25 piastres 1961

Common. While this is an early post-revolutionary Egyptian issue, the 1961-1966 date range indicates a substantial print run. Secondary market data shows UNC examples regularly selling for $11.50-$15.50 in recent years (2018-2025), with most transactions in the $12-16 range. The 2019 catalog value of $6 for UNC condition further confirms this as a commonly available note. Prices below $20 for uncirculated examples indicate robust supply in the market.

This 1961 banknote was issued during the United Arab Republic period (1958-1961), as evidenced by the prominent eagle emblem with two stars on the obverse—a symbol representing the short-lived political union between Egypt and Syria. The Central Bank of Egypt's formal English inscription on the reverse reflects Egypt's modernization efforts and international standing during the early Nasser era. The sophisticated Islamic geometric patterns and heraldic eagle design embody the nationalist aesthetic of post-1952 revolutionary Egypt, combining traditional Islamic artistic heritage with contemporary security printing standards.

The obverse features a symmetrical design with the coat of arms of the United Arab Republic—a heraldic eagle with spread wings displayed on a shield containing two stars, rendered in blue and purple tones on the right side. The centerpiece is an elaborate Islamic-style ornamental medallion with intricate geometric lattice patterns, arabesques, and floral motifs in green, red, and multicolored inks. Fine line background patterns and decorative corner flourishes frame the design in a blue-purple border. The reverse presents a more formal, minimalist composition with the Central Bank of Egypt heading in English, a large scalloped-edge cartouche containing the denomination in both English and Arabic, and rounded numeral medallions at left and right. The overall palette is predominantly monochromatic blue-purple with cream highlights, typical of mid-20th century Central Bank of Egypt security printing.

OBVERSE: 'البنك الاهلى المصرى' (National Bank of Egypt) - Arabic text in horizontal band; Serial number '0219507' in top left and bottom right corners. REVERSE: 'CENTRAL BANK OF EGYPT' (English, top center); Denomination text arranged as 'TWENTY / FIVE / PIASTRES' (English, center cartouche); '25' (numerals, in rounded corner medallions left and right).

Intaglio (recess) printing with multicolor offset lithography elements, evidenced by the fine line patterns, precise registration of colors, intricate geometric detailing, and the layered multicolor underprint observed on the obverse. The print quality and security features are consistent with Swiss or British security printing standards of the era, likely produced by Thomas De La Rue or a similar major security printer, though specific attribution for this Pick number requires catalog verification.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-35a (the base variety). The PMG population report indicates three variants exist (P-35a, P-35cts, P-35s), though the visual analysis does not reveal distinguishing features to differentiate among these variants. Serial number '0219507' visible on this specimen represents Series 1-18 production. Catalog reference indicates the note was issued in the period 1961-24.2.1963 (possibly indicating a printing date range). Without access to signature varieties or overprint details, the specific variety designation remains P-35a as provided in the catalog data.