🇲🇷 1985 Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya Banknote – Industry, Maritime Trade & Saharan Strength
Pick# 7b | Numista# 396162

Issued by the Central Bank of Mauritania (البنك المركزي الموريتاني), the 1985 1000 Ouguiya banknote is a bold representation of economic ambition, Islamic design, and post-colonial identity. As the highest denomination of its time, this note reflects Mauritania’s focus on industrial development, maritime trade, and national sovereignty.

🖼️ Design Highlights
Obverse: Features ornate Islamic geometric patterns and Arabic script, with the date “28.11.1985” and the denomination “ألف أوقية” (One Thousand Ouguiya). The design is symmetrical and richly detailed, emphasizing Mauritania’s Islamic and Saharan heritage.

Reverse: Depicts a standing camel, a modern cargo ship, jumping fish, and industrial gantry cranes with smokestacks—symbolizing the country’s economic pillars: livestock, fishing, and port trade. French inscriptions reinforce Mauritania’s bilingual identity.

Color Scheme: Deep brown and olive green on a multicolored underprint, with strong contrast and fine engraving.

📌 Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Mauritania
Issuer Central Bank of Mauritania
Year of Issue 1985 (dated 28 November)
Denomination 1000 Ouguiya (Old MRO)
Pick Number P# 7b
Numista Catalog N# 396162
Printer Giesecke & Devrient, Germany
Size 165 × 90 mm
Material Paper
Watermark Bearded man
Languages Arabic (obverse), French (reverse)
Demonetized 1 January 2019 (replaced by MRU redenomination)
🎁 Why Collect This Note?
The 1985 Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya note is a powerful example of post-independence African currency, ideal for:

Collectors of Islamic or Saharan-themed banknotes

Enthusiasts of industrial and maritime imagery

Gifts for those born in 1985 or with ties to Mauritania

Whether you're drawn to its symbolic design, economic themes, or historical significance, this note is a commanding addition to any world currency collection.