...Iraq - 5000 (Paper), 25,000 and 50000 x 2 Dinars All Dated 2023 Hybrid

جمهورية العراق

(Republic of Iraq)

 

البنك المركزي العراقي

(Central Bank of Iraq, est.1947)

Currency - Dinar (IQD)

 

Below are four notes of 5000, 25000 and 50000 (x2) dinars all printed with the year date of 2023. The 5000 note is printed on paper substrate material and the remaining are on hybrid substrate material. The two 50000 dinars notes are the same designs except it has different signatures on it. The first one is signed by Mustafa Ghaleb Mukheef, who was the bank governor from 2020 to 2023. He voluntarily resigned on 23.01.2023 due to the continuous falling in the value of the Iraqi dinar currency. He was then replaced by Mushen al-Allaq. Apart from the signatures and dates, there are no changes to the designs on all three notes.

I believe these are the only 2023 notes sighted so far. It is not sure if other denominations have been printed but not released yet. I am not surprised if they are others as the 1000 dinars 2020 prints were only reported recently (October 2024).

 

Five Thousand Dinars (Paper)

 

Governor - Mustafa Ghaleb Mukheef (tenure 2020-2023 resigned)

Watermark - Cow's head

Dimensions - 159.5mm x 78.5mm

 

Front - The Gali Ali Bag waterfall is depicted in the center. This waterfall is located in the Kurdistan Region, and is the highest waterfall in the Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq. The waterfall is about 95 km northeast of Erbil, the capital city of Kurdistan Region.

 

Back - A bird-eye view of al-Ukether Fortress. This fortress is in a rectangular shape and was built in 775 AD. It is located about 50 km south of Karbala in Iraq. This site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.  

 

  

 

Twenty-Five Thousand Dinars (Hybrid)

 

Governor - Mustafa Ghaleb Mukheef (tenure 2020-2023 resigned*)

Watermark - Cow's head

Dimensions - 176.5mm x 78.5mm

 

Front - A Kurdish girl holding a jug over her right shoulder, a tractor ploughing the field loosening or turning the soil before planting. On the right is an ancient dinar coin. In the center of the note, it features a bunch of wheat.

 

Back - The main feature on the back of the note is the stone caving of the image of Hamurabiiy yatasallam al-sharia (King Hammurabi receiving the Law). On the bottom left is a sculpture of a standing animal, and in the bottom center are two horses walking toward each other.

Fifty Thousand Dinars (Hybrid)

 

Signature - Mustafa Ghaleb Mukheef (tenure 2020-2023)

Watermark - Head of a horse and electrotype ۵٠٠٠٠

Dimensions - 160mm x 66mm

 

Front - Featuring a water wheel, palm trees and the Gali Ali Bag waterfall.

 

Back - The images of people floating on the marches, a reed house, two buffaloes swimming in the marshes, wildlife migrating to the marches and the Tigris rivers. The water for the marshes mainly came from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

 

 

Fifty Thousand Dinars (Hybrid)

Signature - Muhsen al-Allaq (tenure 2023-)

Watermark - Head of a horse and electrotype ۵٠٠٠٠

Dimensions - 160.5mm x 67mm

 

Back - The images of people floating on the marches, a reed house, two buffaloes swimming in the marshes, wildlife migrating to the marches and the Tigris rivers. The water for the marshes mainly came from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

 

...Nepal - 2015-2020 Set of Seven Notes

सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल 

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

 

नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंक

Nepal Rastra Bank, Est. 1956

Currency - Rupee (NPR) 

Posted here are a full set of seven notes from 5 to 1000 rupees. Whilst the notes here are considered as full sets, not all notes issued here are with the same governor's signature. Each notes are printed with a year date and no full set was issued in a given year.

 

This series of banknotes was first introduced in 2015 with the two notes of 50 and 100 rupees. Other denominations are later introduced progressively - 20 and 500 rupees (2016); 5 and 10 rupees (2017); and 1000 rupees (2019). The theme for this series is the same as the previous issue, but with modified designs both on the front and back. While the designs on the front are similar to previous series, the designs on the back are not the same. Since the introduction of this series, the denomination of 1000 rupees has only been printed once and no reprints ever reported since its introduction.

I bought this set after learning that the central bank is in the process of issuing new banknotes with modified designs. The actual face value for this set is nominal by the western standard, but the buying price for me was not. These are fairly common notes and there are plenty around on offer. 

