1/4 dinar 1959
About This Note
This uncirculated 1/4 Iraqi Dinar from 1959 exemplifies the early post-independence coinage of Iraq's Central Bank. The note features pristine condition with sharp, crisp printing throughout, displaying no wear, creases, or damage. Notable design elements include an ornate eight-pointed star with a central palm frond motif on the obverse and a detailed date palm grove on the reverse, reflecting Iraq's agricultural heritage and symbolic iconography of the period.
Common. The 1/4 Iraqi Dinar from 1959 was issued as standard circulating currency by the Central Bank of Iraq and saw wide distribution. No documented evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issue periods. This denomination remained in circulation for an extended period, making surviving examples in any grade relatively common in the numismatic market. UNC examples are more desirable than circulated specimens but do not command premium prices typical of rare issues.
Issued in 1959, just one year after the Iraqi Revolution of 1958 that established the Republic of Iraq, this banknote represents the early monetary autonomy of the newly reorganized Central Bank of Iraq. The prominent use of palm trees and agricultural imagery on the reverse reflects the economic importance of Iraq's date palm cultivation, while the eight-pointed star with wheat/palm frond symbolism on the obverse represents national identity and prosperity during the post-revolutionary period.
The obverse features an elaborate central ornamental design incorporating Islamic geometric patterns and floral motifs in tan, beige, and green, with an eight-pointed star symbol dominating the right side. The star's center contains a circular emblem depicting a wheat or date palm frond, representing agricultural prosperity. Fine line engraving and intricate guilloche patterns throughout provide the security foundation. The reverse depicts a naturalistic landscape of a date palm grove with multiple palms of varying heights, centered within a decorative frame. Large circular medallions flank the central scene, each containing ornate radiating line patterns and denomination markers. This design celebrates Iraq's primary agricultural export and national symbol during this period.
Front: 'البنك المركزي العراقي' (Central Bank of Iraq); Arabic numerals appearing to reference date or serial information. Back: 'Central Bank of Iraq' (English); '1' and 'دينار' (One Dinar) appearing in circular denomination medallions; 'Quarter Dinar' indicating the 1/4 denomination value.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate guilloche patterns, and detailed landscape rendering visible throughout both sides. The multi-layered detailed line work and sharp print quality in UNC condition are characteristic of high-security intaglio printing standards employed by central banks. Printer attribution for this specific Pick number (P-51b(2)) would typically be documented in specialized Iraqi banknote catalogs; likely printed by a European security printer specializing in central bank currency.
Pick catalog P-51b(2) indicates this is the second variety of the 1959 1/4 Dinar issue. Varieties within this Pick number are typically distinguished by signature combinations, serial number prefixes, or subtle printing details. The visible serial numbers and Arabic numeral references (26.4.6 and 57.1.5) may correspond to signature plates or series identifiers, though detailed variety attribution would require comparison with other known examples of P-51b(1) and examination of signature blocks. No overprints or special markings are evident in this specimen.
