...Bhutan - 50 AND 1000 Ngultrum Series 2021

འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ

Kingdom of Bhutan

 

Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, Est.1982

Currency - Ngultrum (BTN)

 

Like most central banks around the world, standard banknotes are not always printed or reprinted in a full set and I believe this is the only odd note issued in 2021. This is the third issue since this 50 ngultrum note was first introduced in 2008.

 

Fifty Ngultrum 

 

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

 

Front - Portrait of 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (b.1980). He accended to the throne following his father's abdication on 09.12.2006. In the center is The Khorlo, Wheel of Dhama. The Wheel of Dharma is an ancient symbol used in Dharmic religions, most preeminently in Buddhism, representing the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment.

 

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025) 

Series - 2021

Watermark - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Dimensions - 147mm x 71mm

 

Back - The image of Trongsa Dzong in the center. Trongsa Dzong is the largest fortress in Bhutan and is located in the center of the country in Trongsa district. The Trongsa Dzong was the historical seat of power for the Wangchuck dynasty and it continues to hold administrative and monastic functions in Bhutan.

Trongsa Dzong

One Thousand Ngultrum 

Front - Portrait of 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (b.1980) wearing a Raven Crown (Dzongkha). The Raven is the nation bird of Bhutan. To the people of Bhutan, the raven is known as Jaroq.

Signature - Dasho Penjore (tenure 2015-2025) 

Series - 2021

Watermark - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Dimensions -165mm x 70mm

Back - Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress located on the northern edge of the capital city of Thimphu. This is where the government is located and also houses the throne room, the official office of the king, the Secretariat and other government offices. The King's residence, Lingkana Palace, is located adjacent to this building.

 

...Oman - 1 Rial Commemorative 2025 Oman's Accession Day Polymer

   سلطنة عُمان

(Sultanate of Oman)

البنك المركزي العماني

(Central Bank of Oman, Est 1974)

Currency : Rial (OMR)

 

Posted here is a polymer note of one rial reportedly released on 11.01.2026. This note is dated 2025, and was released as a commemorative note celebrating Oman's Accession Day. This is the first time in Omani currency history that a polymer banknote is released for circulation.

The Accession Day in Oman is celebrated on 11th of January to celebrate the anniversary of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said's accession to the Oman throne. The Accession Day is a public holiday in Oman, and it honours his leadership and the continued progress of the nation's 'Renewed Renaissance'. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said became the Sultan of Oman following the death of his brother, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said (b.1940-2020) on 10.01.2020. The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was married in Nawwal bint Tariq in 1976 but divorced in 1979 with no children.

In my opinion, this is a fairly large size note for the face value of one rial. This note measures 145mm x 76mm which is also the same size as the current paper banknotes in circulation.

One Rial

Front - The portrait of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said on the central right. To the left, it features the Oman Botanic Garden with a large transparent window in the shape of the arched windows which occupied a large area of the banknote. Below the arched windows are two Frankincense Trees, with one printed with optically variable ink.

Signature - Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said

Date - 2025 ٢٠٢۵

Sizes - 144mm x 76mm

Back - On the back it depicts Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour Cultural Complex, Duqm Port and Duqm Refinery, which created a wonderful blend of Omani national identity. 

...Syria - 5000 Pounds 2023 Two Notes

ٱلْجُمْهُورِيَّةُ ٱلْعَرَبِيَّةُ ٱلسُّورِيَّةُ

(Syrian Arab Republic)

مصرف سورية المركزي

(Central Bank of Syria)

Currency - Pound (SYP)

 

Here are two 5000 pounds banknotes printed both with the same Gregorian year date of 2023. Whilst both are dated the same, the notes were not issued during the same Islamic calendar year. One note was released in the year 1444 (Islamic years ١٤٤٤ - prior to March 2023) and the other one was in 1445 (١٤٤۵ after April 2023). It is believed that these are the only two notes issued in 2023.

It seems that since 2021, the central bank has only issued the 5000 pounds banknotes. The civil war started in 2011 has basically devalued the Syrian pounds substantially. In January 2011, one Syrian pound was worth around US$0.021. In January 2024, it went down to US$0.0000769. The value of this note was worth US$106.80 back in 2011 to US$0.2845 in 2024. This must be the reason that only the 5000 pounds notes were issued as other lower denominations may not have much purchasing power since 2021. It should be noted that this 5000 pounds banknote was not introduced back then until 2019. 

