Somalia Banknotes Catalog

The history of banknotes in Somalia reflects the country's political and economic changes over time. Since independence in 1960, Somalia has undergone several transformations in its monetary system, including changes in the design and denomination of its banknotes.

Current banknotes in circulation

Currently, the Central Bank of Somalia issues Somali shilling banknotes in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20,000, 20,000 and 50,000 shillings. These banknotes, introduced in 2011, feature advanced security measures and designs that reflect the country's culture and history. However, due to political and economic instability, the US dollar is also widely used in everyday transactions.

Old banknotes and relevant facts

Prior to the introduction of the Somali shilling in 1962, Somalia used the East African rupee. Early Somali shilling banknotes featured portraits of national leaders and scenes of daily life. An important milestone in Somali notafilia was the issuance of commemorative banknotes in 1983 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of independence. During the civil war of the 1990s, there was a proliferation of counterfeit banknotes, leading to the need for currency reform in the 21st century.