50-new shekel note confirmed

The Bank of Israel introduced the new 50-new shekel banknote on 16 September 2014.

Israel_BOI_50_new_shekels_2014.00.00_B43a_PNL_0060126997_f
Israel_BOI_50_new_shekels_2014.00.00_B43a_PNL_0060126997_r
BOI B43 (PNL): 50 new shekels (US$15)
Green. Front: Menorah as registration device; open book in gold-to-green SPARK; citrus trees and fruit; poet, Shaul Tchernichovsky; microprinted poem “Oh, My Land, My Homeland.” Back: Capital of Corinthian column; menorah. Windowed color-changing security thread with demetalized 50 and portrait of Shaul Tchernichovsky. Watermark: Shaul Tchernichovsky and electrotype 50. Printer: Unknown. 136 x 71 mm.
a. 2014. Signature 15. Intro: 16.09.2014.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Raphael Dvir.

Kuwait new signature 5-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_5_dinars_1994.04.03_B26g_P26_DE-67_551286_sig
5 dinars, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B226, but new signatures. Prefix DE/67.

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

Israel new sig/date (2008) 20-sheqel note confirmed

20 new sheqalim, 2008. Like BOI B36, but new signature and new date.

Courtesy of Yigal.

Syria new 500-pound note confirmed

Syria_CBS_500_syrian_pounds_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_A-27_7616812_f copy
Syria_CBS_500_syrian_pounds_2013.00.00_B30a_PNL_A-27_7616812_r copy
According to an article on Syrian Radio & TV dated 16 July 2014 and an article on SanaSyria dated 20 July 2014, Adib Mayala, governor of the Central Bank of Syria, has announced that a new 500-pound note has been issued on 20 July 2014, and will be dispersed early in August, and a 1,000-pound note will be issued in two months (August - September).

Existing notes of that denomination will circulate in parallel before being gradually withdrawn.

The new note is expected to join the family of 50-, 100-, and 200-pound notes (CBS B27-B29, respectively) dated 2009, introduced 27.07.2010, and printed by Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck, a subsidiary of Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Austria’s central bank.

Mayala said the new note will have different colors, depiction, and figures, and will be made of better-quality materials “in a way to reflect the cultural and historical image of Syria and protect the banknotes from getting worn out."

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Takis Kouvatseas.

Azerbaijan new 250- and 500-manat notes due "in near future"

According to an article in Azernews dated 19 August 2014, First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Alim Guliyev told journalists that the government is planning to put new 250- and 500-manat banknotes into circulation in the near future, "to improve the effectiveness of banknote circulation and to reduce state expenditures." Currently the largest denomination is the 100-manat note (B319) issued in 2005. Bear in mind that Azerbaijan has been discussing the issuance of larger denominations for several years. Time will tell if these plans ever come to fruition.

United Arab Emirates instructed to reprint notes with Braille characters

According to a GulfNews.com article dated 12 July 2014, the board of directors of the Central Bank of the UAE recently instructed that necessary actions be taken to reprint all denominations of banknotes using Braille characters so that they will be readable by the visually impaired.

Courtesy of Amirali Somji.

Kuwait new signature ¼-dinar note confirmed

¼ dinar, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B223, but signature 15. Prefix AE/239.

Courtesy of Steve Hearon.

Kuwait new notes issued 29.06.2014 confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_0.25_dinar_2014.06.29_B29_PNL_r
Kuwait_CBK_0.25_dinar_2014.06.29_B29_PNL_f

Kuwait_CBK_0.50_dinar_2014.06.29_B30_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_0.50_dinar_2014.06.29_B30_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_1_dinar_2014.06.29_B31_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_1_dinar_2014.06.29_B31_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_5_dinars_2014.06.29_B32_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_5_dinars_2014.06.29_B32_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_10_dinars_2014.06.29_B33_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_10_dinars_2014.06.29_B33_PNL_r

Kuwait_CBK_20_dinars_2014.06.29_B34_PNL_f
Kuwait_CBK_20_dinars_2014.06.29_B34_PNL_r

The Central Bank of Kuwait has introduced a new series of banknotes. Contrary to earlier reports, these new notes are produced on paper, not polymer, substrates.

The sixth issue was unveiled at a celebration event on 19 May 19 2014, and entered circulation on 29 June 2014, the beginning of Ramadan. This series uses visual representations of nationally significant elements and economic accomplishments that are all grounded on one unified background that is of the Kuwaiti flag. The banknotes feature iconic and culturally significant buildings on the front while the back illustrates Kuwait’s accomplishments and economic milestones throughout history. The new banknotes were also designed with the visually impaired in mind. The banknotes’ values are larger in size and the raised print aids the visually impaired in distinguishing each banknote from the other.

The sixth issue of the Kuwaiti dinar banknotes includes the most advanced security measures such as innovative printing processes, color changing features, and visual elements that become visible upon tilting the banknote. The preceding issues will circulate in parallel until such time as they are withdrawn from circulation.

Courtesy of James Pickering (www.e-worldbanknotes.com).

Israel to issue new 50-new shekel in September 2014

According to a Globes article dated 27 April 2014, the Bank of Israel will issue a new 50-new shekel banknote on Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) in September 2014. It is the first of the new series of banknotes that will be issued, with the second banknote, for NIS 200, entering circulation in 2015. The Bank of Israel says that the new banknotes will enter circulation when quality control tests and businesses' preparations for handling the notes are completed.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas.

Georgia new sig/date (2013) 20-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_20_lari_2013.00.00_B50d_P72_E_79692816_sig
20 lari, 2013. Like NBG B50d, but new date and new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Aleksandre “Alexander” Khetaguri).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze (IBNS 10079).

Lebanon new 50,000-pound polymer commemorative note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2014.00.00_B39a_PNL_D-99_0001340_f
Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2014.00.00_B39a_PNL_D-99_0001340_r
B539 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, purple, orange, red, and green. Front: Banque du Liban headquarters building in Beirut; cedar tree in blue/green SPARK patch on clear window. Back: Cedar tree in blue/green SPARK patch on clear window; Banque du Liban building. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. 2014. Signature 12. Intro: 15.05.2014.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (http://www.dekeneh.com).

Kuwait to introduce new polymer notes on 29 June 2014

According to an article in Kuwait Times dated 6 May 2014, the Central Bank of Kuwait intends to unveil a new family of banknotes printed by De La Rue on polymer. The notes will be issued on the beginning of Ramadan, 29 June 2014.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause (Polymernotes of the World).

Georgia new sig/date (2013) 50-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_50_lari_2013.00.00_B51d_P73_F_33865060_sig
50 lari, 2013. Like NBG B51, but new date and new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Aleksandre “Alexander” Khetaguri).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze (IBNS 10079).

Jordan new sig/date (2012) 50-dinar note (B234g) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2012.00.00_B234g_P38_fJordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2012.00.00_B234g_P38_r
Like B234f, but new date (2012 ٢٠١٢) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Yigal Arkin.

Iraq rumored to have prepared new banknotes

According a report on Kurdnet dated 9 April 2014, the Central Bank of Iraq has announced printing new banknotes with new images, new security features, and features to help the sight-impaired distinguish between denominations.

Kuwait new sig 10-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_10_dinars_1994.04.03_B27f_P27_EE-158_484300_sig
10 dinars, no date. Like B227, but new signature (Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel and Mustafa Jassem Al-Shamali).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Lebanon new 50,000-pound commemorative note reported

According to a press release dated 9 April 2014, De La Rue has printed a new 50,000-livre note to commemorate the 50th annivesary of the founding of the Banque du Liban. "With vibrant colours and imagery, the new note uses the latest technology as protection against counterfeiting. The clear ‘window’ area in the banknote shows an image of the Cedar of Lebanon in a bright, eye-catching blue/green ink which changes colour as the note is tilted and which can be seen from both sides of the note. The Banque is proud to be the first issuing authority in the region to use this colour changing ink in the clear window of the banknote. De La Rue’s Sales Director Ruth Euling commented: ‘De La Rue is honoured that the Banque du Liban has selected our Safeguard polymer for their banknotes and included the SPARK ® Orbital TM feature which provides a dynamic, high impact public recognition feature. We congratulate the Banque on being the first issuer in the region to adopt the new technologies."

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Iraq new sig/date (2012) 250-dinar note confirmed

Iraq_CBI_250_dinars_2012.00.00_B47b_P91_sig
250 dinars, ٢٠١٢ - ١٤٣٣ (2012/AH1433). Like CBI B47, but new date and new signature (Sinan Al-Shabibi, who served as governor from September 2003 to October 2012).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Marian Massimiliano.

Iraq new sig/date (2013) 1,000-dinar note confirmed

Iraq_CBI_1000_dinars_2012.00.00_B49b_P93_sig
1,000 dinars, ٢٠١٣ - ١٤٣٤ (2013/AH1434). Like CBI B49, but new date and new signature (Abdul Basit Turki Saeed, who assumed governorship of CBI in October 2012).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Marian Massimiliano.

Georgia new sig/date (2013) 5-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_5_lari_2013.00.00_B48d_P70_CF_5548518_sig
5 lari, 2013. Like NBG B48, but new date and signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Aleksandre “Alexander” Khetaguri).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze.

Jordan new sig/date (2012) 5-dinar note (B230e) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2012.00.00_B230e_P35_fJordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2012.00.00_B230e_P35_r
Like B230d, but new date (2012 ٢٠١٢) and signatures.

Courtesy of Wally Myers.

Iran new signature 50,000-rial note confirmed

Iran_CBI_50000_rials_2013.00.00_B12e_P149_sig
50,000 rials, no date. Like P149, but new signatures.

Courtesy of Kazem Aghapour A.


Kuwait new signature 1-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_1_dinar_1994.04.03_B25h_P25_CE-262_581938_sig
1 dinar, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B225g, but new signatures (Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel and Mustafa Jassim Al-Shamali).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Jordan new sig/date (2013) 20-dinar note (B233d) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2013.00.00_B233d_P37_fJordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2013.00.00_B233d_P37_r
Like B233c, but new date (2013) and signature 25.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Lebanon new 50,000-pound commemorative note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2013.11.22_B38a_PNL_D-00_0034034_rLebanon_BDL_50000_livres_2013.11.22_B38a_PNL_D-00_0034034_f
This polymer note commemorating 70 years of independence for Lebanon was issued on 22 November 2013 (the anniversary of the end of French colonial rule in 1943), despite the fact that the French-language back spells “independence” as it is written in English, rather than the French “independance.” The Central Bank of Lebanon said it regretted the mistake, which it blamed on the printing company (De La Rue). 50,000 pieces will enter circulation.

B538 (PNL): 50,000 livres (US$33)
Blue, brown, red, and green. Front: Citadel of Independence in Rashaya; stylized flag of Lebanon. Back: Map of Lebanon; flag of Lebanon with cedar tree. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 140 x 77 mm. Polymer.
a. ٢٠١٣ (2013). Signature 12. Intro: 22.11.2013.

Courtesy of Claude Akl.

South Ossetia asserts right to issue coins and notes

According to this 1 August 2013 post in Russian on South Ossetia's official gazette web site, the disputed republic in the South Caucasus has passed a law authorizing the issuance of new banknotes and coins denominated in Russian rubles.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Jordan new sig/date (2013) 1-dinar note (B229g) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2013.00.00_B229g_P34_136525_fJordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2013.00.00_B229g_P34_136525_r
Like B229f, but new date (2013 ٢٠١٣) and new signatures (Unknown and Ziad Fariz).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

United Arab Emirates new sig/date (2013) 10-dirham note (B227b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2013.00.00_B227b_P27b_091_319221_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2013.00.00_B227b_P27b_091_319221_r
Like B227a, but new date (١٤٣٤/2013) and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi). Also, the serial number at left is now vertical, not horizontal.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Kuwait new signature ½-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_0.50_dinar_1994.04.03_B24g_P24_BE-153_688267_sig
½ dinar, no date. Like B224, but new signatures. Governor Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel appears at left, and the minister of finance is at right, but the signatory is unknown. I've seen reports that Nayef Al-Hajraf was appointed minister in June 2012, but also that Salem AbdulAziz Al-Saud Al-Sabah (former governor to February 2012) has been in the role since 4 August 2013. If these are correct, it's likely the signatory is Nayef Al-Hajraf. Confirmation of the identity of the signatory is requested.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Kuwait to issue polymer notes in 2014

According to an article on Alanba dated 21 October 2013, Kuwait's central bank intends to issue an entirely new family of notes in 2014 with new colors for the denominations and all to be printed on polymer.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause.

Israel names Karnit Flug as new bank governor

According to a press release dated 20 October 2013, the Bank of Israel is expected to appoint Dr. Karnit Flug to take over as governor from Stanley Fischer who left in June, marking the first time a woman has held the post.

Lebanon new date (2012) 100,000-pound note confirmed

100,000 livres, ٢٠١٢ (2012). Like BDL B35a, but new date. Intro: 04.10.2013.

Courtesy of Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).


