25 pounds 1973
Market Prices
11 salesAbout This Note
This Syrian 25 Pounds note from 1973 is a well-preserved example of mid-20th century Middle Eastern currency design, graded PMG 66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated). The obverse features a blue-purple palette with a weaver or worker at the loom on the left, while the reverse showcases the impressive classical ruins of Bosra's Roman amphitheatre. The note exhibits crisp printing, pristine surfaces free from wear or creasing, and excellent color vibrancy consistent with its gem uncirculated rating.
Common. Secondary market data shows consistent sales activity with UNC examples selling in the $45-65 range and PMG 66 examples at approximately $115 (2017 data point). The 2019 catalogue value of $140 for UNC reflects moderate collector demand but abundant availability. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuing periods exists for this Pick number. The regular circulation of multiple eBay sales and broad pricing range indicates this is a standard issue without scarcity factors.
This note was issued during the early years of the Syrian Arab Republic's monetary independence, featuring imagery that celebrated the nation's industrial development and its rich Greco-Roman heritage. The weaver on the obverse represents Syria's traditional textile industries and labor force, while the Bosra amphitheatre on the reverse—one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the Middle East—symbolizes the country's ancient civilizational legacy and cultural pride during the Ba'athist period of 1973.
The obverse features a male portrait of a weaver or textile worker in profile or three-quarter view positioned on the left side, rendered against a background depicting agricultural or industrial landscape with radiating lines suggesting wheat fields or labor activity. This reflects Syria's economic focus on traditional crafts and agriculture. The reverse showcases the Bosra amphitheatre, a magnificently preserved Roman theatre structure featuring tall Corinthian or classical columns with a multi-tiered colonnade and visible architectural foundations. An ornate decorative border in purple, orange, and gold tones frames the left margin of the reverse. Both sides employ intricate geometric corner ornaments and circular medallion designs serving as decorative and security elements.
Front (Obverse): مصرف سورية المركزي (Central Bank of Syria); خمسة وعشرون جنيهاً سورياً (Twenty-Five Syrian Pounds); Serial number: S/18 5733328; Corner denomination in Arabic numerals: ١٠ (10). Back (Reverse): Central Bank of Syria; Twenty-Five Syrian Pounds; Denomination: 25 (in all four corners); Issue date: 1973.
Multi-color offset lithography with sophisticated color separation, producing distinct blue-purple, cream, beige, orange, and gold tones. The complex background pattern work, fine detail in the architectural rendering, and ornate border designs indicate professional-grade security printing typical of 1970s Central Bank note production. The watermark of an Arabian horse's head, mentioned in the security features, confirms advanced anti-counterfeiting measures employed by the Central Bank of Syria's designated security printer.
Pick 96c designation indicates this is the third catalogued variety of the 25 Pounds 1973 issue. The visual specimen shows serial number prefix S/18, which may be one identifying characteristic of this specific variety. The note is identified as a Regular Issue with date 1973/AH1393, consistent with standard Central Bank of Syria production of this denomination. PMG population records indicate minimal variants for this base Pick number, with only one variant catalogued (P-96cts). This particular example's serial number and any signature varieties would require cross-reference with specialized Pick catalogue editions to determine exact variety classification.
