5 dirhams 1970
Market Prices
71 salesAbout This Note
This is a well-preserved example of Morocco's 1970 5 Dirham note (Pick P-56), printed by Thomas de la Rue in uncirculated condition. The obverse features King Hassan II in formal dress alongside the iconic Ait-Ben-Haddou kasbah, while the reverse depicts an agricultural/industrial processing facility, reflecting Morocco's development focus of the era. The note exhibits sharp printing throughout with no signs of wear, creases, or damage, making it an attractive specimen for collectors of North African currency.
Common. This is a regular issue note from a major printing run by Thomas de la Rue for the Banque du Maroc. eBay market data shows consistent circulation with multiple sales across all condition grades, with UNC examples typically selling between $5–$11.50 and graded examples (PMG 64–67) commanding $16–$52. The steady availability and relatively low realized prices confirm this as a common date with no significant scarcity.
Issued in 1970 (AH 1390), this note commemorates Morocco's post-independence modernization under King Hassan II's reign. The inclusion of Ait-Ben-Haddou—a UNESCO-recognized fortified city near Ouarzazate—symbolizes the nation's cultural heritage, while the reverse's depiction of agricultural processing infrastructure reflects Morocco's economic priorities during this period of development and nation-building.
The obverse features a formal portrait of King Hassan II in three-quarter profile, wearing a Western-style suit and tie, positioned on the left side of the note. The center-right displays the Ait-Ben-Haddou kasbah, a centuries-old fortified adobe settlement with multiple towers and crenellated walls, one of Morocco's most recognizable architectural landmarks. The reverse showcases an agricultural/industrial processing facility with greenhouse structures, organized crop storage areas, and palm trees, illustrating modern agricultural infrastructure. Both sides employ ornamental floral and geometric patterns in the corners with decorative guilloche borders, executed in purple, gray, light blue, and white. The note incorporates bilingual text in Arabic and French/English, reflecting Morocco's linguistic duality.
Front side: 'الدولة المغربية' (The Moroccan State), 'خمسة دراهم' (Five Dirhams), '1970-1390' (Gregorian and Islamic calendar years), serial number 'A80 549368'. Back side: 'BANQUE DU MAROC' (Bank of Morocco), 'CINQ DIRHAMS' (Five Dirhams), denomination '5', 'LES AUTEURS OU COMPLICES DE FALSIFICATION OU DE CONTREFACON DE BILLETS DE BANQUE SERONT PUNIS CONFORMÉMENT AUX LOIS ET ACTES EN VIGUEUR' (The authors or accomplices of falsification or counterfeiting of banknotes will be punished in accordance with the laws and acts in force), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The note exhibits characteristic fine-line engraving with intricate crosshatch patterns, detailed guilloche elements in the decorative corners, and complex background patterns typical of security printing from this era. The sharp, crisp printing quality visible throughout indicates professional banknote security printing standards.
This specimen appears to be the standard P-56a variety (TDLR printer mark). PMG records indicate three catalogued varieties for this Pick number: P-56a (regular), P-56a* (replacement notes with 'Z' prefix serial numbers), and P-56s (specimen). The observed serial number 'A80 549368' indicates this is a regular issued note, not a replacement or specimen variant. No overprints or special markings are visible.
