100 Zambian Kwacha Banknote (President Kenneth Kaunda)

100 Kwacha Zambian Kwacha (Issued 1991)

Printed in the tradition of late-Cold War-era African central bank note design, the 1991 Zambian 100 Kwacha carries the characteristic aesthetic of intaglio-influenced engraving combined with broad, pastel-washed offset backgrounds that typified Commonwealth-adjacent currency production of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The layout follows a classical portrait-right composition, with the denomination anchored at opposite corners and a richly illustrated central field that balances natural imagery with institutional authority. Soft lilac, pale green, and warm cream tones blend across the face and reverse in a manner consistent with notes produced for developing-nation central banks during this period, prioritising visual legibility over the dense security printing seen on contemporaneous European issues. The overall design language speaks to an era when Zambia’s monetary identity was still being shaped through bold pictorial choices rooted in national pride and natural heritage.

On the front, the dominant feature of the right-hand portion is a portrait of Kenneth Kaunda, the founding President of Zambia, rendered in fine engraved detail against a plain lilac background. His broad, warm smile and characteristic features are depicted with considerable clarity, the engraving capturing the texture of his skin and the cut of his collar with precision. To the left of centre, a large African fish eagle is depicted in mid-flight, its wings spread wide, rendered in purple-blue intaglio engraving against a pale background suggesting an open landscape. Behind the eagle, a lightly printed scene depicts palm trees and what appears to be a rural agricultural setting, washed in soft green and cream tones. The Zambian national coat of arms appears in the lower-centre area of the note, engraved in fine detail with the characteristic Zambian shield, supporters, and banner. The issuing authority is stated prominently at the top of the note in bold serif lettering: “BANK OF ZAMBIA”, flanked on either side by the denomination “K100” in large numerals. The central text reads “PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND / ONE HUNDRED / KWACHA / FOR THE BANK OF ZAMBIA”, set in a traditional serif typeface. A Governor’s signature appears below this text. The serial number AB2402659 is printed twice in red, once vertically on the left and once horizontally along the lower portion of the note. Geometric guilloché patterning in pale orange and green is visible along the lower-right corner area, adding a layer of fine-line background security printing to the design. The denomination “K100” also appears in bold in the upper-left corner within a decorative panel framed by cross-hatched engraving.

The reverse of the note is dominated by a dramatic central scene depicting the Freedom Statue — a bronze sculptural figure of a man raising a broken chain aloft — set against the cascading torrents of Victoria Falls. The falls are rendered in detailed intaglio engraving, with the rushing water portrayed through fine diagonal line work that conveys both movement and monumental scale, while a rainbow arcs across the base of the falls in soft yellow and lilac tones. To the left foreground, the head of an African buffalo is depicted in bold engraved detail, its horns and heavy brow rendered with characteristic authority. The overall palette of the reverse is lilac and violet, with the fine engraving work providing tonal depth throughout the pictorial scene. At the top, “BANK OF ZAMBIA” is again set in bold serif lettering, with “K100” appearing at both the upper-left and upper-right corners. Along the lower edge, the text “ONE HUNDRED KWACHA” is printed in clear serif capitals. Decorative floral guilloché patterns are visible in the upper corners, providing further background security detail, while the right-hand side of the note carries a lighter, less densely printed area consistent with watermark placement.

Looking to exchange leftover currency? Your 100 Kwacha banknote can be sold to Webuyallcurrency.com alongside other old or withdrawn Zambian Kwacha banknotes, turning spare money from a trip or collection into cash in one simple transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 100 Kwacha Zambian Kwacha 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 Zambian Kwacha banknotes and a wide range of other foreign coins and notes, paying out for the lot in a single straightforward transaction.

Other Zambian Kwacha you can exchange: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 200, 500, 1000, 5000.