I’m not sure why the second series of paper money from Mali are so in-demand at the moment, but they are definitely more expensive than their first series counterparts, which is unusual. The front of the banknotes are fairly bland, with just color and size differentiating one denomination from another. However, anything above and including the 100 Franc banknote is quite valuable, so I feel lucky to have won this banknote for $22.50. Yes, it is in a beat up state, but this is African paper money we’re talking about here! This is pick 8 from Mali, the 1967 series 500 Franc banknote:

Mali p8 from 1967: 500 Francs

This paper money, featuring ships docked at the Leo-Kinshasa wharf has eluded me for quite a while. I regret not buying it a couple of years ago, when it was cheaper, but even $103.50 can be considered a bargain for this scarce note. It is definitely harder and harder to find, especially in this good of a condition. The back of this banknote features an African transporting fruit in a dugout canoe.

Belgian Congo p34: 500 Francs from 1959