Currency

1I have a damaged banknote. What can I do?
Banknotes can become accidentally torn or damaged in a number of different ways. This doesn't render them worthless. Send your damaged banknote to the Central Bank for reimbursement.
2Does the Central Bank of Lesotho buy old coins and how much does it offer?
Old coins and banknotes are not for sale. Lesotho produces coins and banknotes for transactive motives only, not store of value. Old coins and banknotes are only exchanged at face value.
3What is the exchange ratio for old coins and banknotes?
1:1
4Are commemorative coins worth more than other coins?
Commemorative coins are different, some are for circulation while others are non circulating. Circulating commemorative coins have no intrinsic value, while some non-circulating commemorative coins do have value. Lesotho though does not produce the store of value coins. The primary purpose for producing commemorative coins in Lesotho is celebrating specific "events” only.
5What is the purpose of dye in ATMs?
The dye used in ATMs is part of a security system called an Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation System (IBNS). The primary purpose of this dye is to deter theft and make stolen money unusable. These cash protection devices spray notes with a permanent dye if an ATM or Cash in Transit van is attacked, marking them as stolen — and thereby making them useless to the robbers. The notes can be stained by green or blue ink. The dye could cover the entire note, be around the edges or on any part of the note. The amount of stain is not a determinant factor because even slightly stained notes become illegal.
6How do I identify a dye-stained note?
  • Look, feel & smell - Dye-stained banknotes that look, feel or smell different than genuine banknotes.
  • The staining - bluish purple or green around the edges of the notes or across one side as though the notes have been dipped in ink.
  • Burning or charring - This may be as the result of the heat used in smoke systems.
7What should I do if I am presented with a dye-stained note?
Do not accept dye-stained notes from anyone, but if you happen to have it in your possession hand it in at the nearest police station or Central Bank of Lesotho. By so doing you will play your part in fighting crime. Accordingly, any information you have regarding stolen notes must be immediately reported to the local police station.
8Can I redeem dye-stained notes?
A dye-stained banknote has no value, it is classified as a counterfeit because when the ink stains the note, the original security features are damaged.
9Can I get arrested if I am in possession of dye-stained notes?
Yes you can be arrested because these notes are proceeds of crime (there is no excuse for ignorance in law).
10How do I see if a dye-stained note has been washed?
Bleaching and/or fading of a note, the absence of the watermark or foil, or a change in the feel of the note. This may be the result of efforts to remove the dye stains using aggressive reagents. In the process of bleaching the dye stain ink may take any color.
11Can commercial banks help me if I have a banknote that is torn, burned or stained, soiled, dirty or defective in some way?
Yes. Commercial Banks do exchange mutilated notes. You can also come to the Central Bank to change your mutilated note.
12If I receive a mutilated banknote from the ATM, what do I do?
Send it back to the commercial bank or to the Central Bank of Lesotho. We encourage that you do not destroy these notes.
13How much do I get for mutilated note?
  • FULL VALUE - A mutilated banknote with two thirds or more of the original note remaining may be paid at full value.
  • HALF VALUE - A mutilated banknote with half or more but less than two thirds of the original note remaining may be paid at half value.
  • NO VALUE - A mutilated banknote with less than half of the original note remaining has no value