KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar

Monetary System

1 Kuwaiti dinar (KFD) = 10 dirhams = 1,000 fils

Kuwait Currency Board

The promulgation of the Kuwaiti Currency Law in accordance with the Amiri Decree No. 41 of 1960 stipulated that the Kuwaiti dinar shall be the national monetary unit and established the Kuwait Currency Board (KCB) under the chairmanship of the minister of finance and economy.

2014 Sixth Issues

The sixth issue was unveiled at a celebration event on 19 May 2014, and entered circulation on 29 June 2014, the beginning of Ramadan. This series uses visual representations of nationally significant elements and economic accomplishments that are all grounded on one unified background that is of the Kuwaiti flag. The banknotes feature iconic and culturally significant buildings on the front while the back illustrates Kuwait’s accomplishments and economic milestones throughout history. The new banknotes were also designed with the visually impaired in mind. The banknotes’ values are larger in size and the raised print aids the visually impaired in distinguishing each banknote from the other.
Each note has a 6-digit serial number and fractional alphanumeric prefix (999,999 notes per prefix) with two Arabic characters for the numerator. The first letter of the numerator corresponds to the denomination, advancing alphabetically (A – F), and the second letter (و) corresponds to the sixth issue (F). The prefix on each denomination starts at 1, and the number advances consecutively over time.
The sixth issue of the Kuwaiti dinar banknotes includes the most advanced security measures such as innovative printing processes, color changing features, and visual elements that become visible upon tilting the banknote. The preceding issues will circulate in parallel until such time as they are withdrawn from circulation.
On 13 May 2015, the International Association of Currency Affairs awarded the Central Bank of Kuwait the 2015 International Award for Best Banknote issue for these notes.

Description: 0.25 or 1/4 KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar Size: 110 x 68 mm

Brown. Front: Arabic text; New Telecommunications Tower (Liberation Tower); coat of arms with falcon and dhow; OVI patch. Back: English text; first Kuwaiti coin; traditional wooden Kuwaiti door. 3-mm wide color-changing StarBright windowed security thread with demetalized CBK 1/4١/٤. Watermark: Falcon head, electrotype ١/٤, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 110 x 68 mm. Paper.
This note represents Kuwait’s liberation and heritage.

Description: 0.5 or 1/2 KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar Size: 120 x 68 mm

Green. Front: Arabic text; Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City; dhow; coat of arms with falcon and dhow; OVI patch. Back: English text; silver pomfret (Al Zubaidi), Kuwait’s most popular fish; hawksbill sea turtle. 3-mm wide color-changing StarBright windowed security thread with demetalized CBK 1/2١/٢. Watermark: Falcon head, electrotype ١/٢, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 120 x 68 mm. Paper.
This note represents Kuwait’s icons and environment.

Description: 1.00 KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar Size: 130 x 68 mm

Gray. Front: Arabic text; Great State Mosque; dhow; coat of arms with falcon and dhow; OVI patch. Back: English text; Greek ruins and ionic column on Failaka island. 3-mm wide color-changing StarBright windowed security thread with demetalized CBK 1١. Watermark: Falcon head, electrotype ١, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 130 x 68 mm. Paper.
This note represents Kuwait’s history and Islam.

Description: 5.00 KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar Size: 140 x 68 mm

Purple. Front: Arabic text; Central Bank of Kuwait headquarters building; dhow; coat of arms with falcon and dhow; SPARK Orbital feature. Back: English text; oil tanker; oil refinery. 6-mm wide color-changing StarBright windowed security thread with demetalized CBK 5 KD. Watermark: Falcon head, electrotype ٥, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 140 x 68 mm. Paper.
This note represents Kuwait’s economy, finance, and oil industry.

Description: 10.00 KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar Size: 150 x 68 mm

Reddish orange. Front: Arabic text; Kuwait National Assembly building; dhow; coat of arms with falcon and dhow; SPARK Orbital feature. Back: English text; seated camel dressed in sadu saddle; falcon head. Solid security thread. 6-mm wide color-changing StarBright windowed security thread with demetalized CBK 10 KD. Watermark: Falcon head, electrotype ١٠, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 68 mm. Paper.
This note represents Kuwait’s democracy and desert.

Description: 20.00 KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar Size: 160 x 68 mm

Blue. Front: Arabic text; Al-Seif Palace; dhow; coat of arms with falcon and dhow; SPARK Orbital feature. Back: English text; oyster and pearl diver; Al-Boom traditional dhow. Solid security thread. 6-mm wide color-changing StarBright windowed security thread with demetalized CBK 20 KD. Watermark: Falcon head, electrotype ٢٠, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 160 x 68 mm. Paper.
This note represents Kuwait’s ruling and sea.

2001 Numismatic Products

This 1-dinar note commemorates the 10th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait. Although each note was sold for the nominal value of 1 dinar, they were never circulating legal tender.

Description: 1.00 KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar Size: 160 x 68 mm

Violet. Front: Arabic text; fingerprint hologram; coat of arms with falcon and dhow. Back: English text; soldier with flag; Seif Palace; dhow in port; man painting doves on wall. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (Note Printing Australia). 160 x 68 mm. Polymer.

Extras

According to a Central Bank of Kuwait press release dated 19 April 2015, all fifth issue notes introduced beginning in 1994 will lose their legal tender status on 1 October 2015, after which time they may still be exchanged by the CBK for a period of ten years.