Mozambican Metical (1980–2006)

Mozambique's currency is the metical (plural: meticais; ISO 4217 code: MZN). It was introduced in 1980, replacing the escudo at par. The metical is divided into 100 centavos. It is one of the least valued currencies in the world. The first meticals were minted in 1980. They were made of brass and were similar in appearance to the Brazilian cruzado. A new design was introduced in 1986, featuring the national bird, the emerald-spotted wood dove (Turtur chalcospilos) on the obverse and the Maputo Railway Station on the reverse. In 1992, aluminium-bronze coins were introduced for denominations of 1, 2 and 5 meticais. These were followed by aluminium coins in 1994 for denominations of 10, 20 and 50 centavos. In 2003, a new series of coins was introduced in cupro-nickel for denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 meticais. These have the same designs as the previous series, with the exception of the 20 and 50 meticais, which now feature the country's Coat of Arms. The Central Bank of Mozambique is responsible for issuing the country's currency. The bank was established in 1975 and is located in the capital city of Maputo.