Collection: Eritrean banknotes: independence, nakfa and pride of the Horn of Africa

Explore Eritrean Notaphily: A Tribute to Independence and Unity

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Eritrean banknotes, where each one reflects the tenacious struggle for independence, the ethnic diversity, and the resilient spirit of Eritrea, a country that emerged from the shadows of Italian and Ethiopian colonization to forge its sovereignty. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we present our collection of Eritrean banknotes , carefully curated for both seasoned collectors and new buyers passionate about the cultural and monetary heritage of this vibrant Horn of Africa nation. Eritrean banknotes are more than just paper money: they are relics that chronicle the introduction of the nakfa in 1997, named after the city of Nakfa, site of the first major victory in the War of Independence (1961-1991), symbolizing the freedom won after 30 years of resistance.

The Monetary Evolution of Eritrea: From the Ethiopian Birr to the Nakfa

Before 1997, Eritrea, an Ethiopian province since 1952, used the Ethiopian birr , issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia. Following formal independence on May 24, 1993, the country temporarily retained the birr, but in 1997 introduced the nakfa (ERN), divided into 100 cents, at par with the birr. The first 1-nakfa banknotes, issued on November 8, 1997, by the Bank of Eritrea , founded in 1993, were designed by Clarence Holbert of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, with a focus on ethnic diversity: portraits of three women or children representing the nine major ethnic groups (Tigrinya, Tigri, Rashaida, Nara, Afar, Saho, Bilen, Beja, and Kunama). The common reverse shows combatants raising the Eritrean flag in 1991, with the motto "Freedom, Equality and Justice".

Rare Banknotes: Jewels of Eritrean Notaphily

Our collection includes rare Eritrean banknotes , such as the initial 1997 issues in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 nakfas, with uniform dimensions of 140 x 70 mm and camel head watermarks. The 2004 series, which only updated the 50 and 100 nakfas notes with new background colors, maintains the basic designs but increases their rarity through limited print runs. The 2011 (50 and 100 nakfas) and 2012 (10 and 20 nakfas) series incorporate security enhancements, such as security threads with the repeated "BANK OF ERITREA".

For lovers of African banknotes , we highlight the 2015 series, which completely replaced the previous ones between November 2015 and December 2016 to combat counterfeiting and the black market, especially among human traffickers who hoarded nakfas. This secret demonetization rendered the previous notes legally worthless, transforming them into exclusive collectibles with varying sizes (130 x 64 mm for lower denominations) and distinct colors for easier identification. The rarity of the pre-2015 series, such as the 1997 1 nakfa with a school on the reverse or the 5 nakfa with a historical tree, elevates them to the status of jewels at international auctions, valued for their connection to the War of Independence and ethnic unity.

Preservation and Authenticity: Our Promise

Conservation is a cornerstone of our selection of Eritrean banknotes . Each piece is graded on standard scales such as VF (Very Fine) or UNC (Uncirculated), preserving details like fluorescent fibers and security threads. We recommend that collectors of rare banknotes verify authenticity under UV light, where elements such as serial numbers glow in shades of orange or yellow, according to the standards of the Bank of Eritrea. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , all our pieces come from verified sources, avoiding common forgeries such as crude printing, which is frequent in replicas of demonetized series.

Why Collect Eritrean Banknotes

From the 1 nakfa note of 1997, featuring triptych portraits of Eritrean children and a school on the reverse, to the 100 nakfa note of 2015, with motifs of traditional agriculture and the 1991 flag, this collection offers a window into Eritrean identity: its ethnic diversity, its victory for independence, and its emerging economy. Each note reflects milestones such as independence in 1993 or demonetization in 2015. For new collectors , it's an entry point into collecting with cultural value; for experienced collectors , it's the chance to acquire complete series that enrich any portfolio.

Trust Iberoamericana Banknotes

At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we guarantee the authenticity of every banknote with detailed certificates and expertise in Ibero-American and African numismatics. We offer pieces in optimal condition to enhance your collecting legacy and provide secure and discreet international shipping to any destination. Embark on a journey through Eritrean notaphily and own a piece of history with Iberoamericana Banknotes .