Syria's Central Bank to release six new banknotes that will have no symbols or pictures: Here's why

Syria is set to introduce a new series of banknotes that will feature no images, portraits, or national symbols. The redesign is part of a broader effort by the Central Bank to improve visual clarity, strengthen verification, and modernize the country's monetary identity while reducing the potential for speculation tied to symbolic imagery.

A currency without faces or landmarks
For the first time in its history, Syria will issue a currency series that excludes traditional visual elements such as historical landmarks, national symbols, or portraits of figures. The initiative, led by the Central Bank of Syria , is intended to simplify design, strengthen security, and align with a contemporary monetary identity.

Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader Al-Husriya (also referred to in some sources as Abdelkader Al-Hassari), confirmed that the new notes will be introduced in six denominations, designed to span small, medium, and large values to facilitate everyday transactions more efficiently.

According to Al-Husriya, “ The new currency will be issued in six different denominations to meet daily trading needs more efficiently. These denominations will range from small to medium and large to ensure easy cash transactions in the markets.”

He further noted that the Central Bank will release full details of each denomination—including value, size, and design—after all technical and security preparations are complete.

Syrian currency redesign moves away from traditional symbols

The decision to strip the new banknotes of recognizable imagery marks a deliberate departure from tradition. The bank describes this as a "modern trend" focused on visual simplicity, ease of verification, and digital compatibility.

Al-Hassari clarified: " The removal of traditional images is not just a design choice. It’s a reflection of modern monetary identity , one rooted in simplicity, functionality, and digital compatibility. The new design aims to build transparency and trust in our financial system."

This visual overhaul is not merely aesthetic. It reflects a strategic alignment with global trends, particularly in regions where political imagery on currency can carry divisive weight. The new design seeks to emphasize clarity and neutrality.

Still, the bank insists the new notes will carry symbolic weight. " The new currency will not be just numbers, but will have a contemporary national identity that expresses modernity and economic stability," said Al-Hosari.

A technical update, not monetary expansion
While introducing new denominations, the Central Bank has taken care to underline that the initiative does not signify an expansion of the money supply. Rather, it is a technical refresh aimed at improving currency lifespan and transactional efficiency.

Al-Hassari explained: " The new notes will enhance the smooth flow of cash in markets without leading to inflationary pressures. This is a modernization process, not a monetary expansion."

The new series is also expected to help replace worn-out notes, many of which have deteriorated significantly due to years of overuse, poor-quality paper, and insufficient printing capacity during times of crisis.

In preparation for the rollout, the Central Bank has lined up a series of monetary control measures to safeguard against unintended consequences such as inflation or speculation. These include:

• Monitoring of money markets
  
• Strict regulation of cash flows
• Deployment of monetary policy tools to ensure stability
  
  

As Al-Hosari stated, " The launch of the new currency will be accompanied by measures by the Central Bank to control liquidity and maintain price stability. These measures include monitoring the money market and controlling the flow of money in circulation, in addition to activating monetary policy tools to ensure that the introduction of the new denominations does not lead to inflation or speculation."

Confidence, cost, and the road ahead
Economists suggest that the redesign could yield psychological and practical benefits. With public trust in the Syrian pound shaken by years of inflation, devaluation, and rampant counterfeit circulation, the new notes may symbolize a fresh start, while also significantly cutting future printing costs and improving transaction efficiency.

The minimalist design approach follows similar moves in other countries aiming to subtly distance currency from political messaging and focus on long-term stability and modernization in post-crisis recovery efforts. The Central Bank is expected to formally announce the release dates and implementation phases soon.

The performance and broader public reception of the new notes will be closely monitored in the coming months as Syria carefully rolls out this major monetary update.