50 piastres 1978
Market Prices
35 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of Egypt's 50 Piastres note from 1978, presented in uncirculated condition with pristine preservation throughout. The note showcases the Central Bank of Egypt's masterful integration of Islamic architectural imagery (Al-Azhar Mosque) on the obverse and classical Egyptian pharaonic symbolism (Ramses II) on the reverse, creating a compelling narrative connecting medieval and ancient Egypt. The vibrant multicolored printing with rose, green, cream, and gold tones, combined with intricate geometric patterns and fine line engraving, demonstrates the high security printing standards of the era.
Common. This note was issued as a regular circulation issue with substantial print runs during the 1967-1978 period. eBay market data demonstrates consistent availability with dozens of recorded sales over multiple years, with UNC examples regularly selling in the $3-$22 range and only exceptionally high-grade PMG-certified examples (67, 66) commanding premiums of $30-$51. This pricing pattern and sales frequency are consistent with common, widely available banknotes. The 2019 catalog valuation of $3.50 for UNC further supports common status.
Issued in January 1978 under the Central Bank of Egypt's governance, this note commemorates Egypt's rich cultural heritage during a period of economic stabilization following the 1973 war. The obverse features Al-Azhar Mosque, one of Cairo's most iconic Islamic monuments and seat of Islamic learning since the 10th century, while the reverse depicts Ramses II, the great New Kingdom pharaoh and symbol of Egypt's ancient imperial glory, reflecting the nation's pride in both its Islamic and pharaonic past.
The obverse (front) features the Al-Azhar Mosque complex positioned at right-center, with its characteristic minarets and domed architecture rendered in gray and black line work against a multicolored background of pink/rose and cream. The University of Cairo is depicted at left-center. The reverse (back) presents a formal bust portrait of Ramses II wearing traditional pharaonic regalia including the nemes headdress with a winged solar disk and uraeus serpent, holding ceremonial insignia. Both sides are framed by ornate Islamic geometric borders in the upper and lower margins. The left side of the obverse features fine vertical line patterns in light pink/beige as a security feature. Circular emblems and octagonal seals appear in the corners, typical of Central Bank of Egypt security design protocols.
Front Side: 'البنك المركزي المصري' (Central Bank of Egypt), 'خمسون فرشة' (Fifty Piastres), 'القاهرة 14 يناير 1978' (Cairo, 14 January 1978), 'عز الدين عبدالعزيز' (Izz al-Din Abdul Aziz - Central Bank Governor), '11/ج' (Issue reference 11/C). Back Side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF EGYPT', '50 FIFTY PIASTRES' (denomination marking). Serial number observed: VR0966.
Intaglio engraving (recess printing) combined with multicolor offset lithography, evidenced by the sharp, precise line work visible throughout both sides and the complex geometric background patterns. The fine detail in the architectural renderings and portrait work, along with the precise color registration of multiple ink layers (pink, green, cream, yellow, black, gray), indicates professional security printing by the Central Bank of Egypt's printing facilities. The printer abbreviation 'CBE' (Central Bank of Egypt) is noted in catalog variant P-43s.
Pick P-43a is the primary variety for this 50 Piastres note. The specimen analyzed corresponds to the standard regular issue with the date 'Cairo, 14 January 1978' printed on the obverse. The serial number prefix 'VR' and issue notation '11/ج' (11/C) are consistent with standard issues from this printing period. PMG also catalogs a variant P-43s with CBE printer identification. No overprints or special designations are visible on this example.
