...Botswana - 50 Pula 2025 Commemorative Note 50th Year of Bank Of Botswana 1975-2025

Lefatshe la Botswana

(The Republic of Botswana)

 

Banka Ya Botswana

(Bank of Botswana, Est.1975)

Currency - Pula (BWP)

 

This is a new commemorative note of 50 pula reportedly issued on 19.09.2025 to celebrate the country's 50th year of the Bank of Botswana (Golden Jubilee - 1975 to 2025). The central bank was established on 01.07.1975 with its head office located in the capital city of Gaborone. 

Botswana became independent from the British on 30.09.1966. Following independence, the country continues to be part of the Rand Monetary Area (RMA) currency system. The RMA is a monetary union of Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland (eSwatini) and was established to promote economic development between its member states. The South African Rand was the main currency but other member states also issued their own currencies and were exchangeable at par. 

In 1974, Botswana withdrew from the RMA system and established it's own central bank in 1975 with the new currency of Pula introduced in 1976. The word 'pula' literally means 'rain' in Setswana, a Bantu language indigenous to Southern Africa and spoken by more than 8 million people. The Bank's first governor appointed was Christopher H.L. Hermans (tenure 1975-1978). It should also be noted that he was reappointed as the bank governor from 1987 to 1997. In 1977, the central bank became a government fully owned institution. .  

Whilst this banknote celebrates the 50th anniversary of the central bank, the theme on the back honors the achievement of it's athletics performance in the 2024 Paris Olympic games. Botswana has now joined the very few countries that have issued banknotes honoring the Olympic games or participants that won medals in an Olympic game. Other countries that have issued banknotes that are also related to this game are China, Hong Kong Bank of China, Fiji, Macau Bank of China, South Korea and Russia.

This is the first time that the Bank of Botswana has issued a commemorative banknote since the country gained independence in 1966. Hopefully, as a collector, we would like to see more commemorative notes in the near future.

 

Fifty Pula 

Front - On the front, the main design is the image of the Central Bank of Botswana's building. In the bottom center is the commemorative logo for the Golden Jubilee and in the top right corner is the country's Coat of Arms. 

Next to the 50 denomination value in the left corner is an image of a 2488 carats diamond called Motswedi, the second largest diamond ever found. This diamond was unearthed at Botswana's Karowe Diamond mine in August 2024 and is reportedly worth around US$100 million dollars. Next to this diamond, the following text is printed: -

"At 2488 carats, Motswedi, the second* largest diamond ever 

found, was unearthed at Botswana's Karowe Diamond Mine."

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Ms Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe

Governor - Cornelius Dekop

Date - 2025 (1975-2025)

Watermark - A rearing zebra and electrotype 50

Sizes - 144mm x 71mm 

Back - On the bank, the note honouring Botswana athletics that won medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics games. The main character is the Men's 200 meters gold medal winner, Letsile Tebogo, showing him holding up his winning gold medal. In addition to his gold medal, he also won a Men's 4 x 400 meters Relay Silver medal, together with Anthony Pesela, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi and Bayapo S. Ndori, as shown on the note after the medal presentation ceremony. Needless to say that the image of Letsile Tebogo appears twice on the same note. How lucky is that? Even the President of the country does not have such honour. Behind these athletics is a billowing Botswana's national flag. You can also see the large numeral '50' printed on the note too.

The Paris 2024 Olympic was not the first time that Botswana won any medals. In 2012, it won a silver medal in London and in 2020 (2021) a bronze medal in Tokyo. However, Paris 2024 was the first and only time that Botswana has ever won a gold medal in any sporting events in the Olympic games. In the background is printed with the large numerals of 50 in gold colour and the image of the national flag of Botswana.

Note* - The world largest diamond ever found was Cullinan Diamond, weighing 3,106.75 carats discovered in South Africa in 1905. Unfortunately since then, this diamond was then cut into smaller diamonds, including the Cullinan I weighing 530.2 carats, which is also the world largest colourless cut diamond. Guess who owns this stone now?  

