Mauritanian Ouguiya (1973–2017)

The Ouguiya is the currency of Mauritania. It is subdivided into 5 khoums. The Ouguiya was introduced in 1973, replacing the CFA franc at par. The name derives from the Berber word for "golden". The first Mauritanian coins were issued in 1974 in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 khoums. These were followed by cupro-nickel pieces in the same denominations in 1980. In 1986, aluminium coins were introduced in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 khoums. These were followed by aluminium-bronze pieces in the same denominations in 1991. In 1973, banknotes were introduced in denominations of 50, 100 and 500 ouguiya. These were followed by notes for 1,000 ouguiya in 1984, 5,000 ouguiya in 1990 and 10,000 ouguiya in 1995.