This colorful Zairean banknote represents the 1st 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) program. 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. Five Zaires) has moved to upper-left. The note's 24 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 (A 8872174 F). The second serial number is at the upper-center, to the left of a large number "5". This represents the note's 5 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 "5" can be seen at the upper-right, lower-right, and lower-left.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the Ingra I hydroelectric dam, on the Congo River. Ingra I is part of a pair of dams constructed during the Mobutu-era. The dams are fed by Ingra Falls, a group of rapids created by a sharp bend on the Congo River. Ingra I was built from 1968-1972, by the Italian firm SICAI. It provided power to Kinshasa, while Indra II provided power to neighboring mining operations.
The header above the dam reads (trans.) "Bank of Zaire", followed by a large number "5". It's backing is made of an underprint of colorful guilloche patterns. While the bottom text reads (trans.) "Five Zaire", a small number "5" can be seen before it. Its colorful backing resembles tile work, with a slight zig-zag pattern.
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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