{"title":"Madagascar Banknotes for Collectors for Sale","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"madagascar-p97a-100-ariary-nd2017-unc-poison-frog-moth-zebu-cathedral","title":"Madagascar P97a 100 Ariary ND(2017) UNC—Poison Frog—Moth—Zebu—Cathedral","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBanknote Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVarieties:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP# 97a — ND (2017), Gov. Alain Hervé Rasolofondraibe (this note)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP# 97\"b\", banknote.ws P-97(2)—ND (2022), Gov. Henri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP# 97\"c\", banknote.ws P-97(3)—ND (2025), Gov. \u003cspan\u003eAivo Andrianarivelo\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Obverse: dark blue, dark red, and dark green on predominantly blue multicolor underprint; Reverse: dark blue and grey on light blue and orange underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFront:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ambozontany_Cathedral\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmbozontany Cathedral\u003c\/a\u003e and view of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fianarantsoa\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFianarantsoa\u003c\/a\u003e at right; butterfly at left; map outline of Madagascar above; birds in flight beside the cathedral; latent image of denomination \"100\" in blue space at lower right (visible when tilted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBack:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mantella_baroni\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMadagascar poison frog (\u003cem\u003eMantella baroni\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/a\u003e at center; waterfall in background; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argema_mittrei\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecomet moth \/ Madagascan moon moth (\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/a\u003e at far right; volute ornament; anti-counterfeiting warning in Malagasy and French\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatermark:\u003c\/strong\u003e Head of a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zebu\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ezebu\u003c\/a\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBos taurus indicus\u003c\/em\u003e); electrotype denomination \"100\" below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComposition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 114 × 60 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIssuing entity:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Central_Bank_of_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCentral Bank of Madagascar\u003c\/a\u003e (Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Giesecke_%26_Devrient\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGiesecke+Devrient\u003c\/a\u003e, Leipzig\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDemonetized:\u003c\/strong\u003e Current — not \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Demonetization_(currency)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edemonetized\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alain Hervé Rasolofondraibe, Governor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurrency:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy ariary\u003c\/a\u003e (2003–date); replaced the Malagasy franc at a rate of 1 ariary = 5 francs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Madagascar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapital:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antananarivo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAntananarivo\u003c\/a\u003e (city pop. ~1.4 million; metro pop. ~3.1 million)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~30 million (UN 2024) — similar to Texas; between Romania and Poland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArea:\u003c\/strong\u003e 587,041 km² (~226,658 mi²) — similar to Texas; between France and Spain combined\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGDP per capita at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Purchasing_power_parity\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePPP\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~$1,800 USD (IMF 2024) — ranks ~183rd out of 193 globally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMain exports:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vanilla, cloves, nickel, cobalt, clothing, seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBorders:\u003c\/strong\u003e None — island nation in the Indian Ocean\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLanguages:\u003c\/strong\u003e Malagasy, French (both official)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSovereignty:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kingdom_of_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKingdom of Madagascar\u003c\/a\u003e (unified ~1810–1896)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench colony\u003c\/a\u003e (1896–1960)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy Republic \/ Republic of Madagascar\u003c\/a\u003e (26 June 1960–date); Fourth Republic from 2010–date — this note issued during this period\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMadagascar Unfiltered\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMadagascar has been isolated from the African mainland for ~88 million years.\u003c\/strong\u003e The result: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Endemism_in_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eover 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth\u003c\/a\u003e — including both species on this note, the \u003cem\u003eMantella baroni\u003c\/em\u003e poison frog and the \u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e comet moth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argema_mittrei\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecomet moth\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e on the reverse has a wingspan of up to 20 cm and a tail span of up to 15 cm — making it one of the largest silk moths in the world. Its cocoon is perforated with hundreds of tiny holes to prevent waterlogging in the rainforest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMadagascar produces \u003cstrong\u003e~80% of the world’s vanilla\u003c\/strong\u003e. The global price of vanilla has at times exceeded the price of silver per kilogram, making vanilla farming both a livelihood and a target for theft — farmers have resorted to tattooing their beans to prove ownership.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fianarantsoa\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFianarantsoa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, the city on the obverse, is Madagascar’s intellectual and religious capital — home to the country’s oldest university and the \u003cstrong\u003eAmbozontany Cathedral\u003c\/strong\u003e, built by Norwegian missionaries in the 19th century. Its name means “place where one learns to be good.”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Note Printed with Species Found Nowhere Else on Earth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth animals on the reverse — the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMantella baroni\u003c\/em\u003e poison frog\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e comet moth\u003c\/strong\u003e — are endemic to Madagascar. They exist on no other banknote in the world because they exist in no other country in the world. The note is, in this sense, a document of biological uniqueness as much as monetary value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Cathedral That Gave a City Its Soul\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAmbozontany Cathedral\u003c\/strong\u003e on the obverse has watched over Fianarantsoa since the 19th century. The city below it — whose name means “place where one learns to be good” — is Madagascar’s center of education, religion, and wine production. The birds in flight beside the cathedral are not decorative. They are the note’s quiet argument that beauty and function can share the same space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn This Note from the Most Biodiverse Island on Earth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar’s 100 Ariary note is one of the most visually rich small-denomination notes in circulation anywhere. A poison frog. A comet moth. A cathedral. A zebu watermark. A latent image that appears only when you tilt it. All of this on a note worth less than three cents at current exchange rates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA denomination that costs almost nothing and contains almost everything.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"World Money Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51843654123831,"sku":"MG97aU","price":0.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/7165\/3431\/files\/Screenshot_2026-03-31_at_12.43.11.png?v=1774975477"},{"product_id":"madagascar-p-97-p101-set-of-5-100-200-500-1000-2000-ariary-unc-madagascar-and-its-riches","title":"Madagascar P-97—P-101 Set of 5 (100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 Ariary) ND (2017) UNC—Madagascar and Its Riches—Cathedral, Poison Frog, Waterfall, Lemur","description":"\u003cp\u003eA complete five-note set celebrating Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity and cultural landmarks. Issued under the Fourth Republic, this Madagascar and Its Riches series showcases the island's endemic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and architectural heritage in vivid multicolor designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSet Contents\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-97 100 Ariary — Ambozontany Cathedral, Madagascar Poison Frog, Comet Moth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-98 200 Ariary — Waterfall, Palm Tree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-99 500 Ariary — Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, Tsingy Rouge, Comet Moth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-100 1000 Ariary — Kamoro Bridge, Comet Moth, La Reine de l'Isalo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-101 2000 Ariary — Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur, Madagascar Pitcher Plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e100 Ariary (P-97)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 100 Ariary anchors this series with Fianarantsoa's iconic Ambozontany Cathedral set against the city's hillside panorama, paired with the jewel-toned poison frog that exists nowhere else on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark navy blue dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeal and cyan multicolor underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow central oval; orange-red and green accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmbozontany cathedral with the view of Fianarantsoa at