1 livre 1958

Common. eBay market data shows this note type regularly trading between $5-$55 depending on condition, with many examples sold in VF and F grades at modest prices ($7-$27 range). The 1952-1964 date range represents a long-running, widely distributed series. Despite the Pick catalog designation, the print run was substantial and these notes remain readily available to collectors. AU condition examples are moderately more valuable than circulated grades but not exceptionally scarce.

Issued during the prosperous mid-20th century period of the Lebanon, this note celebrates two of the nation's most significant historical monuments: the medieval Crusader fortification at Saida representing Lebanon's complex medieval heritage, and the magnificently preserved Roman Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek symbolizing the country's classical antiquity. The bilingual French-Arabic inscriptions reflect Lebanon's post-independence positioning as a francophone nation while maintaining strong Arab identity, issued under the authority of the Banque de Syrie et du Liban during the period of unified Syrian-Lebanese banking.

The obverse features the Crusader Castle of Saida (Sidon), a medieval coastal fortress with multiple towers viewed from the harbor, rendered in mauve tones with sailing vessels in the foreground—representing Lebanon's maritime and crusader heritage. The reverse depicts the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek with its iconic tall Corinthian columns on a stepped podium, set against a mountainous landscape in rose and mauve tones. Both sides are framed by ornate geometric and floral borders with decorative corner designs. The denomination '1' and 'LIVRE' appear in multiple corners, with dual French and Arabic inscriptions throughout reflecting the nation's bilingual character.

Front Side: 'UNE LIVRE LIBANAISE' (French: One Lebanese Pound); 'LIVRE' (French: Pound); Arabic text 'بيروت فى اول لبنان' (Beirut in Lebanon first); 'مدير شئون لبنان الرئيس' (Director of Lebanese Affairs President). Serial numbers visible: 39781 and 04323978, with note designation N31. Back Side: 'LIVRE' (French: Pound); 'بنك سوريا ولبنان' (Arabic: Bank of Syria and Lebanon); 'لله لبنانية واحد' (Arabic: One Lebanese [pound]).

Intaglio engraving, characteristic of Thomas de la Rue (London), the noted security printer. Fine-line engraved detailing is visible throughout the architectural elements, particularly in the temple columns and fortress towers. Decorative guilloche patterns provide security against counterfeiting, applied through the traditional engraved plate method. The multi-color printing technique creates the mauve, rose, cream, and brown palette through successive passes of colored inks.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-55b (the 'b' variant), indicating it is distinct from P-55a. The PMG Population Report lists both P-55a and a printer-marked variant P-55s (marked TDLR for Thomas de la Rue London). The specific variant designation P-55b typically reflects differences in design elements, signatures, or printer marks. The observed note's serial number format and note designation (N31) should be cross-referenced against known P-55b characteristics for precise variety confirmation. No overprints are visible in this example, indicating it is from the regular issue rather than a later overprinted variant.