10 BIF #51

Front

The national coat of arms of Burundi displayed over an outline map of the country. The coat of arms features a lion's head on a shield, three spears, and a drum (karyenda), encircled by the national motto 'Unité, Travail, Progrès' (Unity, Work, Progress). The map silhouette emphasizes the nation's landlocked geography in the African Great Lakes region. The denomination 'DIX FRANCS' appears in French with 'AMAFRANGA CUMI' in Kirundi.

Back

Abstract geometric guilloche pattern with the national motto presented bilingually: 'UNITÉ-UBUMWE' (Unity), 'TRAVAIL-IBIKORWA' (Work), and 'PROGRÈS-AMAJAMBERE' (Progress). The design incorporates rosette patterns containing the denomination numerals. A counterfeiting warning appears in both French and Kirundi at bottom.

History

This 10 Franc note dated 01-10-91 (October 1, 1991) is part of the small-denomination series issued by the Bank of the Republic of Burundi following independence from Belgium in 1962. The bilingual inscriptions in French and Kirundi reflect the country's official languages. The Burundian franc has been the national currency since 1964, replacing the Rwandan franc. These small denominations were used for everyday transactions but have been largely superseded by higher denominations due to inflation.