right\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterfly at left\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMap outline of Madagascar to the right of the word ARIARY at the top\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirds in flight to the right of the cathedral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2017 P-97a) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHenri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2022)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark navy blue dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight blue and orange underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack serial numbers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMadagascar poison frog (\u003cem\u003eMantella baroni\u003c\/em\u003e) at center\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaterfall in the background\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolute shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComet moth a.k.a. Madagascan moon moth (\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e) at far right\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBilingual anti-counterfeiting warning in Malagasy and French\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarieties — P-97a ND (2017) Gov. Alain Herve Rasolofondraibe \u003cstrong\u003e— this note\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-97 ND (2022) Gov. Henri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-97 ND (2025) Gov. Aivo Andrianarivelo\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatalog numbers: P-97a; TBB B397a; Numista N#202898\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatermark: Head of a zebu (\u003cem\u003eBos taurus indicus\u003c\/em\u003e); electrotype 100 below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComposition: Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 114 × 60 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIssuing entity: Central Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinter: Giesecke+Devrient, Leipzig\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemonetized: No — current legal tender\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrency: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy ariary\u003c\/a\u003e (2003–date)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficial\/spoken language: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Madagascar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCapital: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antananarivo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAntananarivo\u003c\/a\u003e (city pop ~1.3 million, metro pop ~3.6 million)\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eOrigin of name: City of the Thousand — the thousand warriors King Andrianjaka stationed there in the 17th century\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin of name: from Madageiscar, Marco Polo's corrupted transliteration of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mogadishu\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMogadishu\u003c\/a\u003e (Somalia), mistakenly applied to the island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePopulation: ~30 million (UN 2023) — similar to Texas or Poland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArea: 587,041 km² (226,658 mi²) — slightly larger than France or Texas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGDP per capita at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Purchasing_power_parity\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePPP\u003c\/a\u003e: ~$1,700 (2023) — among the world's poorest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMain exports: vanilla (world's largest producer), cloves, coffee, seafood, textiles, nickel, cobalt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBorders: Island nation in the Indian Ocean, separated from Mozambique by the Mozambique Channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEthnicities: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merina_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMerina\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsimisaraka_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsimisaraka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsileo_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsileo\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sakalava_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSakalava\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tsimihety_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTsimihety\u003c\/a\u003e, and 13+ other Malagasy groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMemberships: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Nations\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUnited Nations\u003c\/a\u003e (1960); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/African_Union\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAfrican Union\u003c\/a\u003e (suspended 2009–2014); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_African_Development_Community\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSADC\u003c\/a\u003e (2005); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Trade_Organization\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWTO\u003c\/a\u003e (1995); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/La_Francophonie\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrancophonie\u003c\/a\u003e (1970)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSovereignty:\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly kingdoms (1540–1897) — Merina Kingdom unified much of the island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrench colonization (1897–1960) — annexed after Franco-Hova Wars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMalagasy Republic (1960–1975) — independence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemocratic Republic (1975–1992) — socialist period\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThird Republic (1992–2010) — democratic transition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFourth Republic (2010–date) — \u003cstrong\u003ethis note issued during this period\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMadagascar Unfiltered\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, yet 88% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth — the highest endemism rate of any comparable landmass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe island broke away from Africa 165 million years ago, then from India 88 million years ago, creating an evolutionary laboratory where lemurs, fossas, and chameleons evolved in complete isolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumans arrived only around 500 AD, when Austronesian seafarers from Borneo crossed 4,000 miles of open ocean in outrigger canoes, making Malagasy more closely related to Indonesian than to any African language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe country produces 80% of the world's natural vanilla, yet most Malagasy farmers have never tasted it — the entire crop is exported while locals face chronic malnutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe southern region faces the world's first climate-driven famine, where 1.3 million people survive on cactus fruit and locusts because four consecutive years without rain have turned farmland to dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Cathedral on the Hill\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmbozontany Cathedral rises from Fianarantsoa's upper town like a pink granite sentinel, its twin spires visible for miles across the highland rice terraces. Norwegian Lutheran missionaries built it in 1870–1871, choosing the highest point in the City of Good Learning to symbolize Christianity's triumph over traditional Malagasy beliefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Jewel Frog of the Rainforest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Madagascar poison frog (\u003cem\u003eMantella baroni\u003c\/em\u003e) blazes across the note's reverse in electric orange and black. Unlike South American poison dart frogs, \u003cem\u003eMantella\u003c\/em\u003e species don't synthesize their own toxins — they sequester them from the mites and ants they eat, making captive-bred specimens completely harmless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Moth That Defies Logic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe comet moth (\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the world's largest silk moths, with a wingspan reaching 20 centimeters and tail streamers extending another 15. It lives for only 4–5 days as an adult, emerging from its cocoon with no mouth or digestive system — its sole purpose is to mate before its stored energy runs out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn This Window Into Island Evolution\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set captures Madagascar at a crossroads. The 100 Ariary note, issued in 2017, is a field guide, a history lesson, and a conservation plea printed on paper — circulated through markets where vanilla farmers and zebu herders still use cash because mobile money hasn't reached the highlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e200 Ariary (P-98)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 200 Ariary takes you north to Madagascar's oldest national park, where a waterfall plunges through ancient rainforest and a palm species found nowhere else on Earth clings to limestone karst.