1 zaire= 100 makuta 1967

Common. Secondary market evidence (eBay historical sales data) shows consistent circulation of this note type across multiple condition grades from 2013–2021, with Fair specimens selling for approximately $5–$6. The note was issued over a three-year period (1967–1970) by a major security printer with substantial print runs. No indication of scarcity or recall exists in cataloging records. The P-12a is the standard variety with four documented variants (P-12a, P-12b, P-12s1, P-12s2), suggesting robust production volume.

This banknote commemorates the early years of Mobutu Sese Seko's rule in the newly renamed Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Belgian Congo, later Zaïre). The 'Time to Work' gathering depicted on the reverse references Mobutu's political slogan and nation-building initiatives of the 1960s, while his elevated portrait on the obverse reinforces his centralized authority. The note's introduction of the Zaïre currency in 1967 marked a significant monetary reform following Congo's tumultuous post-independence period.

The obverse features President Joseph-Désiré Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku wa za Banga in three-quarter profile on the right, wearing military uniform with insignia and eyeglasses. On the left is a green and orange illustration depicting the Tata Raphaël stadium in Kinshasa with a football field, representing national infrastructure and development. The note employs a brown and tan color palette with multicolored underprinting. The reverse displays an elaborate engraved scene of Mobutu's 'Time to Work' (Authenticité) political gathering, showing the leader elevated above a large crowd of assembled citizens in a propagandistic composition. Fine geometric guilloche patterns and ornamental borders frame both sides, with NBC emblem present on the obverse. The serial number AB680127 appears twice in register on the front.

FRONT: Banque Nationale du Congo (National Bank of Congo); UN ZAÏRE OU CENT MAKUTA (One Zaire or One Hundred Makuta); 1 ZAÏRE / 100 MAKUTA (denomination in dual format); LE GOUVERNEUR (The Governor); Signature: A. Ndele; Date: 24·11·1967 (November 24, 1967); Serial Number: AB680127; LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE (Counterfeiting is punishable by penal servitude). BACK: Banque Nationale du Congo (National Bank of Congo); 1 ZAÏRE / 100 MAKUTA (denomination); THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving and letterpress, executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited of London. The note demonstrates high-quality security printing characteristic of TDLR's work, with fine line guilloche patterns, intricate border designs, and detailed portraiture and scenic engraving. The multicolor underprinting visible beneath the brown primary colors indicates sophisticated multi-pass printing typical of mid-20th century banknote production.

This specimen is cataloged as Pick P-12a (standard variety). The date of 24·11·1967 and signature of A. Ndele (Bank Governor) are consistent with the inaugural 1967 issue. The serial number prefix 'AB' and six-digit numbering format (680127) are typical of the primary issue series. Known varieties for this Pick number include P-12b and specimen varieties P-12s1 and P-12s2, though the visual evidence from this note—including the signature, date, and serial format—confirms this as the standard P-12a circulating type.