Zimbabwe 100 Trillion Banknote - AA 2008 PCGS Graded
By 2009, Zimbabwe’s currency (called the Zimbabwe dollar) was worthless. Inflation had reached nearly 500 billion percent, and the country looked for a solution. That led to the adoption of a “basket of currencies” that included the South African rand, the Botswana pula, and the US dollar.
U.S. Dollar Causes Problems
Because of its strength and stability, the US dollar became the preferred currency, but that brought problems of its own. Since most foreign trade was with nations other than the U.S., transactions were subject to processing delays and fees as the dollars were exchanged for other currencies. And with the local economy in tatters, many Zimbabweans chose to hoard dollars rather than spend them, choking commerce with a liquidity problem. That has led to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to look south for a solution.
Switching to the South African Rand
After an unsuccessful attempt to use dollar-backed bonds, the RBZ is heeding advice heard at a retailers’ conference this March and seeking to join the South African rand community. The rand is widely used throughout Africa and is generally accepted around the world for international trade. It’s a relatively stable currency that brings with it a considerable advantage; it’s not as likely as US dollars to be hoarded.
If South Africa accepts Zimbabwe’s overture, it’s likely that a new currency, perhaps a Zimbabwean rand, will emerge to give the country its own money once again. Meanwhile, those Zimbabwean dollars you’ve kept as souvenirs will stay as worthless as ever. But that doesn’t mean having a few trillion isn’t still fun.
The Zimbabwe Dollar as Collectible, Novelty Currency
Today, while those notes are useless as money, they’ve found new life as collectibles and novelty items. The Great American Coin Company® is pleased to offer the most sought after collectible Zimbabwe money available in the market. This includes the 10 trillion-dollar note, the 50 trillion-dollar note, and the 100 trillion-dollar note.
These mega-notes are from the 2008 Series AA issue and are available as circulated bills or in uncirculated state. Our Zimbabwe banknotes are sold as novelty or collectible items only with no intrinsic value. Their prices are based solely on market supply and demand, and as such can vary. Look over our selection of Zimbabwe banknotes and pick the ones that send the message you want. Or hold on to them as souvenirs or part of your currency collection!
