100 Ethiopian Birr Banknote (Enqulal Gemb Fortress)

100 Birr Birr / Dollar / Thaler (Issued 2020)

Precise circulation figures for the 2020 series of the Ethiopian 100 Birr note are not published by the National Bank of Ethiopia, though the redesigned issue entered circulation during a period of significant monetary reform, making well-preserved early examples of genuine interest to those who follow African banknote history. The 2020 issue introduced a modernised security profile and refreshed imagery compared to its predecessors, distinguishing it clearly from earlier generations of the same denomination. Ethiopia’s currency reforms of this era were accompanied by the demonetisation of older notes, which has added urgency to the exchange and documentation of surviving examples. Those holding notes from this series will find them recognisable by their distinctly blue palette and updated architectural and natural imagery.

On the front, the note is dominated by a prevailing light blue and pale grey-blue colour scheme, with the issuing authority’s name printed prominently near the top in both Amharic script and in English as “National Bank of Ethiopia.” The Amharic text appears in a bold, clearly rendered typeface across the upper portion of the note, flanked by the denomination legend “ዐ·ብር” rendered in the same script at both the upper left and upper right. A large and boldly depicted lion’s head occupies the central-left area of the front face, shown in close detail with a full, voluminous mane rendered in warm amber and brown tones that contrast strongly against the cool blue background. To the right of the lion, a central vignette depicts what appears to be an ancient stone fortification or archaeological ruin, rendered in fine engraving detail with stone walls and archways visible. To the far right of this vignette stands a tall, multi-storey tower structure with a castellated top and decorative facade, consistent with the architectural heritage imagery used on Ethiopian currency, identifiable as an Aksumite-style stele or obelisk tower. The denomination “ONE HUNDRED BIRR” is printed in bold black capital lettering across the central portion of the note, accompanied above it by the Amharic equivalent “መቶ ብር።” A text panel in smaller Amharic script above the central vignette reads the promise clause, with the English text “Payable to the bearer on demand” also visible in the same panel. The serial number AE9494569 appears twice, once at the upper left in black print and once at the lower right, both in a clean sans-serif typeface. A vertically oriented security thread is embedded in the left-central area of the note, partially windowed and visible as a dark vertical strip. The numeral “100” appears in large format at the lower left corner in blue, and again at the lower right in matching style. Signatures are printed near the base of the note with designations in Amharic; the printed text reads “ገዥ GOVERNOR 2012” alongside a second date rendered as “2020,” with two handwritten-style facsimile signatures accompanying these designations. Fine guilloché rosette patterns and concentric geometric designs populate the background field across the entire width of the note, creating a complex, anti-counterfeiting underprint in lighter blue tones.

The reverse of the note continues the light blue and cool grey-blue colour scheme established on the front, and is dominated at its centre by a large, detailed vignette depicting the interior of an ancient rock-hewn church or cave structure, showing carved stone columns and archways in warm amber and ochre tones, consistent with Ethiopia’s celebrated rock-hewn churches such as those found at Lalibela. The carved stone pillars are depicted in considerable photographic and engraving detail, with light appearing to filter through the recesses of the stone ceiling above. To the right of this central image, a smaller but clearly defined architectural vignette shows a stone gateway or fortified entrance with battlements, rendered in fine blue engraving line work. The denomination “100” appears in large numeral form at the lower left in blue, and the Amharic denomination “ዐ·ብር” appears at the upper right. A second Amharic denomination inscription “ዐ·ብር” is also visible at the upper centre-left area. Along the upper and lower borders, elongated oval and elliptical guilloché patterns are rendered in blue, providing decorative framing to the central imagery. The background of the reverse is filled with a fine geometric underprint in pale blue tones, maintaining the anti-counterfeiting complexity visible on the front face. A faint blue security feature element is visible at the left edge, consistent with the windowed security thread showing through from the obverse side.

Sell foreign coins and banknotes the simple way: this 100 Birr banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com together with other current Ethiopian Birr banknotes, all settled in a single transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 100 Birr Birr / Dollar / Thaler banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com brings all your foreign currency together: exchange or sell Ethiopian Birr banknotes and other old, withdrawn or modern coins and notes for cash, with no specialist knowledge needed.

Other Ethiopian Birr you can exchange: 10, 50, 200.