No more Assad: Syria introduces currency with stunning new designs

The new banknotes entered circulation on January 1, marking a symbolic shift in the country’s monetary design following political change.

Under a presidential decree, existing Syrian banknotes—referred to as the “old Syrian currency”—will be gradually withdrawn from circulation in accordance with a timetable set by the Central Bank of Syria. The exchange will be carried out through designated exchange centres, according to the state-run SANA news agency.

The new currency series includes denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Syrian pounds.

SANA reported that no commissions, taxes, fees or penalties will be levied on the conversion or exchange of old notes for the new currency during the transition period.

The redesigned banknotes feature agricultural imagery, including roses, wheat, olives, oranges and mulberries, replacing political portraits with national and cultural symbols.

During the transition, all public and private entities have been instructed to display monetary amounts in both the old and new currencies to ensure a smooth changeover.