5 livres 1939

Common. This is a regular issue note from the Banque de Syrie et du Liban with no evidence of limited mintage or recall. eBay market data shows typical pricing for this denomination in VF condition ranging from $15-$89 depending on specific sales, with 2016 catalog values listing VF at $65. The wide range of sales at modest prices indicates adequate supply in the market. This is a standard circulating issue of the period with no numismatic scarcity factors.

Issued at the moment of World War II's outbreak in Europe, this note represents the Banque de Syrie et du Liban during a critical transition period for the Levantine territories. The cedar tree on the obverse and the panoramic cityscape (likely Beirut) on the reverse reflect the dual Syrian-Lebanese identity of the issuing bank and the region's cultural heritage. The notation of redemption value in French francs against Paris reflects the continued financial ties to France, which held League of Nations mandates over both territories at this time.

The obverse features a finely engraved design with ornamental borders of geometric and floral patterns in tan, beige, and gold tones. Two horses appear in decorative circular medallions in the upper left and right corners, representing strength and prestige. A cedar of Lebanon is positioned on the right side, serving as the primary national symbol. The center area displays the denomination and issuer information in both French and Arabic scripts, with handwritten signatures and stamps indicating official authorization. Red diagonal security stripes cross the entire note. The reverse presents an elaborate landscape vignette in the center depicting an aerial or panoramic view of a Levantine city (identified as Beirut from catalog references) with buildings and vegetation in a valley setting, framed by ornate borders. Large ornamental sunburst/rosette medallions appear in all corners. The color palette includes cream, green, brown, red, and gold tones characteristic of the period's banknote design.

FRONT: 'SYRIE' (Syria), 'BANQUE DE SYRIE ET DU LIBAN' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon) in French with Arabic equivalent 'بنك سوريا ولبنان', 'CINQ LIVRES' / 'خمسة ليرات' (Five Livres in French and Arabic), 'REMBOURSABLE AU PORTEUR CONTRE 100 FRANCS EN CHEQUE SUR PARIS' (Redeemable to bearer against 100 francs in check on Paris), 'DAMAS 1ER SEPTEMBRE 1939' (Damascus 1st September 1939), serial number 'No K w 048.740', 'BRADBURY WILKINSON & CO GRAVEURS LONDRE' (Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Engravers London). BACK: '5 LIVRES' / 'ليرات' (5 Livres), 'بنك سوريا ولبنان' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon in Arabic), 'BRADBURY WILKINSON & CO GRAVEURS LONDRES' (Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Engravers London).

The note was produced using intaglio engraving, the primary security printing method of the era. This is evidenced by the fine line patterns, mesh designs, and intricate detail visible throughout both the borders and central vignettes. The engraving work was executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co of London, a premier security printer of the 20th century. The red diagonal security stripes appear to be an integral part of the design rather than applied separately, likely created during the intaglio process.

Pick 41c designation indicates this is the third known variety of the 5 Livres 1939 issue. The specific serial number prefix 'K w' suggests a particular printing batch. The exact printing varieties for this Pick number typically relate to signature combinations, date variants, or serial number series, though without access to comprehensive variety catalogs, the precise distinguishing characteristics of variety 'c' cannot be definitively specified from the images alone. The serial number 'No K w 048.740' should be cross-referenced with pick catalog variety tables for definitive variety identification.