WORLD PAPER MONEY
BY COUNTRY I to Z

AYATOLLAH KHOMEINI ON RECENT IRANIAN NOTE

Ayatollah Khomeini is featured on the front of this Iran 10,000 Rial note. Khomeini was the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and was the first Supreme Leader of Iran from 1979 until his death in 1989.  The back of the note depicts the Tomb of Hafez in Shiraz. Next to it is one of his popular verses which translates as "Eternal is the one whose heart is awakened to Love. / This is how Eternal Records my life define." Hafez is a popular and beloved 14th century Persian poet. The tomb was built in 1935 replacing an earlier structure.  The green, undated note was introduced in 2017.  It is 142 x 71mm. 

---

SADDAM HUSSAIN BANKNOTES FROM IRAQ

These five banknotes all picture Iraqi dictator Saddam Husain on the front.  The first banknote to bear Saddam's portrait is the multi-colored 1986 25 Dinar Note. He is pictured with charging medieval horsemen in an attempt to link himself with great military victories of past centuries. The back shows the ancient gate of Babylon at the left, below it is a lion frieze.  In the center is the Martyr’s Monument (al-Shaheed) in Baghdad.  When issued the note had an exchange rate of approximately $80 and was the largest denomination in circulation.  The blue 1994 100 Dinar note depicts Saddam and the medieval Al-Ukhaidir Fortress on the front and the modern Bagdad Clock tower on the back.  The 1995 250 Dinars pictures Saddam and the Haditha Dam on the Euphrates on the front.  The back shows the frieze from the Liberty Monument in Baghdad. At the time it was issued it was the highest denomination in circulation with an official exchange rate of over $750, but would buy only a few dollars of goods on the streets.  The green 2001 25 Dinar features Ishtar Gate.  The original gate was built about 569 BC by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II.  It was excavated in the early 20th century and most of it was hauled off to Germany.  Saddam built a reproduction of the gate which opened in 1987. The purple 2002 250 Dinars depicts the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was one of the last notes issued before Saddam was overthrown in the Second Gulf War in 2003.  The 1986 25 Dinar grades Very Fine.  The other notes are Uncirculated.  Notes may be purchased individually for $3 each or as a set.


ALSO SEE:
THE GREATEST BANK HEIST OF ALL TIME: KUWAIT 1 DINAR "CONTRABAND" NOTE (1990) P13d

---

SADDAM GULF WAR NOTE

This 1992 5 Dinars note of Iraq was issued after Iraq's defeat in the First Gulf War.  The country was under a United Nations embargo so was unable to utilize its regular bank note printers.  Instead it utilized a Chinese printer that was willing to break the embargo.  The quality of the notes left much to be desired, however they filled the need and were pressed into service.  The red note features a portrait of Saddam Hussein with an underprint of an ancient temple.  The back features Iraq's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a small vignette of an ancient carving of Hammurabi in conversation with the sun god Shamash. As an anti-conterfeiting measure, the note contains threads that fluoresce blue and orange under Ultra-Violet light. The note is Uncirculated.

---

FAMOUS ITALIANS ON BEAUTIFUL BANKNOTES

Famous Italians and their works were featured on Italian banknotes prior to the introduction of the Euro in 2002. The attractive, reasonably priced, notes are popular with collectors throughout the world.   The 1982 dated 1000 Lire note depicts Marco Polo and the Doge’s Palace in Venice on the back.   Educator and physician Maria Montessori is featured on the front and in the watermark of Italy's last 1000 Lire banknote.   Her revolutionary educational methods have developed a large following throughout the world.  The back of the note pictures two students. The note was introduced in 1990 and was withdrawn when the Euro was introduced in 2002.   It measures 112 x 61mm.  Italy’s final 2000 Lire note was issued in 1990. Inventor Guglielmo Marconi is depicted on the front.  Marconi won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his development of long distance radio and ship to shore radio.  The back depicts radio towers, a ship and an early radio    The 1985 5000 Lire note features Vincenzo Bellini, a popular early 19th century Italian composer of bel canto opera.  It was the last 5000 Lire note released prior to the introduction of the Euro.  The front pictures Bellini and the interior of the Teatro Massimo Bellini which is located in his birthplace of Catania, Sicily.   The theater took almost 200 years to build.  Planning started shortly after the disastrous 1693 earthquake.  Construction finallhy started in 1812.  The theater was finally inaugurated in 1890 with a performance of Bellini's opera Norma.  The back of the note depicts a scene from that opera. With the introduction of the Euro all of the notes became obsolete and were withdrawn from circulation and destroyed.
Also see:

 ITALY SILVER 1 LIRA UMBERTO I 1884-99

"SLOW" AND "FAST" QUADRIGAS FROM ITALY: 1 Lira  1908-13 KM45, 1 Lira 1915-17 KM57

WWII FASCIST ITALY COIN SETS

ATTRACTIVE COINS OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC

---

JAPANESE INVASION MONEY

As Japanese forces  conquered Burma, Malaya and the Philippines in World War II they introduced their own currency.  Anyone found with any other type of currency was subject to severe punishment.  As English was the official language of these three colonies, the notes were printed in English and were denominated in the currency that had been in circulation.  The notes were only labeled “THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT” without mentioning the colony.  The red 10 Rupee note for Burma depict the Ananda Temple in Bagan.  The dark blue and yellow 10 Dollar note for Malaya bananas, breadfruit and coconuts and a ship steaming in the horizon on the back.   The black and light blue Philippine 10 Pesos note depicts a banana plantation.

