50 pounds 1958

Common. The 1958 50 Pound note (Pick 90a) was a regular issue of the Central Bank of Syria with no documented restrictions, recalls, or exceptionally limited print runs. Secondary market data from eBay transactions shows notes in Fine condition selling for approximately $63 and UNC examples for $193.50, with 2019 catalog values of $40 (VF) and $175 (UNC). These moderate price points and relatively regular availability in the collector market indicate this is a standard, commonly available issue from Syria's early republican period.

Issued in 1958 during the early period of the Syrian Republic (corresponding to 1377 in the Islamic calendar), this banknote reflects Syria's agricultural heritage through its prominent cotton harvest imagery—a cornerstone of the Syrian economy. The reverse's depiction of Damascus's religious and architectural landmarks, particularly the mosques with their distinctive domes and minarets, emphasizes the cultural and spiritual significance of the capital during this formative period of Syrian independence and nation-building.

The obverse features a woman in traditional Syrian dress with a head covering, depicted in an agricultural setting among mature cotton plants, holding what appears to be flatbread above her head—a symbolic representation of Syria's cotton production and rural labor. The reverse presents a panoramic cityscape of Damascus dominated by Ottoman-era Islamic architecture, including the Sultan Selim Mosque visible through its characteristic domed structure and multiple minarets rising from the urban skyline. Decorative circular medallions containing the denomination '50' appear in the upper corners of the obverse, while heraldic lion figures flank the bottom corners of the reverse. The entire design is framed by ornamental geometric borders typical of mid-20th century Arabic banknote design.

Front Side: 'مصرف سورية المركزي' (Central Bank of Syria), 'جمهورية سورية' (Syrian Republic), '١٩٥٨ - ١٣٧٧' (1958 - 1377 AH), '٥٠' (50 in Arabic numerals), Serial number 'D/F 0115842'. Back Side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SYRIA', 'FIFTY SYRIAN POUNDS', '50' (denomination), 'POUNDS', '1958' (issue year).

Intaglio (engraved) banknote printing by Joh. Enschede (marked as JEZ on the note), Netherlands' premier security printer. The note exhibits the hallmarks of fine line engraving with intricate hatching, detailed architectural rendering, and complex geometric patterns throughout, all characteristic of high-security intaglio production methods employed to prevent counterfeiting.

This note is cataloged as Pick 90a by standard references. The PMG population report identifies two variants: P-90a (standard) and P-90s (specimen), both printed by JEZ. The specimen variant (P-90s) would feature overprints or perforations marking it as a non-circulating example. The examined note, graded PMG 65 EPQ, represents the standard circulation variety (P-90a). Serial number 'D/F 0115842' indicates this specific note's position within the production run, though no serial number varieties are documented as significant for this issue.