1 livre 1964

Common. The eBay market data provided shows consistent availability with numerous sales across multiple condition grades spanning from 2012 to 2022, with typical prices ranging from under $1 to approximately $27 for circulated examples, and UNC examples averaging around $60 (per 2019 catalogue values). The note's circulation wear visible in the specimen is typical of its availability in the market. A print run spanning 1952-1964 and the note's role as part of a major Lebanese currency series indicates substantial production numbers. This Pick number is not identified as a short-run or recalled issue, confirming common status.

This banknote was issued by the Banque de Syrie et du Liban during a formative period in Lebanese history following the country's independence from French mandate rule in 1943. The depicted landmarks—Saida's medieval Crusader fortress and Baalbek's Roman temple complex—represent Lebanon's layered cultural heritage spanning Phoenician, Roman, Crusader, and Islamic periods, reflecting the nation's identity as a crossroads of civilizations. The bilingual French-Arabic inscriptions mirror Lebanon's dual cultural heritage and the French influence that persisted in official and banking spheres during this era.

The obverse features the Crusader Castle of Saida (Sidon), a 12th-century fortress on the Lebanese coast, depicted with multiple towers and crenellations overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with period vessels in the water below. This landmark symbolizes Lebanon's medieval Crusader period heritage. The reverse showcases the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek, an iconic Roman archaeological site featuring six tall Corinthian columns set within a mountainous landscape with cypress trees and distant valley settlements visible. Both sides are framed by ornamental arabesque borders and guilloché patterns typical of high-security banknote design. Denomination numerals appear in decorative squares at lower left and right on both sides. The color scheme of warm browns, reddish-browns, cream, and tan tones creates visual harmony across both sides.

FRONT: 'UNE LIVRE LIBANAISE' (French: One Lebanese Pound); 'LIVRE' (French: Pound); Arabic text 'بنك سوريا ولبنان' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon); Serial numbers: 41084 and variant 07724108.4 with alphanumeric code A45. BACK: 'LIVRE' (French: Pound, repeated); Arabic text 'بنك سوريا ولبنان' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon); Additional Arabic administrative text present but partially unclear in transcription. The denomination is expressed in both French and Arabic numerals as denomination markers '1'.

Intaglio (copperplate) engraving, printed by Thomas de la Rue, London—the world's premier security printer of the era. The note exhibits fine line engraving evident in the detailed architectural renderings, ornamental guilloché patterns throughout the border and background areas, and the crisp definition of decorative arabesque elements. The multi-color printing technique creates the layered brown and cream tones observed. Security features include the ornamental guilloché work and complex border designs characteristic of TDLR's standards, and contemporary sources reference a security strip present on this issue.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-55b, indicating it is the second identified variety of the 1 Livre (1952-1964) issue. PMG population reports identify P-55a and P-55s (with TDLR printer designation) as variants within this base Pick number. The specimen's serial number format (41084 / 07724108.4 with A45 prefix) and the absence of visible printer's marks suggesting specimen status indicate this is a regular circulation issue rather than a trial or specimen variety. The specific variety designation (P-55b vs. P-55a) may relate to security feature variations, signature differences, or subtle design modifications across the 12-year production period, though these distinctions would require comparison with cataloged reference examples to definitively confirm.