The Comoros is a volcanic archipelago off Africa’s east coast, in the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique Channel. The nation state’s largest island, Grande Comore (Ngazidja) is ringed by beaches and old lava from active Mt. Karthala volcano. Around the port and medina in the capital, Moroni, are carved doors and a white colonnaded mosque, the Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi, recalling the islands’ Arab heritage.

It became part of the French colonial empire in the end of 19th century before becoming independent in 1975. The Comoros is one of the world's poorest countries. The Comoros Franc is the official currency of Comoros. It is nominally subdivided into 100 centimes, although no centime denominations have ever been issued. The first Comorian paper money was issued in 1920.

The note depicted alongside is a 5000 Francs banknote that was issued from 1984 to 2005. The obverse has a view of Moroni harbour with boats and Badjanani Mosque also known as old Friday Mosque in Moroni, and the Grande Comore Island. The centre has a middle aged traditionally dressed Comorian couple. The reverse has the portrait of Said Mohamed Ben Chech Abdallah Cheikh in centre with the bounty of Comoros: fish, shells and fruits. This multi-coloured note has a crescent on Maltese cross as its watermark.

Image Courtesy: Vcoins