Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1981 Pick 3D UNC Banknote (Unissued)
The Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1981 banknote (Pick 3D) is one of the most intriguing notes in Mauritanian numismatics. Although officially produced by the Central Bank of Mauritania, this issue was never placed into circulation, making it an unissued banknote that is highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Printed on high-quality paper and preserved in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this note offers collectors the opportunity to own a rare piece of Mauritania’s monetary history that was intended for circulation but ultimately remained unused.
Historical Background
Mauritania introduced the Ouguiya in 1973, replacing the CFA Franc and becoming one of only two decimal-independent currencies in the world, alongside Madagascar’s Ariary. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Central Bank prepared several revised banknote designs, including the 1981 Pick 3D.
For reasons that remain unclear, the 1981 1000 Ouguiya design was never officially issued, surviving only as an unissued collector note. These banknotes entered the numismatic market years later and have since become popular among collectors of African and unissued currency.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Mauritania
- Denomination: 1000 Ouguiya
- Year: 1981
- Pick Number: P-3D
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Type: Unissued Banknote
- Issuer: Central Bank of Mauritania
- Currency: Old Ouguiya (MRO)
- Material: Paper
- Size: 165 × 90 mm
Obverse
The front of the banknote beautifully illustrates traditional Mauritanian life and craftsmanship.
Design highlights include:
- Mauritanian woman weaving
- Traditional craftsman
- Camel in the desert background
- Arabic and French inscriptions
- Decorative geometric ornaments
These elements celebrate the country’s nomadic traditions and Saharan heritage.
Reverse
The reverse depicts scenes representing Mauritania’s rural economy and cultural traditions.
It includes:
- Traditional female musicians
- Fishermen at work
- Daily village life
- Goats beneath an argan tree
- Decorative security patterns
The artwork reflects the importance of agriculture, fishing and traditional culture in Mauritanian society.
Security Features
- Watermark depicting a woman wearing a headscarf
- Security thread
- Intaglio printing
- Fine guilloche patterns
- Serial numbering
- Detailed anti-counterfeiting engraving
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1981 Pick 3D UNC is much more than a banknote—it’s a piece of monetary history that never reached circulation. Unissued notes are always attractive to collectors because they represent designs that were officially produced but never used by the issuing authority.
Perfect for:
- African banknote collections
- Mauritania collections
- Unissued banknote collections
- Rare world paper money
- Vintage currency collections
- UNC collector banknotes
Collector’s Note
The Pick 3D is considered one of Mauritania’s best-known unissued banknotes. Although dated 1981, it never circulated and remained unknown to most collectors for many years. Today it is valued not only for its rarity but also for its beautiful artwork depicting traditional Mauritanian life, making it one of the most interesting pieces in any African banknote collection.
