...Morocco - 100 Dirhams 2025 Comm Africa Cup of Nations Football (AFCON) Final

المملكة المغربية

(Kingdom of Morocco)

al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyah

 

 بنك المغرب

Bank Al-Maghrib

(Bank of Morrocco, Est.1959)

Currency -  Dirham (MAD)

 

This note is issued to commemorate Morocco for hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations football final tournament (AFCON). The Africa Cup of Nations is a biennial football event and this is the 35th tournament played since its inception in February 1957. The tournament started on 21.12.2025 with the final played on 18.01.2026 in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. This is the second time Morocco has hosted this final. Previously, it hosted the final in 1988. In that final, Cameron won by beating Nigeria 1-0. 

This commemorative note illustrates the country's commitment to sports and highlights its new sporting infrastructures.   

A total of 24 nations in the African continent qualified for this final and the two final teams were Morocco (the host) and Senegal. Senegal won the tournament by beating Morocco 1-nil in the extra time. As the host nation, no doubt Morocco was the favourite to win. Unfortunately, they were beaten by Senegal this time. This was a very controversial game as Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 98th minutes (normal time plus add-on). Team Senegal was not too happy with the referee's decision and most of the Senegal players walked off the field in protest of the referee's decision, and they only came back after 14th minutes of walking off. As the story goes, the Moroccan player, Brahim Diaz took the spot kick by performing a lame panenka kick, and the ball went straight to the Senegal keeper, Edouard Mendy. IMO, it is never good to miss such a golden opportunity to win for the team and country, and why he tried the panenka kick instead of blasting the ball hard to either side of the goal post. Was it just arrogant or over confident? In a penalty shot, most goalkeepers would just dive to either side hoping to block the ball, but in this instant, Edouard Mendy hardly moved and he managed to catch the ball with both hands. Such a missed opportunity will haunt Brahim Diaz for years to come. As Morocco missed this golden opportunity, Pape Gueye of Senegal finally scored a solo stunning winning goal in the 94th minute of extra time. 

Well, you may think that this is the end of the story, but unfortunately it is not. Morocco immediately lodged an appeal with Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) and on 17.03.2026, Caf overturned the result and declared Morocco as the winner and awarded the result as 3-0 in favour of Morocco. The reason given was that once a team refuses to play and leave the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee's authorisation, then the team (Senegal) is considered to have forfeited the match and as such the loser. However, does this only apply to all players walking off or even apply just some of them walked off? Also if this is the case, then why does the referee allow the game to continue? Shouldn't the referee just stop the game and declare Morocco the winner immediately? 

And you think this would be the final end to this saga, right? No! On 24.03.2026, Senegal lodged an appeal with Caf against the decision. It was also reported that during a recent friendly game between Senegal and Peru (Senegal won 2-0) played in Paris, France on 28.03.2026, where Senegal paraded the AFCON cup to the crowd/supporters. Obviously, Senegal still have the trophy and will not give this up without a fight. This would be even funnier, if Senegal had issued commemorative coins celebrating this win, which luckily they have not. As of my posting, the winner for the 2026 AFCON cup is still out there. You just can’t see which team or perhaps you see two teams but can't see which one is the clear winner!

Twenty-four nations participated in the final:-

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mali, Morocco* (the host, Runner-Up), Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal* (Champion), South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The previous AFCON final in 2023 was won by Cote d'Ivoire. (note * - still in dispute)

The tournament was held in six cities in Morocco, namely - Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat and Tangier. Morocco has only won this tournament once in 1976 since it's inception, with Guinea as the first runner-up. In that 1976 final, the tournament final was held in Ethiopia. Back then, only eight nations were qualified in the final and the eight teams were split into two teams with round robin games. The top two teams from the two groups then played another round robin games with Morocco finishing as the top team and as such the winner for the tournament. 

It should be noted that in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final held in Qatar, Morocco finished in fourth position, which is the country's best performance in the FIFA World Cup final and also the best finish for an African country since its inception. Despite Morocco finishing 4th in the FIFA 2022 tournament, it failed to finish top 4 in the 2023 AFCON final. They were defeated by South Africa in the Round of 16 knockout stage. Morocco is also one of the co-hosts for the FIFA 2030 World Cup final together with Portugal and Spain. However, this FIFA 2030 final tournament will also be played in Argentina and Paraguay to honor the 100th year of the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. Only one match each will be played in these two South American countries. 