---

RARE KOSOVO BANKNOTES

Kosovo was a province of Serbia that is made up of primarily Muslim ethnic Albanians.  In 1998 fighting broke out between Serb armed forces and ethnic Albanian militias that supported independence or unification with Albania.  Atrocities were committed by both sides.  United States and NATO forces finally stepped in to stop the fighting.  It was during all this chaos these unusual banknotes were issued.  The notes were printed on obsolete 1992 Macedonian banknotes.  The notes dated April 1, 1999 were issued by the Provisional Bank of the Republic of Kosovo.   The notes were sold to collectors as fundraisers for humanitarian efforts in Kosovo.  They are the only notes of Kosovo as Kosovo has not yet issued any coins or notes for circulation. They use Euros or Serbian Dinars. 

---

THE GREATEST BANK HEIST OF ALL TIME!

Iraq borrowed over $14 billion from Kuwait in order to finance the Iran-Iraq war.  Rather than pay it back, Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990.  They quickly hauled off everything of value, including some $1 billion in currency and gold from the Central Bank of Kuwait.  On July 17, 1991 the United States and coalition forces attacked Iraq and liberated Kuwait.  This Kuwait 1 Dinar is one series of notes (prefix 47-53) that had been plundered by Iraq. Kuwait declared it contraband and invalid. The front depicts the Kuwait City Tele-communications Center and the arms of Kuwait.  The back depicts Kuwait's historic Red Fort. The note has a watermark of a dhow.  It comes in a descriptive folder.

---

 PATHET LAO LIBERATION BANKNOTE

In April 1968, the communist Pathet Lao forces introduced new banknotes notes in the areas of the Laos that they controlled.  Following their victory in 1975 the notes were used throughout Laos.  The red 10 Kip depicts nurses with patients and soldiers planting bamboo booby-traps.

---

LEBANON BANKNOTE SETS

Lebanon was once one of the most prosperous nations in the Middle East.  In recent years entrenched politicians, caring more for their political party than their nation, drove the country to ruin.  In 2020 a massive ex-plosion caused by improperly stored am-monium nitrate killed over 200, left over 300,000 homeless and destroyed major portions of Beirut.  Due to inflation Lebanon introduced new notes in 2014. The 3 note set includes the 1000, 5000 and 10,000 Livres dating from 2014 to 2016.  The colorful notes feature geometric designs, a Lebanese Cedar (few of which survive) and the denomination in large Arabic numerals on the front.   Lebanon was under French control from the end of World War I until after World War II so the notes have legends in Arabic on the front and in French on the back.   Also available is the full set of all six notes currently in circulation: 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 Livres dated from 2016 to 2022 in Uncirculated condition.  At the official exchange rates the notes are worth well over $100.  We obtained these at black market rates so can offer them for far less than their official face value.

---

JAPANESE INVASION OF THE UNITED STATES?

When these 10 Dollar notes issued by The Japanese Government started showing up shortly after World War II, many people took it as proof that Japan planned to invade the United States, and had their new currency for the United States already printed.  The story was repeated so many times that many believed it must be true.  Though the Japanese government did print the notes, they were for use in Malaya, which Japan conquered by early 1942, not the United States.   Like the United States, Malaya called their currency the Dollar.  However, the design is much more suited to Malaya than the United States.  The front features bananas, breadfruit and coconuts. The back pictures palm trees and a ship steaming on the horizon. Each note has two sets of block letters, starting with the letter “M”, which stood for Malaya.  As an anti-counterfeiting measure tiny colored silk threads were embedded into the paper.  These unissued, Crisp Uncirculated 10 Dollar notes were abandoned by the Japanese forces in Malaya after Japan’s surrender in 1945.  They sat in storage for many years since then.   Today they are historic collector’s items recalling Japan’s unsuccessful attempt to extend her empire across Asia in World War II.

---

ONCE RARE MAURITANIA BANKNOTES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

   Until recently these banknotes from the west African nation of Mauritania were difficult if not virtually impossible for collectors to obtain.  Some had not been released into circulation.  They carried high catalog values or were left unpriced.  A hoard of these notes was recently released
making them available at reasonable prices - until the hoard is disbursed.
   Alll Mauritanian notes printed from 1974 until 2017 Sanusiyya was a political and religious order that exerted control over parts of north Africa in the 19th century, and led to the creation of the Kingdom of Libya.  It was founded in Mecca in 1837 by Muhammad ibn Ali as-Sanusi to overcome what he believed was the decline of Islamic thought and spirituality and to strengthen Muslim political unity. After being forced our of Mecca it moved to Cyrenaica (eastern Libya) and spread its influence over a significant part of North and Central Africa.  It fought against French, Italian and British colonial rule.  In World War II it assisted the British in their fight against German and Italian forces in north Africa. In 1951, the head of Senussi, Muhammad Idris (Idris I), the grandson of Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi, became the King of Libya.  This unofficial Sanusiyya 2025 dated 70 Pounds coin features the Sanusiyya coat of arms on the obverse. The reverse depicts a lion and Omar al-Mukhtar, who led the Sanusiyya resistance against the Italians in the early 20th century and who is a national hero of Libya.  The six-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of 120 pieces.carry a watermark of "the old man".  The old man was supposed to represent a generic wise, Mauritian man.  Just prior to visiting signing a contract with German security banknote printer Giesecke & Devrient, the Governor of the Central Bank purchased a picture by French artist Mytro Debard.  It included the portrait of a bearded old man.  He so admired the portrait that he asked the banknote printers to include it as a watermark, without realizing it was a living person: Sidi Ethmane Ould Mohamed Mahmoud Essemlaly, a Smalils tribe sharif. 
    We are pleased to offer the following once rare Mauritian banknotes at very reasonable prices.  The red 1000 Ouguiya dated 1981 pictures the "old man" on the front. A camel, field workers and ore processing facility are on the back.  The note was never released into circulation and until now was extremely scarce.  We also offer a set of four notes: the 100, 200 and 500 Ouguiya dated 2002 and the 1000 Ouguiya dated 1989.  The notes all have geometric designs on the front. The 100 Ouguiya depicts musical instruments and a cow on the back.  The back of the 200 Ouguiya depicts a canoe, a bowl and a carved wood shaqqab, which was used to help carry a tent on the back of a camel. The back of the 500 Ouguiya includes field workers and the entrance to a large mine. The 1000 Ouguiya was not released into circulation.  It depicts a camel, a modern ship and a warehouse and factory with smokestacks.