Five Rupees

 

Governor - Mr Maha Prasad Adikari (Since 04.06.2020)

Watermark - Rhododendron flower

Date - 2020 AD

Dimensions - 121.5mm x 71mm

Front - Image of Mount Everest on the left. The temple of Taleju Bhawani is in the center. The Taleju Bhawani is a Hindu temple built in 1564 by Mahendra Malla and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This temple is situated in the capital city of Kathmandu.

Back - An image of a standing Yak a.k.a. hairy cattle. The Yak can be found throughout the Himalayan region in Pakistan, Nepal, India and China. In the background is an image of a mountain range. Yaks are bred for their milk, meat, for its hides and fur. The Yaks are also used for farming, and for transportation of goods too. The bank seal is printed in the top upper left.

Ten Rupees

Governor - Mr Maha Prasad Adikari (since 04.06.2020)

Watermark - Rhododendron flower

Date - 2020 AD

Dimensions - 134.5mm x 71mm

 

Front - Mount Everest. Image of Changunarayan of Changu Narayan temple. Image of a coin in the upper right corner.

 

Back -  A standing Antelope (black buck) standing in the field. It looks more brown to me than black. This species is known as Krishnasar to the locals. It is believed that the population of black buck in Nepal is less than 350, thus making it an endangered species. It was previously reported that this species was extinct until they were rediscovered in 1975. Bank seal on center top.

Twenty Rupees

Governor - Dr Chiranjibi Nepal (tenure 2015-2020)

Watermark - Rhododendron flower

Date - 2020 AD

Dimensions - 140.5mm x 71mm

 

Front - Mount Everest on the left. Krishna temple in the center. The metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar in Durbar Square in Patan Lalitpur is on the center right.

 

Back - A pair of Sambar deer roaming on grassland. The Sambar deer are the largest deer found in Nepal and can grow up to 150cm tall. The Sambar deer are native animals of the Indian subcontinent, South China and Southeast Asia, and its population is declining due exploitation of its habitat by humans. Bank seal on center top.

 

Fifty Rupees

Governor - Dr Chiranjibi Nepal (tenure 2015-2020)

Watermark - Rhododendron flower

Date - 2019 AD

Dimensions - 144mm x 71mm

 

Front - Mount Everest to the left. The Rama-Janaki temple in Janakpur, is also the birthplace of Goddess Sita, consort of Lord Rama. The temple was built in 1910 and is one of the most holy places for the Hindus. Janakpur is the capital city of Mashesh Province. The Mashesh Province is located in the southern part of Nepal, bordering India.

Back - A Snow leopard with a mountain range in the background. Snow leopards are found in the high mountains of Central and South Asia. It is believed that Nepal is one of the countries where you can see snow leopards in their natural habitat. Bank seal on center top.

 

One Hundred Rupees

Governor - Dr Chiranjibi Nepal (tenure 2015-2020)

Watermark - Rhododendron flower

Date - 2019 AD

Dimensions - 149mm x 71mm

 

Front - An image of Mount Everest on the left. The outline map of Nepal is printed in the center. A silver metallic oval with the image of Mayadevi in the bottom center left. Next to this is the text of Lumbini, the Birth Place Of Lord Buddha. To the right is the Ashoka pillar.

 

Back - A one-horned Rhinoceros roaming with a calf. Bank seal printed in the bottom center left.

 

 

 

 

Five Hundred Rupees

Governor - Dr Chiranjibi Nepal (tenure 2015-2020)

Watermark - Rhododendron flower

Date - 2016 AD

Dimensions - 162mm x 71mm

 

Front - Mount Everest on the left. The Thyangboche monastery (Tengboche Monastery) in the center. This monastery was built in 1916 and is located in the village of Tengboche in the Khumbu region in Nepal. This monastery was rebuilt after it was destroyed in the 1934 earthquake. In 1989, it was then rebuilt again after a fire destroyed the monastery for the second time. Above the monastery is Mount Ama Dablam.

 

Back - A roaming tiger. The Nepali tiger is an endangered species and has a population of less than 400 in the country. A large number of these big cats are residing at the Chitwan National Park, which is a tourist attraction in Nepal. The bank seal is printed in the lower left.

 

One Thousand Rupees

Governor - Dr Chiranjibi Nepal (tenure 2015-2020)

Watermark - Rhododendron flower and electrotype 1000

Date - 2019 AD

Dimensions - 173.5mm x 71.5mm

 

Front - Image of Mount Everest on the left. Images of Swayambhunath stupa and Harati temple. Swayambhunath stupa is an ancient and sacred Buddhist stupa located on top of a hillock in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The Harati temple is located in Kathmandu.