In addition to the commemorative note, coins minted in silver and copper alloy were also issued to celebrate this football final event as well. 

  

One Hundred Dirhams

Front - The portrait of King Mohammed VI. King Mohammed VI was born on 21.08.1963 and ascended to the throne on 23.07.1999, following the death of his father King Hassan II (b.1929-1999). The Coat of Arms is printed on the right side of King Mohammad VI. In the center bottom is the bird's-eye view of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat. The outline map of Africa is printed in the left and the Moroccan arabesque motif and a stylised football is in the center of the note. 

Signatures

Government Commissioner - ****

Governor - Abdellatif Jouahri

Date - 2025

Watermark - King Mohammed VI and electrotype 100

Sizes - 144.5mm x 70mm

Back - In the center right is a partial inside view of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex (stadium). To the right is a globe with the African continent and with the map of Morocco highlighted. The globe is printed on top of numeral moving 5-point stars. Below the stadium is a silhouette of men playing football.

It should be noted that the map of Morocco is highlighted on the African map which also includes the Spanish Sahara (also known as Western Sahara) territory, which Morocco occupied in 1976. This territory was once occupied by the Spanish from 1884 to 1976, and Spain gave up this territory due to international pressure mainly from the United Nations. Today, it is still a disputed territory both claimed by Morocco and the Polisario Front, which called this disputed territory as Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Today, the territory is two-thirds occupied by the Moroccan and the remaining one third by the Polisario Front. Fighting between Morocco and the Polisario Front stopped in 1991 and since then, the dispute is still unresolved. I mentioned this here is that only a few countries recognised Morocco's sovereignty over this disputed territory. Again, there is no right or wrong answer here, just opinions. 

Also on the back, the Central Bank's name is also printed with the Tifinagh (Tuareg Berber) language. Tifinagh is also the official language of Morocco and Algeria. I am just wondering if this is the first time the language of Tifinagh is used on Morocco's banknote? 

Comment - This is one well overpriced note available in the market. The face value of this note is just over US$10 and yet, the selling price is between 5 to 7 times the value. To pay for this note with this kind of selling price is just ridiculous. 

...Somalia - 1000 Shilin Dated 1990 And 1996

Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya

Federal Republic of Somalia

 

Central Bank of Somalia, Est.1960

Currency - Shilin (SOS)

 

Here, I have posted three notes from the country of Somalia. These three notes are all 1000 shilin and are also from the same design. Two notes are dated 1996 from the same series and the third one is dated 1990 and this 1990 print was issued by a disputed region, called Puntland in Somalia.

 

There are many varieties for the first two notes, but I only have two of them from Somalia and one from Somalia Puntland. The first Somalia note is printed with a 6-digit serial number and the other one is printed with a 7-digit serial number. All three notes are quite enjoyable to collect. Collecting cheap notes is just as fun as chasing rare and expensive notes. 

 

 

One Thousand Shilin 

 

 

Front - The note depicts two women weaving baskets and mats. Above the two women is the Coat of Arms.

 

Signatures

Chairman  - Ali Abdi Amalow

Cashier - Hassan Elmi Barkhadle 

Date - 1996

Serial Number - 6-digit 

Watermark - Sayyid Mohammed Abdullah Hassan 

Sizes - 153mm x 73mm

 

Back - Bird-eye view of port of Mogadishu, capital of Somalia and below that is a roll of buildings.
 

 One Thousand Shilin

 

Signatures

Chairman  - Ali Abdi Amalow

Cashier - Hassan Elmi Barkhadle 

Date - 1996

Serial Number - 7-digit 

Watermark - Sayyid Mohammed Abdullah Hassan 

Sizes - 154mm x 74mm 

 

 

One Thousand Shilin

 

Signatures

Chairman  - Ali Abdi Amalow

Cashier - Hassan Elmi Barkhadle 

Date - 1990

Watermark - Sayyid Mohammed Abdullah Hassan 

Sizes - 150mm x 74.5mm 

 

This note was reportedly issued by Somalia Puntland. The Somalia Puntland, or also known as Puntland or Puntland State of Somali, is a semi-autonomous state and is considered as part of Somalia. Puntland was formed in 1998 and is located in the northeast part of Somalia or the Horn of Africa. The capital of Puntland is Garoowe situated in the Nugal region. With this semi-autonomous state created, it basically split Somalia into three regions. In the north of Puntland is Somaliland and in the south is the rest of Somalia. It is believed that ongoing conflict in the entire Somalia region is still happening with no sign of ending.

