500 Tanzanian Shillings Banknote (Abeid Amani Karume)

500 Shilingi / Shill Tanzanian Shilling (Issued 2010)

Embedded within this 2010-issue 500 Shilingi note from the Bank of Tanzania is a suite of high-security anti-counterfeiting measures that reflect the modernisation of Tanzanian currency production in the early twenty-first century. A security thread is integrated into the paper substrate, visible as a vertical embedded strip running through the note and shifting appearance when tilted under light. A watermark is incorporated into the paper itself, discernible when the note is held to the light, consistent with the security standards of this modern series. These features collectively place this issue among the more robustly protected denominations in circulation across East Africa at the time of its production.

On the front, the dominant feature is a finely engraved portrait of Abeid Amani Karume, the first President of Zanzibar and Vice President of Tanzania, positioned to the right of centre against a lightly shaded background. His name, “ABEID AMANI KARUME,” is printed in small capital lettering directly beside the portrait. The engraving captures his face in considerable detail, rendered in dark olive-green tones that are characteristic of the note’s overall colour palette, which transitions through soft aquamarine and pale green across the width of the paper. To the left of the portrait sits a prominent diamond-shaped guilloché motif in dark green, filled with fine geometric latticework that adds both visual complexity and security to the design. The issuing authority is stated prominently at the top in bold serif lettering: “BENKI KUU YA TANZANIA,” followed by the line “FEDHA HALALI KWA MALIPO YA SHILINGI MIA TANO” rendered in slightly smaller text beneath. The Tanzanian national coat of arms appears near the top centre of the note, depicted in fine multicolour detail. The denomination numeral “500” appears large and bold at the upper left, with a second instance of the figure printed vertically along the far right edge of the note in red, forming part of the serial number panel. The serial number itself, CN5249111, is printed twice — once in the lower left area in black and once vertically along the right margin in red. The words “SHILINGI MIA TANO” appear in the lower right quadrant. Two facsimile signatures are printed at the bottom centre, labelled “WAZIRI WA FEDHA” and “GAVANA” respectively, indicating the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania. The left and right borders of the note feature decorative geometric patterning in deep teal and olive, providing a structured frame to the composition.

The reverse of the note is dominated by a detailed engraved vignette of a large, modern architectural structure that appears to be a public or governmental building in Tanzania, rendered in olive-green and gold tones. The building features a sweeping curved roof supported by arched structural elements, with wide entrance steps leading to glazed doors and a broad forecourt. To the right of the building, a group of figures dressed in academic graduation gowns and mortarboards is depicted, suggesting a scene of ceremony or education. To the far left of the reverse, a prominent caduceus-style staff entwined with a serpent is rendered in teal and blue, a symbol associated with medicine or commerce. The words “BANK OF TANZANIA” are printed along the top of the reverse in bold capital lettering, with the denomination numeral “500” appearing in the upper right corner. Along the lower portion of the note, the English-language denomination text “FIVE HUNDRED SHILLINGS” is printed in clear serif typeface. The background of the reverse carries subtle guilloché patterning in pale teal and blue-green, and a ghost watermark impression of the denomination numerals is visible through the paper near the centre-right of the note, consistent with the security watermarking used throughout this series.

Whether it is a single 500 Shilingi banknote or a mix of leftover currency, Webuyallcurrency.com exchanges Tanzanian Shillings banknotes and other foreign coins and notes for cash in one straightforward process.

• Indicate the quantity of 500 Shilingi / Shill Tanzanian Shilling banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

If you have leftover currency to exchange, Webuyallcurrency.com accepts Tanzanian Shillings banknotes and a wide range of other foreign coins and notes, paying out for the lot in a single straightforward transaction.

Other Tanzanian Shillings you can exchange: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000.