Swaziland

eSwatini new 200-lilangeni (B104) note reported

eSwatini_CBE_200_emalangeni_2018.04.19_B104a_PNL_AA_0000000_feSwatini_CBE_200_emalangeni_2018.04.19_B104a_PNL_AA_0000000_r
Like Swaziland B238, but with new country name, eSwatini, on back.

Courtesy of Igor Nosenko (http://mycollection.net.ua/).

Swaziland king renames country Kingdom of eSwatini

According to an article in The Guardian dated 19 April 2018, King Mswati III announced that Swaziland has reverted its name to the Kingdom of eSwatini (meaning “place of the Swazi”) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its independence from Britain. Time will tell what name will appear on future banknote issues.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin.

Swaziland new date (06.09.2017) 20-lilangeni note (B232c) confirmed

Swaziland_CBS_20_emalangeni_2017.09.06_B232c_P37_AB_3790166_fSwaziland_CBS_20_emalangeni_2017.09.06_B232c_P37_AB_3790166_r
Like B232b, but new date (6.9.2017). Prefix AB.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Swaziland new 100- and 200-lilangeni notes (B237, B238) confirmed introduced February 2018

According to a 14 December 2017 article in Swazi Observer, the Central Bank of Swaziland intended to introduce the following two new banknotes in February 2018.

Swaziland_CBS_100_emalangeni_2017.09.06_B237a_PNL_AA_0030382_f
Swaziland_CBS_100_emalangeni_2017.09.06_B237a_PNL_AA_0030382_r

Swaziland_CBS_200_emalangeni_2017.09.06_B238a_PNL_AA_0012917_f
Swaziland_CBS_200_emalangeni_2017.09.06_B238a_PNL_AA_0012917_r

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Murtaza Karimjee (www.africanbanknotes.blogspot.com).

Swaziland new 10-lilangeni note (B236) confirmed

On 24 July 2017, the Central Bank of Swaziland began issuing a green 10-lilangeni note to reduce confusion between the preceding blue 10-lilangeni note and South Africa’s blue 100-rand note (B770), which also circulates in Swaziland. Aside from the color change and addition of the text VISION 2022 (a reference to social programs designed to transform Swaziland into a “first world” nation by that year) vertically at right front and left back, the note is identical in design to the preceding issues. However, there are discrepancies in the bank’s own promotional material as to whether security and sight-impaired features have changed.

Because the current 200-lilangeni note is also green, that denomination will be redesigned to avoid confusion with this new note. The 100-lilangeni is also expected to be redesigned for unspecified reasons. These larger denominations are scheduled for introduction on 1 January 2018.

Swaziland_CBS_10_emalangeni_2015.09.06_B236a_PNL_AC_0476750_fSwaziland_CBS_10_emalangeni_2015.09.06_B236a_PNL_AC_0476750_r

Courtesy of Hermann Huber.

Swaziland new sig/date (07.01.2014) 20-lilangeni note (B232b) confirmed

Swaziland_CBS_20_emalangeni_2014.01.07_B232b_P37_AA_7114679_f
Swaziland_CBS_20_emalangeni_2014.01.07_B232b_P37_AZ_0721476_r
Like B232a, but new date (7.1.2014) and new signatures. Actually the signatories are the same (Martin G. Dlamini and Majozi Vincent Sithole), but they've switched offices, and hence positions and titles on the note. Prefix AA and AZ (replacement).

Courtesy of Hermannn Huber.

Swaziland new sig/date (07.01.2014) 10-lilangeni note (B231b) confirmed

Swaziland_CBS_10_emalangeni_2014.01.07_B231b_P36_f
Like B231a, but new date (7.1.2014) and new signatures. Actually the signatories are the same (Martin G. Dlamini and Majozi Vincent Sithole), but they've switched offices, and hence positions and titles on the note. Prefix AA.

Courtesy of Hermannn Huber.

Swaziland new sig/date (07.01.2014) 200-lilangeni note (B235b) confirmed

Swaziland_CBS_200_emalangeni_2014.01.07_B235b_P40_AA_2769504_f
Swaziland_CBS_200_emalangeni_2014.01.07_B235b_P40_AA_2769504_r
Like B235a, but new date (7.1.2014) and new signatures. Actually the signatories are the same (Martin G. Dlamini and Majozi Vincent Sithole), but they've switched offices, and hence positions and titles on the note. Prefix AA.

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Swaziland central bank fires employee for selling specimen notes

According to a Times of Swaziland article dated 1 October 2012, the Central Bank of Swaziland has fired an employee for selling specimen banknotes to collectors, humorously described as "individuals or consortiums who fraudulently buy specimen bank notes."

Swaziland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Monetary Authority of Swaziland from 1974 to 1978, and the Central Bank of Swaziland from 1981 to present. Revised 28 November 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

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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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Swaziland announces release of remaining denominations of new series

According to a press release dated 30 June 2011, the Central Bank of Swaziland announced the release into circulation the remaining denominations (10, 20, 50, and 200 emalangeni) of its new series of banknotes. This comes after the official introduction of the 100-lilangeni note on 1 November 2010, and the premature release of a small batch of the 200-lilangeni notes at one bank branch. The other denominations were originally scheduled for a staggered introduction schedule over the course of 2011 and 2012. The press release seems to contradict the notion that all denominations will be available immediately when it quotes Governor Martin G. Dlamini thusly, “We are more likely to see the new E10 dominating in the public domain. Other denominations will also be released in due course, depending on market demand.”

Courtesy of Tod Hunt.

Swaziland new 10-, 20-, and 50-lilangeni notes confirmed


10 emalangeni (US$1.45)
Blue. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion and elephant flanking shield topped with crown of feathers (lidlabe); shield (isihlangu), spears (sikhali), and staff (umgobo). Back: Nine princesses taking part in the Ncwala (kingship ceremony); bank seal. Windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 10. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 148 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 9b. Intro: 30.06.2011.


20 emalangeni (US$2.90)
Purple. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion and elephant flanking shield topped with crown of feathers (lidlabe); shield (isihlangu), spears (sikhali), and staff (umgobo). Back: Flower, corn, and pineapple; steer; refinery; bank seal. Windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 20. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 151 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 9b. Intro: 30.06.2011.


50 emalangeni (US$7.25)
Violet. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion and elephant flanking shield topped with crown of feathers (lidlabe); green-to-blue OVI shield (isihlangu), spears (sikhali), and staff (umgobo). Back: Central Bank of Swaziland headquarters Umntsholi building in Mbabane; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 50. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 154 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 9b. Intro: 30.06.2011.

Courtesy of Andre du Toit, Joseph Gerber, and Thomas Krause.

Swaziland new 100- and 200-lilangeni confirmed


B36 (PNL): 100 emalangeni (US$14.70)
Brown. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; green-to-blue OVI shield and spears. Back: Elephant, rhinoceros, lion, flowers, and bird; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 100. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 157 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 10b. Intro: 01.11.2010.


B37 (PNL): 200 emalangeni (US$29.40)
Green. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; green-to-blue OVI shield and spears. Back: Straw huts; two goats; warrior; rock formation; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 200. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 160 x 70 mm.
6.9.2010. Signature 10b. Intro: 2011.

Central Bank of Swaziland Governor, Mr. Martin G. Dlamini has announced that the new series of banknotes with upgraded security features will be released to the public on the 1st November 2010.

The Governor stated that although all the banknotes have been upgraded (E10, E20, E50, E100 and E200), the denominations will be released at intervals of six months, starting with the E100 (One Hundred Emalangeni).

“It is important to clarify from the onset that the new banknotes will be used together with the old notes,” he said.

The Governor further explained that banknote security technology had advanced significantly since the issuing of the current series of notes in 1999. “In addition to ensuring that these banknotes are produced with the best technology in line with the highest international standards, we have also ensured that the new notes are a creative expression of our heritage as a nation,” he said. “We gave a lot of thought to making our new printed currency one that we can all identify with as a reflection of our own lives.”

The Governor appealed to the public to familiarize themselves with the new notes by paying close attention to the security features. “We encourage you to know and understand your money so that you can trust it,” he said.

Click here to download the bank’s official brochure describing these two new notes.

Courtesy of Ny Andry Ranaivosolo, Hermann Huber, and Leszek Porowski.

Swaziland new 100-lilangeni note reported

According to Times of Swaziland article dated 7 April 2010, by August the Central Bank of Swaziland (CBS) was to begin upgrading it entire series of banknotes—starting with the 100-lilangeni note (US$13.80), then continuing with the other denominations—10, 20, 50, and 200 emalangeni—one every six months. The new notes will be printed by Giesecke and Devrient (G&D). The German firm was chosen based on price, durability of the notes, and performance in circulation.

“The Central Bank of Swaziland has initiated a project to upgrade its entire series of banknotes in view of the fact that the existing portrait shown of His Majesty King Mswati III is outdated. Also banknote durability and security technology has advanced significantly since the issuing of the current series of notes in 1999,” Governor, Martin Dlamini said in a press statement. Older notes currently in circulation will remain legal tender and will be phased out gradually.

It has recently been reported that the 100-emalangeni note has been issued in September 2010.

Courtesy of Leszek Porowski.

Swaziland new date (01.04.2006) 20-lilangeni note confirmed


20 emalangeni (US$2), 01:04:2006. Like P30, but new date and signature 11 (Majorzi V. Sithole, MINISTER FOR FINANCE; Martin S. Dlamini, GOVERNOR). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Swaziland issues new 100- and 200-lilangeni notes

These 100- and 200-lilangeni notes were issued to commemorate the 40th birthday of King Mswati III (born 19.04.1968). They are the first notes in the world to use intaglio halftone technology, creating photo-like portraits.



100 emalangeni (US$10)
Brown. Front: Shield and spears; King Mswati III; Parliament House building in Lobamba; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; The King’s 40th Birthday text. Back: Bank seal; rock formation; 40th Independence Anniversary text. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: Shield and spears. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 157 x 70 mm. 19.4.2008. Signature 10b. Introduced 05.09.2008.


200 emalangeni (US$20)
Green. Front: Shield and spears; King Mswati III; Parliament House building in Lobamba; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; THE KING’S 40TH BIRTHDAY text. Back: Bank seal; straw huts; 40TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY text. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: Shield and spears. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 160 x 70 mm. 19.4.2008. Signature 10b. Introduced 05.09.2008.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Swaziland new date (01.04.2006) 10-lilangeni note confirmed


10 emalangeni (US$1), 01:04:2006. Like P29, but new date and signature 11 (Majorzi V. Sithole, MINISTER FOR FINANCE; Martin S. Dlamini, GOVERNOR). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Swaziland new date (01.04.04) 20-lilangeni note confirmed


20 emalangeni (US$2), 01.04.04. Like P30, but new date and signature 11 (Majorzi V. Sithole, MINISTER FOR FINANCE; Martin S. Dlamini, GOVERNOR). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.

Swaziland new date (01.04.04) 10-lilangeni note confirmed


10 emalangeni (US$1), 01.04.04. Like P29, but new date and signature 11 (Majorzi V. Sithole, MINISTER FOR FINANCE; Martin S. Dlamini, GOVERNOR). Printer: FRANÇOIS-CHARLES OBERTHUR.

Courtesy of Andrew Roberts.