1 dinar 1959
Market Prices
36 salesAbout This Note
This is a pristine, uncirculated example of the Jordan 1 Dinar banknote from 1959 (Pick-14b), featuring a striking portrait of King Hussein bin Talal in green intaglio on the obverse and a detailed engraving of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem on the reverse. The note displays exceptional condition with sharp, clear printing, vibrant color saturation, and no visible wear, creases, or damage—characteristics consistent with its UNC grade. This early post-independence Jordanian currency represents an important piece of the nation's monetary history during King Hussein's reign.
Common. This note is a regular issue from 1959 with substantial circulation and survives in relatively high quantities today. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $25-$60 range for UNC examples over the past 15 years, with catalog values (2019) at $50 for UNC, indicating strong collector availability. The note is neither rare nor particularly scarce in the current numismatic market.
The 1959 Law Date 1 Dinar represents Jordan's early monetary independence following the establishment of the Central Bank of Jordan. The prominent placement of King Hussein bin Talal's portrait on the obverse reflects the pivotal role of the Hashemite monarchy in Jordan's post-colonial governance, while the reverse's depiction of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem emphasizes the historical and religious significance of Jerusalem to the Jordanian state during this period of Arab nationalism and regional tensions.
The obverse features King Hussein bin Talal depicted in profile facing right, rendered in fine green intaglio, positioned at the left side of the note and wearing formal attire (dark suit and tie). The portrait is surrounded by ornate geometric patterns and decorative borders in cream, yellow, blue, and pink, with Arabic text in rounded frames above. The reverse showcases a detailed architectural engraving of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, centered and rendered with fine detail showing the characteristic golden dome with crescent finial, arched openings, and decorative stonework. A prominent circular frame with fan or peacock-feather pattern ornaments the left side of the reverse, maintaining the elaborate decorative scheme consistent with the obverse.
FRONT (Obverse): 'البنك المركزي الأردني' (Central Bank of Jordan), 'دينار واحد' (One Dinar), 'وزارة المالية' (Ministry of Finance), 'الملك حسين بن طلال' (King Hussein bin Talal), with a serial number visible. BACK (Reverse): 'CENTRAL BANK OF JORDAN', 'ONE DINAR', 'DOME OF THE ROCK - JERUSALEM', with denomination numeral '1'.
Intaglio printing (engraved) on cream/beige stock with multicolored underprinting. The printer for this Pick-14b variety is identified as TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), a leading security printer of the era. The fine line work, cross-hatching, and intricate geometric patterns throughout the design are characteristic of high-security intaglio production.
This note is catalogued as Pick-14b, with the printer identified as TDLR (Thomas De La Rue). The PMG population report identifies three varieties for this base Pick number: P-14a, P-14b (this example), and P-14s. The note does not bear a law date printed on the face itself (though a Law of 1959 applies), distinguishing it from certain other Jordanian issues. The specific serial number visible on the note (appearing as Arabic numerals) would further identify this as an individual specimen.