Lebanon new 10,000-pound note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_10000_livres_2012.00.17_B37a_P92_B-01_1650165_f
Lebanon_BDL_10000_livres_2012.00.17_B37a_P92_B-01_1650165_r
Lebanon_BDL_10000_livres_2012.00.17_B37a_P92_B-01_1650165_sig
B537 (P92): 10,000 livres (US$6.65)
Yellow, orange, and green. Front: Cedar tree; geometric block design. Back: Geometric block design; bronze statue by Italian sculptor, Renato Marino Mazzacurati, of three Lebanese nationalists in Martyrs’ Square, Beirut; stylized landscape and mountain; cedar trees. 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with printed BDL 10000 ١٠٠٠٠. Watermark: Cedar tree and electrotype ١٠٠٠٠. Printer: (OT). 127 x 66 mm.
a. ٢٠١٢ (2012). Signature 12. Intro: 25.09.2013.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz and Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).

Lebanon new 10,000- and 100,000-pound notes reported

According to an article on ArabsToday dated 24 September 2013, on 25 September 2013 Banque du Liban will issue new 10,000- and 100,000-livre notes with enhanced security features.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz.

Lebanon new 5,000-pound note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_5000_livres_2012.00.00_B36a_P91_A-01_0803325_f
Lebanon_BDL_5000_livres_2012.00.00_B36a_P91_A-01_0803325_r
B536 (P91): 5,000 livres (US$3.35)
Pink, purple, orange, and green. Front: Cedar tree as registration device; geometric block design. Back: Geometric block design; cedar tree. 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BDL 5000. Watermark: Cedar tree and electrotype ٥٠٠٠. Printer: (OT). 120 x 62 mm.
a. ٢٠١٢ (2012). Signature 12. Intro: .28.08.2013.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz, Claudio Marana, and Fabien Louart, and Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).

Lebanon revised 1,000-pound note confirmed

According to a Lebanon Files article dated 21 August 2013, the Bank of Lebanon has issued a revised 1,000-pound note with enhanced security features.

Courtesy of Houssein Maaz and Claude Akl (http://stores.ebay.com/dekeneh).

United Arab Emirates new sig/date (2013) 5-dirham note (B226b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2013.00.00_B226b_P26b_094_960401_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2013.00.00_B226b_P26b_094_960401_r
Like B226a, but new date (١٤٣٤/2013) and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi). Also, the serial number at left is now vertical, not horizontal.

Courtesy of The Monetary Unit.

United Arab Emirates new sig/date (2013) 20-dirham note (B228b) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2013.00.00_B228b_P28b_024_501510_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2013.00.00_B228b_P28b_024_501510_r
Like B228a, but new date (١٤٣٤/2013) and signatures (Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum and Khalifa al-Kindi).

Courtesy of The Monetary Unit.

Azerbaijan bank denies images of new banknotes are real

According to an official Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan press release dated 15 August 2013, "pictures of banknotes of 1,5,10, 20, 50, and 100 manat, that reflect portraits of prominent thinkers, statesmen and scientists of Azerbaijan, have been posted in social networks. These pictures presented as a new design of the national currency – manat cause misinformation and confusion among the public. According to the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this information does not reflect reality and the banknote pictures are unknown people’s product of imagination. The Central Bank is not planning to issue banknotes in this design."

Courtesy of Cedrian López Bosch.



Israel new 50- and 200-new shekel notes delayed until 2014

According to a press release dated 28 April 2013, the Israeli cabinet approved the details and designs of the new 50- and 200-new shekel notes to be issued "toward the end of 2013."

However, according to a press release dated 7 August 2013, the circulation of the new NIS 50 and NIS 200 notes "will be delayed by several months, and is expected to begin during the second half of 2014. The circulation of the two other banknotes – the NIS 20 and NIS 100 – will begin a few months afterwards."

Israel_50_new_shekels_fIsrael_50_new_shekels_r
50 new shekels (US$15)
Green. Front: Citrus trees and fruit; Shaul Tchernichovsky; microprinted poem “Oh, My Land, My Homeland.” Back: Capital of Corinthian column. Unknown security thread. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 136 x 71 mm.
a. 2013. Signature unknown. Intro: Second half of 2014.

Israel_200_new_shekels_fIsrael_200_new_shekels_r
200 new shekels (US$60)
Blue. Front: Fall leaves; Natan Alterman; microprinted poem “Eternal Meeting.” Back: Moonlit flora. Unknown security thread. Watermark: Unknown. Printer: Unknown. 150 x 71 mm.
a. 2013. Signature unknown. Intro: Second half of 2014.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Cleo Phas.

Georgia new sig/date (2012) 100-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_100_lari_2012.00.00_B52c_P74_G_19685221_sig
100 lari, 2012. Like NBG B52, but new date and signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Dmitri Gvindadze).

Courtesy of Dmitri Chokhonelidze.

Iran new 5,000-rial note confirmed

Iran_CBI_5000_rials_2013.00.00_PNL_ffIran_CBI_5000_rials_2013.00.00_PNL_rr
According to a Trend article dated 9 June 2013, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran will issue larger denomination banknotes "in the near future" (the end of the current Iranian calendar year = 21 March 2014) as soon as it receives permission from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance.

There have been many previous reports of larger denominations coming from Iran that have not come to pass, but according to this Persian-only posting, the CBI issued a newly designed 5,000-rial note shown above in early July 2013.

Courtesy of Hamaseh Golestaneh and Christian Funke, and Hamid Kazemi.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 5-riyal note (B131c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2012.00.00_B131c_P32_353_566002_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2012.00.00_B131c_P32_353_566002_r
Like B131b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and signatures (Fahad Al-Mubarak and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Dr. Ghassan Samman.

Kuwait to issue new note series by mid-2014

According to an official press release dated 10 June 2013, the Central Bank of Kuwait will issue new notes in all denominations (0.25 to 20 dinars) with "modern and enhanced security features." The new notes are expected to be issued "within a year" and will circulate in parallel with the existing notes.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 1-riyal note (B130c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2012.00.00_B130c_P31_906_826108_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2012.00.00_B130c_P31_906_826108_r
Like B130b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and signature (Fahad Al-Mubarak and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Takis Kouvatseas.

Lebanon new date (2012) 50,000-pound note confirmed

50,000 livres, ٢٠١٢ (2012). Like B534a (P94), but new date.

Courtesy of Radoslaw Dlouhy.

Yemen new date (2012) 1,000-rial note (B129b) confirmed

1,000 rials, ٢٠١٢/١٤٣٣ (2012/AH1433). Like B129a, but new date. Intro: 12.10.2012.

Courtesy of Hani Rida (http://sababanknotes.6te.net).

Syria chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Syria chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 45-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque de Syrie (Bank of Syria) from 1919 to 1920, the Banque de Syrie et du Grand-Liban (Bank of Syria and Greater Lebanon) from 1925 to 1939, the Banque de Syrie et du Liban (Bank of Syria and Lebanon) from 1939 to 1950, the Republique Syrienne (Syrian Republic) from 1942 to 1945, the Institut d'Emission de Syrie (Issuing Institute of Syria) from 1950 to 1955, and the Banque Centrale de Syrie (Central Bank of Syria) from 1957 to present. Revised 28.10.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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United Arab Emirates new 100- and 1,000-dirham notes (B229a, B231a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_100_dirhams_2012.00.00_B34a_PNL_115160683_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_100_dirhams_2012.00.00_B34a_PNL_115160683_rUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2012.00.00_B35a_PNL_026033053_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2012.00.00_B35a_PNL_026033053_r
According to a press release dated 28 January 2013, on 2 February the Central Bank of The United Arab Emirates issued new 100- and 1,000-dirhams banknotes like the existing notes (B229a and B231a, respectively), but with a 3-mm wide, magenta-to-gold color-shifting windowed security thread and green-to-blue OVI coat of arms.

Courtesy of Raihan and Nazir Rahemtulla and Dr. Saleh A. Al-Ali.

Kuwait new signature 20-dinar note confirmed

Kuwait_CBK_20_dinars_1994.04.03_B28h_P28_FE-108_415220_sig
20 dinars, ١٩٦٨ (1968). Like B228, but new signatures (Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel [governor as of April 2012] and Mustafa Jassim Al-Shamali).

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla and Dr. Saleh A. Al-Ali.

Armenia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Armenia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Republic of Armenia in 1919 and the Bank of the Republic of Armenia from 1993 to present. Revised 23 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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The Challenge: Identify items on Syrian banknotes

I am cataloging the Central Bank of Syria's notes for publication in The Banknote Book, and I have been unable to identify a few items which appear on these notes.

The back of the 100-pound note dated 1966-1974 depicts a dam. What's the name and location of this dam?
Syria_CBS_100_syrian_pounds_1974.00.00_B17d_P98d_r

The front of the 5-pound note dated 1977-1991 depicts a female statue.
Syria_CBS_5_syrian_pounds_1991.00.00_B19e_P100e_fAllat-Minerva
IDENTIFIED: Allāt-Minerva. Statue of the 2nd century AD from As-Suwayda, Syria (Roman province). National Museum of Damascus.

The front of the 50-pound note dated 1977-1991 depicts a female statue.
Syria_CBS_50_syrian_pounds_1978.00.00_B22b_P103b_fmari_statue2
IDENTIFIED: Statue of goddess found in Sumerian ruins in Mari, Syria, now in National Museum of Aleppo.

The back of the 500-pound note dated 1958-1992 depicts something described as an ancient religious wheel.
Syria_CBS_500_syrian_pounds_1958.00.00_B11a_P92a_r
IDENTIFIED: Gold bowl decorated with hunting/animal scenes from the Temple of Baal at Ugarit, now in National Museum in Aleppo.

If anyone has information or leads which may be helpful, please contact me with details.

Courtesy of Yaqoob Alshaer and Murray Hanewich.

Iran to issue 200,000- and 500,000-rial banknotes

According to an article in TehranTimes and an article in Bloomberg, both dated 3 March 2013, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran plans to issue 200,000-rial and 500,000-rial banknotes. The bank will begin printing 200,000-rial ($16) banknotes as soon as it receives permission from the Economy Ministry and will release the new notes into circulation in the Iranian new year starting 21 March, said Majid Saniei, head of Iran’s security and minting organization. The bank is also seeking approval for 500,000-rial notes and plans to introduce these within two years.

Currently the largest denomination is the 100,000-rial note (Pick 151), issued in 2010, though from 2008 to 2010 the bank has issued cheques as large as 1,000,000 rials.

Courtesy of Jay Mollindo.

Syria unissued 100- and 1,000-pound notes spotted in Moroccan video

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 2.56.16 PM
Although recent reports of a 2,000-pound note featuring the portrait of Bashr al Assad have been exposed as obvious fakes, there is credible evidence that the Central Bank of Syria may be working on a 1,000-pound note. This video by the Bank Al-Maghrib in Morocco contains brief images of a 1,000-pound note as well as a 100-pound note (look for them at the 2:40 mark), neither of which have been issued to date. The narration is entirely in French, but even if you don't understand the words, the visuals are interesting to anyone who collects notes and coins from Morocco.


l’usine où est fabriquée la monnaie nationale... by gooal
Courtesy of Zeeshan Ali.

Syria new 2,000-pound note image is a fake

Syria_2000_fake_fHungary_MNB_2000_F_2007.00.00_P198a_CB_2265965_f
According to an article on YnetNews.com dated 19 January 2013, Syria is planning to introduce a new 2,000-pound (US$28) note in February. While that may be true, the image of the reported note is clearly a fake created using the 2,000-forint note from Hungary (P198).

Syria new banknotes printed by Russia's Goznak confirmed

According to a Reuters article dated 13 June 2012, Syria has begun issuing new banknotes printed in Russia by Goznak, that nation's largest security printer. Syria's current 2009 issues (Pick 112-114) were printed by Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck in Austria, but OeBS has pulled out of the troubled country due to international pressure in the wake of the crackdown on protests against President Bashar Assad’s regime. The new Russian-printed notes are of the older design (P111), originally issued in 1997.

The new notes are identical to the 1997 issues, but do not have the small map of Syria on the back, and the English serial numbers at lower right front are normal, not novel (increasing in size). The font of the English serial numbers matches that used on Russian notes printed by Goznak.

Syria_CBS_1000_SP_1997.00.00_P111_D-01_1391802_sig

According to a subsequent article dated 19 June 2012, Adib Mayyaleh, governor of the Central Bank of Syria, has denied that Russia is printing new notes for Syria, and stated that worn notes are being replaced following a long-established routine.

UPDATE: According to a ProPublica report dated 26 November 2012, records of overflight requests prove that a total of 240 tons of bank notes moved from Moscow to Damascus over a 10-week period beginning 9 July and ending on 15 September.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Abdullah Beydoun.