---

CARDBOARD MONEY OF THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION

Coins were hoarded and disappeared from circulation during the Mexican Revolution.  To provide for small change, low denomination notes printed on pasteboard, called “cartones” were issued.   Most are approximately 50 x 30mm. 

In March 1914, Venustiano Carranza, as "First Chief" of the "Constitutional Army" ordered the issuance of 5, 10 and 20 Centavos cartones under the name "Gobierno Provisional de Mexico".   The orange 5 Centavos depicts seated Justice on the front and the Mexico’s eagle and snake on the back.  The front of the blue-gray 10 Centavos depicts Justice standing, and the eagle and snake on the back.  The blue-gray 20 Centavos has the head of Liberty on the front and the Aztec stone calendar on the reverse. The notes are undated.

---

10 PESOS MEXICAN REVOLUTION NOTE  FROM CHIHUAHUA

This 10 Peso note was issued during the Mexican Revolution by the State of Chihuahua under a military decree dated February 10, 1914. Pancho Villa was in control of Chihuahua at the time.  Additional issues were made dated January and June 1915.  The brown note features the portraits of Mexican President Francisco Madero and Chihuahua governor Abraham Gonzalez, both of whom had been assassinated in 1913. The reverse pictures a government building and the state seal.  It is a popular note from the violent Mexican Revolution.

---

LAST MEXICAN 1 PESO BANKNOTE

This 1 Peso note dated July 22, 1970 was the last 1 Peso banknote issued by Mexico.  Due to inflation the 1 Peso note was discontinued. Since then only coins have been issued in the 1 Peso denomination.  The front features the famed Aztec calendar stone in Mexico City on the front. The back depicts the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City. The attractively engraved note was printed by the American Bank Note Company of New York.

---

IMPRESSIVE 2021 MEXICAN 20 PESO NOTE

Mexico issued this amazing, award winning 20 Peso note in 2021 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the nation's independence.  The front, which is in horizontal format, features The Army of the Three Guarantees peacefully entering Mexico City, the flag of the Army and the current Mexican flag.  The back is in vertical format.  It depicts a crocodile and a chocolate heron in the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve.  The polymer note features many sophisticated anti-counterfeiting devices including a window with two color shifting inks: green to gold and red to gold, inks     that glow in three colors when exposed to ultra-violet light, an integrated magnetic design in the shape of a flower, and embossed features to help the blind.   It is an impressive piece of currency.

---

WHEN A COMPANY RAN A COUNTRY  -  THE MOZAMBIQUE COMPANY

The 1885 Congress of Berlin carved up Africa, granting various European nations control over of the continent.  The boundaries that were set in the conference still make up most of the national boundaries in Africa today.  Portugal was granted control over Mozambique; however it did not have the economic or military resources to control the vast territory.  In 1891 it granted The Mozambique Company (Companhia de Moçambique) a 50 year concession over the central region of Mozambique.  The Company was given almost complete control over the region,  including the right to exploit resources, collect taxes and require the natives to engage in forced labor.  It ran the Post Offices and issued its own currency.  It developed the port of Beira and built a railroad to the landlocked British colonies of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. However it did not have the financial resources needed to develop the rest of its territory and often failed to meet its obligations to the Portuguese government.  Most of its income came from its ability to tax and its power to use conscripted labor on its plantations.   Because of the company's poor performance and changes in the Portuguese government,  the company's concession was not renewed when it expired in 1942.  The Portuguese Government assumed direct control of the region.  The currency issued by the Company was recalled and punch cancelled.  From the Mozambique Company we have the 20 Centavos note dated November 25, 1933 .  The note is punch-cancelled "PAGO 5.11.1942"  (PAID November 5, 1942), which was shortly after the Company lost its concession.   The note wass were printed in London by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co.   It is a fascinating note from a private company that was given control over a nation.

---

COLORFUL BANKNOTES FROM WAR TORN MYANMAR

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma is again in the news due to an ongoing civil war.  This 7-note set of Myanmar includes the 50 Pyas, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Kyats which were first issued between 1994 and 1997..  The 50 Pyas has a Saung, a traditional Burmese harp on the front.  The fronts of the other notes depict a Chinthe, which is a stylized Burmese lion. The back of the 1 Kyat depicts boat racing, the 5 Kyat depicts Chinlone cane ball game, the 10 Kyat pictures A Karaweik (royal regalia boat), the 20 Kyat pictures the Elephant fountain in Yangoon, the 50 Kyat features a lacquerware artist, the 100 Kyat features stucco workers repairing a temple.  The higher values have a watermark of the Chinthe and the value.

