23/03/2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
The rand experienced significant volatility and depreciation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the country's economy and trade balance.
27/04/2010: Adoption of new currency symbol
Sierra Leone adopts a new currency symbol for the leone (Le), representing its cultural heritage and national identity.
15/12/2008: Global Financial Crisis Impact
The rand plunged against major currencies due to the global financial crisis and concerns about South Africa's economic stability.
29/07/2003: Introduction of new leone notes
Sierra Leone introduces a new series of leone banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.
09/11/2001: Rand Weakens to Record Low
The rand weakened to an all-time low against the US dollar, due to global economic uncertainty and domestic political concerns.
22/02/1996: Civil war ends
The Sierra Leonean Civil War comes to an end, providing an opportunity for economic stabilization and currency reform.
01/01/1995: Establishment of Reserve Bank Independence
The South African Reserve Bank gained independence, allowing it to have more control over monetary policy.
27/04/1994: First Democratic Elections
The first democratic elections were held in South Africa, marking the end of apartheid and bringing political stability, positively affecting the rand's value.
01/08/1982: Currency Decimalization
The rand was decimalized, with 1 rand being equal to 100 cents.
29/04/1980: Coup d'etat
A military coup takes place in Sierra Leone, leading to economic instability and a decline in the value of the leone.
15/07/1974: Redenomination of the leone
Sierra Leone redenominates its currency, replacing the old leone with a new leone at a ratio of 1:4.
04/11/1971: Introduction of decimal currency
Sierra Leone adopts a decimal currency system, replacing the pound with the leone as its new official currency.
14/09/1961: Introduction of the Rand
The South African rand was introduced as the official currency, replacing the South African pound.
27/04/1961: Independence of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone gains independence from the United Kingdom, introducing the Sierra Leonean leone as its official currency.