Mauritania is a large country on the Atlantic coast of Africa. Mauritania’s history dates back thousands of years, but most historians agree that the history of the country as it is now, begun with its colonization by France in the 20th century. The country was part of France’s “Scramble for Africa,” which was an attempt by European countries to gain control of territory in Africa during the 19th century. Read along to learn about the new Commemorative 50 Ouguiya banknote.
On November 28, 1960, Mauritania gained independence from France, peacefully. It was one of the last French colonies in Africa. Today French culture still plays an important role in Mauritanian society, and you’ll see more than a few street signs written in both Arabic and French.
Introduction of the Ouguiya
Newly independent Mauritania introduced their own currency, the Ouguiya on June 18, 1973. The original denominations ranged from 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Ouguiya. Over the years there have been new banknote families released to keep up with security and cash as needed. However, one new addition that has surprised many is that on June 15, 2023 the Central Bank of Mauritania released a commemorative 50 Ouguiya banknote to celebrate 50 years (1973-2023) since the introduction of the Ouguiya currency. It will co-circulate with the current 50 Ouguiya banknote, and both are legal tender.
Before we get to the new banknote let’s review and distinguish it from the current 50 Mauritanian Ouguiya banknote (2017 series). The current banknote is colored in purple and made from a polymer substrate. Its obverse side shows an open book on a stand, The Great Mosque Ibn Abbas, and a star and crescent moon. Its reverse side depicts a metal coffee pot, an open book on a stand, and stringed musical instruments.
Features of the Commemorative 50 Ouguiya
The new commemorative 50 Ouguiya banknote will be made from 3 different polymer substrates to test the durability of each substrate. The new banknote is colored in green, grey and white with a few gold elements. The obverse side features an image of the Central Bank of Mauritania headquarters as well as the IBN Abass Mosque to the right. The denomination on the upper left-hand corner is gold as well as the security thread. The watermark is of Sidi Ethmane Ould Mohamed Mahmoud Essemlaly, a Smalils sharif, his portrait was made by artist Myrto Debard.
The reverse side features images of elements of Mauritanian culture and also industry. For example, there is an image of a traditional metallic tea pot and musical instruments. In addition to solar panels and wind turbines to show the country’s commitment to green energy. What do you think about this new commemorative banknote?
