100 Billion Dollars Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD)

Signatures: Governor: Dr. G Gono

Security features: microprint,intaglio

This 100 Billion Dollar Special Agro-Cheque was issued on 1st July 2008 during Zimbabwe's catastrophic hyperinflation period, one of the worst cases in recorded history. The note was valid until 31st December 2008. Governor Gideon Gono oversaw the Reserve Bank during this crisis, authorizing the printing of increasingly high denominations as the currency became worthless. The 'Special Agro-Cheque' designation reflected the government's attempt to address agricultural needs and food shortages. Zimbabwe's hyperinflation peaked in November 2008 at an estimated 89.7 sextillion percent month-on-month. The Zimbabwe dollar was eventually abandoned in April 2009 in favor of a multi-currency system dominated by the US dollar and South African rand. These hyperinflation notes, while once representing desperate economic conditions, have become widely collected numismatic items documenting one of history's most extreme monetary failures.