5 dinars 1959

Common. While this is an attractive foundational issue from Jordan's early currency period, the extensive eBay auction history provided shows consistent sales at modest prices ($38-$352 for UNC specimens, with most clustering in the $46-$76 range for typical UNC examples). The 2019 catalog value of $70 for UNC and the high frequency of sales indicate a readily available note in the collector market. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or scarcity is present in the historical record or market data.

Issued in 1959 under the Law of 1959, this note was produced during King Hussein II's early reign as Jordan was consolidating its independence and establishing its monetary institutions. The selection of Petra's Treasury as the reverse design reflects Jordan's cultural heritage and national pride, showcasing one of the most recognizable archaeological monuments in the Arab world carved into the mountainous landscape of ancient Nabataean territory. This denomination and design series became foundational to Jordan's modern currency identity during a formative period of nation-building.

The obverse features His Majesty King Hussein II depicted in formal business attire (suit and tie) shown in right-facing profile on the left side of the note. The design employs a predominantly pink and rose color palette with cream and gold accents. A circular emblem with intricate geometric patterns characteristic of Islamic artistic tradition is positioned in the center-right, serving as an ornamental security and design element. The reverse depicts the Treasury of Petra (Al-Khazneh), the iconic Nabataean monument, rendered as a classical architectural facade with columns carved into the mountainside, positioned center-right. A map or geographic outline of Jordan appears on the left side of the reverse. Ornamental borders featuring repeating architectural motifs frame both sides, with decorative corner elements containing floral and geometric patterns. The denomination appears in both numerals (5) and words (FIVE DINARS).

Front side: 'البنك المركزي الأردني' (Central Bank of Jordan) appears at the top in Arabic script. Back side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF JORDAN' appears at the top in English; 'FIVE DINARS' and the numeral '5' appear at the bottom; 'TREASURY-PETRA' labels the architectural vignette. Serial numbers appear on both sides of the note (e.g., 'ك297129').

This note was produced by TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), one of the world's premier security printers. The printing technique employs traditional intaglio/engraving methods characteristic of high-security banknote production, evidenced by the crisp, finely detailed architectural vignette of Petra, the intricate geometric patterns in the central emblem, and the ornamental border designs. The multi-color printing (pink, rose, cream, and gold accents) demonstrates sophisticated color separation and register alignment typical of professional security printing from this era.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-15b, produced by TDLR (Thomas De La Rue). PMG has identified two variants for this base Pick number: P-15b and P-15s, both produced by TDLR with different security printer designations or subtle design variations. The specific variety observed here is P-15b. No visible date overprints or law date printing appears on the face (consistent with catalog descriptions noting the absence of '1959' or Arabic '1909' law date on this variety), distinguishing it from earlier related issues such as Pick P-11.