Today, Bank Al-Maghrib has introduced a fresh 20-dirham banknote into circulation, aligning with the celebration of Youth Day in Morocco. This launch is the latest in a series following the recent unveilings of new 50, 100, and 200 dirham banknotes.
The newly minted 20-dirham note is a tribute to Morocco's opulent architectural legacy and vibrant socio-cultural evolution.
The obverse of the note is adorned with the likeness of King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom’s coat of arms, an intricate design inspired by Moroccan gateways, and a stylized depiction of Al Quaraouiyine University in Fez.
The reverse side is embellished with artistic representations of the Grand Theatre of Rabat, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, a grandstand of a sports arena, and a stylized view of the Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou.
As stated in a press release by Bank Al-Maghrib, the new note is fortified with several advanced security features, including a dynamic, color-shifting security thread, an iridescent stripe on the reverse, tactile relief features for the visually impaired, and progressive numbering.
The entire design and production of this banknote were exclusively undertaken by Moroccan specialists from Dar As-Sikkah.
The release of the 20-dirham note on Youth Day holds particular significance. Youth Day, celebrated on August 21, commemorates the birth of King Mohammed VI and serves as a moment to reflect on the King’s commitment to youth empowerment and his visionary leadership over the past quarter-century.
The origins of Youth Day in Morocco date back to July 1956, shortly after the nation achieved independence.
The late King Mohammed V initiated the celebration of the birthday of his heir, Moulay Hassan—the future King Hassan II—and proclaimed it “Youth Day” in response to the aspirations of Moroccan youth.
Although the grand celebrations of Youth Day were halted by King Mohammed VI in 2019, the holiday remains a significant part of the Kingdom’s heritage as one of its earliest and most enduring celebrated occasions.
The introduction of the new 20-dirham note follows a series of recent banknote issuances.
On November 24, 2023, Bank Al-Maghrib released a new 100-dirham note, which highlights the cultural heritage of the Moroccan Sahara, its socio-economic progress, and its openness to Africa.
On January 12, a new 200-dirham note was introduced, emphasizing the economic and industrial advancements achieved under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, with a focus on infrastructure, industry, and development.
Most recently, on July 30, a new 50-dirham note was circulated, featuring intricate illustrations of Morocco’s sustainable development efforts, underscoring the nation’s dedication to clean energy and natural resource conservation.