Lebanon chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Lebanon chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 47-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banque de Syrie et du Grand-Liban (Bank of Syria and Greater Lebanon) from 1925 to 1939, the Banque de Syrie et du Liban (Bank of Syria and Lebanon) from 1939 to 1964, the République Libanaise (Lebanese Republic) from 1942 to 1950, and the Banque du Liban (Bank of Lebanon) from 1964 to present. Revised 27.10.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

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Israel new 50- and 200-new shekel notes due in late 2013

According to a press release dated 14 November 2012, the Bank of Israel claims "the new series of banknotes is in the final stages of design. The first two banknotes, in denominations of NIS 50 and NIS 200, are expected to be issued in the second half of 2013, and the other two denominations, NIS 20 and NIS 100, are expected to be issued in the beginning of 2014. The name of the currency will remain New Shekel. As previously noted, banknotes in the new series will incorporate advanced security features, and will be of varying sizes in order to assist the visually impaired to distinguish between the various denominations."

Courtesy of David Surette.

Azerbaijan reaffirms plans to issue 200- and 500-manat notes

According to an article on Trend.az dated 14 November 2012, First Deputy Chairman Alim Guliyev confirms that the Central Bank of Azerbaijan plans to issue 200- and 500-manat banknotes, though these are only plans and no decisions have been made on this issue. Currently the largest denomination is the 100-manat note (AMB B19 / P30) with a face value of US$127.

The Challenge: Identify artifacts on Lebanon banknotes

I am cataloging the Bank of Lebanon's notes for publication in The Banknote Book, and I have been unable to identify a few items which appear on these notes.

The front of the 1-livre notes (BDL B1/P61) dated 1964-1980 depict the ruins of Corinthian columns of the Roman Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek. However, I can't find any info on the unknown archeological artifact shown below.
Lebanon_BDL_1_L_1980.00.00_B1g_P61c_f

The front of the 5-livre notes (BDL B2/P62) dated 1964-1986 depict the National Museum of Beirut building with columns. However, I can't find any info on the kneeling bull sculpture, figure with raised arm standing on coin, nor the meaning or language of the writing in the border.
Lebanon_BDL_5_L_1986.00.00_B2h_P62d_f
IDENTIFIED: The bull is a protome from the Aecheminid Dynasty (5th Century BC) found in Sidon, Lebanon.
IDENTIFIED: The writing in the margins look to be Phoenician, though the meaning and source of the inscription is still unclear.
IDENTIFIED: The figure is Baal with raised arm standing on 400-330 BC Phoenician 1/8th shekel silver coin from the City of Byblos, King Adramelek.

If anyone knows what these objects are, please contact me with details.

Courtesy of Petar II Blagojevic, Robin Hughes, Don Cleveland, and Abdullah Beydoun.

Iran refused new banknote printing equipment as result of sanctions

According to an article in MarketWatch dated 17 October 2012, Germany's Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft (KBA) has agreed to stop supplying SPMO [Iran's Security Printing and Minting Organization] and the Central Bank of Iran with the equipment needed to produce rial banknotes, as part of international efforts to force Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions.

Lebanon new 20,000-pound note confirmed

Lebanon_BDL_20000_L_2012.06.12_B35a_PNL_C-01_55529454_f
Lebanon_BDL_20000_L_2012.06.12_B35a_PNL_C-01_55529454_r
Lebanon_BDL_20000_L_2012.06.12_B35a_PNL_C-01_55529454_sig
According to a press release (in Arabic only) by the Central Bank of Lebanon, a new 20,000-pound (US$13) note has been issued on 28 September 2012, and is dated 17 June 2012. It appears to have a Motion windowed security thread, cedar tree watermark with electrotype denomination numerals in Arabic, latent image, embossed BDL, and braille dots.

Courtesy of Claude Akl, Claudio Marana and Abdullah Beydoun.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 500-riyal note (B135c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2012.00.00_B135c_P36c_392_366595_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2012.00.00_B135c_P36c_392_366595_r
Like B135b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and new signatures (Fahad Al-Mubarak and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Dr. Ghassan Samman.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 50-riyal note (B133c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2012.00.00_B133c_P34c_245_313684_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2012.00.00_B133c_P34c_245_313684_r
Like B133b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and new signatures (Fahad Al-Mubarak and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Steve Hearon.

Georgia new sig/date (2012) 10-lari note confirmed

10 lari (US$6.05), 2012. Like NBG B49 (P71), but new date and new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Dmitri Gvinadze).

Courtesy of Дмитрий Чохонелидзе and Dmitry Zagorenko (http://bonistica.ru).

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2009) 10-riyal note (B132b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2009.00.00_B132b_P33_244_328217_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2009.00.00_B132b_P33_244_328217_r
Like B132a, but new date (١٤٣٠/2009) and new signatures (Muhammad Al-Jaser and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Newcastle Coins.

Azerbaijan contemplating new notes

According to a press release dated 15 August 2012, the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has begun a project to evaluate new features, designs, and reliability of new banknotes.

Courtesy of Mehdi Kasumov.

United Arab Emirates new 50-dirham note (B233a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2011.00.00_B233a_P29d_061_133335_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2011.00.00_B233a_P29d_061_133335_r
According to a press release from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, on 23 July 2012 the bank issued an "amended" 50-dirham (US$14) note which is like the preceding issue (B221), but with a new 3-mm wide, color-shifting windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 50, Omron rings added to front and back, and it bears the new coat of arms which was adopted on 22 March 2008.

Courtesy of Amirali Somji and Phil Martin.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2012) 10-riyal note (B132c) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2012.00.00_B132c_P33_259_006565_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2012.00.00_B132c_P33_259_006565_r
Like B132b, but new date (١٤٣٣/2012) and new signatures (Fahad Al-Mubarak and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Yousef Jazzar.

Iraq discloses designs for redenominated banknotes slated for July 2013

According to Iraq's semi-official Alsabaah newspaper, the finance committee received specimens of the new Iraq banknotes from the Central Bank of Iraq. The specimens were of the 25, 50, 100, and 200 dinars. The committee urged the central bank to delay the introduction of the new currency from January 2013 to July 2013 to study all the aspects of the process.

Other Iraqi media reports state that the new currency will be issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 dinars for banknotes and 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 fils, plus 1 and 2 dinars for coins. The designs have been already chosen for banknotes and coins:

5 dinars: Beck waterfall and palm tree
10 dinars: dinar coin minted in the reign of the Umayyad dynasty and lighthouse Hadba in Mosul
25 dinars: King Hammurabi receiving the law and farming of Iraqi Kurdistan
50 dinars: King Codaa and Fort Ukhaydir
100 dinars: Central Bank building in Azwaip area in Baghdad and ziggurat
200 dinars: bridge and school

Courtesy of Mosab K. Ibrahim.

Armenia new 5,000-, 10,000-, and 20,000-dram notes confirmed

Armenia_CBA_5000_D_2012.00.00_B16a_PNL_ԲԲ_28709665_fArmenia_CBA_5000_D_2012.00.00_B16a_PNL_ԲԲ_28709665_rArmenia_CBA_10000_D_2012.00.00_B17a_PNL_ԳԱ_01794364_fArmenia_CBA_10000_D_2012.00.00_B17a_PNL_ԳԱ_01794364_rArmenia_CBA_20000_D_2012.00.00_B18a_PNL_ԴԲ_19958940_fArmenia_CBA_20000_D_2012.00.00_B18a_PNL_ԴԲ_19958940_r
On 25 June 2012, the Central Bank of Armenia issued new 5,000-, 10,000-, and 20,000-dram notes (US$12, $24, and $48, respectively). These notes are like the preceding issues, but with subtle changes to several design elements, revised watermarks, new date (2012), and new signatures. On the 5,000-dram note the Kinegram at right front has been replaced by an open book, and a holographic stripe has been added at left front. On the 10,000- and 20,000-dram notes, the holographic stripes are different.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Mehdi Kasumov, Claudio Marana, and Armen Hovsepian.

Iraq chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Iraq chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 40-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of Iraq from 1931 to 1948, the National Bank of Iraq in 1947, and the Central Bank of Iraq from 1947 to present. Revised 19 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Nagorno-Karabakh chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Nagorno-Karabakh chapter of The Banknote Book is now available as a free download.

This 2-page catalog covers notes issued by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic from 2004 to present. Revised 12 March 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

“Sign

Azerbaijan new 5-manat note (B402a) confirmed

This note is like AMB B15 (P26), but with new date, and the issuer's name changed from Azərbaycan Milli Bankı (National Bank of Azerbaijan) to Azərbaycan Mərkəzi Bankı (Central Bank of Azerbaijan). To date, only the 1- and 5-manat denominations have been confirmed with the new bank name.

Azerbaijan_CBA_5_M_2009.00.00_B2a_PNL_B_01463476_f
Azerbaijan_CBA_5_M_2009.00.00_B2a_PNL_B_01463476_r
B402 (PNL): 5 manat (US$6.35)
Orange. Front: MANAT as registration device; literature personalities, ancient books, and a part from the state anthem. Back: Map of Europe; Qobustan rock hieroglyphs, Orhon-Yenisei alphabet, and modern writing; ; map of Azerbaijan. Windowed security thread with demetalized Azәrbaycan Mәrkәzi Banki 5 MANAT. Watermark: Quill pen & book and electrotype 5. Printer: (OeBS). 127 x 70 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 1.

Courtesy of yuri111@yahoo.com.

Jordan new sig/date (2012) 10-dinar note (B232c) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2012.00.00_B232c_P36_fJordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2012.00.00_B232c_P36_r
Like B232b, but new date (2012) and signatures (Dr. Umaya Toukan, Minister of Finance; Mohammad Said Shahin, Governer).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Aseel Altotanjee.

Azerbaijan designing new 150-, 200-, and 500-manat notes

According to an article on APA dated 8 May 2012, Chairman Elman Rustamov has said that the Central Bank of Azerbaijan is currently designing new 150-, 200-, and 500-manat banknotes for issuance in the coming years. Currently the largest denomination is the 100-manat note (AMB B19 / P30) with a face value of US$127.

Azerbaijan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Azerbaijan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 12-page catalog covers notes issued by the Azerbaijan Government in 1919, the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1919, the National Bank of Azerbaijan from 1992 to 2005, and the Central Bank of Azerbaijan from 2009 to present. Revised 21.03.2019.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Iraq halts plans to revalue dinar

According to a Reuters article dated 12 April 2012, Iraq has decided not to move forward with revaluing the dinar 1,000:1 this coming September as originally planned, because cabinet secretary Ali al-Alaq says the economic climate is not suitable for such a move. The redenomination is on hold "until further notice."

Georgia new sig/date (2011) 50-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_50_L_2011.00.00_B51c_P73_F_22458457_sig
50 lari (US$30), 2011. Like NBG B51 (P73), but new date and signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Dmitri Gvindadze).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Iraq planning new 50,000-dinar note

According to an article on Iraq-Business News dated 28 November 2011, the Central Bank of Iraq confirmed it will issue a new banknote valued at 50,000 dinars (US$43), but marked as 50 dinars. Deputy Chairman Dr. Muzher Saleh said the bank is working to issue this new money in addition to coins in both Arabic and Kurdish in an effort to address the liquidity problem in Iraq. Currently the largest denomination in Iraq is the 25,000-dinar note (Pick 96). The new currency will include symbols that reflect the diversity of Iraq’s sects and cultures including the Kurdish culture. “Iraq needs to support its economy and its currency through the issuance of a currency similar to foreign ones like the $100 bill,” Saleh added.

Keep in mind, for the past four years Iraq has reportedly been attempting to revalue its currency, and just last month it was reported that new notes would be issued in September 2012.

Courtesy of Mehdi Kasumov.

Oman new 5- and 10-rial commemorative notes (B233, B234) confirmed

According to an article in the Oman Daily Observer dated 12 February 2012, the Central Bank of Oman has introduced new 5- and 10-rial notes (US$13 and $26, respectively) with upgraded security features, which will circulate in parallel with existing notes of the same denominations. Based upon the 40th NATIONAL DAY inscription on the back of these notes, it appears they are commemoratives.



B233 (P44): 5 rials (US$13)
Red. Front: Khanjar (dagger); crown as registration device; Sultan Qaboos University building with clock tower; Sultan Qaboos bin Said; coat of arms with crossed swords and khanjar (dagger); main entrance of the CBO headquarters. Back: Nizwa buildings; 40th National Day logo; crown. varifeye thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 5 RIALS. Watermark: Sultan and electrotype 5. Printer: (G&D). 153 x 76 mm.
a. 1431 H / 2010 G. Signature 2. Intro: Feb. 2012.



B234 (P45): 10 rials (US$26)
Brown. Front: Urn; crown as registration device; Salalah Tower; palm trees; Sultan Qaboos bin Said coat of arms with crossed swords and khanjar (dagger); main entrance of the CBO headquarters. Back: Muttrah Fort and town with harbor; 40th National Day logo; crown. varifeye thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 10 RIALS. Watermark: Sultan and electrotype 10. Printer: (G&D). 160 x 76 mm.
a. 1431 H / 2010 G. Signature 2. Intro: Feb. 2012.

Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Oman new 50-rial commemorative note (B235) confirmed

On 9 January 2012, the Central Bank of Oman issued a new 50-rial (US$130) note to commemorate the 40th National Day (18 November), the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father in 1970. It is also the sultan’s birthday.

