Iraq Currency Past Present and Future

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Collection of Jordanian dinar banknotes arranged on a wooden surface, showcasing currency design.
Credit: pexels.com, Collection of Jordanian dinar banknotes arranged on a wooden surface, showcasing currency design.

The Iraqi dinar has a long and complex history, with its first introduction in 1932.

The dinar was pegged to the British pound at a rate of 1 GBP to 2.8 ID. This peg lasted until 1959.

In 1971, Iraq started to use the dinar as its official currency, replacing the Iraqi pound.

The dinar has undergone several redesigns over the years, with the most recent one in 2003.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Does Canada Have Its Own Currency

History of Iraqi Currency

The Iraqi dinar has a rich history that spans over eight decades. It was introduced on 1 April 1932, replacing the Indian rupee, which had been the official currency since the British occupation of the country in World War I.

The first Iraqi dinar series, known as the Kingdom Dinar Series, was issued in 1932 and featured King Faisal I on the obverse side. The series included denominations of 1/4, 1/2, 1, 5, 10, and 100 dinars, each with distinct colors and designs.

If this caught your attention, see: Exchange Dinars to Us Dollars

Credit: youtube.com, History of Iraqi Dinar - Past to Present

In 1939, a new series was introduced, which included King Faisal II as a child on the obverse side. This series also featured a range of denominations, including 1, 5, 10, and 100 dinars.

Here is a list of the Kingdom Dinar Series:

  • IQD 1/4 (1932): Green and black, King Faisal I
  • IQD 1/2 (1932): Red and black, King Faisal I
  • IQD 1 (1932): Black and dark brown, King Faisal I
  • IQD 1 (1939): Green and dark brown, King Faisal II as a child
  • IQD 5 (1932): Red and black, King Faisal I
  • IQD 10 (1932): Dark brown and purple, King Faisal I
  • IQD 100 (1932): Yellow red and black, King Faisal I
  • IQD 100 (1939): Yellow green and black, King Faisal II as a child

In 1959, the Iraqi dinar was pegged to the US dollar at a rate of IQD 1 = US$2.80, a rate that remained until the Gulf War in 1990.

Historical Overview

The Iraqi dinar entered circulation on 1 April 1932, replacing the Indian rupee, which had been the official currency since the British occupation of the country in World War I, at a rate of 1 dinar = 11 rupees.

The dinar was pegged at par with sterling until 1959, when it was switched to the United States dollar at the rate of IQD 1 = US$2.80.

In 1991, Iraq's economy shrunk due to UN sanctions and rampant corruption, causing the dinar to plummet in value, from $3 to less than a penny by 1993.

Credit: youtube.com, History of the Iraqi Dinar Then and Now

Inflation skyrocketed to over 448% by 1994, making everyday transactions extremely difficult.

The overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003 introduced new dinar notes and infused a sense of optimism, but the actual rise was slow and marked by fluctuations.

The Central Bank of Iraq introduced anti-inflation measures in 2007 to stabilize the dinar, which began to gradually recover, attracting speculation regarding a rise in value.

In 2003, the Coalition Provisional Authority introduced a new currency, known as the "new dinar", to replace the Swiss dinar at an exchange rate of 1 new dinar to 1,000 Swiss dinars.

The official rate of the dinar to the US dollar was pegged at $3.3778, before a 5% devaluation reduced its rate to $3.2169, a rate which remained until the Gulf War in 1990.

By the end of 2020, the Iraqi government announced a devaluation of over 20% of the Iraqi Dinar to compensate for liquidity shortages.

Take a look at this: New Thailand Currency

Kingdom of Series (1932-1939)

Credit: youtube.com, Iraq Banknote - First Issue - King Faisal I - 1931 & 1932 [6 Banknotes]

The Kingdom of Iraq dinar series was introduced in 1932 and lasted until 1939. This period saw the release of several coin denominations, each with its unique design and color scheme.

The IQD 1⁄4 dinar coin from 1932 featured King Faisal I on the obverse side, with a green and black main color. The reverse side was left blank.

The IQD 1 dinar coin from 1932 also featured King Faisal I, with a black and dark brown main color. In contrast, the IQD 1 dinar coin from 1939 featured King Faisal II as a child, with a green and dark brown main color.

Here's a breakdown of the main colors and descriptions of the Kingdom of Iraq dinar series coins:

These coins played an important role in the Kingdom of Iraq's economy, with King Faisal I being the prominent figure on several denominations.

Currency Features

The Iraqi currency has undergone significant changes over the years.

The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is the official currency of Iraq, introduced in 1932.

It's divided into 1,000 fils, although the fils is no longer in circulation.

Coins

Close-up of a hand holding Jordanian dinar bills with a blurred background, highlighting currency exchange.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a hand holding Jordanian dinar bills with a blurred background, highlighting currency exchange.

Coins are a fundamental part of currency, and they come in various shapes, sizes, and materials.

The United States Mint produces coins made from a combination of metals, including copper, nickel, and zinc.

Coins can be made from a single metal, like the American Silver Eagle, which is made entirely of silver.

The size and weight of coins can vary greatly, with some coins, like the British Penny, being only 20.3 mm in diameter and weighing 1.85 grams.

Coins often feature iconic designs, such as the American Eagle on the American Silver Eagle coin.

The obverse of the British Penny features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse features a design of a rose, thistle, and shamrock.

Banknotes

Banknotes are a vital part of our currency system, and they have some unique features that set them apart from coins.

They are typically made of paper or polymer, with the latter being more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Some countries have even started to introduce polymer banknotes with advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.

Credit: youtube.com, How to check your banknotes - key security features

The size and design of banknotes vary from country to country, but most have a standard size and color scheme to facilitate identification. In the United States, for example, the Federal Reserve issues banknotes that are 6.14 inches long and 2.61 inches wide.

The paper used for banknotes is often treated with a special coating to make it more durable and resistant to wear. This is especially important for banknotes that are used frequently, like the ones in circulation in countries with high cash economies.

Security threads are also a common feature of banknotes, often embedded vertically or horizontally to prevent counterfeiting. These threads can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic or paper.

The color-shifting ink feature is another security measure used on banknotes, where the ink appears to change color when tilted. This is often used in combination with other security features to create a multi-layered security system.

Many countries have also introduced holograms and other visual effects to make their banknotes more secure and visually appealing. These features can be incredibly detailed, with some banknotes featuring intricate designs and patterns.

The use of color-shifting ink and other security features can make it difficult to counterfeit banknotes, but it's not impossible. That's why many countries have strict laws and regulations in place to prevent counterfeiting and punish those who engage in it.

Recommended read: Gbp Currency Country

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exchange my Iraqi dinar in the United States?

In the United States, exchanging Iraqi dinars is not typically done through major banks, but rather through selected brokers or money exchangers who may charge a significant fee. Be cautious and do your research before working with these third-party providers.

What is 1 dinar worth in US dollars?

One Iraqi Dinar is equivalent to approximately 0.0008 US Dollars. Check the latest currency exchange rates for the most up-to-date conversion.

Rosalie O'Reilly

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Rosalie O'Reilly is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. She has honed her expertise in a range of article categories, including Financial Performance Metrics, where she has established herself as a knowledgeable and reliable source. Rosalie's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of complex topics.

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