This colorful Zairean banknote represents the 2nd denomination of the Zaire (Series 1982-1985). The Zaire was the currency of the nation of the same name. Now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Zaire was ruled from 1971-1997, by it's eccentric leader Mobutu Sese Seko (1930-1997). Who was overthrown in the First Congo War (1996-1997).
The Zaire Series 1982-1985 represents a period of relative stability. Which ended with the rapid hyperinflation of the late 80s-early 90s, as seen with the Zaire Series 1988-1992. The situation devolved to the point, previous notes were reprinted with additional zeros and re-color coded. Making them somewhat similar to later Yugoslavian banknotes.
In 1993, the Zaire was replaced by the New Zaire. The exchange rate was an impressive 1 New Zaire to 3,000,000 "Old" Zaires.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of Mobutu Sese Seko, in his iconic abacost and leopard skin hat. This distinct style of dress was promoted, during Mobutu's 1960s-70s authenticité (authentic) campaign. To his left is a leaping leopard, a reference to the Zaire national symbol, and Mobutu's nickname. The "Leopard of Zaire", which he received due to his fierceness as a leader.
Unlike previous and later Zaire notes, the French text has been rearranged. The usual (trans.) "Bank of Zaire" header has been moved to the lower-left. While note's text value (trans. Ten Zaires) has moved to upper-left. The note's 27 November 1985 print date can be seen, below the leaping leopard.
At the lower right is a Zaire Coat of Arms, to its left is one of the note's dual-serial number (B 0646425 D). The second serial number is at the upper-center, to the left of a large number "10". This represents the note's 10 Zaire face value. Below it is the signature of the Bank Governor, a faint security tread aligns with the end of the signature.
Additional number "10" can be seen at the upper-right, lower-right, and lower-left.
Reverse
The reverse depicts a flaming torch, the national symbol of Zaire. This symbol was used by the Mouvement Populaire de la Révolution (Popular Movement of the Revolution), which Mobutu founded, in 20 May 1967. Later becoming the national flag in 1971, when the Republic of the Congo was renamed Zaire. As part of Mobutu's wider authenticité campaign.
The header above the symbol reads (trans.) "Bank of Zaire", while the bottom text reads (trans.) "Ten Zaire". A large number "10" can be seen at the right of the torch symbol. Repesenting the note's beforementioned Ten Zaire face value. A smaller number "10" can seen at the lower-left. Notably the underprint features a ring of guilloche patterns.
To the right is the note's watermark area. At its top is a counterfeit warning, it reads, (trans.) "(c)ounterfeiting is punished with penal servitude". At the unprinted center is a Marshall Mobutu watermark, it can be viewed by backlighting. While lower section features a Bank of Zaire logo. Which also serves as the positive, for the observe side registration element.
The footer lists the note's printer as "Hôtel des Monnaies - Zaïre".
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 133 x 64 mm or 5.34 x 2.52 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are side opening sleeves, cut to size.
The Zaire ISO code was ZRZ, it used both Ƶ. and Z as symbols.
The Zaire was subdivided into 100 Makuta, coins were issued in Makutas and Zaires.
Likuta is the Kongo word for a single Makuta, 100 Makuta equals 1 Zaire.
The abacost was a distinct Zaire alternative to the Western style business suit.
Zaire was a former Belgian colony, who's schools promoted the French language.
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