Madagascar 1000 Ariary 2004 Pick 89a UNC Banknote
The Madagascar 1,000 Ariary 2004 banknote (Pick 89a) was issued by the Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara on 20 December 2004 as part of the acclaimed “Madagascar and its Riches – Series 1”. This series replaced the former franc-based designs with colourful notes celebrating the island’s exceptional wildlife, landscapes and natural heritage.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this beautiful banknote is one of the most attractive African wildlife issues ever produced.
Historical Background
The Ariary became Madagascar’s principal currency in 2003, although franc values continued to appear alongside Ariary denominations for several years. The 1,000 Ariary denomination was introduced in 2004 and remained in circulation until 31 December 2020, becoming one of the country’s best-known modern banknotes.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Madagascar
- Denomination: 1,000 Ariary
- Year: 2004
- Pick Number: P-89a
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara
- Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 138 × 69 mm
- Issue Date: 20 December 2004
- Series: Madagascar and its Riches – Series 1
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata)
- Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)
- Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
- Bank inscriptions
The three animals depicted are among Madagascar’s most famous endemic species and highlight the island’s globally significant biodiversity. The ploughshare tortoise is one of the world’s rarest tortoises, while the aye-aye is Madagascar’s largest nocturnal primate.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Succulent plants native to Madagascar
- Endemic dry forest vegetation
- Decorative security patterns
- Large denomination numerals
The reverse celebrates Madagascar’s unique flora, particularly the island’s remarkable diversity of drought-resistant succulent plants found nowhere else in the world.
Security Features
- Zebu head watermark
- Electrotype denomination watermark
- Embedded security thread
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Microprinting
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Madagascar 1,000 Ariary 2004 Pick 89a UNC banknote is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful wildlife-themed banknotes issued in Africa. Its colourful design showcasing rare endemic species makes it highly desirable among collectors.
Perfect for:
- Madagascar banknote collections
- African currency collections
- Wildlife-themed banknotes
- Lemur collections
- Nature and biodiversity collections
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 89a is the first signature variety of the 1,000 Ariary denomination, signed by Governor Gaston Edouard Ravelojaona. Later printings (P89b and P89c) feature different governors’ signatures but retain the same celebrated wildlife design. The P89a is particularly sought after as the original issue of this iconic series.
