1 pound 1958
Market Prices
9 salesAbout This Note
This is a Syrian 1 pound note from 1958, issued by the Central Bank of Syria during the early independence period. The note exhibits excellent uncirculated condition with sharp engraving, vibrant colors in beige, brown, and gold tones, and pristine surfaces showing no wear or creases. The obverse features a worker at an industrial lathe representing modernization efforts, while the reverse depicts the iconic Wheel of Hama (noria) on the Orontes River, making this a culturally significant example of mid-20th century Syrian currency design.
Common. This is a regular issue from a major Middle Eastern central bank with substantial circulation during the 1950s. eBay price data shows consistent sales in the $20-32 range for UNC examples (2012-2014), with typical catalog values around $30 for UNC condition as of 2019. The 2023 EF sale at $23 further confirms this note remains readily available and actively traded at modest prices, indicating it was printed in significant quantities and remains common in the collector market.
Issued in 1958 (1377 AH), this note reflects Syria's post-independence economic development and modernization agenda, as evidenced by the prominent depiction of industrial labor on the obverse. The reverse's emphasis on the historic Wheel of Hama—a centuries-old water management symbol—connects Syria's agricultural heritage with contemporary nation-building, representing the balance between traditional resources and modern industrial progress during the period leading up to the 1958 union with Egypt as the United Arab Republic.
The obverse depicts a male worker in profile facing left, dressed in work clothes and operating an industrial lathe or similar machinery, symbolizing Syria's modernization and industrial development. The design incorporates Islamic geometric patterns and architectural elements with a decorative dome motif in the center background, surrounded by ornamental borders featuring fine geometric and floral designs. The reverse features the Wheel of Hama (noria)—the famous large wooden paddle wheel structure used for irrigation on the Orontes River—positioned adjacent to a multi-arched classical stone building, with cypress trees flanking the scene and water elements visible throughout. Both sides employ fine engraved ornamentation with repeated geometric corner motifs characteristic of Arabic numismatic design of the period.
FRONT: 'جمهورية سوريا الديمقراطية الشعبية' (Syrian Arab Republic / Syrian Democratic People's Republic); 'ليرة' (Pound/Lira); 'الجمهورية العربية المتحدة' (United Arab Republic); 'بنك سوريا المركزي' (Central Bank of Syria); '1377-1958' (Islamic and Gregorian calendar dates); Serial numbers '189722' and '189622'. BACK: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA'; 'ONE SYRIAN POUND'; '1 POUND'; '1958'; denomination and issuer information in English.
Intaglio engraving with multi-color printing. The note was produced by The Pakistan Security Printing Corporation Ltd., as indicated in the catalog reference. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and complex architectural details visible throughout both sides demonstrate high-quality intaglio engraving technique typical of security printing of this era.
The observed serial numbers (189722 and 189622) represent the standard serial number variety. The note is dated 1958/AH1377 with the dual dating system visible. No major varieties such as different signatures, significant overprints, or color variations are noted from the visual analysis. The watermark features an Arabian horse's head as standard for this issue. This appears to be from the standard printing run with no identified sub-varieties.
