CBI vs. the Iraqi People, Delay of the IQD Revaluation
CBI vs. the Iraqi People, Delay of the IQD Revaluation
Edu Matrix: 9-24-2025
For years, the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) has captivated a dedicated segment of investors, many of whom hold onto hopes of a significant revaluation.
But what’s the real story today, beyond the rumors and speculation? Sandy Ingram, in a recent insightful video from Edu Matrix, cuts through the noise to provide a crucial, grounded update on the current state of Iraqi Dinar investments.
Sandy masterfully sets the stage, reminding us of the historical backdrop. Prior to 2003, Saadam Hussein was no longer actively developing weapons of mass destruction, though he had tragically used such weapons earlier against his own people.
Post-invasion, Iraq underwent a redesign of its currency. These new, aesthetically pleasing banknotes soon found their way to the West, often via returning US military personnel and eager eBay sellers, sparking early investor interest.
Initial optimism soared, fueled by parallels drawn to Kuwait’s dramatic currency restoration after the Iraqi invasion. Many believed the IQD would follow a similar trajectory. However, as Sandy meticulously explains, that particular expectation was halted.
Investors holding onto hopes for an immediate jump to $1, $2, or even $3 per dinar are likely to be disappointed. The realistic projections, according to Sandy, sit firmly in the range of 10 to 50 cents per dinar.
Why the tempered outlook? The core reason is simple yet profound: Iraq has massively overprinted its currency. A sudden, significant revaluation now would quite simply bankrupt the nation due to the sheer volume of dinars currently in circulation.
Despite this, Iraq isn’t standing still. The nation is steadily, albeit slowly, working to meet international financial standards and integrate into global platforms like the IMF and World Bank.
This journey is complex, however, complicated by persistent internal security challenges and external geopolitical tensions, particularly with neighbors like Iran.
Sandy also reminds us of Iraq’s critical importance on the global stage. Without Iraq’s substantial oil production, gasoline prices worldwide would be substantially higher. Beyond oil, Iraq harbors ambitions to reclaim its historical stature and become a significant financial and historical power in its own right.
Perhaps one of the most significant, and often overlooked, hurdles to Iraq’s economic modernization is the profound mistrust many Iraqi citizens harbor towards their banking system. The traumatic experience of the 2003 invasion, which saw many personal savings wiped out, has ingrained a deep reluctance to deposit currency.
As a result, vast sums of dinars remain hidden in homes – often literally protected by firearms. This widespread “cash economy” makes it incredibly difficult for the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) to pull excess banknotes from circulation and transition towards a modern digital currency system. This stalemate between the physical cash economy and digital banking platforms poses a significant challenge.
So, what does this all mean for investors? Sandy Ingram offers a reassuring, yet realistic, perspective: the Iraqi Dinar investment story is not over. Billions of dinars are held globally, including large amounts in the US and other countries, a testament to the enduring belief in Iraq’s potential. While the timing remains uncertain, Sandy believes these issues will eventually be resolved.
Sandy Ingram’s update provides a much-needed dose of reality, balancing historical context with current challenges and future hopes. For anyone invested in or considering the Iraqi Dinar, her insights are invaluable.