1 pound 1967
Market Prices
11 salesAbout This Note
This is a Syrian 1 pound note from 1967 (Pick P-93b) issued by the Central Bank of Syria, presented in AU (About Uncirculated) condition. The note features excellent preservation with sharp, clear engraving throughout and no visible wear, creases, or damage. The obverse depicts a worker in profile with industrial machinery in the background, while the reverse showcases the famous water wheel (noria) of Hama on the Orontes River—an iconic symbol of Syrian heritage—making this a visually distinctive and historically significant piece.
Common. eBay market data shows this note in various grades selling consistently in the $1–$67 range, with VF and UNC examples regularly moving at modest prices ($4–$32 for graded examples, $0.99–$10.50 for ungraded). The series ran from 1963–1982 with substantial print runs. This is a standard circulating issue with no known scarcity, short print run, or recall status. High-grade examples like this AU specimen are desirable but not rare.
This note was issued during 1967, a pivotal year in Syrian history following the Ba'ath Party consolidation of power. The imagery reflects the post-independence nation's emphasis on modernization and labor—the worker portrait on the obverse symbolizes the socialist-influenced economic policies of the era. The reverse's depiction of the Hama water wheel, an ancient engineering marvel spanning centuries, grounds the modern state's currency in Syria's rich historical and cultural legacy along the Orontes River.
The obverse features a portrait of a worker in three-quarter profile facing right, wearing a collared shirt, positioned prominently on the right side of the note. Behind the portrait is detailed engraving of industrial or mechanical equipment, representing labor and economic progress. The reverse depicts the celebrated Noria (water wheel) of Hama, a traditional engineering marvel used for centuries to lift water from the Orontes River for irrigation. An aqueduct with multiple arches appears to the left of the wheel, with cypress trees framing the scene in the background, evoking the riverine landscape of central Syria. Both sides are framed with ornate geometric borders in gold and tan tones, employing classical numismatic design elements typical of mid-20th century Arab currency.
Front: 'الجمهورية العربية السورية' (Syrian Arab Republic); 'لـيـرة' (Pound/Lira); serial numbers in Arabic numerals. Back: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA' (English); 'ONE SYRIAN POUND' (English); '1967' (English numerals); 'POUND' repeated. The note carries bilingual inscriptions reflecting Syria's positioning as a modern Arab state with international banking standards.
Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), characteristic of high-security banknote production. The detailed line work, fine background shading, and complex decorative borders visible throughout both sides indicate professional banknote printing with anti-counterfeiting measures typical of Central Bank of Syria currency from this period. The sharp, crisp detail and consistent ink application suggest production by an established security printer, likely De La Rue or similar European banknote printer contracted by the Central Bank.
Pick P-93b is identified as the standard variety for this denomination and date. The PMG population report indicates P-93b (regular issue) and P-93s (specimen) variants exist. The visual analysis shows 'CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA' in English on the reverse, consistent with the cataloged P-93b type. The 1967 date and AH1387 Islamic calendar notation are confirmed. Serial numbers visible in the images appear standard; no overprints or special markings indicative of P-93s specimen status are present, confirming this as a regular issue P-93b.
