10 piastres 1952

Common. While this is a collectible vintage note from an important historical period, eBay market data shows UNC examples selling for approximately $67-85 (2013-2016 data), with more recent VG sales at $1-4, indicating steady but not limited supply in the collector market. The note was issued during a multi-year period (1952-1958 per catalog date notation 'L. 1940'), suggesting substantial print runs. The Pick P-175a variant shows standard cataloging with no indication of restricted print runs or recalls.

This note was issued during the transitional period following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, which overthrew King Farouk and established the Egyptian Republic. The depicted figures in traditional dress and the prominent display of the new national flag with its distinctive three stars and crescent moon reflect the revolutionary government's emphasis on Egyptian identity and national heritage. The bilingual English-Arabic inscriptions and classical design aesthetic represent the administrative continuity and international legitimacy the new regime sought to establish.

The obverse features an engraved scene on the right depicting a gathering of multiple figures dressed in traditional Egyptian clothing, representing either a historical, ceremonial, or religious assembly significant to Egyptian heritage. The composition is framed by an elaborate decorative cartouche in the center containing Arabic calligraphy, with the Egyptian national flag (white field with black horizontal stripe, featuring a crescent moon and three stars in the upper hoist area) positioned prominently. Ornate Islamic geometric patterns and floral scrollwork in blue and red/pink create an elaborate border frame. The reverse displays architectural ornamental elements with two large oval medallion frames flanking a central text panel, printed primarily in dark green and red/pink. The design exemplifies post-revolutionary Egyptian nationalist iconography combined with classical engraving traditions characteristic of government currency.

FRONT SIDE: Arabic — 'جمهورية مصر' (Republic of Egypt), 'عشرة قروش' (Ten Piastres), 'وزارة المالية بالاقتصاد' (Ministry of Finance and Economy); Serial number: 697919; Date numerals: ٤٩٧٩ (1952 in Islamic calendar). BACK SIDE: English — 'EGYPTIAN CURRENCY NOTE', '10 PIASTRES', 'ISSUED UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER OF FINANCE & ECONOMY', 'SURVEY OF EGYPT' (printer attribution); Denomination markers '10' in corners.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) as evidenced by the fine line work, precise geometric patterns, and complex scrollwork visible throughout both sides. The printer is identified in the catalog as 'Survey of Egypt,' which maintained control over currency production for the newly established Egyptian Republic. The technique produces the characteristic crisp, sharp detail and tactile relief quality visible in the excellent condition of this specimen.

Pick catalog number P-175a represents one variant within the 1952 series. The catalog notes reference to similar notes (P-171, P-177, P-178, P-181, P-183, P-184) with varying flag designs indicates multiple flag varieties existed in this era. The specific distinguishing feature of P-175a is the absence of overprint patterns on the watermark area (unlike P-171, which has similar design but with overprinting). The watermark features pyramids. The note exhibits 3 known signature varieties per catalog data, which would be the primary varietals within this Pick number. Serial number 697919 and visible date elements should be noted for collection purposes.