DR Congo & Zaïre

Banknotes of Zaïre and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the zaïres of the 1970s to the nouveaux zaïres of the 1990s hyperinflation.

Notes of up to 5 million zaïres show how fast the money lost value.

History and frequently asked questions below ↓

About DR Congo & Zaïre banknotes

The Congo became independent from Belgium in 1960. In 1967 President Mobutu introduced the zaïre, and in 1971 renamed the country Zaïre. Hyperinflation in the early 1990s pushed notes into the millions, and in 1993 the nouveau zaïre replaced the old at three million to one. After Mobutu fell in 1997, the Congolese franc replaced the zaïre in 1998.

See also: African banknotes, hyperinflation banknotes, Rwanda and Burundi.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zaïre the same as the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Yes. The country was called Zaïre from 1971 to 1997.

What was the nouveau zaïre?

The currency introduced in 1993 at three million old zaïres to one, replaced by the Congolese franc in 1998.

What currency does the DR Congo use today?

The Congolese franc, introduced in 1998.

Are your DR Congo and Zaïre banknotes genuine?

Yes. Every DR Congo and Zaïre note we sell is a genuine banknote, never a copy or replica. Each listing states the grade, gives the Pick catalogue number where one exists and shows the front and back, and every order ships tracked from Hungary.