10 pounds 1982

Common. This note from the standard 1977-1991 circulation series shows substantial print runs evidenced by multiple eBay sales at modest prices ($0.99-$3.01 typical for UNC examples in recent years, with catalog value listed at $3 in 2019). The denomination, date range, and lack of special overprints or limited issue characteristics all indicate this is a readily available banknote in the collector market.

Issued during the 1977-1991 series by the Central Bank of Syria, this banknote reflects the nation's dual heritage—the ornate Islamic architecture of the Al-Azem Palace representing Damascus's historical significance, while the industrial facility on the reverse symbolizes Syria's modernization efforts and resource development during the early 1980s. The choice of water treatment infrastructure highlights the critical importance of desalination and water management in Syria's arid climate and economic strategy of that era.

The obverse features the Al-Azem Palace (Qasr al-Azem) of Damascus, an 18th-century Ottoman mansion, depicted in architectural detail at the center with characteristic arches and classical Islamic design elements. A figure in traditional Syrian robes stands at right, representing cultural identity. The reverse showcases an industrial water desalination or treatment plant with prominent storage tanks, processing equipment, pipelines, and a working crane—illustrating Syria's infrastructure modernization. An ornamental decorative urn appears on the lower left of the reverse. The design incorporates ornate guilloche patterns and Islamic geometric motifs throughout the borders in green and beige against a purple/mauve primary color scheme, with the Arabian horse watermark visible in large circular areas on both sides.

FRONT: 'مصرف سورية المركزي' (Central Bank of Syria); 'عشرة جنيهات سورية' (Ten Syrian Pounds); Serial number visible: 7279746; Year marking: 1985 (note: discrepancy with catalog date of 1982). BACK: 'Central Bank of Syria' (English); 'Ten Syrian Pounds' (English); Denomination: '10' (numerals); Year marking: 1982.

Intaglio (offset lithography with intaglio elements) combined with security printing techniques. The banknote displays characteristic multi-color offset printing with layered security elements including guilloche patterns, geometric underprints, and watermark integration. This series was typically produced by the Central Bank of Syria's security printing division or contracted security printers experienced in currency production.

This specific example is Pick-101c, representing a cataloged variety within the 1982 10 Pound issue. The serial number 7279746 is visible on this specimen. A dating discrepancy is noted between the obverse (showing 1985) and reverse (showing 1982), which may indicate a later printing variant or known variety for this Pick number. Collectors should verify whether this date variation is a recognized cataloged variety for P-101c.