Kuwait

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."

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.

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.

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
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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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.