ALEPPO, Syria — The Central Bank of Syria is circulating new 2,000-pound banknotes in all cities under the regime’s control, topping the previously largest denomination of 1,000 pounds and helping to shrink the wads of cash residents have been forced to carry because of the currency's devaluation since the ongoing civil war began in 2011. 

Central Bank Governor Duraid Durgham said in a July 2 press conference in Damascus, “Given the worn nature of the bills currently in circulation, the central bank saw that it was the appropriate time to release the 2,000-pound banknote on the market. It is highly secure because it is not easily forged, and it is distinguishable.”

The 2,000-pound note is thicker than other banknotes and is characterized by embossed writing. It also features the face of President Bashar al-Assad on the front in his first appearance on a note during his 17-year rule. An image of the parliament building sits in the background.

The note was actually printed years ago, along with several other denominations, but the government decided not to circulate any of them at the time because of the civil war and volatile exchange rates. The note was worth about $4 when it launched earlier this month and remains at about the same value today.