500 fils 1965 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is an uncirculated 1965 specimen note from the Central Bank of Jordan featuring King Hussein II in formal portrait on the obverse and the classical Forum of Jerash on the reverse. The note exhibits the characteristic specimen markings including diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprints and two circular punch holes, indicating it was never intended for circulation. The brown and multicolored design showcases fine engraving work typical of mid-20th century Central Bank of Jordan currency.
Common. While specimen notes command a premium over circulated examples, this Pick-9s denomination was produced in substantial quantities by the Central Bank of Jordan. The eBay price data shows market values ranging from $125 to approximately $500 for UNC specimens, with 2019 catalog values around $500 USD. These modest valuations relative to rare notes, combined with the availability of specimens in the secondary market, indicate this is a commonly encountered note among collectors of Jordanian currency and Middle Eastern banknotes.
Issued under the Law of 1959 during the early years of Jordan's independent monetary system, this 500 fils note represents the post-independence currency era under King Hussein II's reign. The reverse design featuring the Forum of Jerash (Gerasa) celebrates Jordan's rich classical Roman heritage, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, reflecting the nation's connection to its historical significance. The bilingual Arabic-English inscriptions underscore Jordan's position as a modernizing Arab state during the 1960s.
The obverse features a formal profile portrait of King Hussein II facing right, rendered in dignified formal attire with suit and tie, positioned at the left side of the note. The background incorporates intricate geometric and floral border patterns with decorative classical columns featuring Corinthian capitals on the left margin. The reverse depicts the Forum of Jerash, showing the well-preserved classical Roman architectural complex with tall Corinthian columns and extended colonnades characteristic of Roman provincial forums. Both sides feature ornate engraved borders with fine line work and detailed patterning. The color scheme throughout is predominantly brown on a cream and tan multicolored underprint, creating visual depth and security.
FRONT SIDE: Central Bank of Jordan (البنك المركزي الأردني), Ministry of Finance (وزارة المالية), Five Hundred Fils (خمسمائة فلس), 500 (٥٠٠), 1909 (date in Islamic calendar corresponding to 1959 Gregorian), serial number 11000000, SPECIMEN (English overprint). BACK SIDE: Central Bank of Jordan, 500, Five Hundred Fils, Forum-Jerash, SPECIMEN (English overprint).
Intaglio (recess) engraving, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine line work visible in the border designs, portrait detailing, and architectural rendering, combined with the depth and clarity of the impressions, indicates traditional engraved plates. Printed by TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), a premier security printer of the period, as confirmed by PMG catalog records for Pick-9s variants.
This note is cataloged as Pick-9s, the specimen variety of the 500 fils denomination. PMG records confirm two variants for this Pick number: P-9a and P-9s (this example). The 's' suffix identifies it as a specimen issue, distinguished by the diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprints and the characteristic two circular punch holes. The note bears the Law of 1959 date designation in both Gregorian (1909 in Islamic calendar on obverse) and modern formats. The serial number visible (11000000) is typical of specimen issue numbering patterns.
