Pictured: one-dinar note, acquired in Benghazi in 2011
Even as eastern Libyans rose up in droves, they continued using currency bearing the faces of two former leaders – one they loathed and one they loved. A young, svelte Muammar Qadaffi smiled out from the ubiquitous one-dinar note, while celebrated anti-colonial resistance leader Omar al-Mukhtar graced the 10-dinar note.
Mr. Mukhtar, a celebrated early 20th century anti-colonial resistance leader who was executed by Italian authorities in 1931, became a symbol of the Libyan rebellion in the eastern Libyan state of Cyrenaica. As of this writing, Libyans continue to use the Qaddafi-era currency, although Libyan authorities report the distribution of a new currency, which won't feature Qaddafi, is imminent.
