1/2 dinar 1955
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2 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of Iraq's 1/2 Dinar note from 1955 (Pick P-38a), professionally graded by PCGS at 58 PPQ (Choice About New). The note displays pristine condition with sharp engraving throughout, no creases or wear, and vibrant brown and multicolor printing. The obverse features a striking portrait of the adolescent King Faisal II in formal dress, while the reverse showcases the historically significant Malwiya Tower (spiral minaret) at Samarra, making this both an important historical document and an aesthetically refined example of mid-20th century Iraqi currency design.
Common. While this is a pre-revolutionary Iraqi note with historical significance, the 1/2 Dinar denominations from this period were issued in substantial quantities for circulation. The eBay market data shows VF examples selling for approximately $510-515 in 2015, with 2016 catalog values placing EF specimens at $400. This pricing and transaction frequency indicates steady collector demand but regular availability. The PCGS 58 PPQ grade represents an above-average preservation level but not an unusually rare variant.
Issued by the National Bank of Iraq in 1947 (dated L. 1947) but released in 1955 during the reign of King Faisal II, this note represents Iraq's currency during a pivotal pre-revolutionary period. The reverse depicts the Malwiya Tower at Samarra, one of Iraq's most historically significant architectural monuments dating to the Abbasid period, reflecting Iraq's pride in its Islamic and Mesopotamian heritage. The portrait of the young King Faisal II underscores this era before the 1958 coup d'état that would fundamentally alter Iraq's political landscape and currency system.
The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of King Faisal II as a young man, positioned on the right side in formal Western dress with suit jacket, rendered in precise intaglio engraving. The note incorporates elaborate Islamic geometric border patterns and floral motifs in the corners, characteristic of Iraqi currency design. A prominent empty oval cartouche on the left-center likely contains the watermark (the king's head as a youth, per catalog data). The reverse displays an architectural landscape engraving of the Malwiya Tower (Malwiya Minaret) at the Great Mosque of Samarra with surrounding desert structures, enclosed in ornamental borders with fine geometric and floral detailing. The color scheme of brown on multicolor underprint creates warm tones throughout both sides.
FRONT: 'البنك الوطني' (National Bank), 'ضمان وديعة' (Guarantee deposit), 'نصف دينار' (Half dinar), Serial number: 1/A 566060. BACK: 'Central Bank of Iraq' (English), Denomination markings '1/2' and 'DINAR' in English, denomination marker '2'.
Intaglio engraving with multicolor printing, executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (BWC), New Malden. The note exhibits characteristic fine line work, precise detail in portraiture and architectural rendering, and sophisticated border designs typical of BWC's security printing expertise. The security features include the ornate engraved pattern throughout and watermark containing the king's portrait.
This note is identified as Pick P-38a. The catalog reference indicates variant P-38b also exists (both printed by BWC). The distinguishing feature between P-38a and the earlier P-33 is the portrait modification—P-38a depicts King Faisal II with fuller lips compared to the thinner-lipped portrait on P-33. The serial number visible on this example (1/A 566060) shows the standard format for this issue. No overprints or exceptional varieties are apparent in this specimen.
