Mauritania 500 Ouguiya 2002 Pick 8c UNC Banknote
The Mauritania 500 Ouguiya 2002 banknote (Pick 8c) was issued by the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie on 28 November 2002 as part of the final series of the first Ouguiya currency. It combines themes of agriculture and mining, two pillars of Mauritania’s economy.
Offered in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this banknote is an excellent choice for collectors of African and pre-reform currencies.
Historical Background
The 2002 issue belongs to the last generation of Mauritanian Ouguiya banknotes before the introduction of the new Ouguiya (MRU) in 2018, when the currency was redenominated at 10 old Ouguiya = 1 new Ouguiya. These notes therefore represent the final years of Mauritania’s original national currency.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Mauritania
- Denomination: 500 Ouguiya
- Year: 2002
- Issue Date: 28 November 2002
- Pick Number: P-8c
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Banque Centrale de Mauritanie
- Currency: Ouguiya (MRO)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: Approximately 150 × 70 mm
- Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Company Ltd.
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Agricultural field workers
- Traditional farming scene
- Banque Centrale de Mauritanie inscriptions
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
The design reflects the importance of agriculture and rural communities within Mauritania despite the country’s predominantly desert landscape.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Mining entrance complex
- Industrial infrastructure
- Desert landscape
- Decorative geometric security patterns
- Large denomination numerals
Mining, particularly iron ore extraction, has long been one of Mauritania’s most important economic activities.
Security Features
- Watermark depicting an elderly bearded man
- Embedded security thread
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Microprinting
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Mauritania 500 Ouguiya 2002 Pick 8c UNC banknote represents one of the last issues of Mauritania’s original Ouguiya currency. Its combination of agricultural and industrial themes makes it one of the country’s most attractive modern banknotes.
Perfect for:
- African banknote collections
- Mauritania currency collections
- Mining-themed banknotes
- Former currencies
- Modern world paper money
- UNC banknote collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 8c is the 2002 signature variety of the 500 Ouguiya denomination and is widely collected alongside the 100, 200 and 1000 Ouguiya notes of the same series. Following the 2018 redenomination, these banknotes became an important reminder of Mauritania’s original monetary system.
