On June 7, 2023 the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (Central Bank) announced the introduction of updated 5000 and 10000 Burundi Francs banknotes. In their official communication they said that it was to ease a cash shortage of in the country. These new banknotes dated 2022 are not that far off from the previous generation. They have upgraded security features, new distinct colors but, most of the design elements inside of banknotes remain the same. Read along to learn about the new Burundi 5000 and 10000 Francs banknotes and how to distinguish them from the previous generation.
Old Banknote Series
To compare the 2 series, let’s first take a look at the previous 2015-2018 series of Burundi Franc banknotes. Burundi 5000 Francs 2018. The light blue banknote bears French and Kirundi texts. Its obverse features a cape buffalo, the coat of arms of Burundi, dancers with drums on their heads, a shield, and a green-to-gold OVI basket with an embossed BRB. The reverse depicts a map outline of Burundi, a man walking on the road through a forested mountain, a fish, and the bank logo.
Burundi 10000 Francs, 2018. The yellow banknote bears French and Kirundi texts. Its obverse features a hippopotamus, the coat of arms of Burundi, and portraits of President Melchior Ndadaye and Prince Louis Rwagasore. It also shows a flag, a shield, and a green-to-gold OVI drum with an embossed BRB. The reverse depicts a map outline of Burundi, fronds, fish, and the bank logo.
New Burundi 5000 10000 Francs
Now on to the new 2022 series. The new Burundi 5000 Francs released this year also features dancers with drums on their heads, the national coat of arms, a fish, shield, water buffalo and Burundi flag on the obverse. While the watermark is of president Melchior Ndadaye. The reverse shows the same design as before with a map outline of Burundi, a man walking through a forest and various squares and rectangles.
Lastly, the new Burundi 10000 Francs still features a dual portrait of President Melchior Ndadaye and Prince Louis Rwagasore. In addition to a hippo, coat of arms, fish, shield and flag of Burundi. The watermark on the left hand corner shows an image of Prince Louis Rwagasore. The reverse side shows the same designs as the previous generation which consists of a map outline of Burundi, foliage, square and circular shapes and a fish. What do you think about the new banknotes? Do you think that they should have gone with a brand new completely design or is it a conservative way to save on costs but, also stay ahead of counterfeiters?
when are you going to start selling them.
They’re brand new so we don’t have them in stock yet, we will advise as soon as we do get them 🙂
I have the old notes worth 3millions what can I do with them
Hello Onyu, you can sell them on pages like ebay.