...Morocco - 100 Dirhams 2025 Comm Africa Cup of Nations Football (AFCON) Final

المملكة المغربية

(Kingdom of Morocco)

al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyah

 

 بنك المغرب

Bank Al-Maghrib

(Bank of Morrocco, Est.1959)

Currency -  Dirham (MAD)

 

This note is issued to commemorate Morocco for hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations football final tournament (AFCON). The Africa Cup of Nations is a biennial football event and this is the 35th tournament played since its inception in February 1957. The tournament started on 21.12.2025 with the final played on 18.01.2026 in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. This is the second time Morocco has hosted this final. Previously, it hosted the final in 1988. In that final, Cameron won by beating Nigeria 1-0. 

This commemorative note illustrates the country's commitment to sports and highlights its new sporting infrastructures.   

A total of 24 nations in the African continent qualified for this final and the two final teams were Morocco (the host) and Senegal. Senegal won the tournament by beating Morocco 1-nil in the extra time. As the host nation, no doubt Morocco was the favourite to win. Unfortunately, they were beaten by Senegal this time. This was a very controversial game as Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 98th minutes (normal time plus add-on). Team Senegal was not too happy with the referee's decision and most of the Senegal players walked off the field in protest of the referee's decision, and they only came back after 14th minutes of walking off. As the story goes, the Moroccan player, Brahim Diaz took the spot kick by performing a lame panenka kick, and the ball went straight to the Senegal keeper, Edouard Mendy. IMO, it is never good to miss such a golden opportunity to win for the team and country, and why he tried the panenka kick instead of blasting the ball hard to either side of the goal post. Was it just arrogant or over confident? In a penalty shot, most goalkeepers would just dive to either side hoping to block the ball, but in this instant, Edouard Mendy hardly moved and he managed to catch the ball with both hands. Such a missed opportunity will haunt Brahim Diaz for years to come. As Morocco missed this golden opportunity, Pape Gueye of Senegal finally scored a solo stunning winning goal in the 94th minute of extra time. 

Well, you may think that this is the end of the story, but unfortunately it is not. Morocco immediately lodged an appeal with Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) and on 17.03.2026, Caf overturned the result and declared Morocco as the winner and awarded the result as 3-0 in favour of Morocco. The reason given was that once a team refuses to play and leave the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee's authorisation, then the team (Senegal) is considered to have forfeited the match and as such the loser. However, does this only apply to all players walking off or even apply just some of them walked off? Also if this is the case, then why does the referee allow the game to continue? Shouldn't the referee just stop the game and declare Morocco the winner immediately? 

And you think this would be the final end to this saga, right? No! On 24.03.2026, Senegal lodged an appeal with Caf against the decision. It was also reported that during a recent friendly game between Senegal and Peru (Senegal won 2-0) played in Paris, France on 28.03.2026, where Senegal paraded the AFCON cup to the crowd/supporters. Obviously, Senegal still have the trophy and will not give this up without a fight. This would be even funnier, if Senegal had issued commemorative coins celebrating this win, which luckily they have not. As of my posting, the winner for the 2026 AFCON cup is still out there. You just can’t see which team or perhaps you see two teams but can't see which one is the clear winner!

Twenty-four nations participated in the final:-

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mali, Morocco* (the host, Runner-Up), Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal* (Champion), South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The previous AFCON final in 2023 was won by Cote d'Ivoire. (note * - still in dispute)

The tournament was held in six cities in Morocco, namely - Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat and Tangier. Morocco has only won this tournament once in 1976 since it's inception, with Guinea as the first runner-up. In that 1976 final, the tournament final was held in Ethiopia. Back then, only eight nations were qualified in the final and the eight teams were split into two teams with round robin games. The top two teams from the two groups then played another round robin games with Morocco finishing as the top team and as such the winner for the tournament. 

It should be noted that in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final held in Qatar, Morocco finished in fourth position, which is the country's best performance in the FIFA World Cup final and also the best finish for an African country since its inception. Despite Morocco finishing 4th in the FIFA 2022 tournament, it failed to finish top 4 in the 2023 AFCON final. They were defeated by South Africa in the Round of 16 knockout stage. Morocco is also one of the co-hosts for the FIFA 2030 World Cup final together with Portugal and Spain. However, this FIFA 2030 final tournament will also be played in Argentina and Paraguay to honor the 100th year of the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. Only one match each will be played in these two South American countries. 

