25 livres 1974
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1974 Lebanese 25 Livres banknote (Pick P-64b) in Uncirculated condition, printed by Thomas de la Rue. The note features brown sepia-toned engraving on a gold underprint with ornate decorative borders and showcases two significant architectural landmarks: the Crusader Castle at Saida (Sidon) on the front and a dramatic cliff-mounted fortress on the reverse. While the note shows excellent preservation typical of UNC grade, there is some evidence of age-related handling marks and minor creasing consistent with storage rather than circulation.
Common. This is a regular issue 25 Livres note from the 1972-1983 series with multiple date variants (1972, 1973, 1974, 1976). eBay market data shows UNC examples selling for approximately $5-$55 (with 2019 catalog value at $55 UNC), indicating steady but not exceptional demand. The note was produced in substantial quantities by a major security printer. While UNC examples command higher prices than circulated grades, the denomination and availability make this a common item in the market.
This note was issued during Lebanon's final decade of relative stability before the onset of civil war in 1975. The depicted Crusader Castle at Saida and the cliff fortress represent Lebanon's rich medieval and Crusader heritage, reflecting the nation's historical significance as a Mediterranean crossroads. The bilingual inscriptions in Arabic and French underscore Lebanon's dual cultural identity during the post-independence period under the Lebanese Republic.
The obverse features an engraved scene of the Crusader Castle at Saida (Sidon), a major Mediterranean fortress with multiple towers, defensive walls, and gates, depicted with a water moat or waterway in the foreground. The reverse displays a dramatic landscape of a tall cliff-mounted fortress (Mushailaha Castle based on catalog reference) perched on steep mountainous terrain with surrounding valley vegetation. Both sides feature matching ornate decorative borders with geometric and floral motifs in the corners, characteristic of high-security banknote design. The note employs brown and sepia toning on a cream and tan base with light blue-gray accents on the reverse. Denomination numerals appear in multiple locations and formats (Arabic and Western numerals) for authentication purposes.
FRONT SIDE: 'مصرف لبنان' (Bank of Lebanon in Arabic), '٢٥' (25 in Arabic numerals), 'J91 A1E41' (serial number). BACK SIDE: 'BANQUE DU LIBAN' (Bank of Lebanon in French), '25 LIVRES' (25 Pounds), 'VINGT-CINQ LIVRES' (Twenty-five Pounds in French), '٢٥' (25 in Arabic numerals), 'خمسة وعشرون' (Twenty-five in Arabic), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving (fine line engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic crisp detail and fine line work typical of intaglio printing used for high-security banknotes. The intricate border patterns, detailed architectural rendering, and multiple security printing elements are consistent with Thomas de la Rue's premium security printing standards of the 1970s. The note employs a gold underprint with brown overprinting.
This is Pick P-64b, one of several varieties within the base 25 Livres type. The catalog data confirms variants exist (P-64c is documented in PMG population records). The observed 1974 date places this within the multi-year issue span (1972-1983). The serial number format 'J91 A1E41' suggests this is from the standard printing series. No specific overprints, signature variations, or other distinguishing variety markers are evident from the visual analysis; this appears to be a standard regular-issue example of the P-64b variety.
