دولة قطر
(State of Qatar)
مصرف قطر المركزي
(Qatar Central Bank)
Currency - Riyal (QAR)
These are the reprints of the fourth series, first released in 2007. This is a full set from 1 to 500 riyals with the 100 and 500 riyals both printed on hybrid materials. The design of these notes is the same as those first issued in 2007, but with one new signature printed on the notes, namely the Minister of Finance, Ali Sharif Al-Emadi, who was appointed to the role in June 2013.
It is not sure when these banknotes were actually printed and released but given that these signature combinations were first reported in 2015, then my guess would be either in 2014 or 2015. It is not unusual that new banknotes are printed and not distributed to the public until stocks from previous prints are depleted.
Following the release of the current Qatar's fifth series of banknotes on 18.12.2020, all the fourth series of banknotes ceased legal tender as from 01.01.2022. However, they can still be redeemed at the Qatar Central Bank by 31.03.2031, which is still a long way to go. By then, unless the Qatari riyal banknote in your procession is in a poor or terrible condition, any banknotes in better or especially in uncirculated condition would be worth much more than at face value. Even a 1 riyal in uncirculated condition may still be able to fetch you a few times over the face value. Of course, condition is everything when it comes to collecting. So, hang on to your banknotes!
Signatures
Governor - Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al-Thani (since May 2006)
Minister of Finance - Ali Sharif Al-Emadi (since 26.06.2013)
The designs
On the front of all the notes, it features the Coat of Arms of Qatar. It also features the traditional geometric patterns. Since the issuance of its own banknotes in 1973, no banknotes of Qatar have been printed with the portrait of it's Emir or Ruler. You must be wondering why they do that. It is believed that this is to avoid idolatry on anyone. This is why so many banknotes issued in the Arab world, especially on the front, are designed with traditional Islamic art, vegetal ornamentation, geometric patterns and in some cases with animals or religious or government buildings. Even the watermark on these notes is a falcon head and not the image of the Emir.
All banknotes are printed with Arabic text on the front and English on the hack.
One Riyal
nd2015, Coat of Arms |
Back - The native birds of crested lark, Eurasian bee eater and lesser sand plover all resting or standing on tree branches. Dimensions - 135mm x 65.5mm
Reverse - birds (Crested Lark, Eurasian Bee Eater, Lesser Sand Plover) |
Five Riyals
nd2015, Coat of Arms |
Back - The image of the National Museum of Qatar on the left, Arabian oryxes and a camel.
Dimensions - 140.5mm x 67.5mm
Reverse - National Museum, camels, antelopes |
Ten Riyals
nd2015, Coat of Arms |
Back - A sailing dhow and sand dunes in the background. Dimensions - 146.5mm x 69mm
Reverse - dhow, sand dunes Khor al-Udeid |
Fifty Riyals
nd2015, Coat of Arms |
Back - Pearl Oyster Monument, view of Qatar Central bank building. Dimensions - 152.5mm x 70mm
Pearl Oyster Monument, view of Qatar Central bank building |
One Hundred Riyals (Hybrid)
nd2015, Coat of Arms |
Back - The image of Al-Shaqab Institute on top and the Mosque of the Sheikhs in Doha below.
Dimensions - 158mm x 72mm
Reverse - al-Shaqab Institute, Sheikhs Mosque in Doha |
Five Hundred Riyals (Hybrid)
nd2015, Coat of Arms |
Back - Falcon, view of the Amiri Diwan of Qatar (government building for the State of Qatar).
Dimensions - 164mm x 74mm
..Footnote
This is the fourth series since 1973, and these notes are no longer legal tender and as such are not redeemable at the commercial banks. However, they are still redeemable at the central bank until 31.03.2031. By then, and if you have any of these notes, even in circulated condition, I bet you that it would still be worth the face value of the note to a dealer. Despite saying this, I am not sure if they would accept the high value note though, unless it is in uncirculated condition!
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