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark blue-grey dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue and grey multicolor underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow-orange central oval; red dot scatter accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaterfall in the Montagne d'Ambre National Park (Amber Mountain NP)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterfly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMap outline of Madagascar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirds in flight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2017 P-98a) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHenri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2022) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAivo Handriatiana Andrianarivelo\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2025)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark blue-grey dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue and grey underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow-orange central oval; red dot scatter; teal coastal water accent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEndemic Madagascar palm (\u003cem\u003ePachypodium baronii\u003c\/em\u003e) at Nosy Hara National Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolute shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComet moth a.k.a. Madagascan moon moth (\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarieties — P-98a ND (2017) Gov. Alain Herve Rasolofondraibe \u003cstrong\u003e— this note\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-98 ND (2022) Gov. Henri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-98 ND (2025) Gov. Aivo Handriatiana Andrianarivelo\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatalog numbers: P-98a; TBB B333a; Numista N#202900\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatermark: Head of a zebu (\u003cem\u003eBos taurus indicus\u003c\/em\u003e); electrotype 200 below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComposition: Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 119 × 62 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIssuing entity: Central Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinter: Giesecke+Devrient, Leipzig\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemonetized: No — current legal tender\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrency: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy ariary\u003c\/a\u003e (2003–date)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficial\/spoken language: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Park That Predates the Republic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMontagne d'Ambre was Madagascar's first national park, gazetted in 1958, two years before independence — a rainforest island within an island, rising from dry savanna to mist-draped peaks at 1,475 meters. The Cascade Sacrée on this note is an 80-meter plunge into a pool so clear you can count the fish, considered sacred by local Antankarana communities for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Palm That Shouldn't Exist\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePachypodium baronii\u003c\/em\u003e is not technically a palm — it's a succulent in the dogbane family that evolved palm-like form independently on the limestone karst of northern Madagascar. It grows on near-vertical cliff faces at Nosy Hara, above waters sheltering dugongs, whale sharks, and hawksbill turtles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn This Portrait of the North\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 200 Ariary is the quietest note in the set — just water falling through ancient forest and a spiny plant defying gravity on a limestone cliff. Legal tender that doubles as a field guide to two of the island's most remote protected areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e500 Ariary (P-99)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 500 Ariary is the set's most politically charged note — the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga on the obverse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual heart of the Merina kingdom. On the reverse, the Tsingy Rouge answers with pure geology: red laterite needles carved by the Irodo River into a landscape that looks like another planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark brown dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalmon and peach underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow central oval; orange-red guilloche borders; blue-green butterfly accent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoyal Hill of Ambohimanga, Antananarivo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterfly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMap outline of Madagascar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirds in flight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2017 P-99a) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHenri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2022) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAivo Andrianarivelo\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2023)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark brown dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalmon and orange underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow central oval; orange dot scatter; teal decorative border strip at bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTsingy Rouge — red laterite stone formation carved by erosion of the Irodo River, Ankarangona, Diana region, northern Madagascar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolute shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComet moth a.k.a. Madagascan moon moth (\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarieties — P-99a ND (2017) Gov. Alain Herve Rasolofondraibe \u003cstrong\u003e— this note\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-99 ND (2022) Gov. Henri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-99 ND (2023) Gov. Aivo Andrianarivelo\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatalog numbers: P-99a; Numista N#202902\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatermark: Head of a zebu (\u003cem\u003eBos taurus indicus\u003c\/em\u003e); electrotype 500 below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComposition: Hybrid substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 124 × 66 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIssuing entity: Central Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinter: Giesecke+Devrient, Leipzig\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemonetized: No — current legal tender\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrency: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy ariary\u003c\/a\u003e (2003–date)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficial\/spoken language: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Sacred Hill the French Couldn't Erase\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ambohimanga\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmbohimanga\u003c\/a\u003e — the Blue Hill — was the original capital of the Merina kingdom. The French banned Malagasy people from visiting it after the 1896 annexation. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 2001. The royal enclosure, the sacred pool, the ancient gates sealed by a single stone disk — all intact, all still used for \u003cem\u003efamadihana\u003c\/em\u003e ceremonies, where the dead are exhumed, rewrapped in fresh silk, and danced with by the living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Red Needles of the North\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTsingy Rouge is the lesser-known sibling of Tsingy de Bemaraha — but where Bemaraha's tsingy is grey limestone, the Irodo River has carved the Diana region's iron-rich laterite into formations the color of dried blood. The word \u003cem\u003etsingy\u003c\/em\u003e means \"where one cannot walk barefoot.\" The formations are still actively eroding with each wet season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Note Worth Noticing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 500 Ariary is the first note in the series printed on hybrid substrate — a polymer-paper composite adding durability and security features invisible to the naked eye. Own the hill where Madagascar's kings are buried and the red needles that time is slowly dissolving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e1000 Ariary (P-100)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1000 Ariary is the engineering note of the set — the Kamoro bridge on the obverse is a feat of infrastructure in a country where most rivers are crossed by dugout canoe or not at all. The reverse pairs it with La Reine de l'Isalo, a sandstone formation eroding into its current silhouette for 200 million years. The comet moth appears on both sides — the only subject in the series to do so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark navy blue dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLavender and purple multicolor underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow central oval; orange-red denomination numerals; gold geometric border strip at bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKamoro bridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComet moth (\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirds in flight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2017 P-100a) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHenri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2022) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAivo Andrianarivelo\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2024)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark navy blue dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLavender and purple underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow-orange central oval; orange-red dot scatter; dark navy comet moth motif at right\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRock formation \"La Reine de l'Isalo\" (Queen of Isalo) in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Isalo_National_Park\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIsalo National Park\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComet moth (\u003cem\u003eArgema mittrei\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBilingual anti-counterfeiting warning in Malagasy and French\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarieties — P-100a ND (2017) Gov. Alain Herve Rasolofondraibe \u003cstrong\u003e— this note\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-100 ND (2022) Gov. Henri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-100 ND (2024) Gov. Aivo Andrianarivelo\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatalog numbers: P-100a; TBB B335a; Numista N#202908\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatermark: Head of a zebu (\u003cem\u003eBos taurus indicus\u003c\/em\u003e); electrotype 1000 below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComposition: Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTechnique: Intaglio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 129 × 69 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIssuing entity: Central Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinter: Giesecke+Devrient, Leipzig\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemonetized: No — current legal tender\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrency: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy ariary\u003c\/a\u003e (2003–date)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficial\/spoken language: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Bridge That Changed the Map\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar has roughly 50,000 kilometers of roads, of which fewer than 12,000 are paved. During the rainy season, entire regions become inaccessible. A bridge is not infrastructure in Madagascar — it is a lifeline. The Kamoro bridge spans the Kamoro River in the Menabe region, connecting communities that otherwise depend on seasonal ferries or long detours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Queen Who Has Ruled for 200 Million Years\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Isalo_National_Park\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIsalo National Park\u003c\/a\u003e covers 81,540 hectares of Jurassic sandstone massif in south-central Madagascar. La Reine de l'Isalo — the Queen of Isalo — is a silhouette of layered sandstone that from the right angle resembles a reclining figure. The Bara people have lived in and around Isalo for centuries, using its caves as burial sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn the Note That Connects Madagascar to Itself\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1000 Ariary's intaglio printing gives it a tactile quality the lower denominations lack — run a finger across the lettering and you feel the ink raised from the surface. A bridge. A queen of stone. A moth that lives four days and dies having done everything it came to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e2000 Ariary (P-101)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2000 Ariary closes the set with Madagascar's two most improbable life forms: a lemur that lives in a papyrus swamp, and a carnivorous plant that drowns insects in digestive fluid. The highest denomination in the series, issued two months before its siblings on July 17, 2017, it is also the rarest — Numista rarity index 16.