Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1989 Pick 7A UNC Banknote
The Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1989 banknote (Pick 7A) is one of the most fascinating modern African banknotes. Although fully printed by the Central Bank of Mauritania, this note was never issued for circulation, making it a highly desirable piece among collectors of world paper money.
Unlike specimen notes, the Pick 7A exists with complete serial numbers, signatures and production details, yet it never entered circulation. This unique status gives the note exceptional appeal for collectors interested in rare and unusual banknotes.
In UNC (Uncirculated) condition, it represents one of the most collectible Mauritanian issues available today.
Historical Background
During the late 1980s, the Central Bank of Mauritania prepared a redesigned 1000 Ouguiya banknote dated 28 November 1989. Despite being fully produced, the note was ultimately never released, and its existence remained largely unknown for many years.
Only recently have regular-issued examples been documented by the numismatic community, confirming the existence of this previously unrecorded unissued banknote. Today, the Pick 7A is recognized as one of Mauritania’s most interesting modern rarities.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Mauritania
- Denomination: 1000 Ouguiya
- Year: 1989
- Pick Number: P-7A
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Type: Unissued Banknote
- Issuer: Central Bank of Mauritania
- Currency: Old Ouguiya (MRO)
- Material: Paper
- Printer: Giesecke+Devrient (Germany)
- Size: 165 × 90 mm
Obverse
The obverse features an elegant Arabic design with intricate geometric ornamentation typical of Mauritanian banknotes.
Design highlights include:
- Traditional Islamic decorative patterns
- Arabic inscriptions
- Central Bank of Mauritania title
- Watermark area
- Rich ornamental engraving
Its minimalist yet refined appearance reflects Mauritania’s artistic and cultural traditions.
Reverse
The reverse illustrates several important symbols of Mauritania’s economy:
- Standing camel, representing the country’s nomadic heritage
- Fishing industry, one of Mauritania’s most valuable economic sectors
- Modern cargo ship
- Commercial port with cranes and warehouses
- Decorative guilloche patterns
These elements symbolize the balance between traditional desert life and modern economic development.
Security Features
- Watermark depicting a bearded man
- Embedded security thread
- Intaglio printing
- Fine-line guilloche patterns
- Serial numbering
- Advanced anti-counterfeiting engraving for its period
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Mauritania 1000 Ouguiya 1989 Pick 7A UNC is considerably more than a standard circulation note. As an officially printed unissued banknote, it occupies a special place in African numismatics and appeals to collectors seeking unusual and historically significant pieces.
Perfect for:
- African banknote collections
- Mauritania collections
- Unissued banknote collections
- Rare world paper money
- Desert-themed banknotes
- UNC collector banknotes
Collector’s Note
The Pick 7A remained undocumented for many years until examples with complete serial numbers were confirmed by the numismatic community in 2024. This discovery transformed it into one of Mauritania’s most interesting collector banknotes. Its combination of rarity, attractive artwork, and unissued status makes it a standout piece in any world banknote collection.
