100 afghanis 1973 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (which typically have lower populations than regular circulation issues), the 1973 100 Afghanis is fundamentally a common denomination from a regular series with substantial print runs. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $1.99–$6.50 range for circulated and AU/EF examples, with catalogue values placing UNC examples at approximately $14. The specimen overprint does not substantially increase rarity or value beyond modest numismatic interest. Specimen notes were produced in limited quantities for presentation and archival purposes, but this Pick number does not appear in PMG population reports as scarce or rare.

This note was issued during the reign of President Muhammad Daud Khan (1973-1978), a transformative period in Afghan history marked by modernization efforts and significant political change. The inclusion of Daud's portrait on the obverse symbolized his central authority, while the depiction of the Friday Mosque in Herat on the reverse reflected Afghanistan's cultural and religious heritage. The Islamic calendar date SH 1354 (1975 CE) visible on the note corresponds to the mid-1970s period of Daud's progressive republican regime.

The obverse features a formal portrait of President Muhammad Daud Khan positioned at the left in profile, dressed in a Western-style suit and tie—reflecting his modernizing agenda. His portrait also appears as the watermark. The reverse showcases the historically significant Friday Mosque (Jami' Mosque) of Herat, one of Afghanistan's most important Islamic architectural landmarks, rendered in fine detail with its characteristic twin minarets, multiple domes, and arched entryways. Both sides are framed by elaborate ornamental borders featuring Islamic geometric patterns and floral motifs, including decorative fish or dragon-like elements in the corners. The central seal or coat of arms of Da Afghanistan Bank appears on the obverse. The color scheme of pink and mauve tones creates a distinctive appearance for this denomination.

Front side: 'د افغانستان بانک' (Da Afghanistan Bank / Bank of Afghanistan) appears at top in Dari/Persian script. '100 AFGHANIS' is inscribed in English numerals and text on the right edge. The red diagonal overprint reads 'SPECIMEN' in English. Dari numerals '۱۳۵۴' (Islamic year 1354, corresponding to 1975 CE) and '۲۷' (27) appear in the note. Back side: 'د افغانستان بانک' (Da Afghanistan Bank) repeats across the top in Dari/Persian script. '100 AFGHANIS' appears in English in the lower left corner. The red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint is again present.

The note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, as evidenced by the fine line engraving visible throughout the decorative borders, the intricate microprint patterns, and the detailed architectural rendering of the Herat mosque. The security features including the watermark portrait and fine line work are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. This note was likely produced by an international security printer; Afghan banknotes of this era were frequently printed by firms such as De La Rue or similar specialized security printers.

This is catalogued as Pick P-50as, the 'as' designation indicating it is a specimen variant of the base P-50 type. The note carries the Islamic date SH 1354 (1975 CE) and serial number designation '۲۷' (27). The specimen overprint in red is the primary identifier distinguishing this from regular circulation issues. The catalog reference indicates the series was issued across SH 1352–1356 (1973–1977), and this particular note dates to the earlier years of that span. No additional signature varieties or significant overprint variations are noted for this specific specimen.