---

THE DEMISE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as the Republic of Artsakh, was a Christian Armenian enclave within Muslim Azerbaijan.  It is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.  With the backing of Armenia, it declared itself independent in 1992.  Russia helped maintain its de facto independence - until Azerbaijan forces took over the territory in September 2023.  Russia was tied up with its invasion of Ukraine so was unable to protect Nagorno-Karabakh.  Most of the population fled to Armenia and the republic was officially dissolved.  This attractive six-coin set of Nagorno-Karabakh is dated 2004 and features native wildlife and cultural icons.  The two aluminum 50 Luma coins feature a horse and a leaping antelope.  The three aluminum 1 Luma depicts a wildcat, a pheasant and St. Gregory the Illuminator, the nation's Patron Saint.  The aluminum-bronze 5 Dram coins features the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.  The arms of Nagorno-Karabakh is on the reverse of the coins.  Nagorno-Karabakh issued only two banknotes: a 2 Dram and a 10 Dram note dated 2004.  The front of the red 2 Dram includes the Gandzasar Cathedral and St. Gregory the Illuminator.  The back includes an historic crucifix and an picture of St. John baptizing Jesus that is in the Cathedral.  The front of the green 10 Dram includes Jesus holding the gospel and the Dadivank Monastery.  The back pictures the Hudaferin bridge, a wine barrel and a Karabakh carpet.  

---

LAST NETHERLANDS ANTILLES 1 GULDEN BANKNOTE

The Netherlands Antilles was officially created in 1954.  It provided coins and currency for the Dutch posession in the Caribbean:  Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten.  It was officially dissolved in 2010, though Curacao and Sint Maarten continue to use Netherlands Antilles coins and currency.  The 1970 1 Guilden bank note was the last 1 Gulden note issued by Netherlands Antilles.. The note depicts the  harbor at Willemstad, Curacao with a number of cargo ships

---

MULTI-LINGUAL SOVIET UNION 25 RUBLE NOTE FEATURES LENIN

As part of its currency reform in 1961, the Soviet Union introduced this 25 Ruble note.  The front of the note features the bust of Vladimar Lenin and the arms of the Soviet Union.  The back has inscriptions in the languages of the republics of the Soviet Union: Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarussian, Estonian, Georgian, Kazakh, Kirghiz, Latvian, Lithuanian, Moldavian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Uzbek. The small sized (121x62mm) note continued in circulation until shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

---

CURRENCY OF RUSSIA'S INFAMOUS MMM CORPORATION

The MMM Corporation in Russia was one of the most spectacular scams in history.  As many as 40 Million people lost as much as $10 Billion dollars by the time it was closed down by Russian authorities.  MMM was founded in 1989 by Sergei Mavrodi and two associates. After several unsuccessful ventures he started a Ponzi scheme.  With promises of fantastic returns, investors poured millions of Rubles into unregistered "shares".  Money from the later investors was used to provide big payoffs for the early investors.  As word of the success of the early investors spread, even more money poured into the company. The price of shares soared from 1,600 rubles per share in February 1994 to around 115,000 rubles in late July 1994. Mavrodi became a symbol of prosperity and had his own private army.  Because the price of shares was so high, Mavrodi started to issue partial shares, called Biletov, in July 1994. 1 Bilet was worth 1/100 of a share. The Biletov looked like banknotes and came in standard denominations from 1 to 10000 Biletov.  The Biletov notes bore Mavrodi’s portrait, the MMM logo and a serial number on the front and the MMM logo on the back.  Due to their seemingly endless increase in value, they were often preferred over the rapidly depreciating official Russian currency.  In the summer of 1994 the pyramid scheme collapsed and Mavrodi was jailed.  While in jail he ran for, and won, a seat in the Russian Duma (parliament), thereby gaining parliamentary immunity for his crimes.  He was expelled from the Duma,, but went into hiding before he could be arrested.   He was finally captured and arrested in 2003.  In 2007 he was fined a few hundred dollars and sentenced to four and a half years in a penal colony.  Since his release he started similar Ponzi schemes in India, China, South Africa  and South Africa.  More tecently he was involved promoting bitcoins in Zimbabwe and Nigeria  Some claim that he is behind the rapid rise and decline in the value of the bitcoin. No banknotes have been reported from his latest schemes. We offer a set of 8 different Crisp Uncirculated 1994 MMM Biletov notes ranging from 1 to 10,000 Biletov. They serve as a reminder of this and other financial follies

---

LENIN ON TRANSITIONAL RUSSIAN BANKNOTE

Vladimir Lenin is featured on this 1992 transitional banknote of the Russian Federation.  The note was issued shortly after the collapse of Union on December 26, 1991 and before new banknote designs could be prepared.  The note is a slightly modified version of the 1991 Soviet 500 Ruble note.  The front of the features a portrait of Lenin, the arms of the Soviet Union and the legend reads that it is a "State banknote of the U.S.S.R.".  The back has a view of Kremlin.  The main difference is that on the back the note is dated 1992 and has a guilloche in the watermark area.  It is a colorful and unusual transitional note bearing the name of a country that no longer existed when it was issued.

---

RUSSIA CELEBRATES CRIMEAN TAKEOVER WITH BANKNOTE

In 2014 Russia took Crimea from Ukraine and incorporated it into Russia. To commemorate the annexation of Crimea, Russia issued a 100 Ruble note in 2015.  One side is devoted to Sevastopol.  It features the Monument to the Ships sunk in the Siege of Sevastopol in 1854.  In the background is a painting of sailing ships and outlines St. Vladimir’s Cathedral and other historic buildings.  The other side is devoted to Crimea.  It features the famous “Swallow’s Nest” castle.  In the background are Crimean landmarks including the Big Khan Mosque and RT-70 radio telescope.  At the bottom is a QR code for the Bank of Russia web page that describes the note.  The note has a watermark of Catherine the Great, who conquered Crimea in 1783. The colorful note measures 150 x 65mm.

