5 LRD #303

Front

Edward James Roye (1815–1872), fifth President of Liberia (1870–1871), the first president to be born in the United States before emigrating to Liberia. Born in Newark, Ohio to free African American parents, Roye was educated and became a successful merchant before emigrating in 1846. He served as Chief Justice and Speaker of the House before his presidency. His administration was marked by controversy over a British loan and he was deposed in a coup; he died shortly after, either by drowning or assassination. Roye was the first dark-skinned president of Liberia in a period when lighter-skinned Americo-Liberians dominated politics. The coat of arms of Liberia featuring a sailing ship and palm tree appears at left.

Back

A Liberian woman harvesting rice, depicting the country's agricultural economy and labor. Rice cultivation has been central to Liberian agriculture since the founding of the nation by freed American slaves in 1847. The scene represents the importance of subsistence farming and women's role in agricultural production. The Central Bank of Liberia seal appears at left, showing the bank's establishment date of 1999 (re-established after the civil war period).

History

This 5 Liberian dollar note was issued in 2003 by the Central Bank of Liberia during the latter stages of the Second Liberian Civil War (1999–2003). The note features Edward James Roye, a historically significant but controversial president whose selection for currency honors reflects evolving perspectives on Liberian history. The 2003 series was issued during a period of severe economic instability and hyperinflation. Liberia's currency system has been complex, with both Liberian dollars and US dollars circulating. These notes were printed during the transitional period leading to the end of Charles Taylor's presidency and the installation of the transitional government.