The statement issued by CBO pointed out that this new banknote shall be in circulation as legal tender along with the existing banknotes, which shall continue to remain legal tender, and circulated side by side with these new notes. The common and security features on the front of the upgraded issue are portrait of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said with the facsimile signature of His Majesty on the lower part of the note, watermark of His Majesty portrait on the left side of the note, the national emblem (Khanjar) on top of the note, the Central Bank of Oman in Arabic on top of the note, serial numbers on right and left side of the note, denomination in Arabic on the right and left sides of the note, recognition feature for the blind and vertical security thread in the middle of the note.

The back of the note includes the Central Bank of Oman in English on top side of the note, denomination in English on right and left side of the note and the 40th National Day logo.

The security features on the front of the note represent in intaglio portrait of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, twin step window, holographic element (Main Entrance of the Central Bank of Oman), tactile feature for the blind, color-shift / color fix magnetic windowed security thread, micro lettering, three dimensional mould - made watermark portrait, perfect see through register, electrotype watermark and spark OVMI feature.


B235 (P47): 50 rials (US$130)
Purple. Front: Crown; crown as registration device; Ministry of Finance and Economy building; Sultan Qaboos bin Said; Mirani Fort; coat of arms with crossed swords and khanjar (dagger); main entrance of the CBO headquarters. Back: Cabinet building; Ministry of Commerce and Industry building; 40th National Day logo; crown. varifeye thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 50 RIALS. Watermark: Sultan and electrotype 50. Printer: (G&D). 174 x 76 mm.
a. 1431 H / 2010 G. Signature 2. Intro: Feb. 2012.

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla, Thomas Krause and Hartmut Fraunhoffer.

Armenia new 5,000- and 10,000-dram notes reported

According to an Armenian News-NEW.am article dated 29 February 2012, the Central Bank of Armenia will introduce new 5,000- and 10,000-dram notes in the coming months. Images of the new notes were not made available due to security measures, but there will not be many changes between the new and old banknotes, which will circulate in parallel. The 5,000-dram (US$13) note was first introduced in 2000, and Omron rings were added in 2003, the same year the 10,000-dram denomination made its debut.

Courtesy of Jay Mollindo.

Iraq to revalue dinar and introduce new notes in September 2012

According to an artilce in The Kurdish Globe dated 25 February 2012, the Central Bank of Iraq has agreed with the Economic Committee of the Iraqi parliament to introduce new banknotes in September 2012, and withdrawl old notes within a year of that date. The new notes will be denominated in dinars, which will have three zeros removed to revalue them 1:1000 compared to the existing notes. The new 50-, 100-, and 200-dinar notes will be printed in Europe and feature Arabic, English, and Kurdish text.

Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 9-page catalog covers notes issued by the Central Bank of Yemen from 1973 to present. Revised 31 March 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Democratic Republic of Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Democratic Republic of Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Yemen from 1984 to 1988. Revised 31 March 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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South Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The South Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the South Arabian Currency Authority from 1965 to 1967. Revised 31 March 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Arab Republic of Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Arab Republic of Yemen chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Arab Republic of Yemen from 1964 to 1971. Revised 22 March 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Jordan new sig/date (2011) 1-dinar note (B229f) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2011.00.00_B229f_P34_fJordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2011.00.00_B229f_P34_r
Like B229e, but new date (2011) and signatures (Dr. Mohammad Abu Hamour, Minister of Finance; Al-Sharif Faris Sharaf, Governor).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Collect Numis Ltd.

Georgia new sig/date (2011) 5-lari note confirmed

Georgia_NBG_5_L_2011.00.00_B48c_P70_C_68961115_sig
5 lari (US$3), 2011. Like NBG B48 (P70), but new signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Dmitri Gvinadze) and date.

Courtesy of Дмитрий Чохонелидзе and Dmitry Zagorenko (http://bonistica.ru).

Saudi Arabia names new governor of SAMA


According to a post on the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council dated 13 December 2011, King Abdullah appointed Dr. Fahad Al-Mubarak as governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, taking over from Muhammad Al-Jaser. As the governor’s signature appears on SAMA banknotes, it’s likely that this move may mean that new signature varieties can be expected eventually.

Courtesy of Dr. Ghassan Samman.

United Arab Emirates new 500-dirham note (B232a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2011.00.00_B232a_P32c_131_000087_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2011.00.00_B232a_P32c_131_000087_r
According to an article on Khaleej Times, on 29 November 2011, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates introduced a revised 500-dirham (US$136) note with new security features.

The new notes are like the preceding issues (B224), but the holographic stripe at right front has been replaced by G&D’s varifeye thread with see-through window. Extending throughout the window is an optically-variable stripe showing the National Emblem, a falcon head and denomination value. The old windowed metallic thread on the back of the note is replaced with a broader 3-mm wide color-shifting window thread with demetalized UAE 500. The metallic ink surrounding the UAE emblem on the top portion of the obverse side is replaced by multicolor ink print. The metallic silver ink at the bottom left of the banknote is replaced by a multicolor latent image. The falcon on the reverse side of the note is made smaller, and there is no intaglio printing on the reverse side of the banknote.

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun and Claudio Marana.

Iraq denies rumor of new 50,000-dinar note

According to an article in Alsabaah Daily, the Central Bank of Iraq is planning to issue a 50,000-dinar (US$42.77) note to facilitate transactions. It plans to restart the issue of coins too. The new issues will not affect the redenomination plans, which will take more than one year to be implemented.

The plans mentioned above were denied in an article dated 11 November 2011 on The Currency Newshound, in which an anonymous source states that the bank is actually planning to redenominate its currency by removing three zeros from the dinar.

Courtesy of Mosab K Ibrahim.



Armenia new 1,000-dram note confirmed



According to a News.am article dated 29 September 2011, the Central Bank of Armenia plans to issue a new 1,000-dram (US$2.67) banknote dated 2011 like the preceding issues dated 2001 (P50), but with a holographic stripe at left front. The note is printed without imprint by Enschede on paper produced by Landqart.

PNL 1,000 dram
Green and light rose. Front: Writer Yeghishe Charents; Mount Ararat. Back: Old Yerevan building; carriage with driver and two horses. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized AMD 1000. Watermark: Yeghishe Charents and electrotype 1000. Printer: (JEZ). 136 x 72 mm.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Iraq new date (2010) 25,000-dinar note confirmed


25,000 dinars (US$21.40), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P96c, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Georgia new sig/date (2011) 20-lari note confirmed


20 lari (US$12.10), 2011. Like P72, but new date and signatures (Giorgi Kadagidze and Kakha Baindurashvili). Intro: 06.06.2011.

Jordan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Jordan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 21-page catalog covers notes issued by the The Hashemite Kingdom of the Jordan from 1950 to 1952; and the Central Bank of Jordan from 1965 to present. Revised 10 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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The Challenge: Identify items on back of Jordan 5-dinar note

Today’s challenge is to identify the items which appear on the back of the old 5-dinar notes of Jordan.

If you can precisely identify the name of these items—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

At left is a registration device that looks like an urn, vase, or maybe even the top of a chess piece, and at right are plants that look like cattails. These appear on the back of all 5-dinar notes from 1992 to 1997 (Pick 25 and Pick 30):

IDENTIFIED: Monastery tomb urn on top of Ed-Deir Monastery in Petra. See also this photo.
IDENTIFED: Cattails.

Courtesy of Tristan Williams and Alessio Amato.

Austrian banknote firm may pull out of Syria contract

According to an Associated Press report dated 5 August 2011, OeBS (Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck, Austria) is reviewing its contract to provide banknotes to the Central Bank of Syria. The Austria Press Agency reported that printing company OeBS—a subsidiary of Oesterreichischen Nationalbank, Austria’s central bank—has nearly completed the 2008 contract it has with Syria, and may pull out of the troubled country due to international pressure in the wake of the crackdown on protests against President Bashar Assad’s regime.



Iraq new date (2010) 10,000-dinar note confirmed

10,000 dinars (US$8.50), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P95, but new date.

Courtesy of Haider Saffar.

Qatar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Qatar chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Qatar Monetary Agency from 1973 to 1985, and the Qatar Central Bank from 1996 to present. Revised 21 July 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Iraq new date (2010) 25,000-dinar note confirmed


25,000 dinars (US$21.40), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P96, but new date.

Courtesy of Haider Saffar.

Iran asking citizens to vote on new name for its currency

According to an article in the Washington Post dated 16 July 2011, the Central Bank of Iran is taking a poll to gauge the public's preferences for new names for the country’s currency, including the current rial, as well as historic names such as toman, parsi, and derik. The bank is also asking how many zeros should be removed from the currency if and when the government approves redenomination, a proposal that has been bandied about for years.



Iraq new date (2010) 5,000-dinar note confirmed


5,000 dinars (US$4.25), ٢٠١٠ - ١٤٣١ (2010/AH1431). Like P94b, but new date.

Courtesy of Haider Saffar.

Palestine chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Palestine chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 4-page catalog covers notes issued by the Palestine Currency Board from 1927 to 1945. Revised 2 October 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Israel new sig/date (2010) 200-new sheqalim confirmed


200 new sheqalim (US$59.15), 2010. Like P62, but new date and new signature. Intro: June 2011.

In accordance with Section 42(a) of the Bank of Israel Law, new banknotes printed henceforth shall bear the facsimile signature only of the Governor (hitherto banknotes carried the facsimile signatures of the Governor and of the Chairman of the Advisory Council, which no longer exists under the new Law).

Courtesy of Andrew Quirke.

Muscat and Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Muscat and Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman in 1970. Revised 23 October 2014.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Oman chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 13-page catalog covers notes issued by the Oman Currency Board in 1972, and the Central Bank of Oman from 1976 to present. Revised 28 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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United Arab Emirates collector's article

I recommend reading this interesting article, UAE currency: a history lesson in your wallet, in the 27 June 2011 edition of The National.

Iraq planning to delete zeros from dinar

According to an article in Alsumaria, on 23 June 2011 the Central Bank of Iraq announced it is planning to delete zeros from the Iraqi dinar, and add Kurdish to the Arabic text on the notes.

Said the adviser of Iraqi Central Bank governor Mothahhar Mohammed Saleh, “The project of deleting zeroes is complete. It will be submitted to the central bank’s administration in the next session. Then, it will be passed to the ministerial council before presenting it to the Parliament for vote. The mechanisms of changing the currency will be gradual. It will be preceded by awareness campaigns for citizens. The new currency will be printed after deleting the zeros and will include the Kurdish language in addition to the Arabic language. It will bear as well photos of Iraq’s civilizations and patrimony in addition to symbols of Iraqi intellectuals and figures.”

There have been similar reports of revaluing the dinar since 2007, but to date none have come to fruition.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Kuwait chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Kuwait chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the Kuwait Currency Board in 1961, and the Central Bank of Kuwait from 1970 to present. Revised 18 May 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Saudi Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Saudi Arabia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 11-page catalog covers notes issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency from 1953 to present. Revised 29 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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United Arab Emirates chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The United Arab Emirates chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the United Arab Emirates Currency Board from 1973 to 1976, and the United Arab Emirates Central Bank from 1982 to present. Revised 4 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Georgia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Georgia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 19-page catalog covers notes issued by the Republic of Georgia from 1919 to 1921, and the National Bank of Georgia from 1993 to present. Revised 29 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Georgia 500-lari note information sought



While working on the Georgian chapter of The Banknote Book catalog, the authenticity of the above pictured 500-lari note dated 1995 came into question. The SCWPM lists this as Pick 60, without image, and indicates the note was unissued. The National Bank of Georgia makes no mention of this note on its site, although this denomination is listed in the annual report of 1998, which shows zero such notes in circulation, so it appears the denomination was anticipated but unissued for some reason. I’ve also been told that the note may have been issued for intrabank transactions only.

UPDATE: The National Bank of Georgia has confirmed that the 500-lari banknote was never in circulation nor sold for numismatics and that it is used only for souvenir purposes.

Palestine and Israel currency issues

There’s an interesting article on Hudson New York dated 25 May 2011 discussing the implications of Palestine attempting to declare independence from Israel and issue its own currency.

Bahrain chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Bahrain chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 9-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bahrain Currency Board in 1964, the Bahrain Monetary Agency from 1973 to 2001, and the Central Bank of Bahrain from 2006 to present. Revised 24 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

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Qatar & Dubai chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Qatar & Dubai chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for free.

This 3-page catalog covers notes issued by the Qatar & Dubai Currency Board from 1966 to 1973. Revised 25 January 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

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Israel chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Israel chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 25-page catalog covers notes issued by Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited from 1948, the State of Israel from 1948, Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. (Israel National Bank Ltd.) from 1952, and the Bank of Israel from 1955 to present. Revised 8 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

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Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2009) 1-riyal note (B130b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2009.00.00_B130b_P31_492_323420_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2009.00.00_B130b_P31_492_323420_r
Like B130a, but new date (١٤٣٠/2009) and new signatures (Muhammad Al-Jaser and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Iran considering revaluing its currency, yet again

According to an article in Tehran Times dated 7 April 2011, Mahmoud Bahmani, the governor of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said the bank has begun studying plans to remove four zeros from the rial, and will seek approval from the Monetary and Credit Council within six months. Meanwhile, the Finance and Economy Minister, Shamseddin Hosseini, recently said the bank is planning to remove three zeros from the currency within the current calendar year which started on March 21. Currently Iran’s largest banknote is the 100,000-rial note (US$9.60), although it has also issued note-like cheques in denominations ten times that amount.