 

...Namibia - 2025 Series Full Set (Hybrid for $10 and $20)

Republic of Namibia

Bank of Namibia (Est.1990)

Currency : Dollar (NAD)

 

Here, I have posted a full for five notes all reportedly released on 30.09.2025. The themes for this series are the same as those previously issued but with modified designs and additional security features added to the notes. On the front, the notes depict two Namibia national heroes and on the back it features all four-legged wild animals.

The two lower denominations of $10 and $20 are printed on Hybrid substrate materials and both have a transparent square window in the center right. The transparent window is measured 10 x 10mm. The remaining three notes are all printed on paper materials.

 

All notes are printed with the year date of 2025 on the back. The signature on each note is printed on the front and the serial number is also printed on the back.

Ten Dollars (Hybrid)

Front - On the front, the note depicts the portrait of Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma (b.1929-2025). Samuel Nujoma was a Namibian revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist and served three terms as the first president of Namibia from 1990 to 2005. Namibia was once known as South West Africa, and was occupied by the Germans from 1884 to 1915. The South African forces (British) defeated the Germans occupier in 1915 during the First World War and in 1920, the League of Nations (similar to today's United Nations) granted the territory to South African rule. Fighting for independence started in 1966 between People's Liberation Army of Namibia and South African Defence Force and the war was called the South African Border War and this war was closely intertwined with the Angola Civil War (1975-2002). The war ended when the Tripartite Accord was signed by Angola, Cuba and South Africa and Namibia gained independence on 21.03.1993. In Namibia, Samuel Nujoma is known as the Founding Father of the Namibia Nation. To the center left is the Parliament building located in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. 

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Springbok and electrotype 10

Sizes - 130mm x 70mm 

Back - Two Springbok (or Speingbuck) looking out for predators. The Springbok is an antelope and mainly found in south and southwest Africa (Namibia).

Twenty Dollars (Hybrid)

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Red hartebeest and electrotype 20

Sizes - 135mm x 70mm  

Back - Two Red hartebeest looking out for predators. The Red hartebeest is also known as Cape hartebeest or Caama. There are approximately 130,000 of these animals living in the wild. The Red hartebeest, is also an antelope, and can be found mainly in the southern part of Africa, like in countries of Angola (southern part), Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

Fifty Dollars (Paper)

Front - The portrait of Captain Hendrik Witbooi (b.1830-1905) who was a chief of the Ikowesin people and he led revolts against the German occupation in present-day Namibia. He was killed in action in 1905, and in Namibia, he is one of the national heroes of Namibia. His image has appeared on Namibia banknotes since the first series issued in 1993.

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Kudo and electrotype 50

Sizes - 140mm x 70.5mm  

Back - Five kudus (males and females) in an open field. The kudu also belongs to the antelope species.

 

One Hundred Dollars (Paper)

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Oryx and electrotype 100

Sizes - 148mm x 70mm  

Back - Three oryx from southern Africa. The oryx species in southern Africa is called the gemsbok and they can be found in the arid regions of the Kalahari and Namib deserts. These are large antelopes which are well adapted to servive with very little water in the wild. The gemsbok can be found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and part of Zimbabwe.

 

Two Hundred Dollars (Paper) 

Governor - Johannes !Gawaxab (tenure since 2020)

Date - 2025

Watermark - Roan antelope and electrotype 200 

Sizes - 152mm x 70mm  

Back - Three roan antelope standing in the open field. The Roan antelopes are savanna-dwelling antelope and can be found in central and southern Africa.  

...Zambia - Full Set of Six Notes 2024 (2025) Issues

Republic of Zambia

Bank of Zambia (Est. 1964)

Currency - Kwacha (ZMW) 

This set of six notes were first issued on 31.03.2025, with the denominations of 10, 20, 200 and 500 kwacha. I am not sure when the reminder notes of 50 and 100 kwacha were issued. 

The designs on all notes are new and all notes are printed with the year dated 2024. All notes on the front depict a flying African Fish eagle and a different image in the middle (underprint) on all the notes. On the back, a different tree is printed to the left, a waterfall and native wild animals. The designs on these notes, especially on the back, are related to tourism and it showcases the wildlife of the country and the natural beauty of Zambia's water falls. 

Signature 

Governor - Dr Denny H Kalyalya (tenure 2015-2020, since 2021)

Watermark - Fish eagle's head (weak image and hard to see) and electrotype each showing the denomination value.

