50 piastres 1980

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows this denomination and condition regularly selling in the $11.50-$20 range for UNC examples, with multiple recorded sales over a span of years (2014-2020), indicating adequate supply in the collector market. The 1980 issue was part of a standard circulation series by the Bank of Sudan, and no evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuance exists. The catalog valuation of $20 for UNC confirms its status as an accessible, commonly encountered note rather than a scarce or rare variety.

This 1980 issue represents Sudan's monetary system during the early years following the 1971 Central Bank of Sudan Act, when the country was establishing its independent central banking authority. The choice to feature the Bank of Sudan building on the obverse and the University of Khartoum on the reverse reflects the nation's emphasis on both financial institutional development and educational advancement during this period. The January 1980 date places this note at a transitional moment in Sudan's economic history, prior to major currency restructuring in subsequent decades.

The obverse features the Bank of Sudan building, an imposing classical structure with columned portico, multiple stories, and ornamental balconies centered on the note. The building is flanked by circular ornamental seals containing the numeral 50, with decorative floral/botanical motifs on the margins and geometric security patterns in the borders. The reverse depicts the University of Khartoum, rendered as an Islamic architectural landmark with characteristic two-story arched galleries featuring five large arched openings, crenellated roofline, and a dome or tower structure. Palm trees frame the architectural composition, and small figures are visible in the courtyard, emphasizing the institutional significance of this educational landmark. Both sides employ fine-line engraving with sophisticated security printing patterns including cross-hatching and geometric backgrounds.

Front: 'بنك السودان' (Bank of Sudan); 'خمسيــن ســتــا' (Fifty Piastres in Arabic numerals); 'الخرطوم' (Khartoum); 'يناير ١٩٨٠' (January 1980); Serial number 'B 52336385'; 'P.T. 50' (50 Piastres abbreviation). Back: 'BANK OF SUDAN' (English); 'FIFTY PASTRES' (English); '50' (denomination numeral). The front contains additional guidance text in Arabic providing explanatory information about the banknote.

Intaglio engraving, executed by De la Rue Company (noted as TDLR - Thomas De la Rue), London, the world's premier banknote security printer of the period. The note exhibits characteristic De la Rue hallmarks: fine-line engraving with intricate geometric security patterns, detailed cross-hatching for security purposes, multiple color printing from separate plates, and circular watermark area indicators positioned in the corners. The multicolor underprint on green stock demonstrates the layered security printing approach typical of De la Rue's work in this era.

This note represents the 1980 issue date variant of Pick P-12c, as indicated by the 'يناير ١٩٨٠' (January 1980) inscription and matching catalog designation. The serial number 'B 52336385' indicates the 'B' series prefix. Known varieties for this Pick number include different date issues (the catalog range spans 1970-1980) and signature varieties by different Bank of Sudan officials. The specific example shown represents the later 1980 date variety with the 'B' series prefix; other prefix letters (A, C, etc.) may exist representing different printing stages or signature combinations.