1 pound 1963

Common. This note from the 1961-1967 series represents a standard regular issue with substantial print runs. eBay market data shows consistent availability with multiple sales per year across all condition grades, with Fair condition examples selling in the $6-8 range historically. The abundance of price records spanning over a decade demonstrates robust collector supply with no evidence of scarcity or print run limitations.

Issued during the early years of the Central Bank of Egypt's modern currency program (1961-1967), this note celebrates Egypt's pharaonic heritage by prominently featuring Tutankhamen, the young 18th Dynasty king whose tomb discovery revolutionized Egyptology. The design merges post-revolutionary Egypt's Arab identity (evident in the Arabic inscriptions and references to the Arab Republic of Egypt) with its ancient historical legacy, a common theme in 1960s Egyptian currency design reflecting national pride in both cultural traditions.

The obverse features a portrait of Tutankhamen's mask at right, rendered in the traditional Egyptian regalia with nemes headdress, positioned within an ornate frame. The design incorporates Islamic geometric and floral patterns throughout the decorative borders, with a central intricate medallion containing calligraphic elements. The reverse displays a predominantly white background with dark teal engraving, centered on a large denomination medallion showing '1 LE' surrounded by elaborate geometric lattice patterns and floral corner ornaments. The color scheme of light greenish-blue with pink and tan accents on the obverse contrasts with the more austere dark teal and white reverse, typical of mid-century Egyptian banknote aesthetics.

Front side: 'البنك المركزي المصري' (Central Bank of Egypt), 'جمهورية مصر العربية' (Arab Republic of Egypt), '١٩٦٣' (1963), 'القاهرة' (Cairo), Serial number '٣٠٤٧٠٢' (304702). Back side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF EGYPT', 'ONE EGYPTIAN POUND', denomination markers '1' and 'LE' (Egyptian Pound abbreviation).

Intaglio (copperplate engraving), evidenced by the fine line engraving throughout, complex geometric patterns, intricate decorative elements, and the precise rendering of the pharaonic portrait. The sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures through geometric patterning and multi-color printing suggest production by a specialized security printer, likely De La Rue or a similar major international currency printer working with the Central Bank of Egypt during this period.

Pick P-37a represents a single catalogued variant for this denomination and series. The serial number visible on this example (304702) falls within the normal range for this issue. No overprints, signature varieties, or other distinguishing variants are evident from the visual analysis. The date '1963' printed on the obverse is consistent with the issue period, though notes were issued across 1961-1967 with that broader date range printed on currency.