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African Paper Money

African paper money is storied due to the prolonged unrest in the region, with South Africa having a particularly interesting history. The earliest South African banknotes originated in 1782, when the governor of the settlement was unable to import enough coins from Holland. Since South Africa was quite far from the homeland, the governor had to resort to handwriting paper money, stamping them with a government seal to prove authenticity.

Starting in 1837, private banks were opened in South Africa. Many of these banks issued their own paper money, giving antique South African bills a rich historical texture. Eventually, almost all of the smaller private banks were acquired by larger imperial banks, which continued to provide banknotes until the Republic of South Africa was established in 1962.

2008 series Zimbabwean paper money was printed in some absurdly enormous bills, and is a popular target for collectors as a result. Due to hyperinflation within Zimbabwe's government, bills were printed ranging from $50,000 in late October 2008 to $100 trillion in mid-January 2009.


Quick Facts

  • Fuel ration coupons circulated as currency in Zimbabwe from 2005-2008 in denominations ranging from one to 50 litres of gasoline, kerosine, or diesel
  • Nigeria printed a commemorative note in 2014 to celebrate its centennial. This note features a QR code box on the reverse, which sends scanners to a website explaining Nigeria's history
  • A Bank of Egypt proof banknote sold for just over $83,000 at auction in 2014. The note featured King Farouk, but was never circulated due to a military coup several months later

Recommended Items at Auction

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1942 Angola Republica Portuguesa 1 Angolar Note PCGS Very Fine 25
Sep 27, 8:00 AM PDT
1942 Angola Republica Portuguesa 1 Angolar Note PCGS Very Fine 25
by BK Auctions
Est: $70- $80
$11 Bid
BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA: Nyasaland; 1895, Arms of the Protectorate, £10 black & orange vermilion
Oct 04, 12:00 PM EDT
BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA: Nyasaland; 1895, Arms of the Protectorate, £10 black & orange vermilion
by Harmers International, Inc.
Est: $100- $150
$600 Bids
1935 A One Dollar Africa Note
Sep 28, 10:00 AM EDT
1935 A One Dollar Africa Note
by Embassy Auctions International
Est: $35- $50
$300 Bids
Rhodesia 1910 -13, King George V “Double Head”: 2d black & slate gray, perf 14 Irregular block of Four
Oct 05, 12:00 PM EDT
Rhodesia 1910 -13, King George V “Double Head”: 2d black & slate gray, perf 14 Irregular block of Four
by Harmers International, Inc.
Est: $75- $100
$400 Bids
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades xf
Sep 27, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades xf
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf+
Sep 27, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf+
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P: 55A Grades Choice AU
Sep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P: 55A Grades Choice AU
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades Select AU
Sep 26, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades Select AU
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf+
Sep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf+
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P: 55A Grades vf+
Sep 28, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P: 55A Grades vf+
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P# 55A Grades vf+
Sep 27, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P# 55A Grades vf+
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf++
Sep 30, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf++
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf++
Sep 30, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabawe 10 Million Dollar Note P# 55A Grades vf++
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P# 55A Grades Select AU
Sep 30, 10:00 AM EDT
2008 Zimbabwe 10 Million Dollars Note P# 55A Grades Select AU
by Key Date Coins
Est: $25- $100
$50 Bids
Ghana One Cedi Foreign Note
Oct 01, 1:00 PM EDT
Ghana One Cedi Foreign Note
by Designer Homes of Central Florida
Est: $10- $100
$100 Bids

Sellers Who Sell African Paper Money


Key Date Coins

Key Date Coins

Harmers International, Inc.

Harmers International, Inc.

BK Auctions

BK Auctions

Embassy Auctions International

Embassy Auctions International