Mauritania 2000 Ouguiya 2011 Pick 20 UNC Banknote
The Mauritania 2000 Ouguiya 2011 banknote (Pick 20) is one of the most modern and visually striking issues produced by the Central Bank of Mauritania. Introduced in 2012, it replaced the earlier 2,000 Ouguiya design with a smaller format, improved anti-counterfeiting technology and a vibrant blue colour scheme.
As one of the highest circulating denominations before Mauritania’s 2018 currency reform, the 2000 Ouguiya played an important role in the country’s economy and is now a popular collectible among enthusiasts of modern African banknotes.
In UNC (Uncirculated) condition, it is an outstanding addition to any world paper money collection.
Historical Background
The 2,000 Ouguiya denomination was first introduced in 2004 as an entirely new value within Mauritania’s currency system. In 2011, the Central Bank redesigned the note with enhanced security features, including a holographic stripe and an improved windowed security thread. The redesigned note entered circulation on 1 February 2012.
Following Mauritania’s monetary reform in 2018, the original Ouguiya (MRO) was replaced by the new Ouguiya (MRU) at a rate of 10 old Ouguiyas = 1 new Ouguiya, making this note part of the country’s historic pre-reform currency.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Mauritania
- Denomination: 2,000 Ouguiya
- Year: 2011
- Pick Number: P-20
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of Mauritania
- Currency: Old Ouguiya (MRO)
- Material: Cotton paper
- Dimensions: 146 × 70 mm
- Printer: Giesecke+Devrient (Germany)
Obverse
The obverse features elegant Islamic geometric ornamentation together with:
- Arabic inscriptions
- Holographic security stripe
- Modern blue colour palette
- Central Bank of Mauritania title
- Intricate guilloche patterns
Its contemporary design reflects Mauritania’s modernization while preserving traditional artistic motifs.
Reverse
The reverse showcases some of Mauritania’s most important national symbols:
- Camel, representing the country’s nomadic heritage
- Commercial cargo ship
- Port cranes and warehouses, symbolizing the Port of Nouadhibou
- Open Qur’an, reflecting Mauritania’s Islamic heritage
- Large denomination numerals
Together, these elements celebrate the country’s culture, religion and maritime economy.
Security Features
- Transparent holographic stripe
- Windowed security thread with repeated “BCM 2000”
- Watermark of a bearded man
- Electrotype “2000”
- UV fluorescent fibres
- Intaglio printing
- Microprinting
- Advanced anti-counterfeiting technology
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Mauritania 2000 Ouguiya 2011 Pick 20 UNC banknote is considered one of the country’s finest modern issues thanks to its beautiful artwork, sophisticated security features and historical importance as part of Mauritania’s final pre-redenomination currency series.
Perfect for:
- African banknote collections
- Mauritania collections
- Modern world banknotes
- High denomination currency collections
- Pre-redenomination banknotes
- UNC paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 20 is regarded as one of Mauritania’s most attractive modern banknotes. Its combination of advanced holographic security, camel imagery, Islamic symbolism, and commercial port scene makes it a standout issue within modern African currency. Since the 2018 redenomination, interest in this pre-reform series has steadily increased among collectors worldwide.