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark teal dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCream and pale yellow central oval on olive-gold underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrange-red denomination numerals at left; gold geometric border strip at bottom; red-pink flower accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLac Alaotra gentle lemur (\u003cem\u003eHapalemur alaotrensis\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2017 P-101a) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHenri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2022) or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAivo Handriatiana Andrianarivelo\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov., ND 2023)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOlive-brown dominant engraving color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOlive-gold and cream underprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow central oval; green and red pitcher plant; magenta dot scatter accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMadagascar pitcher plant (\u003cem\u003eNepenthes madagascariensis\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarieties — P-101a ND (2017) Gov. Alain Herve Rasolofondraibe, prefix A–D \u003cstrong\u003e— this note\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-101r ND (2017) replacement note, prefix Z, Gov. Alain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-101 ND (2022) Gov. Henri Edmond Rabarijohn\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eP-101 ND (2023) Gov. Aivo Handriatiana Andrianarivelo, prefix E\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatalog numbers: P-101a; TBB B336a; Numista N#202985\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatermark: Head of a zebu (\u003cem\u003eBos taurus indicus\u003c\/em\u003e); electrotype 2000 below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComposition: Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 134 × 72 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIssuing entity: Central Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinter: Giesecke+Devrient, Leipzig\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemonetized: No — current legal tender\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.banky-foibe.mg\/en\/gouverneur\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlain Herve Rasolofondraibe\u003c\/a\u003e (Gov.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrency: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy ariary\u003c\/a\u003e (2003–date)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficial\/spoken language: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Lemur That Lives in a Lake\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lac_Alaotra_gentle_lemur\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHapalemur alaotrensis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — the bandro — exists in exactly one place on Earth: the papyrus and reed beds surrounding Lac Alaotra, Madagascar's largest lake. It is the only primate in the world adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. The total wild population is estimated at fewer than 2,500 individuals. When the last Lac Alaotra wetland goes, the bandro goes with it — there is no backup habitat, no alternative range, no plan B.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Plant That Eats What Falls In\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNepenthes madagascariensis\u003c\/em\u003e is one of only two pitcher plant species native to Madagascar, growing in coastal lowland bogs where the soil is so nutrient-poor that photosynthesis alone cannot sustain growth. Its leaves have evolved into hanging pitchers filled with digestive enzymes — insects slip on the waxy inner surface and drown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn the Complete Record of an Island at Its Limits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive notes. Five denominations. Five windows into a country that contains more biological uniqueness per square kilometer than almost anywhere on Earth — and is losing it faster than almost anywhere on Earth. The cathedral still stands. The poison frog still breeds in eastern rainforests. The bandro still swims in Lac Alaotra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set is a document of what existed. Own it while the originals still do.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"World Money Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51993969590583,"sku":"MG97UNC","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/7165\/3431\/files\/set-of-5.png?v=1776381955"},{"product_id":"madagascar-p-66-5000-francs-1000-ariary-1975-circulated-see-images","title":"Madagascar P-66 5000 Francs 1975 circulated—HUGE STUNNING BURGUNDY NOTE","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking relic of Madagascar's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madagascar#Second_Republic\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSecond Republic\u003c\/a\u003e, this 5000 Francs note captures the island's agricultural soul — zebu cattle, tropical flora, and the aloalo funerary post — all rendered in rich engraving by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/De_La_Rue\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDe La Rue\u003c\/a\u003e of London. At 165 × 90 mm, it commands \u003cstrong\u003enearly 50% more surface area than a US dollar bill\u003c\/strong\u003e (156 × 66 mm) — and every extra millimeter is filled with \u003cstrong\u003estunning maroon and burgundy engraving\u003c\/strong\u003e that rewards close inspection. Issued in a single year (1975) with a print run of 29 million, the P-66a is the workhorse variety of this type, yet increasingly scarce in circulated grades with honest wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBackground: red-orange panel at right, cream\/tan field\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDominant engraving: \u003cstrong\u003edeep maroon\/burgundy\u003c\/strong\u003e — rich and saturated throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eAccents: green floral underprint, pink butterfly watermark area\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCenter right:\u003c\/strong\u003e portrait of a Malagasy woman in traditional dress with beaded necklace and ornate hair\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCenter left:\u003c\/strong\u003e white tropical flowers (frangipani)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeft:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zebu\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ezebu\u003c\/a\u003e (Malagasy humped cattle) with long horns\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDenomination:\u003c\/strong\u003e \"5000\" in large numerals upper left and lower right\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIssuing authority:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBANKY FOIBEN'NY REPOBLIKA MALAGASY\u003c\/em\u003e (Malagasy) \/ \u003cem\u003eBANQUE CENTRALE DE LA REPUBLIQUE MALGACHE\u003c\/em\u003e (French)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDenomination in Malagasy:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eARIVO ARIARY\u003c\/em\u003e (1000 Ariary)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e A\/23 168709\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLe Gouverneur\u003c\/em\u003e (Governor)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBackground: deep brown\/purple security guilloche\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDominant engraving: \u003cstrong\u003edark maroon\/burgundy\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eAccents: cream field, pink butterfly at left\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCenter left:\u003c\/strong\u003e lush engraving of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vanilla\" target=\"_blank\"\u003evanilla\u003c\/a\u003e pods, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Coffea\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecoffee\u003c\/a\u003e berries, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Clove\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecloves\u003c\/a\u003e, and tropical plants — Madagascar's key export crops\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCenter right:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aloalo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ealoalo\u003c\/a\u003e carved wooden post (traditional Malagasy funerary sculpture) depicting a dugout canoe scene with figures\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRight panel:\u003c\/strong\u003e denomination \"5000\" \/ \u003cem\u003eARIVO ARIARY\u003c\/em\u003e \/ \u003cem\u003eCINQ MILLE FRANCS\u003c\/em\u003e on security background\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLegal text:\u003c\/strong\u003e anti-counterfeiting warning in Malagasy and French\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIssuing authority:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBANKY FOIBEN'NY REPOBLIKA MALAGASY\u003c\/em\u003e \/ \u003cem\u003eBANQUE CENTRALE DE LA REPUBLIQUE MALGACHE\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVarieties:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eP-66a — this note\u003c\/strong\u003e (standard issue, ~29,000,000 printed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eP-66r\u003c\/em\u003e — replacement note, Z\/1 series (~450,000 printed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eP-66sa\u003c\/em\u003e — specimen with black Central Bank stamp (~1,000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eP-66sb\u003c\/em\u003e — specimen with red printer's stamp (extremely rare)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCatalog numbers:\u003c\/strong\u003e P-66a; Numista \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/numista.com\/202784\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eN#202784\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComposition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e165 × 90 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e — 14,850 mm² total surface area, versus 10,296 mm² for a US dollar bill (156 × 66 mm); \u003cstrong\u003e~44% larger than a US dollar\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIssuing entity:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Central_Bank_of_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBanky Foiben'i Madagasikara (Central Bank of Madagascar)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/De_La_Rue\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDe La Rue\u003c\/a\u003e, London\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Demonetization_(currency)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDemonetized:\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes (Franc replaced by Ariary, 2004)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurrency:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_franc\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy Franc\u003c\/a\u003e (1963–2004); 1 Ariary = 5 Francs\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOfficial\/spoken languages:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Madagascar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin of name:\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cem\u003eMadageiscar\u003c\/em\u003e, a corruption introduced by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marco_Polo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMarco Polo\u003c\/a\u003e (possibly from the Somali port of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mogadishu\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMogadishu\u003c\/a\u003e), never used by the island's own inhabitants before European contact\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapital:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antananarivo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAntananarivo\u003c\/a\u003e (city pop. ~1.4 million; metro ~3.1 million)\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin of name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Malagasy for \"City of the Thousand\" — referring to the thousand warriors who guarded it\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~30 million (UN 2024) — similar to Peru or Texas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArea:\u003c\/strong\u003e 587,041 km² (226,658 mi²) — similar to France or Texas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGDP per capita\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Purchasing_power_parity\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePPP\u003c\/a\u003e): ~$1,800 (one of the lowest in the world)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMain exports:\u003c\/strong\u003e vanilla (world's #1 producer), cloves, coffee, seafood, chromite, ilmenite\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBorders:\u003c\/strong\u003e none — island nation in the Indian Ocean, separated from Mozambique by the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mozambique_Channel\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMozambique Channel\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOfficial\/spoken languages:\u003c\/strong\u003e Malagasy, French\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEthnicities:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merina_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMerina\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsimisaraka_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsimisaraka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsileo_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsileo\u003c\/a\u003e, and 15+ other Malagasy groups; small communities of Comorians, Indians, Chinese, and French\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMemberships:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/African_Union\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAfrican Union\u003c\/a\u003e (founding member, 1963); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Nations\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUnited Nations\u003c\/a\u003e (1960); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Organisation_internationale_de_la_Francophonie\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Common_Market_for_Eastern_and_Southern_Africa\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCOMESA\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Ocean_Commission\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIndian Ocean Commission\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSovereignty:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eAustronesian settlement (~500 AD) — \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy people\u003c\/a\u003e descend from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Borneo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBornean\u003c\/a\u003e seafarers who crossed the Indian Ocean, later mixing with Bantu Africans and Arab traders\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merina_Kingdom\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMerina Kingdom\u003c\/a\u003e (c. 1540–1897) — unified much of the island under a highland monarchy; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ranavalona_I\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eQueen Ranavalona I\u003c\/a\u003e famously expelled Europeans and missionaries\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eFrench protectorate (1885) → French colony (1896–1960) — Merina monarchy abolished; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ranavalona_III\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eQueen Ranavalona III\u003c\/a\u003e exiled to Algeria\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eIndependence (June 26, 1960) — First Republic under \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Philibert_Tsiranana\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePhilibert Tsiranana\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madagascar#Second_Republic\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSecond Republic\u003c\/a\u003e (1975–1992) — socialist military rule under \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Didier_Ratsiraka\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDidier Ratsiraka\u003c\/a\u003e; this note issued during this period\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eThird Republic (1992–2010) — multiparty democracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eRepublic of Madagascar (2010–present) — current constitutional framework\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMadagascar Unfiltered\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar split from the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_subcontinent\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIndian subcontinent\u003c\/a\u003e roughly 88 million years ago — making it one of the oldest island ecosystems on Earth. Over 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe island has lost more than 90% of its original forest cover since human arrival. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Slash-and-burn\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSlash-and-burn agriculture\u003c\/a\u003e (\u003cem\u003etavy\u003c\/em\u003e) continues to accelerate the destruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar produces roughly \u003cstrong\u003e80% of the world's vanilla\u003c\/strong\u003e — yet most farmers who grow it live on less than $2 a day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aye-aye\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eaye-aye\u003c\/a\u003e, a nocturnal lemur with a skeletal middle finger it uses to extract grubs from bark, is considered an omen of death by many Malagasy. Villagers sometimes kill them on sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ranavalona_I\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eQueen Ranavalona I\u003c\/a\u003e's reign (1828–1861), Christianity was banned, Europeans were expelled, and an estimated \u003cstrong\u003eone-third of the population died\u003c\/strong\u003e from forced labor, famine, and executions. She is called \"the Mad Queen\" by Western historians — and a nationalist hero at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar has no land connection to Africa and never did. Its people are more genetically related to \u003cstrong\u003eIndonesians than to any African group\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Island That Forgot It Was African\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zebu\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ezebu\u003c\/a\u003e on this note is not decoration. \u003cstrong\u003eCattle wealth is the primary measure of status\u003c\/strong\u003e across much of Madagascar — more important than land, more important than cash. A man's funeral is judged by how many zebu are slaughtered. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aloalo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ealoalo\u003c\/a\u003e post on the reverse marks a tomb, not a monument. \u003cstrong\u003eThe dead are celebrated here more elaborately than the living.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery five to seven years, Malagasy families dig up their ancestors, rewrap them in fresh silk shrouds, and dance with the corpses. The ceremony is called \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Famadihana\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003efamadihana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — the turning of the bones. \u003cstrong\u003eIt is joyful. It is expensive. It is mandatory.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRatsiraka's Socialist Experiment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis note was printed in the first year of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Didier_Ratsiraka\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDidier Ratsiraka\u003c\/a\u003e's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madagascar#Second_Republic\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSecond Republic\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eBanks were nationalized. Foreign firms were expelled. The economy contracted for a decade.\u003c\/strong\u003e The franc lost most of its purchasing power. By the time this denomination was \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Demonetization_(currency)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edemonetized\u003c\/a\u003e in 2004, 5000 francs bought almost nothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe irony: the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vanilla\" target=\"_blank\"\u003evanilla\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Clove\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecloves\u003c\/a\u003e depicted on the reverse were Madagascar's ticket to hard currency — and \u003cstrong\u003ethe socialist government's mismanagement of those export chains set the country back a generation.