In addition to the commemorative note, coins minted in silver and copper alloy were also issued to celebrate this football final event as well. 

  

One Hundred Dirhams

Front - The portrait of King Mohammed VI. King Mohammed VI was born on 21.08.1963 and ascended to the throne on 23.07.1999, following the death of his father King Hassan II (b.1929-1999). The Coat of Arms is printed on the right side of King Mohammad VI. In the center bottom is the bird's-eye view of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat. The outline map of Africa is printed in the left and the Moroccan arabesque motif and a stylised football is in the center of the note. 

Signatures

Government Commissioner - ****

Governor - Abdellatif Jouahri

Date - 2025

Watermark - King Mohammed VI and electrotype 100

Sizes - 144.5mm x 70mm

Back - In the center right is a partial inside view of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex (stadium). To the right is a globe with the African continent and with the map of Morocco highlighted. The globe is printed on top of numeral moving 5-point stars. Below the stadium is a silhouette of men playing football.

It should be noted that the map of Morocco is highlighted on the African map which also includes the Spanish Sahara (also known as Western Sahara) territory, which Morocco occupied in 1976. This territory was once occupied by the Spanish from 1884 to 1976, and Spain gave up this territory due to international pressure mainly from the United Nations. Today, it is still a disputed territory both claimed by Morocco and the Polisario Front, which called this disputed territory as Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Today, the territory is two-thirds occupied by the Moroccan and the remaining one third by the Polisario Front. Fighting between Morocco and the Polisario Front stopped in 1991 and since then, the dispute is still unresolved. I mentioned this here is that only a few countries recognised Morocco's sovereignty over this disputed territory. Again, there is no right or wrong answer here, just opinions. 

Also on the back, the Central Bank's name is also printed with the Tifinagh (Tuareg Berber) language. Tifinagh is also the official language of Morocco and Algeria. I am just wondering if this is the first time the language of Tifinagh is used on Morocco's banknote? 

Comment - This is one well overpriced note available in the market. The face value of this note is just over US$10 and yet, the selling price is between 5 to 7 times the value. To pay for this note with this kind of selling price is just ridiculous. 

...Czech Republic - 100 Koruna Centennial Of The Czechosolovak Currency III 1926-2026

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

Posted below is the 2026 commemorative note of 100 koruna issued on 21.01.2026. This note formed part of the series of special 100 CZK commemorative notes first issued in 2019 (following the 2019 Rašín and 2022 Engliš issues) and is purposely designed for numismatic collectors only. 

This note celebrates the 100th year of the establishment of the Czechoslovak currency part III and it also honours the contribution of its first governor, Vilém Pospíšil.

Only 20,000 sets were issued and despite the nominal face value, I cannot confirm this, but I have been informed that the official retail price was 2,500 koruna per note. Whilst 2,500 koruna is equivalent to approximately €104 or US$123, the secondary market asking price is more than twice of that. Even sellers from the Czech Republic are offering these notes more than three times the official issue price. Such a high markup premium makes it hard for collectors to get one. I do not believe this would be a good investment and only the die-hard collectors will get one just to fill up his/her ego (that's me). Based on the current asking price, there is no shortage of this note on offer at the moment, but one has to look around to find one with the best price. I ended up buying two pieces of this and paid my first piece for US$225 (through a dealer) and the second one much cheaper at US$160 (through a very good friend). I enjoy collecting large size banknotes and I am happy to have more than one note in my collection.

All notes are issued in a simple three-fold sleeve. The prefixes of my two notes are both printed with PN10. However, I have sighted one with Prefix PJ09. For a quantity of 20,000 pieces, I am wondering why there are multiple prefixes printed and if these prefixes have any significant or important meaning? Are these some kinds of internal bank coding systems referred to? Given such a low quantity, one can even argue that if the serial number prefixes is necessary? 

 

Below are the inscriptions on the folder, which I have translated into English with the help of Google Translate; 

Cestina; -
Emitent: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Technicke parametry: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Podpis: Ales Michl, guverner

Navrh: akademicka malirka Eva Haskova
Liniove rozkresby a rucni ocelorytiny: Martin Srb
Graficky ceninovy design: Michal Sindelar

Naklad: 20000 kusu

Papir: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Barvy:bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Meditiskove formy: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Meditiskove priprava: Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha
Sitotiskove formy: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Cislovace: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Tisk: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (prvek SPARK Flow®),
Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha (ostatni partie)
Vytistenon a strojich: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg

PAMETNI BANKOVKA
100 korun ceskych vzor 2026

Budovani ceskoslovenske meny

English: -
Issuer: Czech National Bank, Prague
Technical parameters: Czech National Bank, Prague
Signature: Ales Michl, Governor

 

Design: academic painter Eva Haskova
Line drawings and hand-made steel engravings: Martin Srb
Graphic design of the banknote: Michal Sindelar

Issue: 20,000 pieces

Paper: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Colors: bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Printing forms: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Printing preparation: State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague
Screen printing forms: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Numbering: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Printing: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (SPARK Flow® element),
State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague (other parts)
Printing and printing machines: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg
COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTES

100 Czech crowns model 2026
Construction of the Czechoslovak currency

Send feedback

(courtsey of Google Translate)

 

 

One Hundred Koruna

Front - The note features the portrait of Vilém Pospíšil (b.1873-1942), the first Governor of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. He was appointed to the governor of the central bank on 23.01.1926 and the central bank began operation on 01.04.1926. Like all central bank's activity, one of it's main functions is to safeguard the stability of the Czechoslovak koruna currency. Professionally, Vilém Pospíšil was also a qualified lawyer and publicist and apart from the Czech language, he is also fluent in German, French, English, Italian and Russian. His name, “VILÉM POSPÍŠIL” is also printed below his portrait on the note. He served as the Bank Governor for nearly 8 years and resigned together with the entire board of the bank in February 1934 when the government decided to devalue the Koruna currency. The devaluation of the koruna currency was due to the Great Depression experienced by many countries around the world, which impacted the country's economy. The devaluation was to aim at boosting sagging exports, reducing unemployment and to align the Koruna with the depreciated currencies of other major trading partners. Following his resignation, he was succeeded by Karel Englis in 1934. 

Next to his portrait of Vilém Pospíšil is an image of the headquarters building of the Czech National Bank in Prague. On top of the building is a statue of a female statue with a Lion. A cornucopia with fruit is located on the center right below the building, and the Coat of Arms of the Czechoslovak Republic printed to the left. On the top right corner is a male statue holding a laurel wreath. 

Located near the lower margin of the banknote is the name of the designer “EVA HAŠKOVÁ INV”. The other two commemorative notes of the 100 koruna commemorative series issued in 2019 and 2022 were also designed by her as well.

Governor - Aleš Michl (since July 1, 2022)

Date - 2026 (released on 21.01.2026)

Watermark - portrait of Vilém Pospíšil and electrotype 100

Quantity - 20,000 pieces/sets

Issue price - 2,500 koruna per set

Sizes - 194.5mm x 84mm

Back - On the back it depicts a corner of the former Městská spořitelna Pražská savings bank (founded in 1825 as Prague Municipal Saving Bank) in Prague. This building is currently occupied by the Česká spořitelna, the largest bank in the Czech Republic. To the right is an angel holding a beehive with her left hand. A composition of fruit is printed to the far left of the note.

In modern time banknotes collection, this is a very large note. Given that this note is sold with such a high premium, whilst it is a legal tender note, it is very unlikely you will find anyone willing to use it at face value as payment for goods and services. However, you will never know, as it is sad to say that "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em". I wonder what you can get for 100 koruna in the Czech Republic?

 

...Bolivia - No Value 200th Year of Independence 1825-2025

State of Bolivia

Banco Central De Bolivia

(Central Bank of Bolivia

Currency - Boliviano (BOB)

This is a commemorative polymer note (no value) released in early August 2025 celebrating the country's 200 years of independence 1825-2025. Whilst this is a commemorative note issued by Banco Central De Bolivia, it has no value printed on it and as such is not a legal tender banknote. 

