$17.50
168 in stock
Issuer: Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Denomination & Year: Z$100,000,000,000 (“One Hundred Billion Dollars”), issued 1 July 2008
Catalogue Reference: Special Agro-Cheque Series
The Special Agro-Cheque of 100 Billion Zimbabwe Dollars was introduced in July 2008 amid the country’s hyperinflation crisis. Intended originally for agricultural payment purposes, this cheque quickly entered general circulation and became a striking symbol of Zimbabwe’s extreme currency devaluation. It remains highly collectible as an artifact of economic history.
Obverse (Front):
Features the denomination “ONE HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS”, the text “SPECIAL AGRO-CHEQUE”, and the promise “Pay the bearer on demand … for the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe”. The issue date “1 July 2008”, governor’s signature, and a zebra or giraffe wildlife motif appear, reflecting Zimbabwe’s national imagery.
Reverse (Back):
Depicts grain-elevator silos or industrial agricultural infrastructure, paired with wildlife imagery (such as a giraffe) — symbolising the cheque’s agricultural-related heritage and the nation’s agrarian economy.
Physical Attributes:
Size approx. 148 × 74 mm
Main colour scheme: blue-toned
Watermark: Zimbabwe bird (¾ profile)
Printer: local Zimbabwe (Fidelity Printers & Refiners)
Validity: for use until 31 December 2008
The cheque was issued during one of the most severe hyperinflation episodes ever recorded. The “Special Agro-Cheque” series was introduced as a bridge between regular bearer cheques and larger-denomination notes, intended to aid agricultural payments. However, rapid inflation rendered these cheques into general circulation instruments.
By the end of 2008, the Zimbabwe dollar had lost nearly all purchasing power, and this 100 Billion cheque reflects how quickly currency denominations escalated. Within months, even these large values became inadequate, and the currency was eventually abandoned in favour of foreign currencies.
This cheque offers strong appeal to collectors for multiple reasons:
Distinct type: A special-purpose cheque rather than standard banknote issuance
High nominal value: Among the largest pre-trillion denominations issued in Zimbabwe
Visual interest: Agricultural infrastructure and wildlife imagery, blue-toned design
Historic significance: Captures a unique moment of monetary collapse and transformation
