5 livres 1939

Common. This is a regular-issue note from the Banque de Syrie et du Liban with substantial circulation during the Mandate period and afterward. eBay market data provides definitive guidance: specimens in VF condition have sold for $14.50-$65 (with 2016 catalog value at $65 VF), placing them in the affordable collector range. The catalog value of $65 for VF against typical selling prices of $14-22 indicates steady but not scarce supply. The note was issued in considerable quantities by a major issuing bank operating for several decades, and specimens survive regularly in collections. The Pick 41e designation with the 'e' suffix indicates this is one of multiple variants of the 5 Livres note, suggesting substantial print runs across the series.

This note represents a critical moment in Levantine monetary history, issued on September 1, 1939—the very day Nazi Germany invaded Poland and World War II began in Europe. The Banque de Syrie et du Liban (Bank of Syria and Lebanon), established under the French Mandate, maintained dual-language inscriptions reflecting the post-Ottoman administrative structure and Franco-Arab cultural co-existence. The redemption clause promising conversion to 100 francs on Paris reflects the note's backing by the French financial system and the economic ties binding French Mandate territories to metropolitan France during this period of geopolitical upheaval.

The obverse features a classical Renaissance revival design characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson production. Twin heraldic lions occupying the top left and right corners symbolize strength and sovereignty. The central composition consists of nested ornamental frames with intricate geometric guilloche patterns in tan, blue, pink, and gold, framing the denomination and issuer information. The note employs strict bilingual presentation with French and Arabic text in balanced layout. The reverse presents an oval vignette depicting an aerial landscape view—likely representing Beirut (Beyrouth) as indicated in the catalog, showing the urban settlement with buildings and terrain rendered in fine engraving detail. The reverse border employs green outer framing with burgundy and blue decorative elements, incorporating classical corner ornaments and stylized botanical motifs suggesting cedars or palm vegetation. The cedar reference aligns with Lebanon's national symbolism, visible in the decorative elements throughout.

FRONT: 'SYRIE' (Syria); 'BANQUE DE SYRIE ET DU LIBAN' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon) in French with Arabic equivalent 'بنك سوريا و لبنان'; 'CINQ LIVRES' / 'خمس ليرات' (Five Livres in French and Arabic); '5 LIVRES' / '٥ ليرات' (5 Livres in both scripts); 'REMBOURSABLE AU PORTEUR CONTRE 100 FRANCS EN CHÈQUE SUR PARIS' (Redeemable to bearer against 100 francs in check on Paris); 'DAMAS 1ER SEPTEMBRE 1939' / 'الدمشق' (Damascus, September 1st, 1939); Serial number 'No EV064102'. BACK: 'بنك سوريا و لبنان' (Bank of Syria and Lebanon in Arabic); '5 LIVRES' / '٥ ليرات' (5 Livres denomination marking in both languages).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Company Limited, New Malden, the preeminent British security printer of the era. The note demonstrates characteristic features of high-security intaglio production: intricate fine-line engraving throughout, complex cross-hatching and guilloche patterns providing counterfeiting deterrence, precise multi-color printing requiring careful registration and color separation, and fine detail work evident in both the landscape vignette and decorative borders. The depth and crisp impression of the engraved lines, visible in the high-quality reproduction, confirm traditional intaglio technology rather than lithography.

This specimen represents Pick 41e, the specific cataloged variety of the 5 Livres note dated September 1, 1939. The serial number 'EV064102' with the 'EV' prefix indicates the note's position within the printing sequence; serial number prefixes, denominations, and signature combinations typically delineate distinct varieties for this issuer. The absence of visible overprints or secondary markings (beyond standard bank markings) and the standard design elements confirm this is the base variety for the 1939 issue rather than a subsequent printing or variant. The blue stamp/mark visible on the left side of the obverse may represent a bank or governmental control mark applied during circulation in the Levantine region, but does not constitute a distinct cataloged variety.