Ten Kwacha 

dated 2024, sizes 21.5mm x 71mm

Front - A flying African Fish eagle in flight. The African Fish eagle is the national bird of Zambia. Above the eagle is the map of Zambia, and in the background is an image of the Kariba dam. The name of this dam is not printed on the note. 

Back - To the left is a Zambezi teak tree, the Kabwelume Falls in the middle and below that is a pair of Temminck pangolins. A Teak tree is printed in the far left.

Twenty Kwacha

dated 2024, sizes 126.5mm x 71mm

Front - A flying African Fish eagle in flight. The African Fish eagle is the national bird of Zambia. Above the eagle is the map of Zambia, and in the background is an image of a farm tractor. 

Back - Candelabra tree, Chishimba Falls in the middle and a pair of kudus. A Candelabra tree is printed in the far left and below that are four cape buffalos.

Fifty Kwacha 

dated 2024, sizes - 130mm x 70mm

Front - A flying African Fish eagle in flight. The African Fish eagle is the national bird of Zambia. Above the eagle is the map of Zambia, and in the background is a dump truck.

Back -  A pair of Agapornis personatus a.k.a. masked lovebird. Printed in the background is the Lumangwe falls and to the far left is the Baobab tree. Below the Baobab tree are four rhinoceros

One Hundred Kwacha

dated 2024, sizes 135mm x 70mm

Front - A flying African Fish eagle in flight. The African Fish eagle is the national bird of Zambia. Above the eagle is the map of Zambia, and in the background is the image of the world famous Victoria falls. 

Back - A pair of giraffes with Siama falls in the background. A Mukuyu tree is printed on the far left and below that are four leopards.

Two Hundred Kwacha

dated 2024, sizes 141.5mm x 71mm

Front - A flying African Fish eagle in flight. The African Fish eagle is the national bird of Zambia. Above the eagle is the map of Zambia, and in the background is an image of the Kazungula bridge. The Kazungula bridge is built over the Zambezi river and is located in the south of Zambia. This bridge is the gateway to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.  

Back - Ing'ombe Ilede tree, a pair of rhinoceroses and the Kalambo Falls. To the far left is a Ing'ombe Ilede tree and below are four elephants.

Five Hundred Kwacha 

dated 2024, sizes 146.5mm x 71mm

Front - A flying African Fish eagle in flight. The African Fish eagle is the national bird of Zambia. Above the eagle is the map of Zambia, and in the background is the Bank of Zambia building situated in Lusaka.

Back - Acacia tree, a pair of Cape buffalos and Victoria Falls. A Acacia tree printed on the far left and four lions below that.

...Mauritania - 2002 Print of Three Notes (Full Set)

  الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية

(The Islamic Republic of Mauritania)

 

البنك المركزي الموريتاني

 (Central Bank of Mauritania, Est.1973)

Currency - Ouguiya (MRU)

 

Below are three notes all printed with the date of 28.11.2002 all with matching signatures. This series was first introduced in 1974 and was printed by G&D (Giesecke+Devrient) in Germany. The last print for this series was 2002 and here are the three notes from the final print. This series was introduced with four notes and I do not have the 1000 ouguiya for this series. However, it should be noted that there are no 1000 ouguiya printed with the date of 28.11.2002. And given that only three notes were printed with this 2002 date, the three notes below are considered as a full set.

 

Whilst these notes are more than 20+ years old, there is no shortage in supply and not to mention that these notes are very cheap to buy in uncirculated conditions too. 

 

One Hundred Ouguiya 

Front - All Arabic text and ornate design

General Treasurer - ???

Governor - Ba Seydou Moussa

Watermark - Image of a bearded man

Sizes - 145.5mm x 70.5mm

 

Back - French text, musical instrument to the far left and a cow with a tower printed in the background.  

 

Two Hundred Ouguiya 

Front - All Arabic text and ornate design

 

General Treasurer - ???

Governor - Ba Seydou Moussa

Watermark - Image of a bearded man

Sizes - 156mm x 81mm

 

Back - Rod and bowl to the left and dugout canoe, palm tree and a manual well pump (wooden crane with rope and bucket) to the right.

 

Five Hundred Ouguiya

Front - All Arabic text and ornate design

 

General Treasurer - ???

Governor - Ba Seydou Moussa

Watermark - Image of a bearded man

Sizes - 162mm x 87mm 

 

Back - Field workers harvesting to the left and mining processing plants with conveyors.