Description
📌 General Information
Country: Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Bank: Banque du Zaïre
Denomination: 500 Nouveaux Zaires
Year: 1995
Catalog Number: Pick #65s (“s” = specimen)
👤 Main Design Features
Portrait:
Mobutu Sese Seko (long-time president of Zaire)
Front Elements:
Large “500” value
Red SPECIMEN overprint across the note
Serial: A 0000000 A (typical specimen numbering)
Signature of the governor
Symbolism:
Leopard – symbol of authority and Mobutu’s personal emblem
Colors:
Green, teal, and orange tones
🔍 Specimen Note Details
Marked “SPECIMEN” (not for circulation)
Numbered: N° 0001187
Usually produced for:
Archives
Presentation
Collector distribution
Often has zero or patterned serial numbers
🏅 Condition & Grading
Grading Company: DIM Currency
Grade: Choice Uncirculated 64 (CU64)
Crisp, no folds
Minor handling marks possible
High-quality collectible condition
💰 Collector Value (Approximate)
Specimen notes are more valuable than regular issues
Estimated market value:
$40 – $120 USD (can vary based on demand & certification)
Graded examples like yours tend toward the higher end
📚 Historical Context
Issued during the final years of Mobutu’s rule
Period marked by:
Severe inflation
Currency reforms (hence “Nouveaux Zaires”)
Shortly after (1997), Zaire became the Democratic Republic of the Congo
⭐ Collector Notes
Specimen + graded = desirable combination
Mobutu-era notes are popular due to:
Political history
Distinctive African design
The leopard motif adds extra appeal