100 pounds 1971
Market Prices
2 salesAbout This Note
This is a Syrian Central Bank 100 Pound note from 1971 (AH1391), featuring vibrant green, purple, and pink coloring with exceptional ornate Islamic geometric design work. The obverse depicts the Port of Lattakia with a cargo ship and industrial loading facilities, while the reverse displays a hydroelectric dam landscape scene. The note shows honest circulation wear with creases, folds, and age-related discoloration, consistent with a well-handled note from over 50 years of use, yet retains good visual clarity and color saturation that appeals to collectors of mid-20th century Middle Eastern currency.
Common. The 100 Syrian Pound denomination from 1971 (P-98c) is a standard regular issue with substantial print runs typical of a major denomination in active circulation. Market evidence from eBay sales data shows AUNC examples selling for $40 and PMG 65 grades at $107.50, with 2019 catalog values of $130 for UNC, indicating healthy collector supply at accessible price points. This note circulated extensively and remains readily available to collectors.
This 1971 issue represents Syria's economic development during the early 1970s, a period of significant industrialization and infrastructure investment. The design choice to prominently feature the Port of Lattakia's grain elevator and loading facilities reflects Syria's emphasis on maritime trade and agricultural exports as economic engines. The reverse's depiction of a hydroelectric dam symbolizes the nation's modernization efforts and investment in energy infrastructure during this era of Ba'athist development policy.
The obverse features an industrial maritime vignette depicting the Port of Lattakia grain elevator complex with prominent loading cranes, silos, and a large cargo vessel being serviced at the dock. The design is framed by ornate Islamic geometric border patterns and arabesque motifs with floral corner elements and heraldic emblems. The reverse displays a romantic landscape scene of a river valley with mountains, vegetation, and water features, anchored by a large ornate mandala-style medallion pattern in purple and beige. The entire note is rendered in a sophisticated color palette of greens, purples, pinks, and beiges with continuous '100' denomination repetition forming the outer border.
FRONT: مصرف سورية المركزي (Central Bank of Syria) | مائة ليرة سورية (One Hundred Syrian Pounds) | وزارة الاقتصاد (Ministry of Economy) | ١٣٩١ - ١٩٧١ (1391 Hijri - 1971 Gregorian Calendar) | Serial number 6250876. BACK: Central Bank of Syria (English) | ONE HUNDRED SYRIAN POUNDS (English) | 1971 (English) | 100 (repeated denomination around border).
This note was produced using advanced multi-color intaglio engraving (line engraving) combined with color offset lithography for the background security elements. The fine line guilloche patterns, complex geometric medallion design, and color-separated security printing are characteristic of high-security banknote production typical of Central Bank of Syria issues from this period. The watermark (Arabian horse's head) and detailed engraving work indicate production by a specialized security printer, likely De La Rue or similar European banknote security printer contracted by the Central Bank of Syria.
This is cataloged as Pick-98c, one of three documented variants (P-98a, P-98b, P-98c) for the 100 Pound denomination. The specific variety P-98c is distinguishable by its 1971 date combined with the AH1391 Islamic calendar dating. The observed serial number 6250876 and absence of imprint marking are consistent with the P-98c variety classification. No overprints or signature variations are evident in the observed specimen.
