
The highest banknote in Zimbabwe's history is a fascinating topic. The highest denomination ever printed was the 100 trillion dollar note.
This staggering figure is a testament to the country's economic struggles during the hyperinflation period. In 2008, inflation reached an all-time high of 89.7 sextillion percent.
The Zimbabwean dollar became nearly worthless, with prices increasing exponentially. This led to the introduction of the 100 trillion dollar note, which was essentially a token of the country's economic crisis.
Zimbabwe's Banknote History
Zimbabwe's Banknote History is a fascinating story that spans several decades. The country introduced its first banknotes in 1980, with denominations ranging from $1 to $10.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe was responsible for issuing these early banknotes, which featured images of the country's first president, Robert Mugabe. These banknotes were printed in Zimbabwe and were a significant departure from the country's colonial past.
The Zimbabwean dollar was introduced in 1980, replacing the Rhodesian dollar. This new currency was pegged to the US dollar, with an exchange rate of $1 to 1.47 Zimbabwean dollars.
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In 2009, the Zimbabwean dollar was abandoned due to hyperinflation, which had rendered the currency nearly worthless. The country then adopted the US dollar as its official currency, a decision that helped stabilize the economy.
The highest denomination of the Zimbabwean dollar was the $100 trillion note, which was introduced in 2008. This note was intended to help combat hyperinflation, but it ultimately became a symbol of the country's economic struggles.
New Banknote Releases
The new $100 banknote in Zimbabwe features a star-shaped, see-through register showing a Zimbabwe Bird looking to the side. This unique design is just one of the many security features included in the note.
The note measures 156 x 66 mm and is printed on a composite (paper and polymer) substrate. Raised (tactile) hash marks on the left and right edges make it easier for visually-impaired individuals to identify the note.
The face of the note features an image of the Chiremba balancing rocks, which is the logo of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. A latent image showing the denomination is also present, adding an extra layer of security.
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Here are some key features of the new banknote:
- Primary colour scheme: yellow and brown
- Star-shaped, see-through register showing a Zimbabwe Bird
- Watermark showing the Zimbabwe Bird and “RBZ”
- Raised (tactile) hash marks on the left and right edges
- Latent image showing the denomination
- Kinetic StarChrome red-to-green windowed vertical security thread with demetalized “RBZ 100”
Zimbabwe Launches $100 Note
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has introduced a new $100 banknote, the country's highest denomination bill in circulation. This new note is a crucial addition to the country's currency, especially with inflation soaring.
The new $100 note features a star-shaped, see-through register showing the Zimbabwe Bird looking to the side. This unique feature is part of the note's advanced security measures.
The face of the note boasts an image of the Chiremba balancing rocks, which is the logo of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. This image appears on the face of all denominations in the series.
The new note is printed on a composite (paper and polymer) substrate and measures 156 x 66 mm. It's designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Here are some key features of the new $100 note:
- A star-shaped, see-through register showing a Zimbabwe Bird looking to the side.
- A watermark which, when held up to a light, shows the Zimbabwe Bird and “RBZ”.
- An image of the Chiremba balancing rocks, the logo of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
- Raised (tactile) hash marks on the left and right edges, to assist the visually-impaired.
- A latent image showing the denomination.
- Kinetic StarChrome red-to-green windowed vertical security thread with demetalized “RBZ 100”.
Zimbabwe's New Largest Banknote Worth $0.60
Zimbabwe's new largest banknote is worth just $0.60. This is a stark reminder of the country's history with hyperinflation.

The new 50-dollar note is the latest in a series of banknotes introduced since February 2019, when Zimbabwe began reintroducing its own currency.
Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin'ono has spoken out against the new banknote, pointing out that it's barely enough to buy a loaf of bread.
At the unofficial black market exchange rate, the new note is worth just $0.35 in US dollars.
The introduction of the new banknote has stoked fears of a return to the hyperinflation that wiped out savings and collapsed the economy in the past.
Zimbabwe's inflation rate has been easing, with the June year-on-year rate officially at 106.64 percent, but it's still a far cry from the 55 percent forecast by the central bank for July.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest note in Zimbabwe?
The highest denomination note in Zimbabwe is the 50-dollar note, which is surprisingly worth only around US$0.60. Introduced by the central bank, this note is a unique example of Zimbabwe's economic situation.
Sources
- https://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/zimbabwes-new-biggest-banknote-is-worth-just-0-60/
- https://www.banknoteworld.com/zimbabwe-currency/100-trillion-zimbabwe-dollars/
- https://platform.keesingtechnologies.com/100-trillion-zimbabwe-dollar-banknote-on-display-in-museum/
- https://www.banknoteworld.com/zimbabwe-currency/500-million-zimbabwe-dollars/
- https://platform.keesingtechnologies.com/zimbabwe-introduces-a-new-100-banknote/
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