Eritrea Banknotes Catalog

The history of banknotes in Eritrea reflects the country's complex political and economic trajectory. Since its independence in 1993, Eritrea has issued its own currency, the nakfa, which includes both coins and banknotes. The evolution of these banknotes is a testament to the national identity and economic challenges the country has faced.

Current banknotes in circulation

The nakfa banknotes currently in circulation were introduced in 2015. This series includes denominations of 1, 5, 10, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 nakfa. The designs of these banknotes feature emblematic images of Eritrea, such as landscapes, historical monuments and national symbols. The 1 nakfa bill, for example, shows the Matara Tank, while the 500 nakfa features the Port of Massawa, reflecting the importance of maritime trade to the country.

Old banknotes and relevant facts

Prior to the introduction of the nakfa, Eritrea used various coins throughout its history. During the Italian colonial period, the Italian lira was used. Later, under the federation with Ethiopia, the Ethiopian dollar circulated. An important milestone in Eritrean notafilia was the introduction of the first nakfa in 1997, four years after independence. These first nakfa banknotes had designs that celebrated the struggle for independence and Eritrean culture, laying the groundwork for subsequent series that would continue to reflect the country's national identity.