In celebration of Youth Day today, Morocco’s central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), released a new 20-dirham bill, highlighting the “rich architectural heritage and the socio-cultural development of Morocco,” BAM said in a statement.
The new banknote is part of a fresh new series of banknotes and coins. One side of the note features a portrait of King Mohammed VI and the kingdom’s coat of arms.
In the background are architectural elements inspired by traditional Moroccan portals and a stylized depiction of Al Quaraouiyine University in Fez, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world, BAM explained.
On the other side, the banknote highlights key Moroccan landmarks, including artistic representations of the new Grand Theatre of Rabat and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art also in Rabat.
The new 20-dirham bill also includes advanced security features designed to enhance its durability and prevent counterfeiting.
These include a dynamic color-shifting security thread, an iridescent stripe on the back, tactile relief elements for the visually impaired, and progressive numbering.
Moroccan experts at Dar As-Sikkah, the public institution responsible for printing money, designed and produced the banknote, ensuring that the entire process was handled domestically.
Youth Day is held annually on August 21st, coinciding with the birthday of King Mohammed VI.
The celebration began more than 70 years ago in 1948 and was initially established to mobilize young Moroccans in the struggle to end French colonial rule.