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn This Document of Madagascar's Revolutionary Moment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis P-66a is a \u003cstrong\u003efirst-year issue\u003c\/strong\u003e from the opening of the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madagascar#Second_Republic\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSecond Republic\u003c\/a\u003e — the exact moment Madagascar turned inward, expelled foreign capital, and bet on self-sufficiency. It is a \u003cstrong\u003elarge-format note\u003c\/strong\u003e: at 165 × 90 mm, it is \u003cstrong\u003e44% bigger than a US dollar bill\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/De_La_Rue\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDe La Rue\u003c\/a\u003e used every millimeter — the zebu's horns, the woman's beaded collar, the vanilla pods on the reverse all rendered in \u003cstrong\u003edeep maroon and burgundy engraving with the precision of a botanical illustration\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eCirculated grades carry the honest patina of an economy that actually used this money.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA 5000-franc note that once represented real purchasing power, now a window into a country that is \u003cstrong\u003e90% endemic wildlife\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e80% of the world's vanilla\u003c\/strong\u003e, and 100% unlike anywhere else on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De La Rue","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52021139407159,"sku":"MG66aCIRC","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/7165\/3431\/files\/66oscan1copy2.jpg?v=1776811040"},{"product_id":"madagascar-p-103a-10-000-ariary-nd2017-unc-port-of-ehoala-valiha-zafimaniry-carvings","title":"Madagascar P-103a 10,000 Ariary ND(2017) UNC—Port of Ehoala—Valiha \u0026 Zafimaniry Carvings","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe highest-denomination note of Madagascar's \"Madagascar and its Riches\" Series 2, this 10,000 Ariary is a vivid showcase of the island's natural and cultural wealth — from the deep-water port that opened Madagascar to global trade, to the ancient music and woodcraft traditions of the Zafimaniry people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColors:\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBackground: multicolor\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDominant: blue and green tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePort of Ehoala\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toliara_Province\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eToliara Province\u003c\/a\u003e — Madagascar's deep-water port, opened 2009\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColor-shifting \u003cstrong\u003eturtle\u003c\/strong\u003e in lower right corner (security feature)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDenomination: \u003cstrong\u003eIRAY ALINA ARIVO ARIARY\u003c\/strong\u003e (10,000 Ariary in Malagasy)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIssuer text: \u003cstrong\u003eBANKY FOIBEN'I MADAGASIKARA\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=Alain+Herve+Rasolofondraibe+Governor+Central+Bank+Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGov. Alain Hervé Rasolofondraibe (AHR)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColors:\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBackground: multicolor\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDominant: warm earth tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Valiha\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eValiha\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — Madagascar's national instrument, a bamboo tube zither\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zafimaniry\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZafimaniry\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e carved wood products — \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVarieties:\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP-103a, ND(2017), Gov. AHR — this note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eP-103s, ND(2017) — Specimen\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eTBB B338b, ND(2025), Gov. AHA\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCatalog numbers: \u003cstrong\u003eP-103a\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003eTBB B338a\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003eNumista N#203010\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWatermark: Not specified\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eComposition: \u003cstrong\u003ePaper\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSize: \u003cstrong\u003e144 × 78 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIssuing entity: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Central_Bank_of_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCentral Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePrinter: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Giesecke%2BDevrient\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGiesecke+Devrient\u003c\/a\u003e, Leipzig, Germany\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDemonetized: No — \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Demonetization_(currency)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edemonetization\u003c\/a\u003e not applicable\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=Alain+Herve+Rasolofondraibe+Governor+Central+Bank+Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGov. Alain Hervé Rasolofondraibe (AHR)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCurrency: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAriary (MGA)\u003c\/a\u003e, in use since 2003\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOfficial language(s): \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Madagascar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOrigin of name: Named after the island of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMadagascar\u003c\/a\u003e; the name was popularized in Europe by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marco_Polo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMarco Polo\u003c\/a\u003e, likely a corruption of \"Mogadishu\" — a geographic error that stuck\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCapital: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antananarivo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntananarivo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (city pop. ~1.4 million; metro ~3.7 million)\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eOrigin of name: Malagasy for \u003cstrong\u003e\"City of the Thousand\"\u003c\/strong\u003e — referring to the thousand soldiers who once guarded it\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePopulation: ~\u003cstrong\u003e30 million\u003c\/strong\u003e (UN 2024) — similar to Peru or Texas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eArea: \u003cstrong\u003e587,041 km²\u003c\/strong\u003e (226,658 mi²) — similar to France or Texas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGDP per capita (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Purchasing_power_parity\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePPP\u003c\/a\u003e): ~\u003cstrong\u003e$1,800 USD\u003c\/strong\u003e (one of the lowest in the world)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMain exports: \u003cstrong\u003evanilla, cloves, nickel, cobalt\u003c\/strong\u003e, clothing, seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBorders: None — island nation in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Ocean\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIndian Ocean\u003c\/a\u003e, separated from mainland Africa by the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mozambique_Channel\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMozambique Channel\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOfficial\/spoken languages: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e (Austronesian), \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEthnicities: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merina_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMerina\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsimisaraka\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsimisaraka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsileo_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsileo\u003c\/a\u003e, and 15+ other Malagasy groups; small communities of Comorians, Indians, Chinese, and French\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMemberships: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/African_Union\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAfrican Union\u003c\/a\u003e (founding member, 1963); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Nations\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUnited Nations\u003c\/a\u003e (1960); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Organisation_internationale_de_la_Francophonie\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Common_Market_for_Eastern_and_Southern_Africa\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCOMESA\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Ocean_Commission\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIndian Ocean Commission\u003c\/a\u003e (hosts secretariat in Mauritius)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSovereignty: See narrative below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMadagascar Unfiltered\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar split from the Indian subcontinent roughly \u003cstrong\u003e88 million years ago\u003c\/strong\u003e — making it one of the oldest island landmasses on Earth. About \u003cstrong\u003e90% of its wildlife\u003c\/strong\u003e exists nowhere else on the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe island was uninhabited until roughly \u003cstrong\u003e350–550 AD\u003c\/strong\u003e, when \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Austronesian_peoples\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAustronesian\u003c\/a\u003e sailors arrived from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Borneo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBorneo\u003c\/a\u003e — making Malagasy people more closely related to Indonesians than to mainland Africans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar produces more than \u003cstrong\u003e80% of the world's vanilla\u003c\/strong\u003e. A single crop failure can send global vanilla prices higher than silver per gram.