2019-11-06 Wed

Liberia is a country in West Africa, bordering Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. On the Atlantic coast, the capital city of Monrovia is home to the Liberia National Museum, with its exhibits on national culture and history. Around Monrovia are palm-lined beaches like Silver and CeCe. Along the coast, beach towns include the port of Buchanan, as well as laid-back Robertsport, known for its strong surf.

Liberia is one of the world's poorest countries. The Central Bank of Liberia is responsible for printing and maintaining the Liberian dollar, Liberia's primary currency. The first Liberian dollar was issued in 1847. The Treasury Department issued notes between 1857 and 1880 in denominations of 10 and 50 cents, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 dollars.

Today we are looking at a 20 dollars banknote that was in issue from 1999 to 2011. The obverse has the portrait of William V.S. Tubman - 18th or 19th President of Liberia in centre; Coat of Arms depicting a shield containing a picture of 19th century ship arriving in Liberia, to left. The ship symbolizes the ships which brought the freed slaves from the United States to Liberia. The plough and the shovel represent the dignity of labour and hard work through which the nation will prosper. The rising sun in the background represents the birth of a nation. The palm tree, the nation's most versatile source of food, represents prosperity. The white dove with a scroll represents the breath of peace.

The reverse has the Logo of the Central Bank of Liberia depicting "Kissi Money" and a 1969 Liberian 50 Cents coin to left; Market scenes with wheelbarrows in centre.

Image Courtesy: https://www.banknotes.com/lr.htm