5 pounds 1958

Common. The 5 Pounds denomination from the 1952-1960 series had a substantial print run to meet everyday circulation demands in Egypt's post-revolutionary period. While this specific Pick 31(3) variety from 1958 is collectible, examples remain readily available in the numismatic market at modest price points, even in uncirculated condition. The note was not subject to recall or demonetization and represents standard-issue currency from an established central banking authority.

This note was issued during the early years of the Egyptian Republic, following the 1952 revolution that established Gamal Abdel Nasser's government. The 1958 date coincides with Egypt's union with Syria (forming the United Arab Republic), a significant political moment reflected in the banknote's inscriptions identifying it as from the 'Arab Republic of Egypt.' The design synthesis of ancient Egyptian symbolism (pharaonic portraiture and the Nile allegory) with Islamic architectural elements (Mohammed Ali Mosque) reflects the nation's effort to present itself as bridging pharaonic heritage, Islamic culture, and modern nationhood.

The obverse features a classical bust portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, rendered in fine detail with the traditional nemes headdress and uraeus cobra symbol, positioned on the right side of the note. To the left is the Mohammed Ali Mosque (Muhammad Ali Mosque) in Cairo, depicted with its characteristic dome and minaret, rendered in muted watermark-style tones. The center contains ornate Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns, with circular ornamental medallions positioned in all four corners. The reverse presents an allegorical neoclassical composition inspired by classical Vatican sculpture (referencing the Museo Pio-Clementino collection), depicting a large reclining female figure (representing Egypt, fertility, or the Nile) accompanied by cherubs and attendant figures in a baroque-influenced composition. Fine ornamental borders with Islamic arabesques frame both sides, creating a harmonious blend of pharaonic, Islamic, and neoclassical aesthetic traditions. The color palette of greens, tans, browns, and golds on the obverse contrasts with the grayscale engraving of the reverse.

FRONT SIDE: 'البنك الاهلي المصري' (National Bank of Egypt); 'جمهورية مصر العربية' (Arab Republic of Egypt); 'القاهرة 2 مارس 1958' (Cairo, 2 March 1958); 'خمسة جنيهات' (Five Pounds); Serial number 778619. BACK SIDE: 'NATIONAL BANK OF EGYPT'; 'FIVE'; 'FIVE EGYPTIAN POUNDS'; 'EGYPTIAN POUNDS'. The bilingual presentation (Arabic on obverse, English on reverse) reflects Egypt's international banking standards of the period.

Intaglio (engraved line) printing is evident from the fine cross-hatching, detailed line work, and three-dimensional quality visible throughout both sides. The security features include ornamental border designs, watermark elements, and complex allegorical imagery designed to resist counterfeiting. This note was produced by Waterlow & Sons, London, one of the world's premier banknote printers, whose signature work is evident in the exceptional detail and quality of the engraved design.

This note is dated 2 March 1958 and inscribed 'جمهورية مصر العربية' (Arab Republic of Egypt), reflecting the political designation adopted following the 1952 revolution. The serial number 778619 indicates a standard production printing. The Pick 31(3) designation indicates this is the third of potentially multiple variety groups within the 5 Pounds denomination from this series. No overprints or signatures are visible, indicating this is a standard obverse-reverse configuration. Minor varieties within this series may include different signature combinations or serial number prefixes, but the 1958 date and Republican designation are consistent across the main run.