The 10 dinars of 2013 belongs to a poet: the front features Aboul-Qacem Echebbi (1909–1934), author of the closing verses of Tunisia’s national anthem «Humat al-Hima» («Defenders of the Homeland»). He lived only twenty-five years yet became one of the symbols of Tunisian literature.

The back shows the arches of the El Bachia madrasa in Tunis. Dated 20 March 2013, the note entered circulation on 28 November 2013.

Against the light an olive-tree watermark appears, the silvery holographic stripe shimmers, and the security thread surfaces through windows.

For a Tunisia collection this is a note bearing the portrait of the national poet, and for a topical set on literature on banknotes it tells of a poet whose words are sung in the country’s anthem. UNC condition means the note has never circulated: no folds, no wear, no soiling, even corners — just as it left the press.

For those who collect banknotes by subject, whether wildlife, architecture or famous people, the VPcoins catalogue offers other themed issues too.