Somalia

Somali shilling banknotes from the Central Bank of Somalia, including notes of the late 1970s.

Notes from before the state collapsed in 1991.

History and frequently asked questions below ↓

About Somalia banknotes

Somalia introduced the shilling in 1962. After the government collapsed in 1991 the central bank stopped functioning, and for decades the old notes and later private prints were used. The Central Bank of Somalia has since been re-established, and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland issues its own shilling.

See also: African banknotes and Ethiopia.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Somali shilling still used?

Yes, Somali shilling notes still circulate, alongside the US dollar and mobile money.

Is Somaliland part of Somalia?

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and issues its own currency, but it is not widely recognised.

When was the Somali shilling introduced?

In 1962, two years after independence.

Are your Somalia banknotes genuine?

Yes. Every Somalia 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.