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver \u003cstrong\u003e90% of Madagascar's original forests\u003c\/strong\u003e have been destroyed. The country loses an estimated 100,000–200,000 hectares of forest per year to slash-and-burn agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite extraordinary biodiversity, Madagascar ranks among the world's poorest nations. More than \u003cstrong\u003e75% of the population\u003c\/strong\u003e lives below the international poverty line of $2.15\/day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zafimaniry\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZafimaniry\u003c\/a\u003e people of the central highlands are the only ethnic group in the world whose entire built environment — houses, furniture, tools — is made from carved wood. Their craft is a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar has experienced \u003cstrong\u003efour coups\u003c\/strong\u003e or unconstitutional transfers of power since independence in 1960. The most recent, in 2009, triggered international sanctions and a prolonged political crisis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Island That Forgot It Was African\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar's first settlers didn't come from Africa — they came from \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Borneo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBorneo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, more than 6,000 kilometers across open ocean, in outrigger canoes. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bantu_peoples\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBantu\u003c\/a\u003e-speaking Africans arrived later, and Arab traders after them. The result is a culture that is genuinely unlike anything else on Earth: \u003cstrong\u003eAustronesian language, African cattle culture, Arab lunar calendar, French colonial overlay\u003c\/strong\u003e — all layered onto an island that had been evolving in isolation for 88 million years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lemur\" target=\"_blank\"\u003elemurs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e are the most visible symbol of that isolation. There are over 100 species, found nowhere else. When humans arrived, they found giant lemurs the size of gorillas. Within a few centuries, they were gone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Port on This Note Changed Everything\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Port_of_Ehoala\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePort of Ehoala\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, depicted on the obverse, opened in 2009 in the far south of Madagascar — built to service a massive ilmenite and zircon mining operation run by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rio_Tinto_(corporation)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRio Tinto\u003c\/a\u003e. It was Madagascar's first deep-water port capable of handling large cargo vessels. \u003cstrong\u003eIt was also deeply controversial\u003c\/strong\u003e: the mining project displaced local communities and drew sustained criticism from environmental groups concerned about habitat destruction in one of the world's most biodiverse coastal zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe port is a microcosm of Madagascar's central tension: a country of \u003cstrong\u003eextraordinary natural wealth\u003c\/strong\u003e — vanilla, cobalt, nickel, sapphires, biodiversity — and \u003cstrong\u003eextraordinary poverty\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the extraction of that wealth has rarely benefited the people living above it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Valiha and the Zafimaniry: Culture as Survival\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Valiha\" target=\"_blank\"\u003evaliha\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e on the reverse is Madagascar's national instrument — a bamboo tube zither with strings cut from the outer skin of the bamboo itself. It arrived with the Austronesian settlers and has been played continuously for over a thousand years. It is one of the few instruments in the world where the resonator and the strings are made from the same piece of material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zafimaniry\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZafimaniry\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e carving tradition shown alongside it is equally ancient. Every surface of a Zafimaniry home — walls, doors, window frames, furniture — is covered in geometric patterns that encode social meaning: \u003cstrong\u003efertility, unity, the passage of time\u003c\/strong\u003e. The craft is passed from parent to child. It was inscribed on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage\u003c\/a\u003e list in 2008.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoth the valiha and the Zafimaniry carvings represent something the Port of Ehoala does not: \u003cstrong\u003eculture that belongs to the people who made it\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn This Document of Madagascar, Before and After\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 10,000 Ariary note was issued in 2017, during Madagascar's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Politics_of_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFourth Republic\u003c\/a\u003e — a period of fragile democratic recovery after the 2009 coup. It is the \u003cstrong\u003ehighest denomination in circulation\u003c\/strong\u003e, worth roughly $2.40 at issue. It carries on one face the infrastructure of extraction, and on the other the craft traditions that have survived everything. That tension is not accidental. It is Madagascar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Giesecke%2BDevrient\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGiesecke+Devrient\u003c\/a\u003e in Leipzig — the same firm that has printed currency for over 100 countries — this note is crisp, detailed, and already beginning to disappear from circulation as the 2025 series takes over. The P-103a is the first variety, signed by Governor Rasolofondraibe, and the one most commonly encountered in UNC condition. It won't stay that way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"World Money Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52021188264247,"sku":"MG103aUNC","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/7165\/3431\/files\/103o_8bdc6868-ab37-4b36-afd1-39d5252ab0ce.jpg?v=1776893760"},{"product_id":"madagascar-p-104-20000-ariary-nd2017-unc","title":"Madagascar P-104a 20,000 Ariary ND (2017) UNC—Ambatovy Mine—Rice, Vanilla \u0026 Lychees","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe apex denomination of Madagascar's \"Madagascar and its Riches\" Series 2, the 20,000 Ariary pairs the island's industrial ambition — a world-class nickel mine carved into the highland rainforest — with the agricultural soul that feeds and defines Madagascar: rice, vanilla, lychees, and pepper, framed by the terraced paddies that have shaped the landscape for a thousand years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColors:\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBackground: multicolor\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDominant: purple and violet tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ambatovy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmbatovy nickel mine\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sherritt_International\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSherritt International\u003c\/a\u003e) — one of the largest laterite nickel operations in the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColor-shifting stylized \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Green_sea_turtle\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGreen Sea Turtle\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eChelonia mydas\u003c\/em\u003e) in lower right (security feature)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDenomination: \u003cstrong\u003eROA ALINA ARIVO ARIARY\u003c\/strong\u003e (20,000 Ariary in Malagasy)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIssuer text: \u003cstrong\u003eBANKY FOIBEN'I MADAGASIKARA\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=Alain+Herve+Rasolofondraibe+Governor+Central+Bank+Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGov. Alain Hervé Rasolofondraibe (AHR)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColors:\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBackground: multicolor\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eDominant: green and gold tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRice, vanilla, lychees, pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e — Madagascar's defining agricultural exports\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRice field\u003c\/strong\u003e — terraced paddy landscape of the central highlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVarieties:\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP-104a, ND(2017), Gov. AHR, Prefix A–E — this note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eP-104s, ND(2017) — Specimen\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eTBB B339b, ND(2025), Gov. AHA, Prefix F–...\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCatalog numbers: \u003cstrong\u003eP-104a\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003eTBB B339a\u003c\/strong\u003e; \u003cstrong\u003eNumista N#203018\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWatermark: Zebu cattle head and electrotype 10000\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eComposition: \u003cstrong\u003ePaper\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSize: \u003cstrong\u003e149 × 81 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIssuing entity: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Central_Bank_of_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCentral Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePrinter: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Giesecke%2BDevrient\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGiesecke+Devrient\u003c\/a\u003e, Leipzig, Germany\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDemonetized: No — \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Demonetization_(currency)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edemonetization\u003c\/a\u003e not applicable\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSignatures: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=Alain+Herve+Rasolofondraibe+Governor+Central+Bank+Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGov. Alain Hervé Rasolofondraibe (AHR)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCurrency: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_ariary\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAriary (MGA)\u003c\/a\u003e, in use since 2003\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOfficial language(s): \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Madagascar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOrigin of name: Named after the island of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMadagascar\u003c\/a\u003e; the name was popularized in Europe by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marco_Polo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMarco Polo\u003c\/a\u003e, likely a corruption of \"Mogadishu\" — a geographic error that