Complete Guide to Iraqi 10,000 Dinar Banknotes (Issued 2003-2013) | Ibn al-Haytham and the Al-Nuri Grand Mosque | GoldSilverJapan
The 10,000 Iraqi Dinar banknote is one of the most representative high-denomination banknotes symbolizing the new Iraq since 2003. Issued by the Central Bank of Iraq, it belongs to a series that circulated from 2003 to 2013. With a face value of 10,000 Iraqi Dinars, it played a significant role in daily transactions and commercial activities within Iraq. This banknote is part of a new banknote series introduced after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime and is indispensable to understanding the history of modern Iraq. Unlike previous banknotes that prominently featured political figures, this one is characterized by its focus on Iraqi culture, science, architecture, and historical heritage. The banknote measures approximately 170mm x 78mm and is made of paper. Printing is handled by the world-renowned banknote manufacturer De La Rue, combining advanced security technology with a beautiful design. Even today, it remains highly popular among banknote collectors worldwide and is known as a staple item in Middle Eastern banknote collections and world banknote collections. In particular, because it depicts Ibn al-Haytham, an important figure in the history of science, it attracts attention from collectors interested in history and science.
The obverse of the banknote features a portrait of Abu Ali Hasan Ibn al-Haitham, a leading scientist of the Islamic Golden Age. Known in the West as Alhazen, he is a great scholar often called the father of optics. He left behind numerous achievements as a mathematician, astronomer, and physicist, and his research on optical theory and vision, in particular, forms one of the foundations of modern science. On the right side of the banknote, his portrait is depicted in a precise, sculptural design, flanked by geometric figures symbolizing his optical research. This design is not merely a portrait, but also a tribute to his scientific knowledge and contributions to humanity. The center of the banknote displays the denomination and issue information in Arabic, including both the Islamic and Gregorian calendars. The overall color scheme is predominantly green, adorned with intricate geometric and arabesque patterns. These decorations reflect the traditions of Islamic art, allowing the banknote itself to be appreciated as a work of art. Furthermore, anti-counterfeiting technologies such as precision printing, microprinting, watermarks, and special inks are employed, ensuring a high level of security.
The reverse side depicts the Al-Hadba, the iconic minaret of the famous Great Mosque of Al-Nuri, which once stood in Mosul. This minaret was known as a symbol of the city of Mosul for many years. Affectionately nicknamed "The Hunchback" due to its distinctive sloping structure, it has been featured in numerous history books and travel guides. Built in the 12th century, the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri played a vital role as the center of Iraq's religion and culture for centuries. However, the minaret was destroyed in the 2017 Battle of Mosul, leading to a global re-evaluation of its historical value. The image depicted on this banknote is noteworthy as a valuable record of the minaret before its destruction. The center of the reverse side depicts the minaret and its surrounding landscape, while decorative patterns symbolizing Islamic art are positioned on the left. The entire banknote design expresses respect for Iraq's proud cultural heritage and historical buildings. Therefore, this banknote is not merely currency, but also holds high value as a record of Iraq's cultural heritage.
This banknote incorporates various anti-counterfeiting technologies. The watermark features the head of a purebred Arabian horse, and a clear portrait of the horse can be seen when held up to the light. Arabian horses are important in Middle Eastern culture and are considered symbols of beauty and strength. The banknote also incorporates sophisticated guilloché patterns, fine printing, and security threads, which are important points in determining authenticity. Furthermore, multiple year and signature variations exist during its issuance period. Several types of issuances have been confirmed from 1424 (2003 AD) to 1434 (2013 AD), each featuring the signature of a different Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq. Notable signatures include Falih Dawood Salman, Sinan Al Shibeebi, and Abdul Basit Turki Saeed. These signature variations are one of the pleasures of banknote collecting and are a subject of study among professional collectors. Even within the same 10,000 dinar banknote, there are subtle differences depending on the year of issue and signature, so many enthusiasts collect them as a series.
Issued in 2003, this new banknote series was introduced as a symbol of the new national system following the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. While previous banknotes often featured portraits of political leaders, the new series shifted to designs themed around the nation's shared heritage, such as history, culture, science, and architecture. As a result, these banknotes are highly regarded for representing Iraq's rich civilization while minimizing political overtones. They remain popular collector's items worldwide and are a staple in the Middle Eastern banknote market. The banknotes sold by GoldSilverJapan are original banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Iraq. However, the year of issue, Islamic calendar notation, serial number, and signature may vary depending on stock availability. The images shown are for reference only, and the serial number, year of issue, and signature of the banknote you receive will be random. You cannot specify the serial number, year of issue, or signature. Also, since there are multiple variations, including those issued in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2013, the banknote you receive may differ from the image. The serial numbers, years, and signatures are random, but all are genuine, officially issued Iraqi 10,000 dinar banknotes, so you can add them to your collection with confidence.
FAQ: What country is this banknote from? It is a banknote from the Republic of Iraq. FAQ: Who issued it? The Central Bank of Iraq. FAQ: What is the face value? 10,000 Iraqi dinars. FAQ: When was it issued? It was mainly issued from 2003 to 2013. FAQ: Who is depicted on the banknote? The scientist Ibn al-Haytham (al-Hazen). FAQ: What is Ibn al-Haytham famous for? He is known as a pioneer in optics research and is called the "father of optics." FAQ: What is depicted on the reverse side? The minaret (al-hadba) of the al-Nuri Grand Mosque in Mosul is depicted. FAQ: Is there a watermark? Yes. There is a watermark of the head of a purebred Arabian horse. FAQ: Is it still legal tender? Yes, it is part of the Iraqi dinar banknote series. FAQ: Who printed it? De la Rue, a British company. FAQ: Can I choose the serial number? No. Serial numbers are random. FAQ: Can I choose the year of issue? No. The year of issue is random. FAQ: Can I choose the signature? No. Signatures are random. FAQ: Will I receive the same banknote as the one pictured? No. The image shown is for reference only. FAQ: Is there a possibility of receiving a 2003 issue? Yes. However, the year will be random. FAQ: Is there a possibility of receiving a 2013 issue? Yes. However, this depends on stock availability. FAQ: Is it suitable for collection? Yes. It is very popular as part of Middle Eastern and world banknote collections. FAQ: Does it have historical value? Yes. It is an important banknote symbolizing the reconstruction of Iraq after the war. FAQ: Does it have value from a scientific history perspective? Yes. It is valued as one of the few circulating banknotes depicting Ibn al-Haytham. FAQ: Is it suitable as a gift? Yes. It is a popular gift for those interested in history, science, and banknote collecting. FAQ: Does GoldSilverJapan also sell other Iraqi banknotes and international banknotes? Yes. We handle a wide range of banknotes, coins, and commemorative coins from around the world.
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