Gambian Dalasi
The Gambian dalasi reflects a modern currency shaped by political change and a transition toward neutral national symbolism.
Quick Facts
Country: Gambia
Code: GMD
Symbol: D
System: Decimal (1 Dalasi = 100 Bututs)
Status: In circulation
Issuer: Central Bank of The Gambia
The Story of the Gambian Dalasi
Introduced in 1971, the dalasi replaced the Gambian pound following independence, establishing a sovereign monetary system. Early banknotes were dominated by the portrait of President Dawda Jawara, defining the first phase of national identity. After the 1994 coup, the series shifted to Yahya Jammeh, whose image remained central for over two decades. In 2019, a major redesign removed all political portraits, replacing them with a neutral national series focused on heritage and environment, marking a clear break in the currency’s visual identity.
Design & Symbolism
The current banknotes are defined by the “Bird Series,” featuring species such as the Pied Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle, alongside cultural symbols including the sacred crocodile. The colour palette reflects the national flag, integrating river blue, red and green into structured compositions. The series combines substrates, with the 20 dalasi issued in polymer and higher denominations printed on paper with enhanced security features, creating a clear visual and tactile distinction within the set.
For collectors
For collectors, the Gambian dalasi offers a clearly segmented collecting field across three distinct phases: the Jawara portrait series, the Jammeh era and the post-2019 depoliticized Bird Series. Early issues are increasingly difficult to obtain in high-grade condition due to climate and circulation factors, while the modern series attracts interest for its clean design and technical upgrades. This transition from political portraiture to neutral symbolism provides a structured and easily identifiable collecting framework.
The Gambian dalasi remains in circulation as a stable West African currency following the 2019 redesign.
