Issued by the Bank of Zaire in 1981, this 1 Zaire banknote belongs to the early years of the Zairian monetary system, reflecting the country’s national identity under President Mobutu Sese Seko and the ideology of “Authenticité.”

The obverse features a portrait of Mobutu Sese Seko, wearing his characteristic leopard-skin cap, accompanied by denomination numerals, French inscriptions, and intricate guilloche patterns.

The reverse depicts agricultural and development-themed motifs, symbolizing Zaire’s natural resources and economic aspirations, framed by decorative ornamental elements.

Issuer: Bank of Zaire
Denomination: 1 Zaire
Year: 1981
Material: Paper
Security features: Watermark, guilloche patterns