Bank of Zambia
500 and 1,000 Kwacha · Africa's First Polymer Banknotes (2003)
500 Kwacha · 2003
Five Hundred Kwacha · African Fish Eagle · Cotton Pickers
Key Details Visible on the Banknote
- Obverse:African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), a national bird of Zambia, perched on a branch; in the center, a baobab tree; on the left, the medallion with the monogram “BOZ”.
- Reverse:harvesters working in cotton fields; at left, the head of an African elephant; at right, Zambia's Freedom Statue (Chainbreaker) in Lusaka.
- Dove-shaped window:large transparent opening with the silhouette of a dove of peace in flight, in matte optical relief.
- Color:brown, ocher, orange and olive green undertones.
1,000 Kwacha · 2003
One Thousand Kwacha · African Fish Eagle · Agricultural Mechanization
Historical and Issue Context
Continental pioneers:In 2003, Zambia became the first country in Africa to issue polymer banknotes; the 500 and 1,000 Kwacha notes in this catalog entry share that historic distinction.1,2
A troubled launch:The first specimens were withdrawn one day after their release, as their serial number could be easily erased; A second issue with the same date but a new ink formula began circulating in November 2003.3It was later discovered that these notes were fading sooner than expected, and the printer had to bear the cost of replacement.3
Withdrawn in the 2013 redenomination:after the 2012–2013 monetary reform removed three zeros from the currency, these polymer notes were withdrawn from circulation —the 1,000 Kwacha replaced by a 1 Kwacha coin, and the 500 Kwacha by a 50 Ngwee coin— and the new regular series returned to paper.1,2
Key Details Visible on the Banknote
- Obverse:same composition of osprey and baobab tree; on the left, the national seal “ZAMBIA 2003” next to the guilloché medallion with the logo “BOZ”.
- Reverse:a farmer driving a tractor through a cornfield; at left, a portrait of an aardvark, or African anteater (Orycteropus afer); on the right, the Statue of Liberty of Zambia.
- Transparent window with silhouette:opening with the outline of a dove in flight, in matte relief, smooth to the touch.
- Color:carmine red, pink, green, and multicolored yellow.
Notes
1. Wikipedia, “Zambian kwacha”: “In 2003, Zambia became the first African country to issue polymer banknotes. The 500 and 1000 kwacha were both printed on polymer.”
2. The Zambian Observer, “The Period When Zambia Introduced Polymer Bank Notes”: “In the year 2003, Zambia became the first country in Africa to issue polymer bank notes… The contract to print the notes was won by the Canadian Banknote Company.”
3. Banknote World, “Zambia Kwacha Banknote History”: “these notes were immediately withdrawn the day after they were initially released since their serial number can be wiped out easily. In November 2003 new issues bearing the same date but using a new ink formula begin to circulate… these new polymer notes fade earlier than expected, causing the printer to shoulder the cost of replacement.”
