100 fils 1964
Market Prices
69 salesAbout This Note
This is a PMG 67 EPQ (Superb Gem Uncirculated) example of the Bahrain Currency Board's inaugural 100 Fils note from 1964, representing the first banknote issue of the newly independent nation. The note displays exceptional preservation with vibrant colors—a distinctive beige and pink palette on the obverse featuring traditional Arab dhows and the national coat of arms, paired with an orange and cream reverse depicting palm trees and coastal scenery. This high-grade certified specimen is particularly noteworthy as it represents Bahrain's early monetary independence and captures the maritime and agricultural heritage central to the nation's identity.
Common. The eBay price history demonstrates consistent availability with regular sales across multiple condition grades, with uncirculated examples selling in the $15-$157.50 range (with higher prices appearing for exceptional grades or sales to collectors with multiple bidders). The 2019 catalog valuation of $22 for UNC and $4 for VF further supports common circulation status. As the inaugural denomination of Bahrain's first independent currency issue, it was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available to collectors, even in higher grades. PMG population data indicates this Pick number has multiple graded variants, suggesting adequate supply for professional grading services.
The 1964 Bahrain Currency Board issue marks the establishment of Bahrain's first independent currency following the country's path toward sovereignty (formal independence achieved in 1971). The deliberate iconography—traditional sailing dhows and date palms—reflects Bahrain's historical identity as a maritime trading center and its desert island economy, anchoring the new monetary system in the nation's cultural and economic foundations. The Falcon watermark and bilingual (Arabic-English) design reflect Bahrain's position as a modern Gulf state balancing Arab heritage with international commerce.
The obverse features a traditional Arab maritime scene with two large dhows (traditional sailing vessels) with billowing sails positioned left of center against a seascape, rendered in fine detail with intricate engraving. The heraldic coat of arms of Bahrain appears on the right side—a shield with a crenellated (castle-like) crown top in black and white, representing the nation's sovereignty. The color scheme employs beige and tan on the left transitioning to pink and mauve on the right, with ornamental corner designs in repeated patterns. The reverse depicts a romanticized desert landscape with multiple date palm trees in the center, coastal water with distant sailboats, and elevated terrain, framed by orange and coral borders top and bottom. Both sides employ decorative geometric borders and fine-line engraved work throughout.
FRONT: Top banner in Arabic reads 'مجلس النقد البحرين' (Bahrain Currency Board). Central denomination text in Arabic: 'مائة فلوس' (One Hundred Fils). Arabic numerals '100' and word 'فلوس' (Fils) appear on the right. Date notation '1964/6' visible. Bank governor authorization text in Arabic. Serial number visible as 'Z641395'. BACK: English text 'BAHRAIN CURRENCY BOARD' appears across top. 'ONE HUNDRED FILS' prominently displayed with numerals '100'. Certification markings visible in holder: '1621401-002' and '1a67E1621401002G'. Grade designation 'Sixty Seven' shown in certification label.
The note displays characteristics of intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine detailed line work, color gradients, and complex decorative patterns throughout both sides. The precision of the maritime scenes, heraldic shield rendering, and landscape details are consistent with high-quality bank note engraving. While the specific printer is not definitively identified in the provided catalog data, notes from this series are known to have been produced by security printers specializing in currency production; some variants (denoted by printer codes in PMG population data) were produced by TDLR (Thomas de la Rue). The multicolored underprint with ochre noted in catalog data suggests advanced color separation techniques typical of mid-20th century security printing.
The observed note is consistent with Pick catalog P-1, the standard 1964 regular issue. PMG population records indicate several cataloged varieties for this base Pick number including P-1CS1 (Specimen), P-1a (TDLR printer), P-1a* (starred variant, TDLR), and P-1s (Specimen, TDLR). The specimen examined does not show obvious specimen overprints or printer markings visible in the images, suggesting it is the standard circulation variety (P-1). The watermark is confirmed as a Falcon's Head, consistent with the base issue specification. Serial number Z641395 appears typical for this issue with no special prefixes or starred designations apparent.