 

Five Thousand Pounds

 

Front - The front of the note depicts a soldier saluting with a Syrian billowing flag on the right side of the note. This flag has since been replaced following the fall of the Assad's family regime in 2024. The flag printed on this note is in mono colour. The actual flag is in red-white-black tricolour with two green stars on the white strip. This flag originally came from the 1958 United Arab Republic and was re-adopted in 1980, representing pan-Arab unity under the Ba'athist government. This flag has since been replaced with green-white-black tricolour with three red stars in the middle.  

 

Signatures:-

Minister of Finance - Kenan Yaghi (tenure 2020-2024)

Governor - Muhammad Issam Hazima (tenure 2021-2024) 

Date - 2023 (١٤٤٤/1444) 

Watermarks - Coat of Arms & electrotype 5000

Sizes - 158mm x 65mm

Back - On the back, it depicts an eagle and Yarhibol (Sun God) of the Baalshamin temple in Palmyra. The Baalshamin temple in Palmyra is an ancient temple and was reportedly built in 115AD. This temple is situated in the center of Syria and in 1980 UNESCO designated this temple as a World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, during the civil war in 2015, the temple was badly damaged/destroyed following the capture of the city of Palmyra by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.  

Five Thousand Pounds

  

  

 

Signatures:-

Minister of Finance - Kenan Yaghi (tenure 2020-2024)

Governor - Muhammad Issam Hazima (tenure 2021-2024) 

Date - 2023 (١٤٤۵/1445) 

Watermarks - Coat of Arms & electrotype 5000

Sizes - 157.5mm x 65mm

 

As news reported from Syria back in late December 2025, the government of Syria completed a currency reform on the Syrian pounds on 01.01.2026 with the new banknotes exchange with the ratio of 1:100. Therefore, this 5000 pounds should have been worth 50 pounds since then. All previously issued notes for 2000 and 5000 pounds remain legal tender for 3 months and are available to exchange for the new 2026 series. It is not sure if this condition also applies to the remaining denominations. 

...Qatar - 2022 Fifth Series of Banknotes Reprints Hybrid

 دولة قطر

(State of Qatar)

مصرف قطر المركزي

(Qatar Central Bank, est.1973)

Currency - Riyal (QAR)

 

These are the full set of seven notes all printed with the year date of 2022. These are the reprints of the fifth series, first issued on 18.12.2020 to coincide with the country's National Day celebration in 2020. I have been holding back from posting this set as I was missing the 100 riyal denomination to complete my collection for this series until now.

 

As these are reprints, there are no changes to the design of the notes, except the year date of 2022 and the two new signatures on the notes.

 

The design on the front for all the denominations share a common theme with a Qatari Coat of Arms,  traditional Qatari geometric designs, the flag of the State of Qatar, image of a Qatari flora called Dreama (printed on the image of the gate), and a large ornate gate representing the historical Qatari architecture. On the back, this fifth series features an array of beautiful images that reflect Qatar's history and embody the country's heritage, environment, sports, economy, and health. It also highlights some of Qatar's most prominent tourist attractions, old and new. On the front all text is printed with Arabic writing, whilst on the back are all in English language. The English writing on the back is all written in Edwardian Script style. All notes are printed with the year date of 2022 (٢٠٢٢). 

These notes are reportedly printed by De La Rue. 

One Riyal

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture. The design on the front for all 7 notes are the same, except for the denomination values. The main features are the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 1

Dimensions - 135mm x 67mm

 

Back - Qatari traditional dhow called Bateel (or batil or Battil). The Bateel is a common dhow used by the people living in the Persian Gulf region, as well as other Arab countries too. On the right is the Oyster and Pearl monument, which was built in 2006. This is a sculpture depicting an open oyster shell with a gigantic peal in it. This monument also served as a fountain and is located at Corniche Street in the capital city of Doha. It is a popular photo stop for the locals as well as overseas visitors too.

 

Five Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 5

Dimensions - 141mm x 68mm

 

Back - Theme Flora and Fauna. The designs depict a desert scene together with fauna like the Arab horses, camel, oryxes and flora (Al Qataf). On the background it also printed with a  hair tent (buryuut hajar).