The struggle of independence for Bolivia first started in 1809, and since then the country went through many revolutions and were all defeated by the Spanish army, until 1825 when Antonia Jose de Sucre and Simon Bolivar both defeated the Spanish army. Independence was declared on 6 August 1825. 

Whilst this is a commemorative polymer note issued by the central bank, it has no value printed on the note. This note was presented to the public on 4 August 2025 and is sold at 50 bolivianos per note. A total of 1.0 million pieces have been issued. I am not sure what is the purpose of printing this with no actual value on it. At least the central bank could have just printed a nominal value of say 1 or 10 bolivianos and you will not see anyone try to transact this note commercially at a loss. A piece of plastic sheet (banknote) with no face value is less attractive to many collectors, in my opinion.

 

No Value Numismatic product

Front - On the front, the note depicts the following heroes of Latin America.

Front row (L-R)

Alejo Calatayud (b.1705-1731) - A Mestizo silversmith from Oropesa Cochabamba province who led a violent rebellion and became a local hero amongst the plebeian masses of the province. - 

 

Juana Azurduy De Padilla (b.1780-1862) - She was a guerrilla military leader from Chuquisaca, Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. She and her husband, Manuel Ascencio Padilla fought for Bolivian and Argentine independence, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

 

Antonio Jose de Sucre y Alcala (b.1795-1830) - Also known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho", was a Venezuelan general and politician who served as the president of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828. He served as the 2nd President of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828.

Back row (L-R) 

Jose Manuel Baca Canoto (b.1790-1854) - A Bolivian poet, musician. composer, and soldier who played a significant role in the South American wars of independence. His portrait also appears in the Bolivia currency. 

 

Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) - Full name Simon Jose Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar y Palacios. He was a famous freedom fighter in South America and is famous in countries like Colombo, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia, of course.

 

Bartolina Sisi (b.1750-1782) - An Aymara indigenous leader who led a 40,000-strong army alongside her husband, Tupac Katari (below), against Spanish colonial rule in Bolivia. She was a military commander in the 1781 siege of La Paz. She was captured and executed by the Spanish on 05.09.1782. 

 

Tupak Katari (b.1750-1781) - An Aymara who started a major rebellion against Spanish rule in Upper Peru. The rebellion failed and he was executed by the Spanish.

 

Eustaquio Mendez El Moto Mendez (b.1784-1849) - A military commander and guerrilla leader in the South American wars of independence against the Spanish rule. 

 

Signatures

Presidente a.i. BCB - Roger Wdwin Rojas Ulo

Gerente General BCB - Ruben Gonzalo Ticona Chique

Date - 2025

Sizes - 150.5mm x 70mm  

Back - On the back, it depicts the Casa de la Libertad in Sucre and the Toborochi tree. 

 

...Oman - 1 Rial Commemorative 2025 Oman's Accession Day Polymer

   سلطنة عُمان

(Sultanate of Oman)

البنك المركزي العماني

(Central Bank of Oman, Est 1974)

Currency : Rial (OMR)

 

Posted here is a polymer note of one rial reportedly released on 11.01.2026. This note is dated 2025, and was released as a commemorative note celebrating Oman's Accession Day. This is the first time in Omani currency history that a polymer banknote is released for circulation.

The Accession Day in Oman is celebrated on 11th of January to celebrate the anniversary of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said's accession to the Oman throne. The Accession Day is a public holiday in Oman, and it honours his leadership and the continued progress of the nation's 'Renewed Renaissance'. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said became the Sultan of Oman following the death of his brother, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said (b.1940-2020) on 10.01.2020. The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was married in Nawwal bint Tariq in 1976 but divorced in 1979 with no children.

In my opinion, this is a fairly large size note for the face value of one rial. This note measures 145mm x 76mm which is also the same size as the current paper banknotes in circulation.

One Rial

Front - The portrait of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said on the central right. To the left, it features the Oman Botanic Garden with a large transparent window in the shape of the arched windows which occupied a large area of the banknote. Below the arched windows are two Frankincense Trees, with one printed with optically variable ink.

Signature - Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said

Date - 2025 ٢٠٢۵

Sizes - 144mm x 76mm

Back - On the back it depicts Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour Cultural Complex, Duqm Port and Duqm Refinery, which created a wonderful blend of Omani national identity.