Back - Two elephants feeding on grass. Bank seal on lower right.

...Abkhazia - 10 and 100 Apsar 2024 Numismatic Products

Аҧсны Аҳәынҭқарра

(Republic of Abkhazia)

 

Аԥсны Аҳәынҭқарра Амилаҭтә Банк

(National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia, Est 1991)

Currency - Apsar (Apsara)

 

Here are two commemorative banknotes of 10 and 100 apsar, both released on 10.06.2024. Both notes are dated 2024. Whilst these two notes were released as commemorative notes, I have no idea what they are celebrating or commemorating for? 

 

The Republic of Abkhazia first issued a commemorative note of 500 apsar in 2018 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War 1993-2018. Five years later, it then released a second commemorative banknote of 25 apsar in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War 1993-2023.

 

The Republic of Abkhazia is a disputed region situated in the Caucasus region and was once controlled by the government of Georgia. Georgia lost control of the territory following the 1992-1993 war. Despite both Georgia and Abkhazia signing a ceasefire agreement in 1994, and following years of negotiations, the dispute remains unresolved. Abkhazia is backed by Russia and that is why it managed to stay free from Georgia since 1993. As this is a disputed territory, only six countries recognised its independence, countries like Nauru, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela and Russia of course. Georgia was once a member of the Soviet Union and became an independence state following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Georgia became fully independent from the Soviet Union on 6.12.1991. 

It was reported that up to 500,000 pieces have been issued for the 10 spsar and only 10,000 pieces issued for the 100 spsar. This is a lot for the 10 apsar especially the population in Abkhazia is less than 250,000 people. Prior to the 1992-1993 war, Abkhazia had a population in excess of 500,000 people. The war of 1992-1993 led to the reduction of population due to displacement, ethnic cleansing and many were expelled from the territory by the Abkhaz separatists. Unlike those previously issued (25 and 500 apsar), I believe the 10 apsar is meant for general circulation and the 100 apsar is not. The Russian ruble currency is circulating in Abkhazia as currency.

Ten Apsar

 

Front - The main image of the obverse of the banknote consists of an image of a Caucasian leopard's head with its curl-up tail, an ornamented ancient bronze axe next to the leopard's head. A leopard's paw is printed on the lower left side. Images of Seven Stars from the state flag of the Republic of Abkhazia. In the right and left sectors there are images of the state emblem of the Republic of Abkhazia and the denomination of the banknote. 

 

Signature - Beslan Baratelia (Chairman since 2014)

Series - 2024

Quantity Issued - 500,000 pieces

Watermark - Leopard head

Dimensions -152mm x 65.5mm

 

Back - The main image of the reverse side of the banknote consists of images of a bronze axe and the upper part of the traditional Abkhaz military and hierarchical staff “alabasha”. Images of Seven Stars from the state flag of the Republic of Abkhazia. The field on the reverse side also shows the denomination and serial number of the banknote.

One Hundred Apsar

 

Front - The main image of the front side of the banknote is a red deer against the backdrop of the snow-capped Caucasus mountains and a blackbird on a pine branch. In the left sector of the front side there is an image of the state emblem of the Republic of Abkhazia and the denomination of the banknote. 

 

Signature - Beslan Baratelia (Chairman since 2014)

Series - 2024

Quantity Issued - 10,000 pieces

Watermark - red deer

Dimensions -152.5mm x 65.5mm

 

Back - The main image of the reverse side of the banknote is the historical monuments of Abkhazia of the Early Bronze Age - dolmens and cromlechs, as well as ancient bronze items discovered on the territory of Abkhazia during archaeological expeditions. The field on the reverse side of the banknote also contains the denomination designation and the serial number of the banknote.

...Yemen - 2016 To 2018 full Set Of Five Notes

ٱلْجُمْهُورِيَّةُ ٱلْيَمَنِيَّةُ

Republic of Yemen

 

البنك المركزي اليمني

Central Bank of Yemen, Est.1971

Currency - Riyal (YER)

 

Prior to 22.05.1990, Yemen was divided into two countries, North Yemen (capital - Sanna) and South Yemen (capital - Aden). These two countries then united as one and formed the Republic of Yemen.

 

Yemen is one of the least developed and also the poorest countries in the world. In 2014, civil war broke out with multiple entities or groups controlling the country. The civil war is still ongoing but with ceasefire declared on 02.04.2022. Negotiations to end the war started in April 2023 and it is still ongoing.

