2003 Madagascar 2 000 Ariary banknote featuring a baobab tree on the front and a rural village landscape on the back, issued by Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara

2000 MGA – 2003

$ 17

A visually striking and symbolically rich banknote from Madagascar, the 10,000 Francs / 2,000 Ariary note issued in 2003 presents baobab trees on the obverse, accompanied by a three-dimensional security element and dual-toned font. On the reverse, it depicts Betsileo-style terraced rice fields. Printed by Giesecke & Devrient, the note is printed on paper and includes a zebu head watermark with an electrotype ‘2000’, along with advanced security features such as a windowed thread, iridescent band, map registration device, and accessibility markings—embodying both cultural identity and modern security finesse.

Category:

1. Overview

  • Issuer / Issuing Bank: Republic of Madagascar; Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara (Central Bank of Madagascar) (Numista, cgbfr.com).
  • Period / Ruling Authority: Third Republic (1992–2010) (Numista).
  • Type: Standard circulation banknote; dual-denomination format (Ariary and Franc) (Numista, Wikipedia).
  • Years of Issue: Introduced in 2003; circulated through approximately 2007 (Numista).
  • Denomination & Currency: 2 000 Ariary (equivalent to 10 000 Malagasy Francs) (Numista).
  • Composition: Printed on paper (Numista).
  • Size: Approximately 144 × 72 mm (Numista).
  • Shape: Rectangular.
  • Printer: Giesecke & Devrient, Leipzig, Germany (Numista).
  • Demonetized: Withdrawn on 31 December 2020 (Numista).

2. Design & Imagery

Recto (Obverse):

  • Imagery: Baobab trees (Adansonia) depicted on the left; a prominent three-dimensional security element situated at center right; grayscale and green security font elements (Numista).
  • Lettering:
    • BANKY FOIBEN’I MADAGASIKARA
    • ROA ARIVO ARIARY (Two Thousand Ariary)
    • 10 000 FRANCS (in smaller font) (Numista).

Verso (Reverse):

  • Imagery: Vista of terraced rice fields—likely Betsileo region terraces (Numista).

3. Security Features

  • Watermark: Zebu’s head combined with the electrotype denomination “2000” (Numista).
  • Security Thread: Windowed security thread featuring demetalized text “BFM 2000” visible on the back (banknoteworld.com).
  • Iridescent Band: Iridescent strip bearing the denomination on the front surface (banknoteworld.com).
  • Registration Device: Map of Madagascar used as a precise alignment or registration device (banknoteworld.com).
  • Tactile Features: Triangle and bar marks included for accessibility by visually impaired individuals (banknoteworld.com).

4. Production Details & Variants

  • Pick Number: Cataloged as Pick #83 (Numista, cgbfr.com).
  • Print Run: Approximately 110 million notes issued during the 2003–2007 period (Numista).
  • Signature: [Not clearly available in sources]; Numista page does not specify the name, though some later related notes show different governors—so signature is not confirmed for this issue.
  • Varieties: There are versions or at least implied differences (e.g., specimen, replacement series A/Z), but specific mention of “small security circles” is not found in sources consulted.
  • Pricing: No specific average secondary-market price found for uncirculated specimens in the sources searched.

5. Cultural & Contextual Notes

  • Transition Currency: This note exemplifies the shift from the Malagasy franc to the ariary—the ariary becoming the official currency in 2005, while dual-denomination notes continued as transitional tools (Wikipedia).
  • Iconography:
    • Baobabs: Symbolize Madagascar’s unique flora and natural heritage (implied by imagery).
    • Rice terraces: Reflect agrarian way of life, especially among the Betsileo people (supported by regional context).
  • Accessibility Awareness: Use of tactile elements for the visually impaired indicates an inclusive approach (banknoteworld.com).
  • Technical Craftsmanship: Printed by a renowned security printer, aligning with global standards in anti-counterfeiting (Numista).

Summary Table

Category Details
Issuer / Bank Republic of Madagascar; Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara
Period Third Republic (1992–2010)
Denomination 2 000 Ariary = 10 000 Francs
Years Issued 2003–2007
Composition Paper
Size / Shape 144 × 72 mm; Rectangular
Printer Giesecke & Devrient (Leipzig, Germany)
Demonetized 31 December 2020
Obverse Imagery Baobabs, 3D security element, dual-denomination fonts
Reverse Imagery Betsileo rice terraces
Watermark Zebu head + electrotype “2000”
Security Thread Windowed, demetalized “BFM 2000”
Other Security Iridescent band, Madagascar map registration, tactile symbols
Signature Not specified in sources
Variants Specimen, replacement series A/Z (implied); details not fully documented
Secondary Market Not specified in the consulted sources
Cultural Significance Illustrates monetary transition; biodiversity & rural life themes; inclusive design

 

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