The Pakistani Rupee (ISO code: PKR, symbol: ₨) is the official currency of Pakistan, issued and regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan. Whether you are handling PKR cash for the first time or simply need a reliable reference for all current denominations, this guide covers everything you need to know — from the smallest coin to the highest-value banknote currently in circulation.
Current PKR Banknote Denominations
The State Bank of Pakistan currently issues the following banknotes for general circulation. Each denomination features a distinct color scheme and prominent national imagery to make identification straightforward, even for first-time users.
| Denomination | Primary Color | Front Image | Reverse Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₨5,000 | Dark green / teal | Muhammad Ali Jinnah | Faisal Mosque, Islamabad |
| ₨1,000 | Deep blue | Muhammad Ali Jinnah | Islamia College, Peshawar |
| ₨500 | Green | Muhammad Ali Jinnah | Badshahi Mosque, Lahore |
| ₨100 | Red / orange | Muhammad Ali Jinnah | Quaid-e-Azam Residency |
| ₨50 | Purple / violet | Muhammad Ali Jinnah | K2 Mountain |
| ₨20 | Gold / olive green | Muhammad Ali Jinnah | Mohenjo-daro |
| ₨10 | Green / turquoise | Muhammad Ali Jinnah | Bab-ul-Khyber |
All current PKR banknotes feature the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah — the founder of Pakistan — on the front. The reverse of each note depicts a significant national landmark, monument, or natural feature.
Current PKR Coin Denominations
The State Bank of Pakistan currently issues coins in the following denominations for everyday transactions:
| Denomination | Material | Shape | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₨10 | Nickel-plated steel | Round | Most commonly used in circulation |
| ₨5 | Brass-plated steel | Round | Widely circulated |
| ₨2 | Nickel-plated steel | Round | Common in circulation |
| ₨1 | Aluminum / bronze | Round | Still in circulation but less common |
Additionally, older coins in denominations of 25 paisa and 50 paisa were previously issued but are no longer in general circulation. For practical purposes, PKR cash transactions are now conducted primarily in whole rupee amounts.
Security Features of PKR Banknotes
All current PKR banknotes include multiple security features to prevent counterfeiting. Understanding these features is useful for anyone who regularly handles large amounts of Pakistani Rupee cash.
Features Present on Higher Denominations (₨500 and above)
- Security thread: A metallic or holographic thread embedded in the paper that is visible when held up to light.
- Color-shifting ink: The denomination numeral in the lower right corner changes color when the note is tilted — from gold to green on most denominations.
- Raised print: The portrait of Jinnah and certain text elements are printed in raised ink that can be felt by running a finger across the surface.
- Watermark: A portrait watermark visible when the note is held against light.
- UV features: Fluorescent elements visible only under ultraviolet light.
Features Present on Lower Denominations (₨10 to ₨100)
- Security thread (simplified)
- Watermark portrait
- Microprinting visible under magnification
How to Count PKR Cash Accurately
When counting a large amount of Pakistani Rupee cash, the most efficient approach is to sort notes by denomination first, then count each group separately. Here is a simple process:
- Separate all notes into denomination groups — all ₨5,000 notes together, all ₨1,000 notes together, and so on.
- Count each group and record the quantity.
- Enter the quantities into our free PKR Money Counter to calculate the total automatically.
- Verify by adding the denomination totals manually as a cross-check.
For large cash counts, it is good practice to count each denomination group twice before recording the total. Furthermore, counting in a well-lit area and keeping counted notes physically separated from uncounted ones significantly reduces the risk of errors.
PKR Exchange Rate and Value
The value of the Pakistani Rupee against other currencies fluctuates based on economic conditions and monetary policy. For current exchange rates, the State Bank of Pakistan publishes daily rates on its official website. Our Money Counter supports PKR alongside 50+ other currencies for multi-currency counting purposes.