Here I have posted 5 notes of 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 rials. These notes are printed with the year dates of 2016, 2017 and 2018. Whilst this is a full set, the signatures are not. The interesting story for this series is the 5000 rials. These 5000 rials notes were reportedly printed in 2016 or 2017 and were ordered by the Central Bank of Yemen in the Northern capital of Sana'a, under control by the Houthi rebels backed by Iran and Russia. Then around 2017, a truck load of such notes were seized by tribesmen. Since then, none of these notes surfaced until early 2024 when they appeared in the numismatic market. If I have to judge on the authenticity of this note, I would say that this is a counterfeit print as it lacks those normal or usual security features.

 

One Hundred Rials

Socotra dragon blood trees

 

Front - The main feature is that the Socotra dragon blood trees is native trees of Socotra. This tree is also the national tree of Yemen. Qamariya stained glass window and an outline of a mosque.

 

Governor - Mohammed Zammam

Watermarks - Coat of Arms and electrotype ١٠٠  

Dimensions - 151mm x 69.5mm

 

Back - Terraced agricultural farming fields and Queen Arwa Mosque Mihrab decorated niche.

Terraced agricultural farming fields

Two Hundred Rials

Historic town of Zabid

 

Front - Historic town of Zabid and is one of the oldest towns in Yemen. This town has been listed as a UNESCO World heritage Site since 1993. An outline of a mosque.

Governor - Mohamed Awad bin Human

Watermarks - Coat of Arms and electrotype ۲۰۰

Dimensions - 151mm x 70mm

 

Back - Landscape of Hauf National Park in Al-Mahrah Governorate. Mosque Mihrab decorated niche.

 

Landscape of Hauf National Park

Five Hundred Rials

Al-Muhdhar mosque

 

Front - Al-Muhdhar mosque in Tarim, built in 1914. An outline of a mosque.

 

Governor - Mohammed Zammam

Watermarks - Coat of Arms and electrotype ۵٠٠

Dimensions - 156mm x 70mm

 

Back - Palace of the Rock or Dar al-Hajar. It is also known as Stone House. This is a former palace located in Wadi Dhar and was built in 1920. It was used as a Summer retreat of the ruler of Yemen from 1904 to 1948. It is now used as a museum.

 

Palace of the Rock or Dar al-Hajar

 

One Thousand Rials

Seiyub Palace

Front - Seiyub Palace in Seiyun. This was once the royal residence of the Sultan Kathiri and is now used as a museum.

 

Governor - Mohammed Zammam

Watermarks - Coat of Arms and electrotype ١٠٠٠

Dimensions - 156mm x 70mm

 

Back - View of Sana city with the Bab Al-Yaman gate. Sana is the largest city and is also the capital city of Yemen.

 

Sana city with the Bab Al-Yaman gate

Five Thousand Rials

Al-Muhdhar mosque in Tarim

Front - Al-Muhdhar mosque in Tarim. This is a historical mosque and was built in 1914. Tarim is situated in the center right of Yemen.

 

Signature - Unknown

Dimensions - 159.5mm x 85mm

 

Back - Throne of the Queen of Bilqis (Queen of Saba) in Ma'rib. This is a temple which is dated back to the 10th century. This temple is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

 

Throne of the Queen of Bilqis (Queen of Saba) in Ma'rib

...Kazakhstan - Signature Grigory Alexandrovich Marchenko (Tenure 2009-2013)

Қазақстан Республикасы

(Republic of Kazakhstan)

 

Қазақстан Ұлттық Банкі

(National Bank of Kazakhstan)

Currency - Tenge (KZT)

 

Here I have posted two of the three normal circulation notes issued with the signature of Grigory Alexandrovich Marchenko. Marchenko was the Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan from 2009 to 2013. I believe only three notes were issued with his signature for the normal circulating notes. In addition to this, his signature also appeared on five other banknotes issued for commemorative purposes from 1000 tenge to 20000 tenge. This series has changed little since it was first introduced in 2011. The 10000 tenge note is printed on Hybrid material.

 

Two Thousand Tenge

Dated 2012, flag, Kazakh Eli monument, Khan Shatyr tents, flying pigeons, antelope

Outline map of Kazakhstan, Irtysh river

Five Thousand Tenge (Missing)

 

Ten Thousand Tenge (Hybrid)

Dated 2012, Kazakh Eli monument in Nur-Sultan, flying pigeons

Ak Orda President Palace in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan