25 livres 1972
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
A Lebanese 25 Livres note from 1972 issued by Banque du Liban, printed by Thomas de la Rue. The note features the iconic Crusader Castle at Saida (Sidon) on the obverse and Mushailaha castle perched on rocky terrain on the reverse, both rendered in detailed intaglio engraving with brown and cream tones. In AU condition, this example shows moderate circulation wear with visible handling marks and creases on the front, though the reverse remains relatively well-preserved, making it a desirable mid-grade collectible of this classic Lebanese architectural series.
Common. Secondary market evidence from eBay transactions shows consistent sales in the $2-6 range for circulated examples (2012-2020), with UNC specimens commanding only $4.99-$55 depending on grade and market timing. The 1972 issue was part of a regular, multi-year production run spanning 1964-1983. The catalog values of $13 (VF) and $55 (UNC) and the stable, low eBay price history indicate this is a widely available note without collector scarcity. The AU condition grade places this example in a mid-range position with modest collector appeal but no rarity premium.
This 1972 issue represents Lebanese currency from a pivotal period in the nation's modern history, issued during relative stability before the civil war era. The note's prominent depiction of the Crusader Castle at Saida and the Mushailaha fortress reflects Lebanon's rich medieval heritage and its significance as a crossroads of Mediterranean commerce and culture. These architectural landmarks served as powerful national symbols, reinforcing Lebanese identity and historical continuity through the currency circulating in the economy.
The obverse features the Crusader Castle of Saida (Sidon), a prominent 13th-century Mamluk-era fortification with crenellated walls, defensive towers, and an arched gateway, depicted in its waterfront setting with reflection effects suggesting its coastal harbor location. The reverse showcases the Mushailaha castle, illustrated dramatically atop a rocky mountainous outcrop with multiple fortification towers and ramparts, surrounded by natural terrain and vegetation. Both sides employ ornate decorative borders with geometric and floral patterns characteristic of Middle Eastern currency aesthetics, with circular denomination markings and institutional seals positioned in the corners. The color palette of brown, tan, cream, and beige creates a warm, antiquarian appearance befitting the historical subject matter.
FRONT SIDE: 'مصرف لبنان' (Banque du Liban / Bank of Lebanon); '٢٥' and 'خمسة وعشرون' (25 / Twenty-five livres); Serial numbers visible in Arabic numerals. BACK SIDE: 'BANQUE DU LIBAN' (Bank of Lebanon in French); 'VINGT-CINQ LIVRES' (Twenty-five livres in French); '25 LIVRES' (denomination in numerals); 'خمسة وعشرون' (Twenty-five in Arabic); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution, London).
Intaglio engraving (recess printing) throughout, executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The detailed fine-line work, cross-hatching in architectural and landscape details, and crisp decorative borders are characteristic of high-security currency production from this British security printer. The ornamental security borders and fine-line background patterns serve as anti-counterfeiting measures typical of TDLR's mid-20th century production standards.
Pick P-64b designation indicates this is the 1972 variant of the 25 Livres series. The visual analysis confirms the brown on gold underprint color scheme and TDLR (Thomas de la Rue) printer attribution consistent with P-64b specifications. PMG records indicate a P-64c variant also exists (also printed by TDLR), suggesting minor design or security feature variations across the series. The specific 1972 date and serial number formatting visible in the images confirm this as the standard 1972 issue variant rather than later printings (1973, 1974, 1976 variants cataloged separately).
