5 riyals 1973

Common. While this is the first issue of Qatar's currency and historically significant, the eBay market data shows consistent availability across multiple condition grades over the past decade. PMG 67 examples have sold repeatedly ($676 in 2020, $660 in 2019), indicating reasonable supply. Lower-grade examples (VF, F) regularly sell for $20-$50, typical of common early regional currency. The note was produced in sufficient quantities for circulation and remains readily available to collectors.

Issued by the Qatar Monetary Agency in 1973, this note marks the establishment of Qatar's independent monetary system following the country's transition to sovereignty. The depicted fortified building on the reverse represents traditional Qatari architectural heritage and defense structures, while the palm tree emblem on the front symbolizes the nation's cultural identity and economic foundations during the early post-oil boom era.

The obverse features a light pink and beige background with ornate Islamic calligraphic elements and geometric patterns throughout. A distinctive decorative medallion in the center contains a palm tree emblem, symbolizing Qatar's heritage. Dual falcon head watermarks appear on both sides of the note—the falcon being a traditional symbol of Arabian nobility and featured prominently in Qatari heraldry. The denomination '5' appears in ornate numerals in the top left and bottom left corners. The reverse depicts a fortified structure with crenellated defensive walls, arched windows, and architectural details representative of traditional Gulf fortress design, likely referencing the Doha Fort or similar heritage structures. Ornate serpentine and rope-like decorative borders frame both sides, with blue and gold accents complementing the primary pink/beige palette.

Front side: 'مؤسسة النقد القطرى' (Qatar Monetary Agency), 'خمسة ريالات' (Five Riyals), 'وزارة المالية' (Ministry of Finance), and the numeral '5'. Back side: 'THE QATAR MONETARY AGENCY' and 'FIVE RIYALS' in English, with the denomination '5' appearing in multiple locations. The PMG holder includes certification details: 'Exceptional Paper Quality,' grade '67,' reference number '1918174-047,' and verification information for authenticity.

Intaglio printing (recess printing), evidenced by the fine line details, intricate geometric patterns, precise shading in the architectural elements, and the depth of impression characteristic of high-security banknote production. The security features include the falcon watermark integrated into the paper and complex background patterns designed to prevent counterfeiting. This note was likely produced by De La Rue or another major European security printer contracted by the Qatar Monetary Agency for the 1973 series.

Pick P-2, dated 1973 (ND notation indicates no specific print date on the note itself). Serial number visible on the certification holder: 1918174-047. No significant known varieties have been documented for this denomination in the 1973 issue, though variation in serial number prefixes and signatures would constitute different printing runs. The note's placement within a PMG holder confirms the graded specimen's certification as PMG 67 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality).