Somalia Coin List

The official currency of Somalia is the Somali shilling, although its use is limited due to the country's political instability. The monetary and numismatic history of Somalia reflects the political and economic changes the nation has experienced over time.

Monetary history of Somalia

Prior to independence in 1960, Somalia used different currencies depending on the region and colonial power. After independence, the Somali shilling was introduced as the national currency. However, due to the civil war that began in 1991, the monetary system was destabilized, leading to the circulation of counterfeit coins and the widespread use of foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar.

Somali Numismatic Highlights

Despite the challenges, Somalia has issued commemorative coins that are prized by international collectors. Among the most notable series are the African wildlife coins, which feature animals emblematic of the continent. In addition, in 2013, the Central Bank of Somalia began issuing new banknotes in an attempt to restore confidence in the national currency and combat counterfeiting, marking an important milestone in the country's recent monetary history.