1/4 dinar 1973
About This Note
This is an attractive AU-grade example of Iraq's 1/4 Dinar note from 1973, showcasing pristine condition with sharp detail and vibrant color throughout. The front features an impressive industrial complex depicting grain silos and loading equipment at the Port of Basrah, while the reverse displays a serene date palm grove—both iconic symbols of Iraq's economic resources. The note exhibits no signs of wear, with crisp printing and excellent color registration that highlight the sophisticated multi-color lithographic production.
Common. This is a standard circulation note from a major issuer with no documented restrictions on print run or early withdrawal. The 1/4 Dinar denomination was produced in significant quantities as a lower-value circulating note during the 1970s. AU-grade examples are readily available in the collector market at modest premiums over lower grades, indicating healthy surviving populations.
Issued during the early Ba'athist period in Iraq, this 1973 quarter dinar reflects the nation's focus on modernization and industrial development following the 1968 coup. The deliberate choice to feature the Basrah port's grain handling facilities on the obverse emphasizes Iraq's agricultural export infrastructure and strategic maritime commerce, while the reverse's date palms symbolize the country's agricultural heritage and regional identity—both key elements of national pride during this era of oil wealth and infrastructure expansion.
The obverse depicts the grain handling and storage facility at the Port of Basrah, with prominent vertical silos, industrial conveyor systems, and loading equipment positioned along a waterway or canal—representing Iraq's modern commercial infrastructure. The reverse features a date palm grove with multiple mature palms bearing dates, symbolizing Iraq's agricultural wealth and the iconic palm tree of Mesopotamian tradition. Both sides feature ornate circular geometric medallions in all four corners with intricate concentric patterns typical of Middle Eastern security design. The color scheme combines pink and mauve on the obverse with light green and pink on the reverse, creating a distinctive aesthetic for this lower denomination note.
Front side: 'البنك المركزي للعراق' (Central Bank of Iraq), 'ربع دينار' (Quarter Dinar), '1/4' (One Quarter), '1891.9' (denomination identifier, appears twice), 'بغداد' (Baghdad). Additional Arabic text references Ministry/Department of Central Bank of Iraq reporting and authority. Back side: 'Central Bank of Iraq' (English), '1/4' (One Quarter), 'Quarter Dinar' (English denomination).
Multi-color lithography with careful color registration and layered security printing. The intricate geometric patterns in the background and the detailed circular medallions indicate advanced lithographic techniques common to Central Bank of Iraq notes from this period. The precision of line work and color separation suggests production by a specialized security printer, likely De La Rue or similar European security printing house that supplied Iraqi currency during the 1970s.
The visual analysis does not reveal specific signature varieties, date variations, or serial number prefix distinctions that would differentiate specific varieties of Pick 61(1). The note designation as '1973' with 'ND' (no date) on face is standard for this issue. No overprints or security features suggesting rarified varieties are evident from the images provided. Standard cataloging as Pick 61(1) applies without identified sub-varieties.