Iran has been discussing revaluing the rial for years, so it’s anyone’s guess as to whether anything will come of this latest announcement.

Israel new notes to feature poets, not politicians

According to a press release dated 10 March 2011, the Bank of Israel has announced that poets and scholars—specifically, Natan Alterman, Leah Goldberg, Shaul Tchernichovsky, and Rachel the Poetess—will be featured on new Israeli banknotes which will be issued over three years, starting in 2012. The bank’s choices must be approved by the government.

Lebanon three new notes confirmed

According to an article on El Nashra, the Bank of Lebanon issued new 1,000-, 50,000-, and 100,000-pound (US0.65, $33, and $66, respectively) notes on 24 February 2011. The notes are signed by the bank's governor, Riad Salameh, and the first deputy governor, Raed Sharaf al-Din.



1,000 livres
Green. Front: Cedar tree; alphabetic characters. Back: Cedar tree; alphabetic characters. 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BDL 1000. Watermark: Coat of arms and electrotype ١٠٠٠. Printer: (Goznak). 115 x 60 mm. Dated ٢٠١١ (2011).

1000 LBP:
  • Special Reinforced Banknote Paper
  • Varnishing
  • One Side Intaglio
  • Tactile Features. High Relief print (denomination value, inscription: Banque Du Liban, One thousand pounds, signatures of the Governor and Sub Governor, date of issue)
  • Colorless Tactile Element. Colorless Embossed inscription BDL with microtext “Banque Du Liban” located in letter D. Perfect Registration between horizontal tactile lines and embossed inscription BDL, can be felt by touch.
  • Mark for Blind People.
  • Watermark. Represent Coat of Arms of the Lebanese Republic and the note value when note is exposed to transmitted light – Electrotype Watermark of denomination
  • Security Thread. 3mm color shift security thread – Magenta to Green when note is tilted.
  • Special Large Color Shifting Element on Upper right hand corner - MVC: evenly printed unified green area – changes to yellow and green rainbow lines with latent image of the cedar when note is tilted/rotated.
  • Special Large Arabic color shifting Denomination in Center of the Note: changes color when banknote is tiled/rotated (MVC Chameleon).
  • Under IR. Part of the Intaglio image on the obverse and offset image on the reverse of the note becomes transparent when it is observed under special IR visualization device.
  • Under Magnification. Microtext. Microlettering that becomes visible only under magnifying lens (10x).



50,000 livres
Violet, blue, and light green. Front: Cedar tree; stylized boat. Back: Cedar tree; diamond guilloche pattern on wavy lines. Windowed Motion security thread. Watermark: Coat of arms and electrotype ٥٠٠٠٠. Printer: (Goznak). 140 x 77 mm. Dated ٢٠١١ (2011).

50,000 LBP
  • Special Reinforced Banknote Paper.
  • Varnishing
  • One Side Intaglio
  • Tactile Features. High Relief print (denomination value, inscription: Banque Du Liban, fifty thousand pounds, signatures of the Governor and Sub Governor, date of issue)
  • Colorless Tactile Element. Colorless Embossed inscription BDL with microtext “Banque Du Liban” located in letter D. Perfect Registration between horizontal tactile lines and embossed inscription BDL, can be felt by touch.
  • Mark for Blind People.
  • Watermark. Represent Coat of Arms of the Lebanese Republic and the note value when note is exposed to transmitted light - Electrotype Watermark of denomination
  • Security Thread. Wide security micro-optic based security thread - Motion. Inscription LL in Arabic moves when note is tilted.
  • Special Large Color Shifting Element on Upper right hand corner - MVC: evenly printed unified blue area – changes to yellow and blue rainbow lines with latent image of the cedar when note is tilted/rotated.
  • Special Large Arabic color shifting Denomination in Center of the Note: changes color when banknote is tiled/rotated (MVC Chameleon).
  • Under IR. Part of the Intaglio image on the obverse and offset image on the reverse of the note becomes transparent when it is observed under special IR visualization device.
  • Under Magnification. Microtext. Microlettering that becomes visible only under magnifying lens (10x).



100,000 livres
Light green, light blue, and yellow. Front: Cedar tree. Back: Cedar tree; stylized grapes, wheat, and spool of thread. Windowed Motion security thread. Watermark: Coat of arms and electrotype ١٠٠٠٠٠. Printer: (Goznak). 147 x 82 mm. Dated ٢٠١١ (2011).

100,000 LBP
  • Special Reinforced Banknote Paper.
  • Varnishing
  • One Side Intaglio
  • Tactile Features. High Relief print (denomination value, inscription: Banque Du Liban, One Hundred thousand pounds, signatures of the Governor and Sub Governor, date of issue)
  • Colorless Tactile Element. Colorless Embossed inscription BDL with microtext “Banque Du Liban” located in letter D. Perfect Registration between horizontal tactile lines and embossed inscription BDL, can be felt by touch.
  • Mark for Blind People.
  • Watermark. Represent Coat of Arms of the Lebanese Republic and the note value when note is exposed to transmitted light - Electrotype Watermark of denomination
  • Security Thread. Wide security micro-optic based security thread - Motion. Inscription LL in Arabic moves when note is tilted.
  • Demetallized Holographic Stripe with various visual effects
  • Special Large Color Shifting Element on Upper right hand corner – MVC - evenly printed unified greenish area – changes to yellow and Green rainbow lines with latent image of the cedar when note is tilted/rotated.
  • Special Large Arabic color shifting Denomination in Center of the Note: changes color when banknote is tiled/rotated (MVC Chameleon).
  • Under IR. Part of the Intaglio image on the obverse and offset image on the reverse of the note becomes transparent when it is observed under special IR visualization device.
  • Under Magnification. Microtext. Microlettering that becomes visible only under magnifying lens (10x).

Courtesy of Hussein Guevera and Jad Dagher.

Iran new 500-rial note confirmed



500 rials (US$0.05), no date. Introduced 1999. Like P137A, but signature 28 (Moshen Nourbakhsh and Hossein Namazi), and text on back reads “CENTRAL BANK OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN” instead of “ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN BANK MARKAZI IRAN.”

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Kuwait new signature 1/2-dinar note confirmed


1/2 dinar (US$1.80), L .1968. Like Pick 24, but new signature 14 (Salem Abdul Aziz Sa’ud al-Sabah and Mustafa Jassim Al-Shamali).

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Israel new note honorees unveiled

According to a press release dated 19 December 2010, “The Governor of the Bank of Israel, Professor Stanley Fischer, has informed the Committee for the Planning of Banknotes, Coins and Commemorative Coins, headed by Judge Yaacov Turkel, that he has chosen four personalities [Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Rabin, Shai (Shmuel Yosef) Agnon, and Rachel the Poetess]––to be submitted for government approval––to appear on the planned new series of banknotes.
After a long process of consultation and discussions between the Committee and the Governor, the Governor decided to incorporate two aspects of Israel's history, the political and the cultural, by depicting two politicians who signed peace agreements with Israel's neighbors, and two outstanding people in the fields of literature and poetry.
The Governor said that it was of historical importance, in particular for future generations, to denote the leaders of the nation, and the characters chosen convey an important lesson in Israel's heritage. The Governor thanked the members of the Committee, chaired by Judge Turkel, for the time they devoted to this matter and for their recommendations.
The Bank plans to launch the new series of banknotes in 2012 in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekel. The new banknotes will incorporate state-of-the-art security and identification features among the anti-counterfeiting measures.”

Courtesy of Bryce W. Denham.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2009) 5-riyal note (B131b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2009.00.00_B131b_P32_174_772900_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2009.00.00_B131b_P32_174_772900_r
Like B131a, but new date (١٤٣٠/2009) and new signatures (Muhammad Al-Jaser and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Dr. Ghassan Samman.

Jordan new sig/date (2010) 5-dinar note (B230d) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2010.00.00_B230d_P35_fJordan_CBJ_5_dinars_2010.00.00_B230d_P35_r
Like B230c, but new date (2010 ٢٠١٠) and new signature combination (Mohammad Abu Hammour and Umayya Salah Toukan).

Courtesy of Armen Hovsepian.

United Arab Emirates new 5-dirham note (B226a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2009.00.00_B226a_P26a_016_952601_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2009.00.00_B226a_P26a_016_952601_r
B226 (P26): 5 dirhams (US$1.35)
Brown. Front: Arabic text; coat of arms; Blue Souk in Sharjah. Back: English text; Saker falcon; Bay of Khorfakkan in Fujairah; tower. Solid security thread with demetalized UAE 5. Watermark: Saker falcon head. Printer: (Unknown). 143 x 60 mm. a. ١٤٣٠ (AH1430)/2009. Sig. 3. Horizontal left s/n. Prefix 000 - 090.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Oman new 20-rial commemorative note (B232) confirmed


B232 (P46): 20 rials (US$52)
Blue, yellow, and purple. Front: Coat of arms with crossed swords and khanjar (dagger); Grand Mosque; Sultan Qaboos bin Said; main entrance of the CBO headquarters. Back: Royal Opera House building; 40th National Day logo; coat of arms. varifeye thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 20 RIALS. Watermark: Sultan and electrotype 20. Printer: (G&D). 167 x 76 mm. 1431 H / 2010 G. Signature 4. Intro: 22.11.2010.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong and Thomas Augustsson.

The Challenge: Iranian/Persian symbolism help sought


I’m working on the Iranian chapter of The Banknote Book and have come across this interesting engraving on the front of Pick 30, the 1,000-rial note of 1934. The image—described in SCWPM as “warrior killing fabulous creature”—also appears on the date stamps of subsequent issues. I suspect it depicts some Persian legend or myth. If anyone can direct me towards a full explanation, hopefully identifying the warrior and/or creature by name, I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

IDENTIFIED: Darius the Great stabbing Ahriman monster from stone relief at Persepolis.

Courtesy of Raphael.

Jordan's central bank announces new governor


On 25 November 2010, the Central Bank of Jordan announced it has a new governor. Faris Sharaf, who replaces Dr. Umayya Toukan. As a result, we may expect to see new signature varieties issued shortly.

Courtesy of Mahdi Bseiso.

Bahrain new variety 1/2-dinar note (B212c) confirmed

Bahrain_BMA_0.50_dinar_1973.00.00_B212b_P18_fBahrain_BMA_0.50_dinar_1973.00.00_B212c_P18_f
Like B212b (top), but the security thread has six, not five, “windows” that are 4.0-mm long, not 5.5-mm long. Also, the prefix font is different.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2009) 50-riyal note (B133b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2009.00.00_B133b_P34b_110_494439_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2009.00.00_B133b_P34b_110_494439_r
Like B133a, but new date (١٤٣٠/2009) and new Governor signature (Muhammad Al-Jaser). Also, the denomination expressed in Arabic in the bars at left and right edge of the front of the note has been slightly modified. In the first issue of this note, the trailing zero was so small that it blended in with the tiny boxes in the background (above, left), but the new variety has a larger zero which stands out better (above, right).

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn.

Yemen new 1,000-rial note (B129) confirmed

The Central Bank of Yemen introduced a new 1,000-rial note that is similar to the 2004-dated note (B126), but dated 2009 and with improved security features, including the replacement of the holographic stripe on front for Goznak’s Visual Formed Image security thread previously introduced on the 250-rial note of 2009.


1,000 rials (US$4.65)
Yellow and green. Front: Sultan’s palace in Seiyun, Hadramaut. Back: Bab al Yemen (main gate of Sana’a). Holographic security thread with demetalized ١٠٠٠. Watermark: Coat of arms and electrotype ١٠٠٠. Printer: (Goznak). 156 x 83 mm. ٢٠٠٩/١٤٣٠ (2009/AH1430). Signature 10. Intro: August 2010.

Courtesy of Manuel Rui Palhares.



Palestine considers issuing its own currency

The National Interest has an article dated 17 September 2010 that summarizes a new subscriber-only article in The Monacle in which Chairman Jihadal-Wazir reveals the Palestine Monetary Authority is planning to introduce its own currency, the Palestinian pound, perhaps in 2011.

Azerbaijan new 1-manat note (B401a) confirmed

In connection with coming into force of the Referendum Act of Azerbaijan Republic dated 18 March 2009, Azerbaycan Milli Banki (National Bank of Azerbaijan) was renamed Azerbaycan Merkezi Banki (Central Bank of Azerbaijan). To date, only the 1-manat note has been issued.



