History of Namibian Banknotes

The Bank of Namibia officially introduced and issued the first Namibian dollar designs for the 10, 50 and 100 Namibia dollar banknote denominations on 15 September 1993. The 20 and 200 Namibia dollar banknote denominations were introduced in 1996. Although the 20 and 200 Namibia dollar banknotes maintained the same design as the first 10, 50 and 100 Namibia dollar banknotes, they did however contain a number of additional trademarked security features. The 10, 50 and 100 Namibia dollar banknotes were subsequently upgraded to include these same features.

In May 2012, the Bank of Namibia introduced and issued a new series of banknotes. Previously, the portrait of Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi featured on all the banknotes. The new series now depicts a portrait of the Founding President H.E. Sam Nujoma on the 10 and 20 Namibia dollar banknotes, and the remainder maintain Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi’s portrait. All of the banknote denominations’ security features have been upgraded, which now bear improved anti-counterfeiting elements such as Securicoat varnish, optical variation ink (OVI), and Janus colour-shifting window security threads.

On 21 March 2020, the Bank of Namibia disclosed the new commemorative 30 Namibia dollar polymer banknote, which symbolises the reign of three Presidents and commemorates 30 years of independence.

The front of the banknote captures the theme of three decades of independence and the smooth transition of power between the three presidents: the Founding President, H.E Sam Nujoma; the Former President, H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba; and the current President, H.E. Dr Hage Geingob. The reverse side depicts the Namibian black rhinoceros – one of the world’s most endangered species that currently faces extinction – in support of the country’s campaign to end rhino-poaching and to demonstrate Namibia’s commitment to natural resource management.

The Namibian banknotes currently in circulation are 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and 200 Namibia dollars.