 

 

Ten Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 10

Dimensions - 148mm x 70mm

 

Back - Theme Sport and Education. The main features are the Lusail Stadium and The Torch Tower (Aspire Zone). The Lusail Stadium or Lusail Iconic Stadium is the biggest stadium ever built in Qatar, and hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on 18.12.2022. Building for this stadium was completed in April 2021. It has a maximum capacity of 80,000 people. The Torch Tower is a 300-meter tall skyscraper hotel located in Doha, which was built in 2007. The Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation) was founded in 1995 and is a state-led non-profit organisation.

 

Fifty Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 153.5mm x 71mm

 

Back - The Qatar Central Bank building (left) and the Ministry of Finance building (right). The construction for the Qatar Central Bank building started in 2020

 

 

 

One Hundred Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 153.5mm x 71mm 

Back - Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. This mosque was opened in 2011, and has a capacity of 30,000 people. The building comprises 90 domes and one minaret. 

 

 

Two Hundred Riyals

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 165.5mm x 74.5mm

 

Back - Image of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani which was once the residence of Sheikh Abdullan bin Jsaaim Al Thani. In 1972, this historical building was converted into a museum, called the Qatar National Museum. In the background is the Museum of Islamic Art.

Five Hundred Riyals 

 

Front - The theme for this series is Qatari traditional culture with the National flag of Qatar of white and maroon colours. A Dreama flower with rolling colour when titled, and a gate representing historical Qatari architecture. The national emblem of Qatar. The emblem design comprises a Dhow floating on water with two palm trees and supported by two scimitars.

 

Governor - Sheikh Bandar b Mohammed b Saoud Al-Thani (2021-)

Minister of Finance - Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari (since 2021) 

Watermarks - State of Qatar Crest and electrotype 500

Dimensions - 171.5mm x 75.5mm

 

Back - Image of the Ras Laffan LNG refinery which is situated in the north-east of Qatar. There are Laffan Refinery 1 and Laffan Refinery 2. The first refinery commenced operation in 2009 and the second one started in 2016. A LNG canter ship is docking at the port. A LNG carrier is designed for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export. The largest LNG canter ship can carry up to 266,000 cubic meters or 9,400,000 cubic feet of LNG.

...Syria - 50, 100, 200, And 2000 Pounds All Dated 2021 (Missing 5000 Pounds)

ٱلْجُمْهُورِيَّةُ ٱلْعَرَبِيَّةُ ٱلسُّورِيَّةُ

 (Syrian Arab Republic)

مصرف سورية المركزي

(Central Bank of Syria)

 Currency - Pound (SYP)

 

Below are four notes all printed with the year date of 2021. A complete full set comprises five notes but I am still missing the 5000 pounds note.

 

Fifty Pounds

Front - Ugarit alphabet on ancient cuneiform clay tablets from Ebla.

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Kenan Yaghi

Governor - Hazem Karfoul

Watermarks - Head of a horse & electrotype 50 

Dimensions - 136.5mm x 66mm

 

Back - Library building in Damascus. Monument of Hafez al-Assad, President of Syria from 1971 to until his death in 2000.

 

 

One Hundred Pounds

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Kenan Yaghi

Governor - Hazem Karfoul

Dimensions - Head of a horse and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 141mm x 65.5mm

 

 

Two Hundred Pounds 

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Kenan Yaghi

Governor - Hazem Karfoul

Watermarks - Head of a horse and electrotype 200 

Dimensions - 145.5mm x 66mm

Two Thousand Pounds 

Front - Mosque at the center. Bashar al-Assad at right. Bashar al-Assad was the second son of the late Syrian President, Hafez al-Assad (b.1930-2000). He succeeded his father as President of Syria in 2000 following the death of his father from a heart attack. He only became the heir apparent following the death of his eldest brother in a car accident in 1994. At the time of his father's death, Bashar al-Assad was only 34 years old and was not qualified to take over the President role as the minimum age required was 40. To overcome this, Parliament then reduced the requirement to Bashar's age so that he can become the next President. He was President of Syria from 2000 to 2024 when he was forced into exile by the rebel group headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa. It is believed that Bashar al-Assad is now living in Moscow, Russia. It is also reported that he has gone back to school to brush up with his ophthalmology lessons. Ophthalmology is a passion of his and if he is to return to this profession, it is expected that he will target those wealthy elites in Moscow as his clientele. 

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Kenan Yaghi

Governor - Hazem Karfoul

Watermarks - Coat of Arms and electrotype 2000 

Dimensions - 159mm x 65mm

 

Back - Parliament chamber - People's Council of Syria chambers.

 Five Thousand Pounds (Missing)