---

BEAUTIFUL POLYMER NOTES OF ST. THOMAS & PRINCE 

Saint Thomas and Prince (Sao Tome e Principe) is a poor island nation off the west coast of Africa, yet they have some of the most attractive banknotes in the world.  These 5 and 10 Dobras polymer notes are dated 2016, but were not released into circulation until 2018.  There issued for a 1000 to 1 revaluation of the Dobra and as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Central Bank.  The notes were designed and printed by De La Rue. The fronts of these beautiful notes depict a butterfly. The notes have two see-through windows, one featuring a butterfly, the other Rei Amador, who in 1595 led a slave revolt against the Portuguese.  The back of the 5 Dobras features a Sao Tome shrew and a map of the islands.  The 10 Dobras pictures a Sao Tome prinia bird and a map.

---

ATTRACTIVE BANKNOTE OF NAZI GERMAN OCCUPIED SERBIA 

On April 6, 1941 Axis Forces under Nazi Germany invaded Yugoslavia.  They promptly conquered and divided the nation along ethnic lines.  Serbia was placed under the control of the German military.   Serbia issued some beautiful, multi-color banknotes while under Nazi German control. The notes were printed by the Serbian Institute for Manufacturing Banknotes and Coins in Belgrade. The 500 Dinar dated November 11, 1941 depicts a woman with gold coin jewelry on the front and a bricklayer on the back.  They are impressive, large size, colorful notes from a time when Serbia was under Nazi German occupation.

---

SOUTH SUDAN BANKNOTES FEATURE WILDLIFE

South Sudan is one of the youngest and poorest nations in the world. After a long civil war, South Sudan finally gained its independence from Sudan in July 2011. Since then, the nation has suffered from multiple civil wars, floods and droughts. The South Sudan 2016 10 Pound note depicts a pineapple and a Cape Buffalo cow and her calf on the back.  The back of the 2017 20 Pound note pictures an oil derrick and a Oryx and her young.  The front of the notes picture and have a watermark of John Garing, a leader in the country's independence movement.  

---

CIVIL WAR IN SUDAN

Civil War broke out in Sudan in April 2023 between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).   The RSF was created by former president and military strongman Omar al-Bashir in 2013 to crush uprisings in Darfur and elsewhere.  In 2017 it was al-Bashir made it an "independent security force".  In 2019 the Sudanese Armed Forces joined with the RSF to overthrow al-Bashir and set up a transitional civilian government.  In October 2021 SAF and RSF then overthrew the civilian government.  Unable to come to an agreement on power sharing, a civil war broke out between the two armed forces, forcing thousands of civilians to flee for their lives.  This 2017 10 Pound note of Sudan pictures a baobab (Tabaldia) tree, mountains and a camel. The back features the Presidential Palace, which was damaged during the current civil war.  The note includes a watermark, holographic stripe and a security thread. It is 155x69mm.  The 2006 10 Piastres coin depicts one of the famous Meroe Pyramids.  The pyramids date from between 720BC and 350AD.  The copper-nickel coin is 20.4mm.   It was struck at the Khartoum mint for only a single year.

---

SURINAME 5 NOTE SET FEATURES LANDSCAPES

This is the complete 5-note set of the second issue of the Surinamese Dollar. IT was introduced in 2010 and is in current circulation.  The designs are similar to the first issue but with many advanced security features including a holographic stripe, color shifting security thread and bank logo registration device.  The fronts of the notes all depict the Central Bank building in Paramaribo and native plants. The back sides show the country’s impressive landscape and also various plants.  The back of the 2012 5 Dollar note features the Gran Rio River and a Coconut palm. The 2019 10 Dollar depicts the Suriname river and a Yellow lapacho tree.   The 2019 20 Dollar pictures the Voltzberg granite dome mountain and a Red mangrove on the back.  The 2019 50 Dollar depicts Mount Kasikasima and a Java cotton tree.  An aerial view of the Maroni River and a Sandalwood tree are on the back of the 2020 100 Dollar note. 

---

SWITZERLAND HONORS MATHEMATICIAN & PHYSICIST EULER

Switzerland honored famed 18th century Swiss mathematician, physicist, geographer, logician and engineer Leonhard Euler.  He made many important mathematical discoveries including infinitesimal calculus and graph theory, as well as major advancements in mechanics, fluid dynamics, optics and astronomy.  Unable to secure a university position in his native Switzerland he spent most of his career in Russia and Prussia.  The front of this 1980 10 Franc note depicts Euler and has a watermark of him . The back is in vertical format and alludes to some of his work by depicting a water turbine, light rays through lenses and the Solar System.

Also see:
SILVER SWISS 1/2,  1 & 2 FRANC COINS, 1959-1967 UNC.

---

SYRIAN BANKNOTE BARGAINS

The Front of this 1997 Syrian 1000 Pound note includes the Great Mosque of Damascus, an ancient cuneiform tablet, an Umayyad gold Dinar and a portrait and watermark of then Syrian President Hafez al-Assad.  The back includes images of the oil industry, a cargo ship and a combine harvester. The front of the 1998 Syrian 500 Pound note a portrait of Queen Zenobia who ruled Palmyrene Empire from 267 to 272AD.  Also pictured are Hadrian's Gate and theater in Palmyra and an ancient brooch. The back depicts the Tabqua Dam on the Euphrates River, a tractor and produce.  The watermark depicts a horse head.  The 1000 Pound note catalogs for $48.  The 500 Pound catalogs for $25. With the collapse of the Syrian economy, we are able to offer the notes for MUCH less.

