Explore Our Currency

 Current Namibian Banknotes

There are six denominations (values) of Bank of Namibia notes in circulation: N$10, N$20, N$30, N$50, N$100 and N$200. Click on the images below to find out how to check the features on each of our notes:

10 Dollar Note - Front
 
20 Dollar Note - Front
 
30 Dollar Note - Front
 
50 Dollar Note - Front
 
100 Dollar Note - Front
 
200 Dollar Note - Front
 

 Current Namibian Bank Coins

There are currently six denominations (values) of Bank of Namibia coins in circulation: 5 Cents, 10 Cents, 50 Cents, 1 Dollar, 5 Dollars & 10 Dollars.

5 Cent Coin
 
10 Cent Coin
 
50 Cent Coin
 
1 Dollar Coin
 
5 Dollar Coin
 
5 Dollar Coin
 

 The History of Namibian Money and Symbols

The introduction of the Namibian Dollar as the national currency unfolded through a series of meticulous steps. Beginning with the formation of the Technical Committee on the National Currency in September 1990, representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Namibia collaborated to lay the groundwork. Following the Bank of Namibia Act, decisions were divided: the President determined the currency's unit and symbols, while the Minister of Finance approved the currency's denominations, composition, form, and design.

History of the Namibian Dollar Follow the Story

This comprehensive approach ensured that every aspect of the currency's implementation was thoughtfully considered.The process continued with international tenders for currency note designs in October 1991, resulting in a contract awarded to AB Tumba Bruk, Sweden. A simultaneous coin design competition led to the selection of designs for various denominations. An intensive awareness campaign followed, orchestrated by the National Currency Committee, with the Deputy Governor at its helm.

Staff training and communication strategies were diligently undertaken. Finally, the Namibian Dollar was formally launched on September 14, 1993, under the auspices of President Dr. Sam Nujoma, marking a historic moment for Namibia's independence and economic autonomy.

The Bank of Namibia officially introduced and issued the first Namibian dollar designs for the 10, 50 and 100 Namibia dollar banknote denominations. The 20 and 200 Namibia dollar banknote denominations were introduced later 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.

Pre-Independence Currency

Before Namibia gained independence in 1990, the territory was known as South West Africa and was under South African administration. During this period, the South African Rand (ZAR) was the official currency used in Namibia. The Rand was introduced in 1961, replacing the South African pound, and it continued to be used in Namibia throughout South African rule. The Rand itself featured symbols and designs that reflected South Africa's history, flora, and fauna, but these had little relevance to the Namibian context.

Pre-Independence Currency

With the advent of independence in March 1990, Namibia sought to establish its economic and monetary sovereignty. The establishment of the Bank of Namibia in July 1990 was a critical step in this direction, laying the foundation for a new national currency. The Namibian government decided to introduce its own currency, which would replace the South African Rand and symbolise the country's newfound independence and sovereignty.

The Namibian Dollar (NAD) was officially introduced on September 15, 1993. The decision to name the currency the "Namibian Dollar" was influenced by several factors:

  • National Identity: Naming the currency after the country itself was a powerful way to affirm Namibia's national identity and sovereignty. The "Namibian Dollar" was a clear statement that the country was in charge of its own economic destiny.
  • Symbolic Break from the Past: While the new currency maintained a peg with the South African Rand, choosing the name "dollar" symbolised a break from the past and a move towards establishing a unique Namibian identity, separate from the colonial and apartheid legacies of South Africa.
Symbols and Designs on the Namibian Dollar

The design of the Namibian Dollar notes and coins was carefully considered to reflect Namibia's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and national pride. The following symbols and designs are featured on Namibian currency:

Design and Symbolism of Namibia Dollar Banknotes:

The first design of the banknotes dates back to 1993, when N$10, N$50 and N$100 banknotes were officially introduced. In 1996, the N$20 and N$200 notes were put into circulation. These latter two notes were redesigns of the original notes and contained several trademarked security features, including anti-copier and anti-scanner features. The original banknotes were subsequently upgraded to include the same security features as the N$20 and N$200.

Themes:

Each banknote conveys a message about the country in which it is used. In Namibia’s case the message contains four main themes: The armed struggle for the achievement of independence is symbolised by Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi; the Sovereignty of the country is symbolised by the Namibian Parliament; while Nationalism is symbolised by the national flag and the coat of arms. The Natural Diversity of the land is symbolised by the Namibian antelopes.

History of the Namibian Dollar - Old Notes 1
History of the Namibian Dollar - Old Notes 2
Design Features  
Design features on the obverse side

The main motif of the note is the portrait of Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, with other visible features on the obverse side being:

  • the vignette of the Namibian Parliament building;
  • intricate patterns on borders - an ornamental border formed by two or more interlaced bands around a series of interlocking circles around parts of the note;
  • the name, number and value of the denomination;
  • the Governor’s signature and the name 'Bank of Namibia';
  • the Namibian coat of arms;
  • Braille dots (each note has a different number of dots);
  • a see-through (perfect) register (each note has a different pattern);
  • the serial number of the note on the left and right-hand side of the note;
  • a silver windowed metallic thread; and
  • a silver foil patch on the N$100 and a gold foil patch on the N$200 banknotes.
Security features

Security features found on the different denominations of the banknotes are quite standard across the different denominations. The only major difference is that the N$100 has a silver foil and the N$200 banknote has a gold foil, while the lower denominations have none.

History of the Namibian Dollar - Old Notes 2
Design features on the reverse side

The main motifs of each of the denominations of the banknotes are depictions of common Namibian antelopes:

N$10: Springbok; N$20: Red Hartebeest; N$50: Kudu; N$100: Oryx; and N$200: Roan Antelope.

The other visible features on the reverse side of the note are:

  • intricate borders around parts of the note;
  • the name and value of the denomination;
  • the name ‘Bank of Namibia’ and the name of the antelope;
  • an outline of the Namibian flag; and
  • the reverse side of the see-through register.
The Significance of the Namibian Dollar

The introduction of the Namibian Dollar was not just a monetary reform but a profound assertion of national identity and pride. It represented Namibia's break from its colonial past and its assertion of sovereignty over its economic affairs. The choice of symbols on the currency—national heroes, indigenous wildlife, and unique landscapes—reflects the values and heritage that Namibia holds dear. These images serve as daily reminders to Namibians of their rich history, cultural diversity, and the natural beauty of their country.

Conclusion

The Namibian Dollar is more than just a medium of exchange; it is a symbol of the nation's independence, identity, and pride. Its history is intertwined with Namibia's journey to sovereignty, and the currency's name and design reflect the aspirations of a nation determined to forge its path. The currency, with its depictions of national heroes, wildlife, and landscapes, serves as a constant reminder of the country's heritage and the resilience of its people.

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