100 afghanis 1979 specimen

Common. Despite being a specimen issue, eBay market data shows these notes consistently selling in the sub-$20 range, with most transactions under $2. The 2019 catalog value of $1 in UNC condition and the high frequency of sales at low prices indicate this is a readily available note in the numismatic market. Specimen overprints, while less common than regular issues, do not command premium pricing for this particular note.

Issued in 1358 AH (1979 CE) by Da Afghanistan Bank, this note reflects Afghanistan's monetary system during a transformative period in the country's history. The reverse depicts irrigated agricultural landscapes and water management infrastructure, symbolizing the nation's economic focus on farming and hydroelectric development. The ornate Persian and Islamic design elements throughout reflect Afghanistan's cultural heritage and the traditional artistic standards of the Da Afghanistan Bank during this era.

The obverse features the state emblem of Da Afghanistan Bank (circular seal at top center) with ornamental medallions positioned on both left and right sides. A governmental or institutional building is depicted on the right portion of the note. The reverse displays a detailed landscape scene of irrigated agricultural fields with irrigation channels, vegetation, trees, and mountains in the distance—consistent with the hydroelectric dam and farming imagery referenced in catalog data. Both sides are framed by elaborate ornamental borders incorporating Islamic geometric and floral patterns in the traditional Persian artistic style. The color palette of pink, mauve, burgundy, cream, green, and tan creates a sophisticated multi-colored underprint effect.

Front side: 'DA AFGHANISTAN BANK' (English header), '100' (denomination numeral), 'AFGHANIS' (currency name), '1358' (Islamic calendar year, corresponding to 1979 CE), Pashto/Dari numerals present. Back side: 'Da Afghanistan Bank' (header text), '100' (denomination), 'AFGHANIS' (currency name), '162' (reference/serial identifier). Both sides prominently display 'SPECIMEN' in red overprint, indicating this is a non-circulating sample note.

Intaglio engraving (evidenced by fine line work, cross-hatching patterns, and intricate detail throughout). The note exhibits the characteristic sharp impression and detailed line engraving typical of high-security banknote production. Da Afghanistan Bank notes of this period were typically produced by De La Rue or similar specialized security printers, though the specific printer for P-58as is not definitively documented in standard references.

This is identified as a specimen issue (P-58as designation, 's' suffix indicating specimen status). The visual analysis notes two signature varieties exist for this denomination. The note displays the characteristic specimen overprint in red across both obverse and reverse. The presence of the reference number '162' on the reverse may indicate a specific specimen batch or printing run identifier, though further research would be needed to determine if this constitutes a distinct cataloged variety.