1 pound 1961

Common. Despite its cultural significance and artistic merit, this note was issued over a seven-year period (1961-1967) in substantial quantities by the Central Bank of Egypt, ensuring wide circulation and survival of numerous examples. eBay transaction data from 2012-2024 shows consistent availability of this Pick number across all condition grades, with UNC examples regularly trading in the $10-20 range and only exceptional PMG 68 examples commanding premium prices above $100. The abundance of pricing data and regular auction activity confirm this is a readily available note in the collector market.

Issued during the early years of the United Arab Republic (1961-1967 date range), this note reflects Egypt's mid-20th century cultural nationalism and pride in its pharaonic heritage. The prominent depiction of Tutankhamen's mask—one of ancient Egypt's most recognizable artifacts—served as a powerful symbol connecting the modern Egyptian state to its ancient civilization, while the ornate Islamic geometric patterns on both sides honored Egypt's Islamic artistic traditions. The bilingual presentation (Arabic obverse, English reverse) reflected Egypt's position as a modern nation-state engaging with international commerce while maintaining strong cultural identity.

The obverse features an elegant portrait of Tutankhamen's funerary mask positioned on the right side, rendered in purple and mauve tones with fine detail work characteristic of intaglio engraving. The central design element is an elaborate Islamic geometric medallion incorporating pink, blue, and gold tones with intricate interlocking patterns. Ornamental architectural elements resembling stylized minarets frame both left and right margins. The reverse employs a symmetrical design centered on the denomination '1' within an ornate decorative frame, executed in deep green/teal engraving with fine line work and floral/geometric patterns throughout. Corner ornaments and detailed border work enhance the overall aesthetic. This design demonstrates the artistic sophistication of 1960s Egyptian state banknote production.

Front side: 'البنك المركزي المصري' (Central Bank of Egypt) appears at the top in Arabic; denomination marked with Arabic numerals '١' (1); serial number '٢٠١٠٥' (20105) visible. Back side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF EGYPT' in English at top; denomination shown as '1 LE' (One Egyptian Pound); text reads 'ONE EGYPTIAN POUND' with numeral '1' repeated in multiple locations for clarity in both Arabic and English denominations.

The note was produced using intaglio (engraved plate) printing, the standard security-printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and color registration visible in the multicolor design demonstrate the sophisticated capabilities of mid-20th century security printers. The detailed architectural elements and medallion work show the characteristic crisp edges and depth of impression typical of high-quality intaglio production. This printing method served both aesthetic and security purposes, making the note difficult to counterfeit with period-appropriate technology.

Pick P-37a represents the standard variety for the 1961-1967 issue series. The visual analysis shows this as a regular circulation example without visible overprints or significant printing variations. No specific signature varieties, date varieties, or notable printing errors are evident from the images. The PMG population report indicates only one variant has been catalogued for this base Pick number, suggesting relative homogeneity within the series. Collectors should note that examples may vary in specific serial number ranges, but these do not constitute distinct catalogued varieties for investment purposes.