2 afghanis 1948

Common. While this specific note in PMG 68 EPQ represents an exceptional specimen, the 2 Afghanis denomination from 1948 is a common banknote. Market data shows regular sales ranging from $9.50 to $37.78 for PMG-graded examples across various grades, with UNC specimens typically selling between $13.50 and $32.11. The consistent supply of this note in the secondary market, even in high grades, indicates substantial print runs and ready availability to collectors. This particular grade (68 EPQ) commands a premium due to its exceptional condition rather than underlying rarity.

This note was issued during the reign of King Muhammad Zahir Shah, Afghanistan's last reigning monarch, whose 40-year rule (1933-1973) saw modernization efforts and relative stability in the kingdom. The fortress depicted on the reverse—Chehel Burj (meaning 'Forty Towers') in Nimruz Province—represents Afghanistan's historical architectural heritage and strategic border fortifications. The bilingual English-Dari/Pashto inscriptions reflect Afghanistan's modernization period and Da Afghanistan Bank's efforts to establish itself as a professional central banking institution.

The obverse features a formal portrait of King Muhammad Zahir Shah positioned on the left side, rendered in a classical style appropriate to mid-20th century royal portraiture. The portrait is framed by ornate Islamic geometric patterns and traditional Dari/Pashto calligraphy, with a circular seal or emblem visible in the lower right. The color scheme employs green, gray, black, and tan/beige tones with purple accents. The reverse displays a landscape engraving of the Chehel Burj fortress situated on a hilltop in an arid, mountainous terrain characteristic of southwestern Afghanistan, surrounded by decorative border frames with Islamic geometric motifs. The bilateral design reflects the modernizing Afghan state's effort to blend traditional Islamic artistic elements with contemporary security printing standards.

FRONT: 'داافغانستان بانک' (Da Afghanistan Bank / Bank of Afghanistan); '۲' (2 in Persian numerals); 'AFGHANIS' (English denomination); Serial number '۲۵ ۶۷۷۷۳۹' (25 677739 in Persian numerals) and '25N 677739' (alphanumeric variant); decorative calligraphic inscriptions in Dari/Pashto script. BACK: '۲' (2 in Persian numerals); 'AFGHANIS' (English denomination); Descriptive text in Persian/Dari script identifying the landmark and issuing authority.

This note was produced using intaglio engraving and letterpress printing techniques, evident from the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and sharp detail visible in both the portrait and landscape elements. The exceptional clarity of the engraved fortress landscape and the crisp rendering of decorative calligraphy indicate high-quality steel plate engraving. Security printers for Afghan banknotes of this era typically included Thomas De La Rue or similar European security printing firms, though specific attribution requires additional documentation.

This specimen exhibits the 'without imprint' variety noted in reference sources, indicating an example without printer attribution marks. Serial number '25N 677739' represents standard numbering for this issue. The note displays signature varieties typical of 1948 Afghan issues, though specific signature identification requires direct examination. The PMG population report indicates one catalogued variant for Pick-28, suggesting this represents the standard variety of the 2 Afghanis 1948 issue.