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Coin, Money & Stamp Categories

African Paper Money

Coin, Money & Stamp Categories


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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1977 Seychelles 20 Rupees ND Currency Legacy
Jul 01, 12:00 PM CDT
1977 Seychelles 20 Rupees ND Currency Legacy
by Gold Standard Auctions
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Fr. 2306. 1935A $1 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote About Uncirculated 53.
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Fr. 2306. 1935A $1 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote About Uncirculated 53.
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Fr. 2307. 1934A $5 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote Uncirculated 62.
Jun 19, 9:00 AM PDT
Fr. 2307. 1934A $5 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote Uncirculated 62.
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Fr. 2307. 1934A $5 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote Choice About Uncirculated 58 PPQ.
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Fr. 2307. 1934A $5 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote Choice About Uncirculated 58 PPQ.
by Stack's Bowers Galleries
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Fr. 2307. 1934A $5 North Africa Emergency Note. PMG About Uncirculated 55 EPQ.
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Fr. 2307. 1934A $5 North Africa Emergency Note. PMG About Uncirculated 55 EPQ.
by Stack's Bowers Galleries
Est: $150- $250
$2000 Bids
Fr. 2309. 1934A $10 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote Choice Uncirculated 64 PPQ.
Jun 19, 9:00 AM PDT
Fr. 2309. 1934A $10 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote Choice Uncirculated 64 PPQ.
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Fr. 2309. 1934A $10 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote About Uncirculated 50.
Jun 19, 9:00 AM PDT
Fr. 2309. 1934A $10 North Africa Emergency Note. PCGS Banknote About Uncirculated 50.
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Lot of (5) Fr. 2309. 1934A $10 North Africa Emergency Notes. Very Fine to Extremely Fine.
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Lot of (5) Fr. 2309. 1934A $10 North Africa Emergency Notes. Very Fine to Extremely Fine.
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Set of 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1 & $5 Grades AU/CU
Jul 09, 12:00 PM EDT
Set of 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1 & $5 Grades AU/CU
by Key Date Coins
Est: $375- $750
$3750 Bids
Complete 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1, $5, $10 FULL SET Grades AU/CU
Jul 03, 1:00 AM EDT
Complete 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1, $5, $10 FULL SET Grades AU/CU
by Key Date Coins
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Set of 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1 & $5 Grades VF/XF
Jul 03, 1:00 AM EDT
Set of 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1 & $5 Grades VF/XF
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Set of 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1 & $5 Grades AU/CU
Jun 30, 1:00 AM EDT
Set of 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1 & $5 Grades AU/CU
by Key Date Coins
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Complete 1934/1935 North Africa WWII Emergency Currency Set $1, $5, $10 FULL SET Grades AU/CU
Jun 30, 1:00 AM EDT
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1967 CRISP UNC Bank of Mozambique 500 Escudos - Brick of 1000 Currency Notes - Bank Wrapped
Jun 23, 4:00 PM EDT
1967 CRISP UNC Bank of Mozambique 500 Escudos - Brick of 1000 Currency Notes - Bank Wrapped
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $1- $5,000
$10 Bids
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1967 CRISP UNC Bank of Mozambique 1000 Escudos - Brick of 1000 Currency Notes - Bank Wrapped
Jun 23, 4:00 PM EDT
1967 CRISP UNC Bank of Mozambique 1000 Escudos - Brick of 1000 Currency Notes - Bank Wrapped
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $1- $5,000
$10 Bids

Sellers Who Sell African Paper Money


Stack's Bowers Galleries

Stack's Bowers Galleries

Key Date Coins

Key Date Coins

Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer

Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer

Gold Standard Auctions

Gold Standard Auctions