🇲🇷 Mauritania Banknotes – Desert Heritage, Islamic Identity & Currency Reform

Mauritania’s banknotes offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural richness, economic independence, and Islamic heritage of this West African nation. From the early post-colonial issues to the modern polymer series, Mauritania’s currency reflects a journey of sovereignty, symbolism, and innovation.

🏛️ A Brief History of Mauritanian Currency

Pre-1973: Mauritania used the West African CFA Franc, a colonial-era currency shared with neighboring French-speaking countries.

1973: The country introduced its own national currency—the Ouguiya (MRO)—at a rate of 1 Ouguiya = 5 CFA Francs, breaking away from the CFA zone to assert monetary independence.

2018: A major redenomination took place, replacing the old Ouguiya (MRO) with the new Ouguiya (MRU) at a rate of 1 MRU = 10 MRO, simplifying transactions and modernizing the currency system.

🎨 Design Themes & Features

Mauritanian banknotes are known for their:

Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns, reflecting the country’s religious and cultural identity

Scenes of desert life, agriculture, and architecture, including camels, mosques, and nomadic traditions

Use of Arabic and French, the country’s official languages

Transition to polymer notes, enhancing durability and security

Advanced features like holograms, UV elements, microtext, and transparent windows

📚 Why Collect Mauritania Banknotes?

Mauritania’s currency offers a compelling blend of:

Post-colonial independence and reform

Islamic and Saharan cultural symbolism

Rare denominations and polymer innovation

Whether you're drawn to the non-decimal system (with 1 Ouguiya originally divided into 5 khoums), the vivid desert imagery, or the modern polymer redesigns, Mauritania banknotes are a unique and rewarding addition to any world currency collection.