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Syria Launches New Banknotes After 100-to-1 Redenomination

Designs featuring wheat, olives, oranges signal a break from the Assad-era personality cult.

Overview

  • The interim government began circulating six new Syrian pound notes on January 1 in denominations from 10 to 500.
  • Authorities implemented a 100-to-1 redenomination of the currency to reduce face values and ease everyday transactions.
  • Old banknotes remain legal tender for at least 90 days, with the transition period subject to extension depending on new note circulation.
  • The new designs replace images of Bashar al-Assad with agricultural motifs and intentionally avoid political and religious imagery.
  • Interim President Sharaa said the redesign reflects a move away from personality cult toward a new national identity, following years of severe devaluation to around 10,000 per U.S. dollar.