stuck\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCapital: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antananarivo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntananarivo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (city pop. ~1.4 million; metro ~3.7 million)\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eOrigin of name: Malagasy for \u003cstrong\u003e\"City of the Thousand\"\u003c\/strong\u003e — referring to the thousand soldiers who once guarded it\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePopulation: ~\u003cstrong\u003e30 million\u003c\/strong\u003e (UN 2024) — similar to Peru or Texas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eArea: \u003cstrong\u003e587,041 km²\u003c\/strong\u003e (226,658 mi²) — similar to France or Texas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGDP per capita (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Purchasing_power_parity\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePPP\u003c\/a\u003e): ~\u003cstrong\u003e$1,800 USD\u003c\/strong\u003e (one of the lowest in the world)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMain exports: \u003cstrong\u003evanilla, cloves, nickel, cobalt\u003c\/strong\u003e, clothing, seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBorders: None — island nation in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Ocean\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIndian Ocean\u003c\/a\u003e, separated from mainland Africa by the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mozambique_Channel\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMozambique Channel\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOfficial\/spoken languages: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malagasy_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMalagasy\u003c\/a\u003e (Austronesian), \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFrench\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEthnicities: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merina_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMerina\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsimisaraka\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsimisaraka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Betsileo_people\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBetsileo\u003c\/a\u003e, and 15+ other Malagasy groups; small communities of Comorians, Indians, Chinese, and French\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMemberships: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/African_Union\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAfrican Union\u003c\/a\u003e (founding member, 1963); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Nations\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUnited Nations\u003c\/a\u003e (1960); \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Organisation_internationale_de_la_Francophonie\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Common_Market_for_Eastern_and_Southern_Africa\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCOMESA\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Ocean_Commission\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIndian Ocean Commission\u003c\/a\u003e (hosts secretariat in Mauritius)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSovereignty: See narrative below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMadagascar Unfiltered\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar split from the Indian subcontinent roughly \u003cstrong\u003e88 million years ago\u003c\/strong\u003e — making it one of the oldest island landmasses on Earth. About \u003cstrong\u003e90% of its wildlife\u003c\/strong\u003e exists nowhere else on the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe island was uninhabited until roughly \u003cstrong\u003e350–550 AD\u003c\/strong\u003e, when \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Austronesian_peoples\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAustronesian\u003c\/a\u003e sailors arrived from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Borneo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBorneo\u003c\/a\u003e — making Malagasy people more closely related to Indonesians than to mainland Africans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar produces more than \u003cstrong\u003e80% of the world's vanilla\u003c\/strong\u003e. A single crop failure can send global vanilla prices higher than silver per gram.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver \u003cstrong\u003e90% of Madagascar's original forests\u003c\/strong\u003e have been destroyed. The country loses an estimated 100,000–200,000 hectares of forest per year to slash-and-burn agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite extraordinary biodiversity, Madagascar ranks among the world's poorest nations. More than \u003cstrong\u003e75% of the population\u003c\/strong\u003e lives below the international poverty line of $2.15\/day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zafimaniry\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZafimaniry\u003c\/a\u003e people of the central highlands are the only ethnic group in the world whose entire built environment — houses, furniture, tools — is made from carved wood. Their craft is a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar has experienced \u003cstrong\u003efour coups\u003c\/strong\u003e or unconstitutional transfers of power since independence in 1960. The most recent, in 2009, triggered international sanctions and a prolonged political crisis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Island That Forgot It Was African\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMadagascar's first settlers didn't come from Africa — they came from \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Borneo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBorneo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, more than 6,000 kilometers across open ocean, in outrigger canoes. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bantu_peoples\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBantu\u003c\/a\u003e-speaking Africans arrived later, and Arab traders after them. The result is a culture that is genuinely unlike anything else on Earth: \u003cstrong\u003eAustronesian language, African cattle culture, Arab lunar calendar, French colonial overlay\u003c\/strong\u003e — all layered onto an island that had been evolving in isolation for 88 million years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lemur\" target=\"_blank\"\u003elemurs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e are the most visible symbol of that isolation. There are over 100 species, found nowhere else. When humans arrived, they found giant lemurs the size of gorillas. Within a few centuries, they were gone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Mine on This Note Cost the Forest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ambatovy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmbatovy mine\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, depicted on the obverse, is one of the largest nickel and cobalt laterite operations on Earth. It sits in the rainforest east of Antananarivo, operated by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sherritt_International\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSherritt International\u003c\/a\u003e of Canada. Construction began in 2007 and required \u003cstrong\u003eclearing thousands of hectares of primary rainforest\u003c\/strong\u003e — habitat for species found nowhere else on the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mine was built to run for \u003cstrong\u003e27 years\u003c\/strong\u003e. It produces nickel used in stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries. Madagascar receives royalties. The forest does not grow back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe project is a near-perfect encapsulation of Madagascar's dilemma: \u003cstrong\u003eextraordinary mineral wealth\u003c\/strong\u003e sitting beneath \u003cstrong\u003eirreplaceable biodiversity\u003c\/strong\u003e, in one of the world's poorest countries, with a government that has rarely had the leverage to negotiate on equal terms with multinational capital.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Other Side: What Madagascar Actually Eats and Sells\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse tells a different story. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rice_production_in_Madagascar\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRice\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is not just a crop in Madagascar — it is identity. The Malagasy word for rice, \u003cem\u003evary\u003c\/em\u003e, is also the word for meal. Madagascar has one of the highest per-capita rice consumption rates in the world, yet still imports rice in bad harvest years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vanilla\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eVanilla\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is Madagascar's most famous export — the island produces over 80% of the world's natural vanilla, almost all of it from the Sava region in the northeast. The crop is hand-pollinated, labor-intensive, and extraordinarily vulnerable to cyclones. A single storm can erase a year's global vanilla supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lychee\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLychees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003epepper\u003c\/strong\u003e round out the reverse's agricultural tableau — both significant export crops, both grown in the humid northeast, both dependent on the same fragile ecosystem that the mine on the front is consuming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOwn This Document of Madagascar, Before and After\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 20,000 Ariary note — the \u003cstrong\u003ehighest denomination Madagascar has ever issued\u003c\/strong\u003e — was released on 17 July 2017, worth roughly $4.80 at the time. It holds on one face the infrastructure of extraction, and on the other the crops and paddies that have sustained Malagasy life for centuries. The tension between those two faces is not decorative. It is the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Giesecke%2BDevrient\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGiesecke+Devrient\u003c\/a\u003e in Leipzig, signed by Governor Rasolofondraibe, prefix A–E. The 2025 series (prefix F onward, signed by Governor Andrianarivelo) is already entering circulation. The P-104a window is closing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"World Money Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52021189640503,"sku":"MG104aUNC","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/7165\/3431\/files\/104o_aec27ccb-fa3f-4b80-821e-03c9e6571fd2.jpg?v=1776893993"}],"url":"https:\/\/worldmoneystore.com\/collections\/madagascar-banknotes-for-collectors-for-sale.oembed","provider":"World Money Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}