Mauritania 100 Ouguiya 2002 Pick 4k UNC Banknote
The Mauritania 100 Ouguiya 2002 banknote (Pick 4k) is one of the final varieties of the original 100 Ouguiya series issued by the Central Bank of Mauritania before the complete redesign of the country’s banknotes in 2004.
Known for its elegant brown colour palette and detailed engraving, this banknote beautifully reflects Mauritania’s economy, history and cultural heritage. It combines traditional Saharan imagery with symbols of agriculture and modernization, making it one of the most attractive classic Mauritanian notes.
In UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this banknote is an excellent addition to any African or world banknote collection.
Historical Background
The 100 Ouguiya Pick 4k belongs to the final issue of the original Ouguiya banknote family that circulated between the 1970s and early 2000s.
Only two years later, Mauritania introduced an entirely redesigned banknote series with new artwork and improved security features. As a result, the 2002 Pick 4k represents the end of a classic design that had been used for decades.
Following the 2018 currency reform, the original Ouguiya (MRO) was replaced by the new Ouguiya (MRU) at a rate of 10 old Ouguiyas = 1 new Ouguiya, increasing collector interest in these earlier issues.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Mauritania
- Denomination: 100 Ouguiya
- Year: 2002
- Pick Number: P-4k
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of Mauritania
- Currency: Ouguiya (MRO)
- Material: Paper
- Size: Approximately 145 × 70 mm
Obverse
The obverse displays intricate Islamic geometric and floral ornamentation in warm brown tones, together with Arabic and French inscriptions issued by the Central Bank of Mauritania.
The detailed decorative patterns reflect the country’s rich artistic traditions and Islamic heritage.
Reverse
The reverse illustrates several important aspects of Mauritania’s economy and identity, including:
- A historic desert fort
- Cattle, representing livestock and agriculture
- A satellite antenna, symbolizing communications and modernization
- Decorative guilloche patterns
- Large denomination numerals
These elements highlight the balance between Mauritania’s traditional pastoral economy and its technological development.
Security Features
- Watermark
- Embedded security thread
- Intaglio printing
- Microprinting
- Fine-line guilloche designs
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Mauritania 100 Ouguiya 2002 Pick 4k UNC banknote is one of the most affordable and attractive classic issues from Northwest Africa. As the last variety before Mauritania’s complete banknote redesign, it represents an important transitional piece in the country’s monetary history.
Perfect for:
- African banknote collections
- Mauritania currency collections
- Desert-themed banknotes
- Pre-redenomination currencies
- World paper money collections
- UNC banknote collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 4k variety is the last issue of the classic 100 Ouguiya design before the introduction of the redesigned 2004 series. Its combination of traditional ornamentation, the historic fort, livestock imagery and symbols of modernization makes it one of the most representative banknotes of Mauritania’s original Ouguiya era. High-grade UNC examples remain highly sought after by collectors of African paper money.
