1 livre 1939

Common. eBay auction data shows consistent sales activity from 2011-2022, with VF specimens selling for $10.50-$45 USD depending on market conditions, and 2016 catalogue values listing VF at $45 and UNC at $125. The regular auction activity, modest pricing, and multiple catalogued variants (P-40a through P-40f) all indicate robust supply. This is a straightforward circulating issue from a major bank during a significant historical period, not a scarce overprint or short-run variety.

This note was issued during the transitional period of French mandate in Syria, just as World War II commenced in Europe. The imagery deliberately showcases Syrian cultural heritage—the Palmyrene columns and Beirut landscape—to establish national identity during a period of political transition. The redemption clause referencing French francs and Paris reflects Syria's monetary and financial ties to France during the final year of the mandate period before Syria's path toward independence.

The obverse features a classical architectural vignette of the Columns of Palmyra on the left, rendered in fine engraved detail with ornamental wreath designs flanking the structure. Two oval portrait medallions appear in the upper right—one depicting a female profile and one a male profile, likely representing allegorical figures or historical Syrian/Lebanese personalities. The design employs a dominant green coloration with red and cream accents, geometric border patterns, and floral corner motifs typical of French security printing of the era. The reverse presents a panoramic landscape view of Beirut (or regional mountain valley), centered within a scalloped ornamental frame, rendered in red and pink tones with decorative corner rosettes and fine-line engraved detail throughout.

FRONT: 'SYRIE' (Syria), 'BANQUE DE SYRIE ET DU LIBAN' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon), 'UNE LIVRE' (One Pound), 'واحدة' (One/Unity), 'REMBOURABLE AU PORTEUR CONTRE 20 FRANCS EN CHÈQUE SUR PARIS' (Redeemable to bearer for 20 francs by check on Paris), 'تدفع لحامل شيك على باريس بقيمة عشرين فرنكاً' (Payable to bearer by check on Paris for twenty francs), 'DAMAS 1ER SEPTEMBRE 1939' (Damascus, September 1st, 1939). Serial numbers: FG 062,062. Signatures present: ARMEBLARD and Hillisson. BACK: 'بنك سوريا ولبنان' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon), 'LIVRE' (Pound), 'واحدة' (One).

Steel engraving with intaglio printing, characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., the prominent British security printer. The note exhibits the signature fine-line engraved patterns, multiple decorative borders with security-style line work, and detailed landscape/architectural vignettes typical of BWC production. The overprint 'SYRIE' in red Type D style is separately applied, indicating a multi-stage production process common for mandate currency modifications.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-40e, one of five identified variants (P-40a through P-40f) for the 1939 1 Livre issue. The specific variety is likely distinguished by signature combinations or minor overprint variations, as all variants share the same Bradbury Wilkinson printer and September 1, 1939 date. The 'SYRIE' overprint in red Type D is consistent across the series. Serial number FG 062,062 places this in what appears to be a mid-range serial block. Without access to detailed Pick catalog descriptions differentiating the variants, the exact distinguishing characteristic of the P-40e variety cannot be specified from visual analysis alone.