5 zaires 1977
Market Prices
49 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated example of the Banque du Zaire's 1977 5 zaires note (Pick P-21b), printed by Giesecke & Devrient. The note displays pristine condition with vibrant green, tan, and black coloration, featuring detailed guilloche patterns and ornate frames characteristic of high-quality intaglio printing. The obverse portrays a distinguished figure in formal attire within a hexagonal frame, while the reverse depicts a classical figure and a prominent hydroelectric dam structure, reflecting Zaire's industrial infrastructure during the Mobutu era.
Common. The eBay price history shows consistent sales in the $1-$7 range for various condition grades, with UNC examples selling for approximately $2.47-$7.49. The 2019 catalog valuation of $14 for UNC reflects collector pricing, but the abundance of sales data and consistent availability indicate healthy supply. This is a standard-issue note from a relatively short-lived currency period (Zaire ceased to exist in 1997), but production volumes were sufficient to make examples readily available in the numismatic market.
This banknote was issued during the reign of President Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled Zaire from 1965 to 1997. The 1977 series represents a significant monetary period following Zaire's currency reforms and the country's efforts to establish economic stability under centralized control. The inclusion of the hydroelectric dam on the reverse symbolizes the nation's development projects and modernization aspirations during this era, while the formal portraiture reflects the regime's emphasis on national authority and governance.
The obverse features a portrait of President Mobutu Sese Seko wearing eyeglasses and formal attire with patterned shirt and tie, positioned in the center-left within an ornate hexagonal frame. A coat of arms seal appears below the portrait, while a large decorative numeral '5' dominates the right side. The reverse depicts a classical carving portrait in profile within a diamond-shaped ornate frame on the left, and a prominent hydroelectric dam structure with horizontal architectural lines, railings, and a distinctive sloped roof design on the right. Both sides feature intricate geometric and guilloche patterns in green and tan tones, with the bank's 'Z' logo appearing as a secondary element.
Front side: 'BANQUE DU ZAIRE' (Bank of Zaire), 'CINQ ZAIRES' (Five Zaires), '24·11·1977' (November 24, 1977 - issue date), 'LE GOUVERNEUR' (The Governor), 'B1174783J' (serial number). Back side: 'BANQUE DU ZAIRE' (Bank of Zaire), 'ZAIRES' (Zaires), '5' (denomination), 'LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE' (Counterfeiting is punished by penal servitude), 'GIESECKE & DEVRIENT MUNICH' (printer attribution).
Intaglio printing (engraving) executed by Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), a premier German security printer. The fine line engraving details, intricate guilloche pattern backgrounds, and sharp portrait definition visible in the crisp uncirculated condition confirm traditional intaglio methodology. Multiple security features including layered guilloche designs, ornate frames, and fine-line work demonstrate professional anti-counterfeiting measures typical of G&D's 1970s production standards.
This example is cataloged as P-21b, one of two known variants for the base Pick number 21 (the other being P-21s). Both variants were printed by G&D and issued in 1977. The Pick catalog notes various date and signature varieties exist within this issue. The specific serial number prefix 'B' and the November 24, 1977 date on this specimen represent one combination of the documented varieties, though without comparative reference material, a definitive identification of which sub-variety this represents cannot be made from visual inspection alone.
