1 dinar 1972 specimen

Common. While specimen notes are technically not circulated and represent a smaller subset of production compared to regular issue notes, this 1972 Tunisian 1 dinar specimen is not exceptionally rare. eBay market data shows comparable PMG-graded specimens selling in the $200-$400 range, with 2019 catalog values for UNC specimens listed at approximately $40. The note's availability in the collector market and moderate pricing indicate it is readily obtainable for collectors of Tunisian currency or specimen notes.

Issued on August 19, 1972, this banknote commemorates a pivotal moment in post-independence Tunisia under President Habib Bourguiba's rule. The imagery—featuring Bourguiba as Head of State alongside the iconic Minaret of Monastir—reflects the nation's cultural heritage and political leadership during the early 1970s. The dual-language presentation (Arabic and French) underscores Tunisia's positioning between traditional Islamic identity and French colonial legacy during this transitional period.

The obverse features a formal portrait of President Habib Bourguiba positioned on the right side in profile, wearing a business suit and tie, rendered with fine line engraving characteristic of De la Rue's work. On the left side appears the Ribat of Monastir, an important Islamic architectural landmark. The reverse displays a portrait of a woman wearing traditional Tunisian Islamic dress including a decorative veil and ornamental jewelry, positioned centrally-right. The left side shows the Minaret of the Great Mosque at Monastir, a prominent cylindrical tower with Islamic architectural detailing. Both sides are unified by intricate geometric patterns, Arabic calligraphic ornaments, and diamond and star-shaped decorative elements forming the background security design. The predominant color scheme of pink, mauve, and purple creates a cohesive aesthetic throughout.

Front side: 'البنك الدولي التونسي' (Banque Centrale de Tunisie / Central Bank of Tunisia); 'SPECIMEN' (English specimen designation); '1' (denomination); '19-8-1972' (issue date); 'حافظ رئيس الدولة' (President/Head of State); '000000' (serial number placeholder for specimen). Back side: 'BANQUE CENTRALE DE TUNISIE' (Central Bank of Tunisia in French); 'SPECIMEN' (English specimen designation); 'UN DINAR' (One Dinar in French); '1' (denomination numeral); 'DE LA RUE' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), the standard high-security printing method employed by De la Rue, London. The fine line work visible in both portraiture and background patterns, combined with the complex geometric and calligraphic designs, are hallmarks of traditional intaglio production. The precision of the denomination numerals, text clarity, and layered color application (multicolor underprint with primary mauve/purple overlay) indicate professional security printing using multiple passes and carefully controlled inking.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-67s (the 's' suffix denoting specimen status). The visual analysis confirms the specimen overprint in red diagonal text on both obverse and reverse. Serial numbers are rendered as '000000' placeholders, standard for specimen notes not intended for circulation. The printer attribution 'DE LA RUE' and date '19-8-1972' are consistent with the Pick catalog designation of P-67a. No significant varieties (such as signature variations or date differences) are apparent in this specimen example.