This colorful Zimbabwean banknote represents the 5th denomination of the First Dollar (Chiremba Rocks Series). The "Chiremba Rocks" Series, receives it's name from the Chiremba Balancing Rocks featured on every denomination. This series was issued from 1994-2004 and represented the last issued notes of the First Dollar.
Notably the main series (5-100 Dollars) was issued from 1994-1997. As replacements for earlier First Dollar banknotes, issued from 1980-1994. The larger 500 and 1000 Dollar notes were issued latter, in 2001 and 2003 respectively.
Observe
The observe prominently features the famous Chiremba Balancing Rocks, at Matobo National Park. Behind the illustration are "zig-zag" cells, with microprint number 100s inside. Moving toward the note's center is an illustration of a Manica Protea flower.
Notably all denominations of the Chiremba Rocks Series featured a native flower, at their center. Additionally all notes of the series featured their value (in this case "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS"), overprinted on the flower.
The before mentioned flower also acts as the center of the note's underprint. All notes of the series featured a sprawling 2-tone guilloché pattern, which varied between denominations. This denomination shifts to a reddish hue, along the edges.
Above the note's header simply lists the issuing body as the "RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE". While the footer includes the bank "Governor" signature and states the note was issued at "HARARE", in 1995. The city of Harare being the Zimbabwean capital.
Notably the observe features a number of additional security elements. The note utilizes a dual-serial number (JN5468443), as a security measure. The first serial number is black inked, located below the header. While the second is red inked and vertical, located at the far left. Dual ink colors are purposely used, to complicate production for would be counterfeiters.
To the lower right of the governor's signature, is a textured stamp. This stamp features a hidden 4-point star and directional microprint. The "star" features an echo effect and the letters "RBZ" hidden inside. These letters represents the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Notably the color of the stamp and its hidden image changes between denomination. In addition to the decorative spire above it.
The note's "100" dollar value is repeated on each corner. Although the lower right is unusual, instead featuring 3 number "100"s. It depicts a pair of Bush Elephants, on a field of grass. The lower right numbers alternate from outline to solid, making it more difficult for counterfeiters.
The watermark features the "Zimbabwe Bird", an artifact from the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Backlighting the note will also expose a hidden vertical security strip. Located at the letter "K" in "BANK, on the header. It reads "RBZ 100", for Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe 100 (Dollars).
Reverse
The reverse depicts Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River. The Kariba Dam and the Kariba Gorge form part of the Zimbabwe/Zambia border. The illustration's sky view provides a view of the massive Lake Kariba, the world's largest reservoir by volume.
Notably the reverse features some similar and altered elements from the observe. For example the underprint follows a similar pattern, although in a light blue and red multi-tone. The textured stamp has been changed to a gray 8-point "wheel". The shape of the spire has also been altered, now featuring a zig-zag pattern inside.
Just as the observe, the reverse also features number "100"s on each corner. Including the Bush Elephant pair at the lower left. A keen eye will notice these elephants are subtly printed light gray, rather than blue-gray.
First Dollar Gallery (Series 1994)
(Gallery contains only banknotes within the database)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 152 x 75 mm or 5.98 x 2.95 in, larger than a US Dollar.
This preferable method to preserve this note are large size protective sleeves.
This note was demonetized on 21 August 2006, with the adoption of the Second Dollar.
The Manica Protea is native to Zimbabwe's Manica Highlands, along the Mozambique border.
Due to rising inflation, First Dollar banknotes were partially replaced by the short-lived Travellers' Cheque, in 2003.
Travellers' Cheque were unpopular, as banks charged the bearer a commission fee, for receiving and depositing them.
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