1/4 dinar 1968

Common. This note was a regular circulation issue from 1968 with substantial print runs typical of a fractional denomination in an active monetary system. eBay market data confirms common status: prices for lower grades (F-VF) consistently range $5-$20, with even premium grades (PMG 66-67) historically selling in the $90-$325 range, indicating robust supply. The 2019 catalog value of $10 for VF and $30 for UNC further confirms this is a readily available issue in most conditions. While the PMG 65 EPQ grade represents excellent preservation relative to circulation examples, the denomination itself and print run characteristics classify this as a common banknote in numismatic market terms.

Issued in 1968, this note commemorates the Central Bank of Kuwait's establishment and represents the young nation's transition to monetary sovereignty following independence in 1961. The harbor scene depicted on the reverse—Port Shuwaykh with its vessels and dock infrastructure—symbolizes Kuwait's strategic importance as a regional trading hub and the economic foundations of its nascent state. The portrait of Emir Sabah Ibn Salim al-Sabah on the obverse reflects the political authority and leadership during this formative period of Kuwaiti nation-building.

The obverse presents a right-facing profile portrait of Emir Sabah Ibn Salim al-Sabah wearing the traditional ghutra (headcloth) and agal (black cord circlet), rendered in fine intaglio engraving. The portrait serves as both the main design element and watermark. The background features elaborate Islamic geometric patterns and floral motifs in brown and black against a cream base, with pink and green accents in decorative corner panels containing stylized numeral denominations. The reverse depicts Port Shuwaykh (or Port of Kuwait) in detailed engraved perspective, showing multiple cargo vessels, dock infrastructure, and shipping containers—a maritime industrial scene emphasizing Kuwait's role as a regional trading center. The entire note is bordered by ornate decorative frames consistent with 1960s Central Bank design standards. Color palette throughout comprises brown/black primary elements, cream background, with supporting tones of gray, blue, pink, and green.

Front (Obverse): Arabic text 'بنك الكويت المركزي' translates to 'Central Bank of Kuwait'; 'ربع دينار' translates to 'Quarter Dinar' or 'One Quarter Dinar'. Serial number shown as 'B/3 573249' in Latin characters. Back (Reverse): English text reads 'Central Bank of Kuwait' and 'Quarter Dinar' with denomination numeral '1/4' displayed. Additional decorative Arabic script appears in ornamental corner design elements on both sides.

Intaglio (copperplate) engraving on the primary printing plates, evidenced by the fine line work, sharp detail resolution in the portrait and harbor scene, and the precise geometric patterns visible throughout. The multicolored effect is achieved through offset printing in combination with intaglio, utilizing multiple color separations. This represents the standard security printing technique employed by major central banks during the 1968 period. The specific security printer for this issue is not definitively documented in available sources, though it was likely produced by a major international security printing firm contracted by the Central Bank of Kuwait.

This note is classified as Pick 6a, featuring Emir Sabah watermark (wmk: Emir Sabah). The PMG population report indicates four cataloged variants of this base Pick number: P-6a, P-6ar (likely a replacement/reissue variant), P-6b, and P-6cts (possibly a 'cancelled' or test specimen variant). The observed serial number prefix 'B/3' is consistent with standard issue numbering for this Pick variety. No overprints, signature variations, or date modifications are evident on this example. The specific 1968 'Law of 1968' date refers to the legislative authority under which the Central Bank of Kuwait was established, making all notes from this initial series important first-issue examples despite their common status.