1/2 dinar 1959
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of Jordan's 1959 half dinar note (Pick P-13a) in uncirculated condition, featuring a distinguished portrait of King Hussein II in formal dress on the obverse and the beautifully engraved Forum of Jerash archaeological site on the reverse. The note displays sharp, crisp printing throughout with no signs of circulation, creasing, or wear, and showcases the intricate geometric security features and fine-line engraving characteristic of this classic Middle Eastern banknote design.
Common. Catalog values from 2019 show UNC examples trading at approximately $40, and eBay sales data from 2015-2019 shows UNC examples consistently selling in the $40-65 range, with graded PMG examples in the $100-110 range. The consistent availability of this note in the market and moderate pricing indicates a substantial print run with no scarcity premium. This is a standard circulating issue from a major Middle Eastern country.
Issued under the Law of 1959 by the Central Bank of Jordan, this note represents a formative period in Jordan's monetary history following its emergence as an independent nation. The deliberate choice to feature King Hussein II on the obverse and the ancient Roman Forum of Jerash on the reverse reflects Jordan's dual commitment to contemporary national identity and its rich Greco-Roman archaeological heritage, with Jerash (ancient Gerasa) being one of the most significant Roman sites outside the Levantine region.
The obverse features a formal right-facing profile portrait of King Hussein II wearing a suit and tie, positioned at the left side of the note. The design is framed by an ornate decorative border incorporating floral and geometric patterns with decorative columns flanking the left and right edges. A prominent diamond-shaped security feature with intricate concentric circular patterns in blue and brown occupies the center-right area. The reverse depicts the Forum of Jerash (Gerasa), showing the classical Roman architectural complex with a full colonnade of Corinthian columns receding into the distance on the left, prominent close-up column capitals on the right, and mountainous terrain visible in the background, all rendered in brown/sepia tones with fine engraving detail. A matching decorative geometric border frames both sides.
Front: البنك الأهلي الأردني (Central Bank of Jordan), وزارة المالية (Ministry of Finance), نصف دينار (Half Dinar), Serial number 98492 A. Back: CENTRAL BANK OF JORDAN, HALF DINAR, FORUM-JERASH, ½
Intaglio engraving (line engraving and stipple engraving), evidenced by the sharp, crisp detail in the fine-line work throughout the border designs, architectural elements, and portrait rendering. The geometric security feature and background patterns demonstrate sophisticated multi-color intaglio printing techniques. Based on PMG population data, this note was produced by TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), a leading security printer of the era.
This note is identified as Pick P-13a. PMG population records indicate variants P-13c and P-13s also exist for this denomination, both printed by TDLR. The specific variety (a, c, or s) would be determined by examining signatures, serial number prefixes, or other security printing variations not fully determinable from the provided images. The observed serial number format (98492 A) and lack of additional overprints or date variations suggest this is a standard example of the base P-13a variety.
