Liberia Reaches for the Stars

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) is currently replacing its 2016 banknotes with a new series, which include updated designs and a new high denomination of L$1,000. The other notes in the series are the L$20, L$50, L$100, and L$500. In addition, the L$5 and L$10 denominations have been minted as coins.

Most of the updated designs are the same as the previous series, and retain the same portraits with stylised changes, featuring a change of image only on the L$500. To raise the security and attractiveness of the notes, RollingStar i+ security threads are embedded in four of the denominations, including the L$1,000, whilst a RAPID® security thread appears in the L$100.

All five denominations are now being printed by Giesecke+Devrient over a two-year period, and strongly represent both the traditional and modern features of Liberia. The front of the L$1,000, for example, shows the 16 ethnic groups of Liberia, as a symbol of the origin of the country and national unity. The back of the note features the Capitol Building, which is the home of Liberia’s National Legislature.