1 manat (US$1.25), 2009. Like P24, but new bank name of Azerbaycan Merkezi Banki instead of Azerbaycan Milli Banki, and new date. Signature remains the same: Elman Rustamov.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Alberto Fochi.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2009) 100-riyal note (B134b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2009.00.00_B134b_P35b_258_649447_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2009.00.00_B134b_P35b_258_649447_r
Like B134a, but new date (١٤٣٠/2009) and signatures (Muhammad Al-Jaser and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Dr. Ghassan Samman.

Saudi Arabia new sig/date (2009) 500-riyal note (B135b) confirmed

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2009.00.00_B135b_P36b_203_157697_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2009.00.00_B135b_P36b_203_157697_r
Like B135a, but new date (١٤٣٠/2009) and signatures (Muhammad Al-Jaser and Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Assaf).

Courtesy of Ghassan Samman.

United Arab Emirates new 20-dirham note (B228a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2009.00.00_B228a_P28c_001_780801_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2009.00.00_B228a_P28c_001_780801_r
20 dirhams (US$5.40), 2009. Like B216c, but new date, new signatures, and new coat of arms.

Courtesy of Amirali Somji.

Syria new 50-, 100-, and 200-pound notes confirmed


50 pounds (US$1.05), 2009.
Blue and tan. Front: Ancient writing on clay tablets from Ebla. Back: Library of Hafiz Al Assad in Damascus; statue of Hafiz Al Assad. Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS 50. Watermark: Horse head and electrotype 50. Printer: Unknown. 135 x 65 mm.


100 pounds (US$2.15), 2009.
Red and tan. Front: Ancient Roman theater and archway of main gate at Bosra. Back: Safe from Umayyad Mosque in Damascus; Central Bank of Syria headquarters building; ancient coin. Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS 100. Watermark: Horse head and electrotype 100. Printer: Unknown. 140 x 65 mm.


200 pounds (US$4.30), 2009.
Tan and green. Front: Norias (waterwheels) of Hama on the Orontes River. Back: Ceiling of Temple Bel in Palmyra. Windowed security thread with demetalized CBS 200. Watermark: Horse head and electrotype 200. Printer: Unknown. 145 x 65 mm.

These three notes were issued on 27 July 2010 and are dated 2009. They are signed by Adib Mayaleh, Governor and Mohammad Naji Al-Otri, Minister of Economy.

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Armenia new sig/date (2009) 5,000- and 20,000-dram note confirmed


5,000 dram (US$13.65), 2009. Like P51, but new date and new signatures.


20,000 dram (US$54.60), 2009. Like P53, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Armen Hovsepian (www.MEBanknotes.com).

Iran new 100,000-rial note confirmed


According to a Bloomberg BusinessWeek article dated 16 June 2010, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a new 100,000-rial (US$10) note on 22 June. Governor Mahmoud Bahmani said the bank will print at least 150 million of the new notes, though he promised it won’t increase the inflation rate (currently around 10 percent). The new banknotes will reduce the need for cheques (banknote-like documents available in denominations of half- and one-million rials) that Iranians buy from banks to use in large transactions. Cheques are transferred between individuals in the same way as cash, but are canceled when presented at banks for deposit.

Green. Front: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Back: Lines from Gulistan (The Rose Garden), a poem by Saadi; trees and Saadi’s tomb in Shiraz. Solid security thread with printed Arabic text and windowed security thread with demetalized 100000. Watermark: Ruhollah Khomeini and electrotype 100000. Printer: Unknown. 166 x 79 mm. No date. Signature unknown. Intro: 22.06.2010.

Courtesy of Saeed Abdullah, Abdullah Beydoun, and Armen Hovsepian.

Palestine contemplating its own currency

According to a Washington Post article dated 31 May 2010, Palestine is preparing to issue its own currency to replace the Israeli shekel and the Jordanian dinar.

Courtesy of Webb Linzmayer.

Iraq new date (2008) 25,000-dinar note confirmed


25,000 dinars (US$21.40), ٢٠٠٨ - ١٤٢٩ (2008/AH1429). Like Pick 96, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Iran new signature 5,000-rial note confirmed


5,000 rials (US$0.50), no date. Like Pick 145, but new signature (Ebrahim Sheibani and Danesh Jafari). Intro: March 2010.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri.

Iran new signature 50,000-rial note confirmed


50,000 rials (US$5.05), no date. Like Pick 149, but new signature (Mazaheri and Hosseini). Intro: March 2010.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri and Aminoroaaya.

Iran new signature 1,000-rial note confirmed


1,000 rials (US$0.10), no date. Like Pick 143, but new signature (Mazaheri and Danesh Jafari). Intro: March 2010.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri and Aminoroaaya.

Jordan new sig/date (2009) 1-dinar note (B229e) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2009.00.00_B229e_P34d_fJordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2009.00.00_B229e_P34d_r
Like B229d, but new date (AH 1430 / 2009) and new signatures (Mohammad Abo Hamoor and Ummaya Toukan).

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Iran new 1,000,000-rial cheque confirmed


1,000,000 rials (US$101.15), no date. Introduced 2010. Like million-rial cheque issued by the Central Bank of Iran in 2008, but new color scheme and signatures.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Iran to issue 100,000-rial notes by August 2010

According to a PressTV article dated 23 March 2010, “The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) will issue new 100,000-rial [US$10.11] banknotes within four months, says CBI Head Mahmoud Bahmani. ‘We have ordered 100,000-rial banknotes to be printed and people will get these notes within four months,’ said Bahmani on Monday, IRNA reported. Last week, the CBI announced that the bank plans to print 100,000-rial banknotes in the current Iranian year, which started on March 21. CBI Deputy Head Hamid Pourmohammadi says the decision was part of the bank's plan to slash three zeros off Iran's national currency. The head of Iran's Bank Tejarat, Majid-Reza Davari, said the decision was part of CBI's “monetary reform plan,” but analysts say rising inflation has led the government to issue high value banknotes, Fars News Agency reported.”

Iran new signature 2,000-rial note confirmed


2000 rials (US$0.20), no date. Like Pick 144, but new signature.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.


Kuwait new signature varities confirmed


All denominations of Kuwaiti notes with the exception of the 1/2 dinar and 10 dinar have now been confirmed with the new signature combination of Salem Abdul Aziz Sa’ud al-Sabah, Governor and Mustafa Jassim Al-Shamali, Minister of Finance.

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk.

Jordan new sig/date (2009) 50-dinar note (B234f) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2009.00.00_B234f_P38e_fJordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2009.00.00_B234f_P38e_r
Like B234e, but new date (AH 1430 / 2009) and new signatures (Basem Al-Salem and Umayya Salah Toukan).

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

United Arab Emirates new 200-dirham note (B230a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2008.00.00_B230a_P31b_002_000501_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2008.00.00_B230a_P31b_002_000501_r
B230 (P31): 200 dirhams (US$54)
Tan and gold. Front: Arabic text; Saker falcon head as registration device; coat of arms; Sheikh Zayed Sports City and Judicial Department and Sharia Court buildings in Abu Dhabi. Back: English text; Saker falcon; UAE Central Bank headquarters building in Abu Dhabi; Saker falcon head. Holographic stripe with denomination. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 200 and coffee pot. Printer: (Unknown). 159 x 68 mm. a. ١٤٢٩ (AH1429)/2008. Sig. 3. Prefix 000 - 038.

Courtesy of Amirali Somji.

Iraq to redenominate notes by end of 2010

According to a report on Radio Free Iraq dated 6 February 2010, the Central Bank of Iraq “is planning to redenominate the national currency in an effort to ease transactions and allow people to carry less paper money. Mudhhir Muhammad Salih, a member of a Central Bank advisory panel, told RFI that a plan has been made to remove three zeros from the currency and phase out the current banknotes late this year. Salih said by the end of 2010 the new banknotes will be fully introduced while the old banknotes will be gradually removed from circulation. He did not specify when the new notes would be issued. Both will be legal tender in Iraq until the old notes are completely withdrawn.”

Jordan new sig/date (2009) 20-dinar note (B233c) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2009.00.00_B233c_P37c_fJordan_CBJ_20_dinars_2009.00.00_B233c_P37c_r
Like B233b, but new date (AH 1430 / 2009) and new signatures (Mohammad Abo Hamoor and Ummaya Toukan).

Courtesy of Mahdi Bseiso.

Gulf Cooperation Council agrees to single currency

According to a Gulf News article dated 16 December 2009, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders concluded their annual two-day summit with an agreement to form a monetary union, paving the way for a single currency for Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia; Oman and the United Arab Emirates opted out. A monetary council is to be established in early 2010, and will transition into a central bank, which will eventually issue a single currency, though no timeline was announced.

Courtesy of Amirali Somji.

Israel announces new notes to be issued 2010-2012

According to an article on Haaretz.com, over the next two years the Bank of Israel will issue new banknotes featuring portraits of Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl and three former prime ministers: David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, and Yitzhak Rabin. The bank has decided against issuing a proposed NIS 500 (US$132) denomination.

The bank’s experiment with a NIS 20 (US$5.25) note printed on polymer is considered a success, so it’s possible the new notes will also be printed on polymer, though a decision on the substrate has not been announced. "With the new set of bills, the bank will be at the forefront of the technological stage on all matters related to the war against counterfeiting," the Bank of Israel said. "The security measures will be friendly to the public so that it will be possible, with relative ease, to spot counterfeit money."

Yemen new 250-rial note (B127) confirmed


The Central Bank of Yemen introduced a new 250-rial (US$1.20) note on 14 November 2009 with the following specifications:

General and Technical Specifications:
A- The size is 158 mm x 75 mm.
B - There is a water mark depicting the coat of arms of the Republic of Yemen located on the right hand side of the face of the banknote.
C- The YR 250 banknote has many features and elements enabling easy detection of its authenticity. They include:
1. The script is prominently printed on the banknote (intaglio) , giving it a distinctive roughness to the touch. The banknote shows the denomination value, the name of the Central Bank of Yemen and the signature of the Bank Governor.
2. There is a star at the bottom of the face of the banknote, half of which is brown while the other half is white.
3. The dome of the mosque appears in a uniform pink color when looking at the banknote directly. But if the banknote is slightly tilted, the color of the background of the dome changes into the colors of a rainbow and shows the denomination value.
4. When light is shed on the back of the banknote the thread stripe changes from a winding zigzagging silver form into dark straight broad black filament and the denomination value appears in white bright color all along the filament.
5. There are modern methods of detecting the authenticity of the banknote, such as by using counting and sorting machines or when the banknote is exposed to ultra violet rays.

Specifications of the Face of the Banknote:
A. A general view of Al-Saleh mosque with its name written at the bottom of the picture.
B. The phrase " Central Bank of Yemen" printed at the top center of the banknote, followed by "Central Bank of Yemen" then "Signature" above the word "Governor".
C. The denomination value is prominently printed in Arabic numbers at the bottom right hand side of the banknote. On the top right hand side of the banknote there are Islamic geometrical designs.
D. Letter-Press printing of the serial numbers printed in red ink at the top right hand side of the paper and in black ink at the bottom left hand side of the banknote.
E. Date of printing 1430 H - 2009 in Arabic.

Specifications of the back of the banknote:
A. A picture of the Mukalla Khor with its name depicted at the bottom of the Khor.
B. The name of the Central Bank of Yemen in English at the top center of the banknote.
C. Printing of the value of the denomination (250) in Arabic numbers at the top left hand side of the banknote and the bottom right hand side of the banknote.
D. Decorative Islamic geometric designs.
E. The back of the banknote contains several advanced security features some of them can be easily recognized by the man in the street, but others can only be detected by counting and sorting machines or when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda, Hamdy Alsamt, and Luca Maria Peri.

United Arab Emirates building new banknote plant

According to a GulfNew.com article dated 13.12.2009, the Central Bank of the UAE has announced it has begun building a security press to print banknotes. The plant is being built on a plot of land near the Central Bank building complex in Abu Dhabi. The plant will print all denominations of UAE dinar notes and will have excess capacity for future expansion and printing of notes for other countries in the region.

Lebanon new date (2008) 10,000-pound note confirmed


10,000 livres (US$6.70). Like Pick 86, but new date (2008).

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares.

Lebanon new date (2008) 5,000-pound note confirmed


5,000 livres (US$3.35). Like Pick 85, but new date (2008).

Courtesy of Banknoteshop.

Jordan new date (2008) 50-dinar note (B234e) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2008.00.00_B234e_P38_fJordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2008.00.00_B234e_P38_r
Like B234d, but new date (2008) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

United Arab Emirates new 1,000-dirham note (B231a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2008.00.00_B231a_P33b_001_597836_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_1000_dirhams_2008.00.00_B231a_P33b_001_597836_r
B231 (P33): 1,000 dirhams (US$272)
Brown. Front: Arabic text; Saker falcon head as registration device; coat of arms; Al Hosn Palace (White Fort) in Abu Dhabi. Back: English text; Saker falcon; Abu Dhabi skyline with Corniche; Saker falcon head. Holographic stripe with denomination. Windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 1000. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 1000 and coffee pot. Printer: (Unknown). 163 x 70 mm. a. ١٤٢٩ (AH1429)/2008. Sig. 3. Prefix 000 - 024.

