Libyan Dinar (LYD)
The dinar has been Libya's currency since 1971, when it replaced the Libyan pound at par shortly after the country's 1969 revolution. Political division after the 2011 civil conflict led to rival note issuances from competing authorities in the east and west of the country for over a decade, before the central bank was formally reunified in 2023.
LYD ⇄ USD Converter
History
Libya used the Libyan pound, tied historically to British currency, until introducing the dinar in September 1971. For most of its history the dinar was a relatively strong, oil-backed currency. Following the 2011 revolution and subsequent civil conflict, rival factions in eastern and western Libya each issued their own banknotes through separate central bank branches, creating years of monetary fragmentation. The Central Bank of Libya was formally reunified in 2023, consolidating currency issuance once again.
Denominations
Libyan dinar banknotes currently circulate in these denominations:
- 1, 5, 10 dinars — smaller everyday notes
- 20, 50 dinars — higher-value notes
Coins are issued in 50, 100, and 250 dirhams, plus ¼ and ½ dinar coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency symbol for the dinar?
It's commonly abbreviated LD or ل.د. Its ISO 4217 currency code is LYD.
Why were there two versions of Libyan banknotes for years?
After the 2011 conflict split the country's institutions, rival authorities in eastern and western Libya each issued their own dinar notes through separate central bank branches, until the Central Bank of Libya was reunified in 2023.
Is the Libyan dinar worth more than a US dollar?
Not currently — despite having one of the lower "units per dollar" figures on the continent, each Libyan dinar is presently worth well under one US dollar.
Where can I see rates for other African currencies?
Check the full currency directory on the African Currencies homepage, which covers all 54 African countries.