1/4 dinar 1960

Common. Despite its historical significance as Kuwait's first currency issue, eBay market data shows consistent availability with notes in VF condition averaging $20-35 and UNC examples typically $75-189. The catalog value for UNC condition (approximately $75) and the active secondary market trading confirm this is not a scarce issue. The existence of 31 documented PMG varieties for the base Pick number P-1 further indicates substantial production. This note is readily obtainable for collectors at reasonable prices.

This note was issued by the Kuwait Currency Board in 1960-1961, marking Kuwait's transition to independent statehood and the establishment of its own currency system. The portrait of Amir Abdullah reflects the newly sovereign nation's political leadership, while the detailed engraving of Port Shuwaykh on the reverse symbolizes Kuwait's historic importance as a major Arabian Gulf maritime trading hub. The sophisticated security printing and design exemplify the international standards applied to establish credibility for the young nation's new currency.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Amir Sheikh Abdullah as-Salim as-Sabah rendered in classical black and white engraving style, positioned at the right side of the note. His traditional Arab headdress (ghutra and agal) is distinctly portrayed. The left side showcases an elaborate, multicolored decorative arabesque medallion with intricate geometric and floral patterns in purple, gold, and pink tones, serving as both an aesthetic and security element. Fine crosshatch security patterns permeate the background. The reverse depicts an aerial perspective of Port Shuwaykh in detailed black and white engraving, showing multiple sailing vessels, docks, and modern port infrastructure along the Kuwaiti waterfront. Ornamental corner designs and decorative border frames appear on both sides, with denomination numerals positioned in the corners.

Front side: 'دولة الكويت' (State of Kuwait) in Arabic; Serial number '266225'; Denomination marking '1/4' (One-Quarter). Back side: 'Kuwait Currency Board' in English; Denomination markings '1/4' and 'Quarter-Dinar' in English.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) combined with multicolor offset lithography for the background elements. The fine detail evident in both the portrait and the maritime scene, along with the complex security crosshatching throughout, is characteristic of high-security banknote production from European security printers of the early 1960s era. The combination of black and white engraved imagery with multicolored decorative backgrounds represents the advanced printing standards established for Kuwait's inaugural currency.

This specific example corresponds to Pick catalog number P-1, the basic 1/4 Dinar issue from 1960. The note bears a serial number '266225,' which places it within the regular circulation series. PMG population data indicates this base Pick number exists in multiple variants, including later issues with different watermarks (Dhow watermark variants P-11a through P-11x), suggesting this P-1 represents the earliest watermark variety. The Law of 1960 date (issued in 1961) and the brown-on-multicolor design are consistent with the first issue characteristics documented for this denomination.