5 pounds 1982

Common. While eBay sales data shows some price variation ($2-$12 for UNC notes in recent years, with a notable $51 outlier in 2016), the average market price remains low ($2-$3 range according to 2019 catalog values and most recent sales). The note was issued during a 15-year period (1977-1991), suggesting substantial print runs. PMG population data shows only one variant cataloged, but the consistent availability of examples in the market and modest pricing indicate this is a standard circulating issue with no significant rarity factors. No evidence of recall, special issue status, or limited production supports the common classification.

Issued during the rule of the Syrian Arab Republic under President Hafez al-Assad, this 1982 note commemorates Syria's rich classical heritage and agricultural economy through its carefully selected iconography. The Bosra amphitheater on the obverse represents the country's Roman-era architectural legacy, while the cotton harvest imagery on the reverse emphasizes the critical role of agriculture and textile production in Syria's economy during the early 1980s. This design language reflects the Syrian government's intent to connect modern national identity with both ancient prestige and contemporary economic foundations.

The obverse features the well-preserved amphitheater of Bosra (Busra), a significant Roman-era structure dating to the 2nd century AD, centered on the note and depicted with classical architectural precision. To the right stands the statue of Allāt-Minerva from the National Museum of Damascus, representing a female warrior deity in classical Greco-Roman style dress, symbolizing the synthesis of Hellenistic and Syrian cultural traditions. The reverse depicts scenes of cotton harvesting and manual spinning, with workers engaged in agricultural labor using traditional equipment and baskets, emphasizing the textile industry's importance to the Syrian economy. Both sides are framed with intricate geometric borders and Islamic-style ornamental patterns rendered in green, gray, black, blue, and cream tones, creating a cohesive design that balances classical antiquity with contemporary imagery.

Front side: 'جمهورية سوريا الشعبية' (Syrian Arab Republic); 'خمسة وعشرون ليرة سورية' (Twenty-five Syrian Pounds) [note: visual analysis indicates this inscription, though denomination should be 5 Pounds]; '١٩٨٢' (1982); Serial number marking '٢٥١٠'. Back side: 'Central Bank of Syria' (English); 'Five Syrian Pounds' (English); '5' (numeral); '1982' (date). The discrepancy between the visual transcription of '25 Pounds' and the catalog denomination of '5 Pounds' suggests potential transcription error in the visual analysis; the Pick catalog and issuer data confirm this is a 5 Pound note.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) combined with multicolor offset printing. The fine line work visible throughout the design, particularly in the architectural details of the amphitheater, the delicate features of the Allāt-Minerva statue, and the intricate geometric patterns, is characteristic of high-security banknote production. The layered multicolor underprint and careful color registration indicate professional security printing standards typical of Central Bank of Syria issues from this period. The detailed engraving and ornamental complexity would have been executed by a specialized security printer, likely De La Rue or a similar establishment printer, though specific attribution for this Pick number would require additional documentation.

This is cataloged as Pick P-100c, representing the 1982 dated variety of the 5 Pound denomination. The note shows the inscription '١٩٨٢' (1982 in Arabic numerals) on the obverse. No significant varieties are noted in standard catalogs for this specific Pick number, though signature and serial number prefix variations may exist within the 1982 issue. The watermark features an Arabian horse's head, which is consistent across this issue series. Further research into serial number ranges and signature combinations would be required to identify specific sub-varieties within the 1982 printing.