Thanks to everyone who helped positively identify the following features which appear on the back of some banknotes from Zaire and the Congo Democratic Republic.

I find it curious that many countries are proud enough to feature certain places, people, and objects on their notes, yet they fail to label these vignettes. As a result, it’s possible that their significance may be lost on future generations. That’s why I strive to provide detailed identifications of all elements depicted on notes in my new catalog. If you enjoyed the detective work as much as I did, keep your eyes on this site for future hunts.


1. Identified: Inga I dam on Congo River.


2. Identified: Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa.


3. Identified: Palais Du Peuple in Kinshasa.


4. Identified: OEBK (Organization Équipage Banana-Kinshasa) suspension bridge (also known as Pont Maréchal) over the Congo River at port Matadi.

Tags: Zaire, Congo Democratic Republic

According to a Le Potential report dated December 23, 2008, the Banque Centrale du Congo intends to issue new high-denomination—1,000 to 20,000 francs—notes in the first half of 2009. At present the largest note is a 500-franc note (Pick 96) worth approximately US$1. A 20,000-franc note would be worth US$40.

Tags: Congo Democratic Republic