100 ouguiya 1973

Common. While this is the first banknote issue of Mauritania and carries historical significance, the 100 Ouguiya denomination was issued in substantial quantities for circulation. eBay market data shows consistent availability with prices ranging from $45 to $232 depending on condition, with UNC examples typically selling in the $85-$125 range and PMG-graded specimens (particularly PMG 65-67) commanding $90-$170. The regular appearance of this note in the secondary market at moderate prices, combined with a 2019 catalog value of $100 for UNC condition, confirms its status as a common date rather than a scarce or rare issue.

Issued by the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie on June 20, 1973, this note commemorates Mauritania's early post-independence monetary identity and economic activities. The depicted imagery—a Mauritanian woman in traditional dress and fishermen with their catch—reflects the nation's cultural heritage and primary economic sectors of the period, particularly the importance of fishing and subsistence economies in the newly formed Islamic Republic.

The obverse features a portrait of a Mauritanian woman facing forward, rendered in brown and tan tones, positioned in the center-left of the note. She wears traditional geometric patterned clothing characteristic of Mauritanian dress. The background landscape depicts palm trees and water elements, establishing a tropical setting. Decorative geometric borders featuring blue and white diamond and chevron patterns frame both sides of the composition. The reverse depicts a traditional fishing scene with five to six figures standing in or around a traditional wooden boat, with a large fish depicted in the water below. The coastal setting is completed with palm trees and water on the right side, emphasizing fishing as a key economic activity. Both sides employ identical geometric border treatments in blue and cream coloring, creating visual consistency across the design.

FRONT SIDE: 'البنك المركزي الموريتاني' (Al-Bank Al-Markazi Al-Mouritani) = Mauritania Central Bank; 'ماثة اوقية' (Miah Ouguiya) = One Hundred Ouguiya; Serial numbers in various formats including 'U001' prefix and '21772' sequence number. BACK SIDE: 'BANQUE CENTRALE' = Central Bank; 'DE MAURITANIE' = Of Mauritania; '100 CENT OUGUIYA' = One Hundred Ouguiya; Legal warning text in French regarding counterfeiting penalties: 'LES AUTEURS DU CONSEIL DE L'IMMIGRATION OU DE CONSERVATION DE BILLETS DE BANQUE VERONT PUNI CONFORMEMENT AUX LOIS' = Those engaged in counterfeiting or altering banknotes will be punished in accordance with the laws.

Intaglio engraving (fine line engraving throughout) combined with multicolor offset lithography for the background underprints. The PMG population data indicates this note was printed by Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), the renowned German security printing company. The fine detail work, sharp registration, and precise color layering visible in the gem-condition specimen confirm professional security printing standards. Multiple security elements including watermark areas, serial number placement in multiple locations, and intricate geometric patterning serve both aesthetic and anti-counterfeiting functions.

The catalog designation P-1a indicates this is the primary variety of the 100 Ouguiya 1973 issue. The PMG population report documents that variant P-1s (specimen note) also exists for this denomination. This specific note displays the standard printing characteristics of the P-1a variety with no evidence of overprints, major signature variations, or other distinguishing marks that would indicate a sub-variety. The serial number format (U001 prefix with sequential numbering) and watermark placement are consistent with the standard P-1a specification.