5 dinars 1942

Common. The 1942 Iraqi 5 Dinars (Pick 19b) represents a standard circulation-issue note from a relatively substantial print run during the British Mandate period. While early Iraqi currency is collected, this particular denomination and issue does not have documented scarcity factors such as limited print runs, early recall, or extraordinary survival issues. Notes graded VF-25 are periodically available in the collector market at modest price points typical of common early Middle Eastern currency.

Issued under the Government of Iraq in accordance with Law No. 4 of 1931, this note was produced during the period of the British Mandate and the early Iraqi monarchy, when Iraqi currency was pegged to and convertible into British Sterling. The English and Arabic inscriptions, along with signatures by Lord Kennet and D. al Haidari, reflect the dual administration of Iraq during this era, while the sophisticated British engraving by Badhurst Wilkinson & Co signifies Iraq's integration into the international currency systems of the Commonwealth sphere.

The obverse features a formal portrait of a young male official in period dress within an oval frame positioned on the right side, likely representing a government dignitary or member of the Iraqi administration during the 1930s-1940s. The note's central design incorporates an ornate geometric cartouche with Arabic script denomination and government text, surrounded by elaborate floral and scrollwork corner ornaments. The reverse displays a symmetrical design with large numerals '5' enclosed in decorative oval cartouches on both the left and right sides, with 'FIVE DINARS' prominently displayed at the center top. Legal text regarding currency convertibility to Sterling occupies the central space. The overall design employs fine guilloche patterns and intricate geometric borders throughout, characteristic of high-security banknote engraving of the period.

FRONT SIDE: 'Government of Iraq' / 'Five Dinars' (Arabic and English) / Serial Number: C910473 / Signatures: 'Lord Kennet' and 'D. al Haidari' / Arabic text in central cartouche referencing five dinars and government authority. REVERSE SIDE: 'GOVERNMENT OF IRAQ' / 'FIVE DINARS' / Large numeral '5' in both left and right cartouches / 'CURRENCY NOTE ISSUED AND CONVERTIBLE INTO STERLING, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF LAW NO 4 OF 1931' / 'BADHURST WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGRAVERS, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' / PMG Certification: Grade 25 Very Fine, Certification Number 8042339-003, Note: 'Minor Foreign Substance'

This note was produced using traditional intaglio engraving (recess printing), as evidenced by the fine line work, detailed guilloche patterns, and dimensional quality of the ornate cartouches and border designs visible in the visual analysis. The engraving was executed by Badhurst Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, England—a renowned security printer specializing in banknote and currency production. The combination of multiple color passes (purple, mauve, brown, and cream) with fine detail work is characteristic of 1930s-1940s banknote production standards. This printing method provided the security features necessary for currency of this period.

This example represents Pick catalog 19b specifically, with the note dated 1931 (date of authorization) but issued in 1942 (ND - no date). The signature variety shows signatures of 'Lord Kennet' and 'D. al Haidari,' which is documented for this issue period. Serial number C910473 represents a standard serial number format for the series. The PMG notation of 'Minor Foreign Substance' in the grading comments indicates minor debris or discoloration but does not affect the grade assessment of 25 Very Fine.