Gambian Dalasi

The Gambian dalasi is the currency of the Gambia. It is subdivided into 100 bututs. The dalasi was introduced in 1971, replacing the Gambian pound at a rate of 1 dalasi = 5 pounds. The name dalasi is derived from the Portuguese word dala, meaning "plate", referring to the old copper coins. Copper coins were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 bututs, with silver 1 dalasi, 2½ dalasis and 5 dalasis coins also being issued. These coins were followed by cupro-nickel pieces in denominations of 10, 25, 50 and 100 dalasis. These coins were minted until 1987 when new aluminium coins were introduced in the same denominations. These new coins have the same weights and dimensions as the earlier cupro-nickel coins but are aluminium and have milled edges. In 1971, banknotes were introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 dalasis. These were followed by notes for 100 and 200 dalasis in 1977, 500 dalasis in 1999 and 1000 dalasis in 2000. A 20 dalasis note was introduced in 2004.