Courtesy of David Murcek.

Iran new 20,000-rial note confirmed


20,000 rials (US$2).
Front like Pick 148, but with new signature combination of Bahmani and Hosseini. Back now depicts Masjid-ul Aqsa (Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem.

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares, Abdullah Beydoun, and Omer Yalcinkaya.

Iran new signature 2,000-rial note confirmed


2,000 rials (US$0.20). Like Pick 144, but new signatures.

I originally reported the signature combo as Mazaheri - Bahmani, basing my info on the signature table at Peter Symes’ excellent site, Islamicbanknotes.com. However, I have recently been contacted by Ali Nasseri who says:

The Islamicbanknotes.com has the signature of Hosseini - Bahmani that is correct, but has a mistake too!

Hosseini - Bahmani notes (2000, 5000, 20000 and 50000 Rials) put into circulation after "Danseh Jafari - Mazaheri - Sign 34" notes (2000, 20000 and 50000) and everybody has thought that they are sign 35, even me.

But, because Mr. Mazaheri was the preident of CBI, few month after Mr. Hosseini and before Mr. Bahmani, so the new 2000 Rls is printed before of all "Hosseini - Bahmani" notes (2000, 5000, 20000 and 50000 Rials), so, the new signature "Hosseini - Mazaheri" is printed former than "Hosseini - Bahmani".

I should tell frankly that the previous numeration is mistake and most rewrite according below:
Signature 34: "Danseh Jafari - Mazaheri" (As previous)
Signature 35: "Hosseini - Mazaheri" (new claim)
Signature 36: "Hosseini - Bahmani" (incorrect sign. 35)

Plus, you mentioned "Mazaheri - Bahmani" in your website. Those are both CBI's presidents. Where is the minister of finance's signature??? It is imposible that both of signatures belong to Central Bank presidents.

I corrected the signatures list and you can see them here.

Courtesy of Rui Manuel Palhares and Ali Nasseri.

United Arab Emirates new date (2008) 500-dirham note (B224c) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2008.00.00_B224c_P32b_512_519461_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_500_dirhams_2008.00.00_B224c_P32b_512_519461_r
Like B224b, but new date (١٤٢٩/2008). Prefix 512 - 862.

Courtesy of Sejin Ahn and Ricardo Castedo.

Armenia issues first ever 100,000-dram note

On 24 August 2009, the Central Bank of Armenia introduced a new 100,000-dram (US$264) note, now the largest denomination in this Eurasian nation.


Front: Royal flag depicting Jesus Christ; King Abgar V of Edessa; 1st-century regional map; crown; ancient coin. Back: Castles; disciple Thaddeus handing canvas of royal flag to King Abgar V; river. Kinegram foil stripe. Solid security thread and Cleartext windowed security thread with demetalized AMD 100000. Watermark: King Abgar V; electrotype 10000 and cross of king’s crown. Printer: (TDLR).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Armen Hovsepian.

Georgia new date (2008) 100-lari note confirmed


100 lari (US$60). Like Pick 74, but new date (2008) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Peter Kelly.

Lebanon new date (2008) 1,000-pound note confirmed


1,000 livres (US$0.65). Like Pick 84, but new date (2008).
 
Courtesy of Rui Palhares.

Iran issues new 5,000-rial note featuring Omid satellite


On 19 July 2009, the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran introduced a new 5,000-rial (US$0.50) banknote with images of Omid, Iran’s first domestically-produced research and telecommunications satellite, which was launched into space on February 3. "In order to commemorate its achievements in space sciences the government has given permission to the central bank to use pictures of the Omid satellite and its rocket launcher on both banknotes and coins," the Abrar newspaper said.

The new undated note measures 154 x 75 mm and features a portrait of Imam Khomeini on front and the Omid satellite and earth on back. The watermark is of Khomeini, with a 0.5-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized denomination in Persian and Latin.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri.

United Arab Emirates new date (2008) 100-dirham note (B229a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_100_dirhams_2008.00.00_B229a_P30d_006_444060_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_100_dirhams_2008.00.00_B229a_P30d_006_444060_r
B229 (P30d): 100 dirhams (US$27)
Red. Front: Arabic text; coat of arms; Fahidi Fort in Dubai with silver foil stamp of castle tower. Back: English text; Saker falcon; Trade Centre Tower in Dubai. Windowed security thread with demetalized UAE 100. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 100 and coffee pot. Printer: (Unknown). 155 x 66 mm. a. ١٤٢٩ (AH1429)/2008. Sig. 3. Prefix 000 - 083.

Courtesy of Peter Symes.

Jordan new sig/date (2007) 10-dinar note (B232b) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2007.00.00_B232b_P36_fJordan_CBJ_10_dinars_2007.00.00_B232b_P36_r
Like B232a, but new date (2007) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Georgia 2002 10-lari error note confirmed


The 10-lari note dated 2002 (Pick 71) has been discovered to have an error in the spelling of the denomination on the back. Specifically, it was incorrectly spelled “Fen Lari” (middle image) instead of “Ten Lari” (bottom image). This mistake was corrected in later printings also dated 2002.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Thomas Augustsson.

Syria revised 1,000-pound notes dated 1998 confirmed



Recently a new variety of the 1,000-pound (US$21.40) note, Pick 111a (top), have been confirmed. The new variety (bottom), has a small map in circle added to back, below “CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA.” Both notes are dated 1997.

Courtesy of Besher Ghannam.

Syria revised 500-pound notes dated 1998 confirmed




Recently two new varieties of the 500-pound (US$10.70) note, Pick 110a (top), have been confirmed. The first variety (middle), has a small map in circle added to back, below “CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA.” The second variety (bottom), has the small map, plus a row of leaves added at center bottom, above “FIVE HUNDRED SYRIAN POUNDS,” and the denomination numerals at lower right. All three notes are dated 1998.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net and Besher Ghannam.

Jordan new date (2008) 1- and 5-dinar notes confirmed


Like B229c, but new date, new signatures, and change to the Arabic characters at top left on front (see details below).


Detail from 1-dinar dated 2005.


Detail from 1-dinar dated 2008.


Like B230b, but new date, new signatures, and change to the Arabic characters at top left on front.

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Georgia new date (2008) 20-lari note confirmed


Like P72, but new date (2008) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Dmitriy Litvak.

United Arab Emirates new date (2008) 50-dirham note (B221c) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2008.00.00_B221c_P29c_204_441933_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_50_dirhams_2008.00.00_B221c_P29c_204_441933_r
Like B221b, but new date (١٤٢٩/2008). Prefix 204 - 364.

Courtesy of Michael Reissner.

Qatar withdrawing old 100- and 500-rial notes

According to a Gulf Times article dated February 25, 2009, Qatar’s 100- and 500-rial notes originally issued in 2003 (Pick 24 and 25, respectively) can be exchanged for new notes at all banks through June 15; for ten years afterwards they can be redeemed only at the Qatar Central Bank. The old notes are being withdrawn in favor of the new versions of these denominations which were issued in 2007 with wide Optiks security threads.

Azerbaijan will not revise notes with new bank name

According to a Trend Capital report dated 18 February 2009, “The Azerbaijani current banknotes in circulation and money reserves created on basis of banknotes will not be changed or replaced in connection with renaming the National Bank of Azerbaijan into the Central Bank according to the constitutional amendments, the NBA said. ‘Depending on results of referendum, changes can be made to banknotes in circulation and new face-values in case of request. Banknotes in circulation will be legal way of payment until their circulation term ends,’ the bank said.”

Georgia new date (2008) 5-lari note confirmed


5 lari (US$3), 2008. Like P70, but new date and new signatures. 115 x 61 mm.

Courtesy of Krassimir Dimitrov.

Georgia issues revised 10- and 50-lari notes dated 2008




On 9 December 2008, the National Bank of Georgia introduced 10- and 50-lari notes dated 2008. The notes are similar to earlier issues of the same denominations, but have enhanced security features. The new 10-lari note has two relief inscriptions of the nominal value 10 imprinted above the oak-leaf on the front. Also, the numeral 10 is printed with OVI for a color-changing optical effect when the banknote is tilted.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Dmitriy Litvak.

United Arab Emirates new date (2007) 20-dirham note (B216c) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2007.00.00_B216c_P21c_207_026371_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_20_dirhams_2007.00.00_B216c_P21c_207_026371_r
Like B216b, but new date (2007) and watermark Saker falcon head with electrotype 20 and coffee pot. Prefix 197 - 327..

Courtesy of Rafal Nogowczyk.

Iran revised 2,000-rial note confirmed



Like P144, but new signature.

2,000 rials (US$0.20)
Pink and dark yellow. Front: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Back: Ka’aba at the Holy Mosque in Mecca. Microprinted solid security thread. Watermark: Khomeini. 150 x 72 mm. No date. Signature: Davood Danesh Djafari and Tahmasb Mazaheri. Introduced 25.09.2008.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri.

United Arab Emirates new date (2007) notes (B214c, B215c) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2004.00.00_B214c_P19c_086_960017_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_5_dirhams_2004.00.00_B214c_P19c_086_960017_r
5 dirhams (US$1.35), 2007. Like B214b, but new date.

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2004.00.00_B215c_P20c_105_786415_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_10_dirhams_2004.00.00_B215c_P20c_105_786415_r
10 dirhams (US$2.70), 2007. Like B215b, but new date.

Courtesy of David Murcek.

Iran issues 500,000- and 1-million rial cheques

In August 2008, the central bank issued new cheques, which it claims are not banknotes although they are legal tender just as if they were. They were introduced to replace the array of high-denomination promissory notes which private banks had been issuing to enable their customers to carry out large transactions and which are now banned as the central bank has moved to reassert control over the money supply.


500,000 rials (US$51.90)
Dark pink and brown. Front: Main gate of Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad. Back: Calligraphic text; Islamic design of flower. 2.5-mm microprinted windowed security thread. Watermark: Hakim Aboul-ghasem Ferdowsi. 160 x 75 mm. No date (2008). Signature: CBI president, Mr. Tahmasb Mazaheri. Introduced 16.08.2008.


1,000,000 rials (US$104)
Light blue and light brown. Front: Tachar Palace-Perspolis ruins in Shiraz. Back: Calligraphic text; Islamic design of flower. 2.5-mm microprinted windowed security thread. Watermark: Hakim Aboul-ghasem Ferdowsi with electrotype denomination. 160 x 75 mm. No date (2008). Signature: CBI president, Mr. Tahmasb Mazaheri. Introduced 23.08.2008.

Courtesy of Ali Nasseri.

Qatar issues new series of notes

On September 15, 2008, the Qatar Central Bank issued a new series of four notes—1, 5, 10, and 50 riyals—which have symbols along the left front edge that facilitate their use by the visually handicapped. Preceding note issues of the same denominations will remain legal tender, but will be gradually replaced by the new series. New 100- and 500-riyal notes are in the works, but details aren’t available. These denominations were upgraded in 2007 with the addition of the 18-mm wide Optiks security thread with see-through window, so bank officials did not feel the need to update them at this time.



1 riyal (US$0.30)
Blue and purple. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: Three native birds: crested lark, Eurasian bee eater, and lesser sand plover. Solid and windowed security threads. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 134 x 66 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.



5 riyals (US$1.40)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: National Museum building; oryx and camel. Solid and windowed security threads. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 140 x 67.5 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.



10 riyals (US$2.75)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: Dhow; sand dune at Khor al-Udeid. Solid and windowed security threads. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 146 x 69 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.



50 riyals (US$13.75)
Green. Front: Coat of arms with dhow, palm trees, and crossed swords. Back: Qatar Central Bank building; Oyster and Pearl monument. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Falcon head and electrotype denomination. Printer: TDLR (w/o imprint). 152 x 70.5 mm. No date. Signatures: Abdullah Saud Al-Thani (Governor) and Yousef Hussein Kamal (Minister of Finance). Introduced 15.09.2008.

Courtesy of Mirsad Delic.

United Arab Emirates new 200-dirham note (B223a) confirmed

United_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2004.00.00_B223a_P31_038_039102_fUnited_Arab_Emirates_CBA_200_dirhams_2004.00.00_B223a_P31_038_039102_r
B223 (P31): 200 dirhams (US$54)
Tan and gold. Front: Arabic text; coat of arms; Sheikh Zayed Sports City and Judicial Department and Sharia Court buildings in Abu Dhabi. Back: English text; Saker falcon; UAE Central Bank headquarters building in Abu Dhabi. Holographic stripe with denomination. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Saker falcon head with electrotype 200 and coffee pot. Printer: (Unknown). 159 x 68 mm. a. ١٤٢٥ (AH1425)/2004. Sig. 2. Prefix 008 - 088. Intro: 27.05.2008.

Bahrain issues new note series

All of the new notes measure 154 x 74 mm and are presumably printed by De La Rue (based upon their inclusion of StarChrome security threads and an unique screen trap pattern on the back). All of the notes have the following security features: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa as watermark with electrotype denomination, intaglio printing, windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with CBB repeating, gold iridescent stripe with denomination in Arabic and English, registration device, denomination as latent image, CENTRALBANKOFBAHRAIN microprinting, novel serial number fluoresces under UV light. Additionally, the 5-, 10-, and 20-dinar notes also include a hologram on the front.

