1 livre 1939

Common. eBay market data shows VF examples selling in the $30-45 range with modest auction activity, and catalog values place VF specimens at $45 (2016), indicating steady but not exceptional demand. The note was issued by an established central banking authority with presumably substantial print runs to support circulation in the Syria-Lebanon currency union. The absence of any notation of rarity in PMG population reports and the availability of multiple variants (P-40a through P-40f) further support a common classification.

Issued on the eve of World War II during the French Mandate period in Syria and Lebanon, this note represents the banking infrastructure of the Levant prior to the region's full independence. The depicted architectural landmark—the Columns of Baalbek—symbolized the region's classical heritage, while the Beirut cityscape on the reverse reflected the importance of Lebanon's principal port and commercial center to the currency union of Syria and Lebanon under French oversight.

The obverse features a classical architectural scene on the left depicting the Columns of Baalbek (Baalbak), a UNESCO-designated Roman temple complex in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, rendered in precise intaglio engraving with fluted details characteristic of Corinthian capitals. The right side presents denomination and issuing authority text against a pink and mauve background with ornate scrollwork and decorative rosette patterns. The reverse displays a panoramic landscape scene of Beirut at center in red and rose tones, framed by ornate geometric borders in cream and gold, with horses depicted in the upper portion of the landscape vignette and corner medallions containing the denomination numeral '1'. Both sides employ bilingual inscriptions in French and Arabic, reflecting the dual administrative and cultural context of the French Mandate.

Front side: 'SYRIE' (Syria); 'BANQUE DE SYRIE ET DU LIBAN' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon); 'UNE LIVRE' (One Pound); 'DAMAS 1ER SEPTEMBRE 1939' (Damascus September 1st 1939); 'REMBOURSABLE AU PORTEUR CONTRE 20 FRANCS EN CHÈQUE SUR PARIS' (Redeemable to bearer against 20 francs by check on Paris); Arabic equivalent text 'بنك سوريا و لبنان' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon); Serial number 'N°0029.284'. Back side: Denomination '1 LIVRE' (One Pound) and 'بنك سوريا و لبنان' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon in Arabic).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Company (BWC), the renowned security printer of New Malden, England. The note exhibits characteristic fine line work, complex geometric patterns, and intricate scrollwork typical of high-security banknote production of the period. Multiple decorative borders, ornamental rosettes, and fine stippling throughout provide additional anti-counterfeiting measures.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-40a, the standard variety printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Company. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic features of P-40a: absence of line overprint (distinguishing it from other variants), green and multicolor obverse with Baalbek columns, and red reverse with Beirut cityscape. Serial number observed as N°0029.284. PMG population data indicates five catalogued variants exist (P-40a, P-40b, P-40c, P-40e, P-40f), though the specific distinguishing characteristics between these variants are not detailed in available references; collectors should consult specialized Syrian currency catalogs for variant attribution details.