---

BEAUTIFUL RECENT BANKNOTES FROM WAR-TORN SYRIA

Syria is again in the news with the sudden overthrow of the President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024.  The Assad family had brutally ruled Syria since 1971. Despite a chaotic 13 year multi-sided civil war leading up to his overthrow, Syria introduced three remarkably beautiful banknotes in 2021 that highlighted the nation’s long history. The 50 Pound note features ancient clay cuneiform tablets on the front.  On the back is the Hafez al-Assad library and his statue. Hafez al-Assad was ruthlessly ruled Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000 and was the father of Bashar.  The 100 Pounds shows the ancient Roman archway and theater at Bosra on the front.  The back depicts an ancient Roman silver Antoninianus of Philip II, headquarters of the Central Bank and the Dome of the Treasury at Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.  The 200 Pounds depicts the historic Baz al-Kilaniyya waterwheel of Hama on the front and the ceiling of Temple of Bel (Baal) in Palmyra.  ISIS destroyed much of the ancient temple in 2015. The notes have Arabic legends on the front and have English on the back.  They have a horse head watermark and were printed in Russia.

---

PORTUGUESE TIMOR HONORS WORLD WAR II HERO

Portuguese Timor, now the independent nation of East Timor, honored their World War II hero Dom Aleixo Corte-Real on this 1967 20 Escudos note.  A vignette and watermark of him wearing an impressive feather crown appears on the front of the note. He is the only native to be honored on a banknote of Portuguese Timor and one of the only World War II heroes to be honored on a banknote anywhere. Aleixo Corte-Real, also known as Dom Aleixo Timorese was born in 1886.  In 1912 he became the Liurai (chief) of the region of Ainaro.  He was a strong supporter of the Portuguese rule of Timor.  The Japanese invaded Portuguese Timor in 1942, even though Portugal was a neutral country during the war.  He led a major revolt against the Japanese until he was captured in 1943.  He refused to denounce the Portuguese flag, for which he and his family were killed by the Japanese.   The back of the note includes the Portuguese Imperial Arms and the seal of the Banco National Ultramarino which features a sailing ship.  The note measures 135 x 75mm and has a solid security thread.  Because Portuguese Timor was a small, isolated colony its notes are difficult to find.  The note is Uncirculated, but has minor brown stains from storage in the tropics.

---

CURRENT RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR HAS ROOTS IN 10th CENTURY VIKINGS

The roots of Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine can be traced back to a Viking who lived over 1000 years ago.   In Russia he is called Vladimir the Great.  In Ukraine he is known Volodymyr the Great.  Ironically both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy share his name.  A statue of Vladimir the Great (his name in Russian) was erected next to the Kremlin by Vladimir Putin in 2016.  There is also a statue of Volodymyr (his name in Ukrainian) in Kyiv.  Volodymyr was of Viking descent and Prince of Novgorod.  After the death of his father, who was the Grand Prince of Kiev, he was forced flee to Scandinavia when war broke out between his brothers.  He gathered an army of Vikings and returned to defeat his only remaining brother in order regain Novgorod and become Grand Prince of Kiev.  By 980 he ruled much of what is now Ukraine, Belarus and western Russia, stretching up of the Baltic Sea.  He was initially a follower of Slavic Paganism and was said to have many wives and 800 concubines.  He decided that a monotheistic religion would strengthen his control over his realm.   In making a decision as to what religion he should choose he rejected Islam due to its prohibition of alcoholic beverages and pork.  He remarked "Drinking is the joy of all Rus'. We cannot exist without that pleasure."  He rejected Judaism as he saw their loss of Jerusalem as evidence they were abandoned by God.   His envoys to Byzantium were so impressed with the church and liturgy that they reported "We no longer knew whether we were in heaven or on earth" and "such beauty, and we know not how to tell of it."  Based on these reports, in 988 he converted to Christianity and Christianized Kievan Rus.  Ukrainians see him as founder of an independent Ukrainian nation.  Russia considers him to be the founder of the first Russian Empire which included Ukraine.  Both consider him a saint for bringing Christianity to realm. Upon his death in 1015, his son Yaroslav engaged in a series of complicated and bloody battles and intrigues against his own brothers before consolidating his power.  He codified legal customs of the Rus and was a patron of learning, books and culture, hence he was known as "the wise".   Under Yaroslav, Kievan Rus reached its cultural zenith and the height of its military power. He is considered a hero in both Russia and Ukraine.  The 2006 Ukrainian 1 Hryvnia coin depicts Volodymyr the Great holding a cross and a model of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev.  The reverse of the 26mm aluminum-bronze coin has the denomination.  Volydymyr is also depicted on the Ukraine 2014 1 Hryvnia banknote.  The back depicts Kiev as it was in Volodymyr's time along with an eagle, cross, mace ax and sword.   The front of the 2013 2 Hryvni note depicts Yaroslav the Wise and a coin of his depicting the tryzub (trident), which is now the national emblem of Ukraine.  The back includes an image of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev which was constructed for Yaroslav.  In 2018 Ukraine introduced new nickel-plated steel 1 and 2 Hryvni coins.  The coins utilize the same portraits as the same denomination banknote:  Volodymyr on the 1 Hryvnia and Yaroslav in the 2 Hryvni.  

---

VENEZUELA COMPLETE 27 NOTE INFLATION SET

This set includes all 27 denominations of banknotes issued by Venezuela between 2007 and 2020.  The Venezuelan Bolivar was for many years one of the strongest currencies in the world.  Under the Socialist government of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro the country and its currency underwent a complete collapse. In 2007 the Bolivar, which had been in use since 1879, was replaced by the Strong Bolivar (Bolivares Fuerte), with 1 Strong Bolivar being worth 1000 Bolivars.  The Strong Bolivar turned out to be very weak.  Inflation accelerated due to government incompetence and misrule.  In 2018 another new currency was introduced, the Sovereign Bolivar (Bolivares Soberano), with 100,000 Strong Bolivars worth 1 of the new Sovereign Bolivar.   Inflation has continued and in 2021 another new currency was introduced, the Digital Bolivar (Bolivares Digitales), with 1 Digital Bolivar being equivalent to 1 Sovereign Bolivar.  This 27-note set includes the 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 100,000 Strong Bolivares notes dating from 2013 to 2017 and the 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 200,000, 500,000 and 1 million Sovereign Bolivar notes dating from 2018 to 2020.  The issues before the 10,000 Sovereign Bolivar feature Venezuelan heroes on the front native wildlife on the backs.  Starting with the 10,000 Sovereign Bolivar note which was released in 2019, all the notes feature the same portrait of Simon Bolivar on the front and either his mausoleum or the Battle of Cordoba on the back.  With little to distinguish these high denomination notes from each other than their muted color, I pity anyone who is colorblind in Venezuela.

---

VENEZUELA'S NEW NON-DIGITAL BOLIVARES DIGITALES 

For the third time in 13 years Venezuela launched a new currency due to ongoing inflation.  The new Bolivar Digitales (Digital Bolivar) is equivalent to 1 million of the Bolivares Soberano (Sovereign Bolivar).   The Sovereign Bolivar, introduced in 2018 was worth 100,000 Bolivares Fuerte (Strong Bolivar).  The Strong Bolivar was worth 1000 Bolivars.  The Bolivar had been used since 1879 and was once one of the strongest currencies in the world.  Though called a Digital Bolivar, there is nothing digital about it other than knocking six zeros off the previous currency.  Digital Bolivars are banknotes and not a crypto-currency.  The new notes released are the 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Digital Bolivars.  The notes are dated April 21, 2021, though were not first released until October 1, 2021. The notes all have the same basic design, which itself was recycled from previous Venezuelan banknotes.  Simon Bolivar is on the front.  The back commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo, in which Bolivar's defeated Spanish Royalist forces on June 24, 1821, paving the way for Venezuela's independence.  The new notes list the denominations as Bolivares rather than Bolivares Digitales and with the similarity of designs to previous banknotes. they undoubtedly create opportunities for fraud and causes confusion, especially for those with poor eyesight or limited education.

---

 

POLYMER BANKNOTES FROM VIETNAM

This set of two polymer banknotes from Socialist Republic of Vietnam includes the 10,000 and 20,000 Dong issued between 2011 and 2021.  The front of the notes  feature Ho Chi Minh and the arms of Vietnam.  The back of the 10,000 Dong note depicts offshore oil platforms.  The back of the of the 20,000 Dong pictures the Japanese Pagoda Bridge in Hoi An.  Hoi An was an important trading port until the 19th Century. The bridge was built in the 1600's by Japanese traders who lived on one side of the bridge, while the Vietnamese lived on the other.  It is the only known covered bridge with a Buddhist Pagoda attached to it.   The notes contain numerous anti-counterfeiting devices, including a "watermark", front/back registration marks, and a clear window that shows the denomination. 

---

WASHINGTON COUNTY, OREGON DEPRESSION SCRIP

Unable to pay their bills during the depths of the depression, some communities issued their own scrip.  The scrip was generally accepted within the community and would be redeemed by the local government authorities at some later date.  This 50 Cent note was made for Washington County, Oregon.  It is dated April 15, 1933; about 6 weeks after Roosevelt declared the Banking Holiday.   On the back is the terms of redemption.  When the County had money to redeem the notes, it was to publish a notice in at least four local newspapers.  The public would then have six months to redeem the scrip for warrants, which could then be cashed at a local bank.  This unissued 50 Cent note is approximately 162mm x 71mm and is in original Uncirculated condition.  It is a rare monetary item from the Great Depression.

---

TESLA HONORED ON YUGOSLAVIAN BANKNOTE

Nikola Tesla was one of the great pioneers in electricity. His inventions in electrical generation and power transmission give us the alternating current electricity we use today. He was a man of many nations. He was born in Croatia to Serbian parents, studied in Austria and Czechoslovakia then went to the United States where he did most of his inventing. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia honored him with this this 1993 5000 Dinara banknote. The reverse pictures the Tesla Museum in Belgrade. The  note circulated only briefly due to Yugoslavia's severe inflation at the time.
ALSO SEE:

SERBIA HONORS TESLA ON 1 TROY OUNCE .999 FINE SILVER COINS

---

HIGH VALUE ZIMBABWE HYPERINFLATION NOTES

In 2007 and 2008 Zimbabwe suffered from some of the world’s worst hyperinflation.  Prices would double every 24 hours.  This 12 note set includes the regular issue $1 million, $50 million, $100 million $200 million, $500 Million, $1 billion, $5 billion, $10 billion, $20 billion and $50 billion notes.  The notes depict the Chiremba balancing rocks on the front and vignettes of Zimbabwe life, wildlife and industry on the backs.  Also included in the set are the $100 million bearer cheque and $5 billion Agro-cheque that circulated alongside the regular currency.  The denominations are both in numerals and words on all the notes. All notes are dated 2008 and are well circulated. 

---

ZIMBABWE 100 TRILLION DOLLAR BILL!

On January 16. 2009 Zimbabwe released the highest denomination note ever issued by a national government: the infamous $100 Trillion dollar bills.  Despite the government "outlawing inflation" (which is about as effective as outlawing the tides from rising), inflation soared to an estimated 231 million percent per year in 2008, the highest ever in history.  Rather than attempting to solve the problem the government just kept printing money in order to pay the army and government employees.   There was a severe shortage of everything, except freshly printed bills. The note circulated for only about 2 weeks before being replaced.  On February 2, 2009 Zimbabwe did a Trillion to 1 currency revaluation and the short-lived notes were replaced.  About the same time, Zimbabwe’s citizens were allowed to use foreign currencies and the discredited Zimbabwe dollar ceased to be used.  The front of the notes picture the Chiremba Balancing Rocks. The back of each note features two vignettes of Zimbabwe.  They are a fascinating lesson on what happens when the government creates too much money. The note is  148 x 74mm and guaranteed to be genuine.  

---

NEW ZIMBABWE CURRENCY

Despite the previous disastrous inflation brought on by issuing huge quantities of unbacked currency, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is again issuing unbacked currency.  In 2019 it released new 2 and 5 Dollar notes, followed by 10 and 20 Dollar notes in 2020, then 50 and 100 Dollar notes in 2021 (dated 2020).  The government unsuccessfully tried to outlaw the use of foreign currencies in order to force the acceptance of the Zimbabwe notes, but was forced to backtrack after government employees refused to accept pay in their own government’s currency.  The notes all feature the Chiremba Balancing Rocks on the front.  The backs depict Zimbabwe scenes and wildlife.

Also see:
ZIMBABWE COIN SET: 10 DOLLARS & 25 DOLLARS 2003

---

ZIMBABWE GOLD NOTES

In April 2024 Zimbabwe introduced a new currency, called Zimbabwe Gold or ZiG, to replace the previous Zimbabwe dollar whose value was severely diminished by inflation. It is the sixth currency introduced by Zimbabwe since their independence in 1980. The ZiG is supposed to be backed by gold and foreign reserves. Few Zimbabweans seem to believe it. About 70% of all transactions in Zimbabwe are still done in U.S. dollars.   The government had promised that previous currencies would be backed by bonds or reserves, however Zimbabwe continued to issue far more currency than reserves, fueling massive inflation.  The 10 ZiG and 20 Zig notes have similar designs. They feature the Chiremba balancing rocks on the front and a QR code on the front.  The back depicts gold pouring from a crucible into an ingot mold atop a stack of gold bars. Also available are banknotes from Zimbabwe's previous currencies.


Also see:
NEW 2024 ZiG COINS FROM ZIMBABWE

---

BULK CURRENCY LOTS

Collecting banknotes is a colorful, fun and educational way to learn about the world.   Each note is a small piece of art that reflects what each country feels Collecting banknotes is a colorful, fun and educational way to learn about the world.   Each note is a small piece of art that reflects what each country feels are its important cultural aspects. These sets are a great for starting or expanding your collection. These sets contain attractive and colorful notes from throughout the world.  The lots of 50 different and 100 different provides a good selection of notes, however there will be more than one note from each country.  The larger lots contain a wider variety and more higher value notes than are in the smaller lots.  The 100 Different set includes the notes that are in the 50 Different set. For those that want banknotes from a lot of different places, we offer a lot of  100 banknotes from 100 different countries. All notes are Uncirculated and each set comes with a listing of the notes included in the set,

---

THE MILLIONAIRE’S COLLECTION:

Six different world banknotes denominated 1 Million or higher.  All notes have the value spelled out in numbers and/or words.  Includes notes from Germany, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Zimbabwe.   They makes a good lesson about inflation and excessive government spending.  Now anyone can be an instant millionaire.

---

FOR MORE PAPER MONEY, PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING:

World Paper Money by Country A to H

INDIAN HUNDI NOTES

---

<-- PREVIOUS PAGE      NEXT PAGE -->

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE INTERESTING STUFF CATALOG
ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF COINS AND BANKNOTES IN THE INTERESTING STUFF CATALOG
WEB SITE MAP & SEARCH ENGINE
SECURE ON-LINE CREDIT CARD ORDER PAGE     ORDERING INFORMATION

scale with which to judge image sizes

All items are guaranteed to be genuine, unless clearly indicated otherwise.
NOTE:  All pictures are of a typical item taken from stock.  Because we have multiples of most items, the item you receive may not look exactly the same, however it will be as described.

Please add postage.  California residents include 8.75% sales tax.  3-week return privileges.
Personal checks, Money Orders, (pay to Joel Anderson) VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Paypal ( pay to Joel@JoelsCoins.com ) accepted.

Joel Anderson
PO Box 365
Grover Beach, CA 93483-0365
USA

Phone: 1 805 489 8045 | Fax: 1 805 299 1818
Email: orders@joelscoins.com

---

CLICK ON THE PAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:

Home Page

Secure  On-Line Ordering

Ordering Information & Shipping Rates

Coin & Currency Catalog by Theme

Coins & Currency by Country

World Coin Sets

Coin Books

About Us

Articles about collecting

Site Map

| Home Page ||On Line Ordering|| Ordering  Information|| Coin & Currency by Theme || Coin & Currency by Country| || Coin Sets| Books | About Us || Articles|| Site Map |