5 piastres 1940

Common. The eBay sales data provided shows notes in F (Fine) condition selling for $1.99 to $13.50, with catalog values at VF grade of $200. While these prices indicate a modestly traded note, the consistent market presence and relatively frequent sales indicate this is a standard issue without limited print run characteristics. The Pick P-164b designation does not indicate a rare or short-lived variety. This note represents typical currency circulation material from the 1940 Egyptian Government issue.

This note was issued during the reign of King Farouk, when Egypt was still a constitutional monarchy under British influence. The prominence of the Mosque of Emir Khairbak—a significant 15th-century Islamic monument in Cairo—reflects Egypt's emphasis on its rich cultural and architectural heritage. The bilingual English-Arabic inscriptions and the reference to the 'Royal Government of Egypt' document the nation's formal status during this period, just before the post-World War II political transformations that would reshape the region.

The obverse features the Mosque of Emir Khairbak (Emir Khairbak Mosque), a historically significant Islamic structure in Cairo, depicted with its characteristic dome and multiple minarets rendered in detailed engraving on the left side of the note. The design is framed by ornate decorative borders incorporating geometric and floral motifs typical of Islamic art. An oval decorative medallion appears in the upper right corner, with additional quatrefoil and octagonal corner ornaments throughout. The reverse maintains symmetrical design principles with large Arabic numerals and English text centrally positioned, surrounded by similar elaborate border treatments. The color scheme of brown and sepia on cream creates visual distinction while maintaining the formal, authoritative appearance required of government currency.

FRONT SIDE: Arabic inscriptions include 'الحكومة الملكية المصرية' (The Egyptian Royal Government), 'اوراق التصرف' (Currency Notes), 'صدرت بقضيهة القانون رقم 50 سنة 1940' (Issued under Law Decree Number 50 Year 1940), and 'وزير المالية' (Minister of Finance). Printer designation 'Survey of Egypt' appears. Serial number 915322 is present. Classification marking 'T73' and 'ف/3' (Type/3) are noted. BACK SIDE: English inscriptions read 'ISSUED UNDER LAW No. 50/1940', 'EGYPTIAN CURRENCY NOTE', 'MINISTER OF FINANCE', 'SURVEY OF EGYPT', with the denomination 'PIASTRES' and numeral '5' displayed prominently. The reverse also carries 'الحكومة الملكية المصرية' (The Egyptian Royal Government).

This note was produced by the Survey of Egypt using intaglio engraving (line engraving) processes, as evidenced by the fine line work, detailed security patterns, and complex geometric designs visible throughout both sides. The technique's characteristic crisp, precise detail work is observable in the mosque illustration, decorative borders, and numeral presentation. The multi-color printing (brown, black, cream underprints) suggests sequential printing passes typical of mid-20th century security printing practices.

The visual analysis indicates 'Series crossover C4' notation from community catalog sources, suggesting this note may be identifiable by series designation. The reference to 'signature varieties' in the catalog data indicates that different signature combinations exist for this denomination and year. The specific series classification and serial number (915322) may help distinguish this as part of the larger C4 series grouping. The 'T73' and 'ف/3' (Type/3) markings visible on the obverse indicate this is specifically the Type 3 variety of the 1940 issue, which corresponds to the Pick P-164b classification.