1 dinar 1955

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales activity over the past decade with F-graded examples selling in the $45–$102.50 range as recently as 2024, indicating ready availability in the collector market. The 2016 catalog value for F condition ($125) is modest. Iraq's 1955 1 Dinar (P-39) was part of a standard circulation issue with no evidence of restricted print runs, recalls, or short-lived status. The existence of multiple variants (P-39a and P-39b) catalogued by PMG further suggests substantial production numbers. While the note has historical interest and attractive design, its common status in the market is confirmed by regular, low-priced transactions.

This banknote represents Iraq's monetary system during the final years of the Hashemite monarchy under King Faisal II, before the 1958 revolution transformed the nation into a republic. The dual imagery—King Faisal II as the reigning monarch and the equestrian statue of his grandfather King Faisal I, the dynasty's founder—reflects the legitimacy and continuity the monarchy sought to project. The note's English inscriptions and British printer attribution underscore Iraq's close ties to the Western powers during this critical period of post-independence nation-building.

The obverse features a formal three-quarter portrait of King Faisal II as a young man, positioned within a circular frame on the right side of the note, rendered in classical engraved style. He is depicted in Western business attire (suit and tie), reflecting the modernizing orientation of the Iraqi monarchy. The center of the note is dominated by an ornate, intricately detailed arabesque cartouche containing calligraphic elements. A blank circular medallion with decorative border occupies the left side, likely intended as a security feature or space for official stamps. The reverse depicts an equestrian statue of King Faisal I in traditional formal dress and headwear, seated upon a horse shown in profile. This is the primary illustrative element, positioned centrally with ornamental cartouches flanking it on either side. Cherub or winged figure motifs appear in the bottom corners. Both sides are framed by elaborate geometric and floral border designs with guilloche patterns characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson's security printing tradition.

FRONT SIDE: Arabic text at top reads 'الجمهورية العراقية' (The Iraqi Republic) and 'دينار واحد' (One Dinar). Serial number visible as 'X 223251' at bottom left and top right. BACK SIDE: 'National Bank of Iraq' appears at top in English. Denomination text reads 'One Dinar' and 'Dinar' in English. Printer attribution at bottom: 'BRADBURY WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN SURREY ENGLAND.'

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, the premium security printing method employed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd, New Malden, England. The intricate detail visible in the guilloche patterns, circular medallion frames, ornate cartouches, and portrait rendering are all hallmarks of intaglio printing. The fine line work and depth of the designs, as observable in the visual analysis, demonstrate the multi-plate engraving technique typical of high-security currency production. The blue-gray color scheme and cream underprint suggest multi-color printing with careful registration and layering characteristic of professional currency manufacturers of the mid-20th century.

This note is catalogued as Iraq P-39 with two known variants recorded by PMG: P-39a and P-39b, both printed by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd). The catalog reference notes that P-34 represents a similar earlier note with a slightly modified portrait (King Faisal II with thinner lips), indicating portrait modifications between issues. The specific variant of this individual specimen cannot be definitively determined from the visual analysis alone, though the portrait characteristics and printing details are consistent with the standard P-39 issue. Serial number X 223251 is visible but does not indicate a special variety.