In addition to the security features, the new banknotes also incorporate, for the first time, a feature to enable the visually-impaired to easily recognize the value of each note. The feature—which has erroneously been called braille by some media outlets—comprises a series of short, raised lines, which appear at the top right on the front face of the note. The BD1/2 has one line; BD1 has two lines and so on, up to BD20, with five lines.


1/2 dinar (US$1.30), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Orange and brown. Front: Old Bahrain Court. Back: Bahrain International Circuit (motorsport facility) in Sakhir. Windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with demetalized CBB. Watermark: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa with electrotype HALF. Printer: (TDLR). 154 x 74 mm.


1 dinar (US$2.65), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Red. Front: Al Hedaya Al Khalifiya school building (Bahrain’s first school). Back: Sail monument in Manama City; five galloping Arabian horses. Windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with demetalized CBB. Watermark: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa with electrotype ONE. Printer: (TDLR). 154 x 74 mm.


5 dinars (US$13.25), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Blue. Shaikh Isa House in Muharraq; Riffa Fort. Back: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) smelter building; first oil well in Bahrain near Jebel Dukhan mountain. Windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with demetalized CBB. Watermark: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa with electrotype FIVE. Printer: (TDLR). 154 x 74 mm.


10 dinars (US$26.50), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Green. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. Back: Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Causeway bridge. Windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with demetalized CBB. Watermark: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa as with electrotype TEN. Printer: (TDLR). 154 x 74 mm.


20 dinars (US$53.05), ٢٠٠٦ (2006). Issued March 17, 2008. Brown and light blue. Front: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. Back: Al Fateh Islamic Center in Juffair. Windowed green-to-red StarChrome security thread with demetalized CBB. Watermark: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa with electrotype TWENTY. Printer: (TDLR). 154 x 74 mm.


Iran new signature 50,000-rials note confirmed


50,000 rials (US$5.40), ND (2007). Like the IRR50,000 reported in IBNS Journal 46.1p21, but new signatures (Mazaheri and Danesh Jafari).

Courtesy of Armen Hovsepian (www.armenstamp.com).

Jordan new date (2006 and 2007) varieties confirmed

1 dinar (US$1.40), AH1427/2006. Like B229b, but new date and new signatures.

5 dinars (US$7.05), AH1427/2006. Like B230a, but new date and new signatures.

20 dinars (US$28.25), AH1427/2006. Like B233a, but new date and new signatures.

50 dinars (US$70.65), AH1428/2007. Like B234c, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Georgia new date (2007) 1- and 10-lari notes confirmed


1 lari (US$0.60), 2007. Like P68, but new date and new signatures.


10 lari (US$6.25), 2007. Like P71, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Qatar issues revised 100-riyal note


100 riyals (US$27.50), ND (2007). Issued September 26, 2007. Like P24, but new signatures (Abdullah Saud Al-Thani; Yousef Hussein Kamal) and Optiks instead of windowed security thread. Images on back shifted to make room for Optiks. Printer: De La Rue (without imprint).

Courtesy of Ronny Hick.

Qatar issues revised 500-riyal note


500 riyals (US$137.40), ND (2007). Issued September 26, 2007. Like P25, but new signatures (Abdullah Saud Al-Thani; Yousef Hussein Kamal) and Optiks instead of windowed security thread. Images on back shifted to make room for Optiks. Printer: De La Rue (without imprint).

Courtesy of Jamal A. Alrefai.

Israel to issue new polymer 20-new sheqalim note in 2008


According to the Bank of Israel’s annual report released on October 7, 2007, “To improve the life of the NIS 20 [US$4.95] banknote, the Currency Department released an improved banknote in 2006 printed on higher quality paper with additional coating. As part of this improved quality, the Currency Department will be issuing the next issue of NIS 20 notes based on polypropylene, a polymer which is becoming more popular in many countries due to its durability.” On September 23, 2007, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the bank is planning a trial run of 20 million NIS in polymer notes beginning in February 2008.

The bank’s annual report also stated, “In 2006 the Currency Department began planning a new banknote issue series, which includes many aspects, including changing the banknote design, improved security features and quality of banknote paper. The new series is planned to be issued in the next 4-5 years.”

Israel issues new date (2007) 100-new sheqalim note


100 new sheqalim (US$24.40), 2007. Like SCWPM 61, but new date and new signatures (Stanley Fisher, Governor; Aharon Fogel, Chairman).

Courtesy of Raphael Dabbah.

Iran considering knocking three zeros off the rial

On September 11, 2007, Iran’s central bank governor, Tahmasb Mazaheri, admitted that the bank is examining a proposal to knock three zeros off the rial to increase economic confidence and reduce the number of banknotes necessary to conduct cash transactions. Since the Islamic revolution of 1979, the exchange rate of the rial has gone from 70 rials to the dollar to 9,300 rials today. Iran’s largest denomination, the 50,000-rial note, was issued on March 12, 2007, and is worth approximately US$5.40.

Armenia issues revised 20,000-dram note

Armenia issues revised 20,000-dram note Read More...

Saudi Arabia unveils new family of notes

With today’s release of the SAR 50 and 100, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency has begun circulating its 5th Issue of notes. The new SAR 5 and 10 will appear at the beginning of July, followed by the SAR 500 in September, and ending with the SAR 1 in December.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2007.00.00_B130a_P31a_026_424102_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_1_riyal_2007.00.00_B130a_P31a_026_424102_r
B130 (P31): 1 riyal (US$0.25)
Light green. Front: Arabic text; front of first Islamic dinar coin; King Abdullah. Back: English text; SAMA headquarters building; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Windowed security thread with demetalized SAMA 1. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 1, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 133 x 63 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 018 - 475. Intro: 31.12.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2007.00.00_B131a_P32a_029_506803_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_5_riyals_2007.00.00_B131a_P32a_029_506803_r
B131 (P32): 5 riyals (US$1.35)
Violet. Front: Arabic text; Ras Tanorah oil refinery; King Abdullah. Back: English text; Jubayl Port in eastern region; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Windowed security thread with demetalized SAMA 5. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 5, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 145 x 66 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 007 - 129. Intro: 16.07.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2007.00.00_B132a_P33_030_874779_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_10_riyals_2007.00.00_B132a_P33_030_874779_r
B132 (P33): 10 riyals (US$2.65)
Brown. Front: Arabic text; King Abdulaziz’s palace in Almoraba area; King Abdullah. Back: English text; King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh with palm trees; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Windowed security thread with demetalized SAMA 10. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 10, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 150 x 68 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 016 - 142. Intro: 16.07.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2007.00.00_B133a_P34a_031_018768_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_50_riyals_2007.00.00_B133a_P34a_031_018768_r
B133 (P34): 50 riyals (US$13)
Dark green. Front: Arabic text; Al Sakhra Dome mosque; King Abdullah. Back: English text; Al Aqsa mosque in Al Quds Al Shareef (Jerusalem); national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 50 and Arabic text between wavy lines. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 50, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 155 x 70 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 008 - 079. Intro: 21.05.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2007.00.00_B134a_P35a_041_393094_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_100_riyals_2007.00.00_B134a_P35a_041_393094_r
B134 (P35): 100 riyals (US$27)
Red. Front: Arabic text; green dome and minaret of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina; King Abdullah. Back: English text; Al-Masjid al-Nabawi; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 100 and Arabic text between wavy lines. Watermark: King Abdullah, electrotype 100, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 160 x 72 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 008 - 041. Intro: 21.05.2007.

Saudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2007.00.00_B135a_P36a_015_516087_fSaudi_Arabia_SAMA_500_riyals_2007.00.00_B135a_P36a_015_516087_r
B135 (P36): 500 riyals (US$133)
Blue. Front: Arabic text; Ka’aba (cube); King Abdul Aziz. Back: English text; Ka’aba (cube) in the courtyard of the Holy Mosque in Mecca; national emblem (two crossed swords with palm tree). Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 500 and Arabic text between wavy lines. Watermark: King Abdul Aziz, electrotype 500, and Cornerstones. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 166 x 74 mm. a. ١٤٢٨ (AH1428)/2007. Sig. 8. Prefix 004 - 097. Intro: 17.09.2007.
 
Courtesy of Ghassan Samman and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.

Georgia new 200-lari note confirmed


Yellow. Front: Partisan Kaikhosro (Kakutsa) Cholokashvili; fragments of relief images of Georgian cultural artifacts. Back: Sokhumi, capital of breakaway region of Abkhaz; relief fragments of the iconostasis found in the Tsebelda village of Gulribshi region. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 200. Watermark: Kaikhosro Cholokashvili with electrotype 200 GEL. Printer: (G&D). 146 x 72 mm. 2006. Signature 4. Intro: 15.04.2007.

This is the first regular issue note to use LOOK (Laser Originated Optical Key), a security feature that creates laser-induced effects in the substrate, print color, foil, and varnish.

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle.

Iran issues new 50,000-rial note featuring nuclear insignia


50,000 rials (US$5.40), ND (2007). Issued March 12, 2007. Orange and lemon. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as portrait and watermark along with electrotype denomination, 2.5 mm windowed security thread, and registration device. Map of Persian Gulf with electrons orbiting an atom, and a legend from Prophet Mohammed: “If the science exists in this constellation, men from Persia will reach it,” on back. 166 x 79 mm.

Courtesy of Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hamid Reza Ebrahimi.

United Arab Emirates issues new date (2006) notes


The United Arab Emirates Central Bank has issued new 2006 dates for all four denominations of its banknote family.

The 50- and 100-dirham notes appear to be unchanged from the current Pick 26 and 27, respectively, except for the new dates on the back.

The 500- and 1,000-dirham notes are like Pick 28 and 25, respectively, but in addition to the new dates, they also now incorporate the denomination in the holographic security stripe at right.

Courtesy of Amal Mehilba.

Jordan new date (2006) 50-dinar note (B234c) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2006.00.00_B234c_P38c_fJordan_CBJ_50_dinars_2006.00.00_B234c_P38c_r
Like B234b, but new date (AH1427/2006) and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Israel new date (2006) 200-new sheqalim note confirmed


200 new seqalim (US$47.75), 2006. Like Pick 62, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Jordan new date (2005) 1-dinar note (B229b) confirmed

Jordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2005.00.00_B229b_P34b_fJordan_CBJ_1_dinar_2005.00.00_B229b_P34b_r
Like B229a, but new date (AH1426/2005) and new signatures.

Courtesy of Abdullah Beydoun.

Six Arab states plan to issue unified currency in 2010

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), consisting of six Arab states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates — plans to issue a unified currency in 2010.

Bank of Israel publishes new book on notes and coins

The Bank of Israel has published a new book, “Banknotes and Coins of Israel 1927-2006.” The fruit of intensive research, the book is published by the Currency Department of the Bank of Israel.
 
The book details the entire series of banknotes and coins issued during the period covered. Each note and coin is presented pictorially, and accompanying text describes both the design of motif and the choice behind it. The publication is unique in its technical detail of the notes and coins––size, cover, security measures against counterfeiting, designers and periods of circulation––as well additional background material including the original photographs which provided the source of the designs of the banknotes and coins. Next to the photos of each coin is an example of the original coin––usually an ancient Hebrew coin––upon which the modern coin was based.
 
The book has a foreword by the Governor of the Bank, Professor Stanley Fischer, and was written by Yigal Arkin, a collector and researcher of means of payments, with scientific editing by Dr. Rachel Barkay, numismatic curator of the Bank of Israel.
 
This colorful, hardback, richly illustrated book has colored margins for ease of reference. The Bank of Israel hopes that such an extensive compendium will provide both a source of information and enjoyment to the public, and will help to increase general knowledge of the banknotes and coins of both the modern-day Israel and of the young state-in-the-making.
 
The book is available in both Hebrew and English and is priced at NIS 98 (approximately US$23).
 
Though the book will shortly be for sale at stores, currently it can only be purchased directly from the Bank of Israel. To buy the book, payment can be either by credit card from the Publications Unit of the Bank of Israel: Tel: 02-6552767; Fax: 02-6552984; email: matikahn@boi.gov.il; or by sending a check (payable to the Bank of Israel) to: The Bank of Israel Publications Unit P.B. 780 Jerusalem 91007.

Lebanon issues new 1,000-pound note dated 2004


1,000 livres, 2004. Issued 2006. Green. Signatures: Ahmed Jachifirst, First Assistant to the Governor; Madi Sakkaor Chakka, Governor. Various historical alphabets in grid. Cedar tree, alphabets, and bar code on back. 116 x 60 mm.
 
Courtesy of Jorge Rabbath.

Kuwait new signatures 10-dinar note confirmed


10 dinars, L.1968 (2006). New signatures: Badr Yaakub Al Houmaithy, Finance Minister; Shaikh Salem A. Al Sabah, Bank Governor.
 
Courtesy of Ahmad A. Al-Azemi.