10 livres 1956

Common. Secondary market data from eBay auctions shows consistent availability with VF-graded specimens selling in the $40-$105 range over the past decade, with multiple sales recorded. The catalog value for VF condition is listed at $60 (2019 estimate), further supporting common status. Standard print runs for this series and the note's circulation history indicate ready availability in the collector market.

This note was issued by the Banque de Syrie et du Liban during Lebanon's early independence period, shortly after the country's final separation from French mandate governance. The choice of the Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek as the obverse centerpiece reflects Lebanon's promotion of its classical Greco-Roman archaeological heritage as a symbol of national identity and cultural distinction. The reverse landscape with coastal fortifications and traditional sailing vessels reinforces themes of Lebanese maritime heritage and regional prominence during the mid-20th century.

The obverse features the Temple of Bacchus (Baalbek), one of the finest preserved Roman temples in the world, depicted as a classical columned structure set within an ornate decorative frame of green and black flourished borders. The architectural rendering emphasizes the temple's towering Corinthian columns and sophisticated craftsmanship. The reverse presents a romanticized Lebanese landscape incorporating a fortified hillside citadel or fortress overlooking a coastal settlement, a traditional domed building with Islamic architectural elements in the foreground, dense Mediterranean vegetation, sailing vessels suggestive of traditional dhow-type watercraft, and a water body suggesting the Mediterranean coastline or major river systems. Both sides employ the characteristic fine line work and cross-hatched security patterns typical of Thomas de la Rue's 1950s security printing.

FRONT: 'DIX LIVRES LIBANAISES' (French: Ten Lebanese Livres); '10 LIVRES' (French/English denomination); 'بنك سوريا و لبنان' (Arabic: Bank of Syria and Lebanon); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO LTD.' (English: Printer identification); '1901' (historical date reference, likely commemorative); 'الرئيس' (Arabic: President); 'مدير الإصدار' (Arabic: Director of Issue). BACK: '10 LIVRES' (French/English denomination); 'لبنان' (Arabic: Lebanon); 'بنك سوريا و لبنان' (Arabic: Bank of Syria and Lebanon); 'عشر ليرات لبنانية' (Arabic: Ten Lebanese Livres).

Intaglio engraving by Thomas de la Rue & Co. Ltd., London, as evidenced by the fine line work, complex cross-hatched background patterns, multiple decorative borders, and the depth and precision of detail visible throughout both sides. The consistent ink impressions and sophisticated security design elements reflect the high standards of mid-20th century British banknote security printing.

This note is identified as Pick 57a, issued from 1956-1963 by Banque de Syrie et du Liban. The visual analysis shows this to be an example from the primary 1956 issue (the earliest date variant), printed by Thomas de la Rue & Co. Ltd. with green on multicolored underprint. PMG population records indicate P-57a represents a single cataloged variant for this Pick number. Serial numbers visible in this specimen (B24 70391 and 08332639l) are consistent with 1950s-era Lebanese banking standards. No signature variations or overprints are evident, indicating this is the standard regular issue variety.