Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1981 Pick 3D UNC Banknote
The Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1981 banknote (Pick 3D) was prepared by the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie with the issue date 28 November 1981, but it was never released into circulation. Today it is one of the most fascinating modern Mauritanian banknotes thanks to its impressive design and unusual history.
Printed by Giesecke & Devrient in Germany, the note combines traditional Mauritanian imagery with scenes representing agriculture, camel caravans and the country’s mining sector. Offered in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, it is highly sought after by collectors of African and unissued banknotes.
Historical Background
The Pick 3D belongs to a planned series of 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Ouguiya banknotes dated 1975–1981. Although fully designed and printed, the series was never officially issued, making these notes particularly interesting to collectors of world paper money. The banknotes eventually reached the collector market decades later.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Mauritania
- Denomination: 1000 Ouguiya
- Year: 1981
- Issue Date: 28 November 1981
- Pick Number: P-3D
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Banque Centrale de Mauritanie
- Currency: Ouguiya (MRO)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 165 × 90 mm
- Printer: Giesecke & Devrient (Germany)
- Status: Unissued Banknote
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of a bearded elder
- Arabic inscriptions
- Traditional Mauritanian geometric patterns
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
The portrait is believed to depict a respected Mauritanian religious figure and became one of the most recognizable designs prepared for the unissued series.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Camel and palm trees
- Mining complex
- Agricultural field workers
- Decorative ornamental patterns
- Large denomination numerals
These elements represent Mauritania’s traditional way of life together with its most important economic activities, particularly iron ore mining.
Security Features
- Watermark of the bearded elder
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Multicolour underprint
- Serial numbering
- High-quality security printing by Giesecke & Devrient
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1981 Pick 3D UNC banknote is one of the most desirable Mauritanian issues because it was never officially circulated. Its combination of beautiful artwork, large format and unusual history makes it a standout piece in any collection.
Perfect for:
- African banknote collections
- Mauritania currency collections
- Unissued banknotes
- Mining-themed banknotes
- Rare modern world paper money
- UNC banknote collections
Collector’s Note
Unlike most Mauritanian banknotes, the Pick 3D never entered circulation despite being fully printed and dated 1981. Its release to collectors many years later has made it one of the most interesting and collectible Mauritanian banknotes, particularly when preserved in UNC condition.
