Bank Al-Maghrib
The Bank Al-Maghrib (بنك المغرب) operates as the central monetary authority overseeing a currency system defined by dynastic continuity, notably reflected in successive royal portrait series.
Quick Facts
Institutional Identity
The bank functions as Morocco’s central monetary authority, managing currency issuance, monetary policy and financial supervision within a managed exchange system linked to a euro-dominated basket, while operating the advanced state printing facility Dar As-Sikkah.
Historical Evolution
Established in 1959 after independence, Bank Al-Maghrib replaced the Banque d’État du Maroc and introduced the dirham; its banknote evolution closely follows the reigns of Mohammed V, Hassan II and Mohammed VI, creating clearly distinguishable dynastic design periods.
Design Philosophy
Moroccan banknotes are defined by dense zellige geometric structures, moucharabieh-inspired micro-patterns and refined Arabic calligraphy, combined with royal portraiture and architectural landmarks such as the Hassan II Mosque; recent issues produced at Dar As-Sikkah include bilingual Arabic–Tamazight inscriptions in Tifinagh script and windowed colour-shifting security threads, alongside the 2019 commemorative 20 dirham polymer banknote with transparent elements.
For collectors
For collectors, Bank Al-Maghrib offers a structured collecting field defined by royal succession series, the technical precision of Dar As-Sikkah printings and standout issues such as the 2019 polymer 20 dirham, where geometric density and script evolution create one of Africa’s most intricate banknote traditions.