5 piastres 1942
Market Prices
22 salesAbout This Note
This Lebanese 5 Piastres note from 1942 is presented in PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ condition, representing an exceptionally well-preserved example of early Lebanese currency. The note features ornate Art Deco-influenced decorative borders in purple and dark blue with a cedar tree landscape on the obverse and classical botanical ornaments framing a large numeral '5' on the reverse. A distinctive red overprint stamp is visible across the front, and the pristine paper quality with no wear or creasing attests to its remarkable preservation since issue.
Common. Secondary market data shows this note regularly appearing at auction in various grades, with F-VF examples typically selling for $5-$15 USD and higher grades (PMG 65-66) commanding $50-$280 historically. The consistent availability and relatively modest price points across all condition grades indicate this was a standard circulation issue with adequate print runs. No evidence of scarcity in the catalog data or pricing history.
Issued on July 15, 1942, during Lebanon's transitional period toward independence from French mandate rule, this banknote reflects the newly-established Republique Libanaise's assertion of monetary sovereignty. The cedar tree depicted on the obverse is Lebanon's national symbol, appearing prominently on the flag and representing the nation's heritage and identity. The dual French and Arabic inscriptions demonstrate Lebanon's bicultural character during this formative period of nation-building.
The obverse features a pastoral landscape with cedar trees (Lebanon's national emblem) rendered in green and earth tones, occupying the left portion of the note within ornamental geometric borders in purple and dark blue. An ornamental circular medallion with Arabic calligraphy is positioned on the right side, balanced by corner emblems displaying the numeral '5' in decorative frames. The reverse presents a classically-composed symmetrical design with floral and botanical ornaments flanking a central cartouche containing a large numeral '5' within an ornate frame, with 'REPUBLIQUE LIBANAISE' and 'PIASTRES' inscribed in French. The entire composition reflects Belle Époque and Art Deco influences typical of interwar and early postwar banknote design.
OBVERSE: 'جمهورية لبنانية' (Jumhuriyyat Lubnaniyyah) = Lebanese Republic; 'AHIME' = Red overprint stamp marking; Serial Number: 1352. REVERSE: 'REPUBLIQUE LIBANAISE' = Lebanese Republic; '5' and 'PIASTRES' = Denomination; 'BEYROUTH LE 15 JUILLET 1942' = Beirut, July 15, 1942 (issue date); PMG Certification: Grade 65, Certification #1915367-063, Extended Reference 3465E1915367063G.
Intaglio engraving with fine line work and detailed ornamental patterning throughout, produced by the Survey of Egypt as the security printer. The intricate floral designs, geometric borders, and fine engraved work are characteristic of high-security banknote production of the 1940s era.
This specific example is cataloged as Pick #34 with the designation 'PCLB 72a/x'. The red overprint stamp visible on the obverse may indicate a specific overprinted variety or bank cancellation marking, which should be cross-referenced with specialized Lebanese currency catalogs. Serial number 1352 indicates mid-range production run placement. The 'Exceptional Paper Quality' notation from PMG may indicate this particular note batch utilized superior paper stock or preservation, though this is standard for notes in this condition grade.
