25 piastres 1966

Common. Market data from eBay sales spanning 2016–2025 shows consistent pricing in the $5–$43 range for UNC and graded examples, with catalog values (2019) listing UNC at $6. The note was issued in substantial quantities during the 1966 date range and remains readily available in the collector market. The specimen graded as UNC in this assessment aligns with typical market expectations for this denomination and period, with no evidence of scarcity or exceptional demand that would elevate rarity status.

Issued during the height of the United Arab Republic period (1958–1971), this note reflects Egypt's pan-Arab nationalism through its prominent display of the Egyptian national eagle emblem and the shield with two stars, representing the union of Egypt and Syria. The bilingual design (Arabic and English) and modernist artistic approach showcase Egypt's positioning as a progressive Arab state during the Nasser era. The Central Bank of Egypt's issuing authority and the note's sophisticated security features underscore the nation's commitment to establishing a stable, internationally respected currency during this transformative period.

The obverse features a sophisticated polychromatic design centered on the national emblem of Egypt—specifically the Egyptian golden eagle (hawk) in profile, depicted in circular cartouches at both top and left margins in green and gold tones. The right side displays a more elaborate heraldic eagle holding a shield bearing two stars (representing the union of the United Arab Republic). The entire design is framed by intricate Islamic geometric lattice patterns and ornamental cartouches rendered in blues, purples, greens, and pinks. The reverse presents a more restrained design with a cream background and blue printing, featuring a large central ornamental cartouche containing the denomination in both Arabic and English, surrounded by delicate corner floral and geometric embellishments. The overall aesthetic reflects the neoclassical revival style favored by mid-20th century Middle Eastern state currency design.

Front side: 'البنك المركزي المصري' (Central Bank of Egypt), 'جمهورية مصر العربية' (Arab Republic of Egypt), '٢٥' (25 in Arabic numerals), 'خمسة وعشرون فلس' (Twenty-five piastres in Arabic text). Back side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF EGYPT' (English text), 'TWENTY FIVE PIASTRES' (English denomination text), '25' (25 in Arabic numerals, repeated in opposite corners). Serial numbers appear as alphanumeric sequences (example noted: o8TV2).

The note exhibits characteristics of intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine-line guilloche patterns, intricate background linework, and ornate border details visible throughout both sides. The sharp clarity of the geometric patterns, the precise registration of multiple colors, and the depth of the line engraving are consistent with high-security banknote production methods used by the Central Bank of Egypt during the 1960s. The detailed cartouches and security patterns suggest production by a specialized security printer, likely using traditional steel plate engraving combined with multicolor offset printing for the background underprint.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-35b, one of three cataloged varieties for this base denomination (P-35a, P-35b, P-35cts, P-35s noted in PMG population data). The obverse inscription notes a date range of '1965–18.8.1966' with series numbers 19–42 documented. The specific serial number prefix 'o8' and series designation would require comparison with known variety standards to confirm exact variety classification, though the visual characteristics (predominantly blue obverse with multicolored underprint, U.A.R. arms, eagle with shield) are consistent with P-35b specifications.