ALGIERS, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Central Bank of Algeria on Sunday issued into circulation two new banknotes at denomination of 500 and 1,000 Algerian dinars, as well as a new coin with face value of 100 dinars.
These new series of banknotes and coins bear portraits of some of Algeria's historical and modern elements, such as the Algerian satellite Alcomsat 1, the Great Mosque of Algiers, and two historical figures, namely the founder of modern Algeria, Emir Abdelkader, and Berber King of Numidia, Jugurtha.
The 100-dinar coin is made up of three different metals. The circlet is made of gray stainless steel, while the core is made of pinkish-yellow copper and nickel.
Secretary General of the Central Bank Lahbib Goubi told reporters that these new notes and coins will be put into circulation by mid-February.
He added that this move aims at "refreshing the money in circulation" rather than "changing the national currency."
In Algeria, there are nine different coins, the values of which range from 50 cents to 200 dinars.
As for notes, there are those of 100 dinars, 200 dinars, 500 dinars, 1,000 and 2,000 dinars.
