5 dinars 1958

Common. The eBay sales data provided demonstrates consistent market activity with numerous transactions over the past decade, with VF examples selling in the $10-20 range in recent years and catalogue values at $37.50 for VF condition (2016 reference). The regular circulation of this denomination and the substantial print run typical of early post-independence currency issues ensure adequate availability in numismatic markets. This is a standard, widely collected issue with no evidence of short print runs or scarcity factors.

Issued by the Banque Centrale de Tunisie in 1958, just two years after Tunisia achieved independence from France in 1956, this note represents the new nation's establishment of monetary sovereignty under President Bourguiba's leadership. The bridge depicted on the obverse symbolizes national infrastructure development during the early independence period, while the reverse's classical Islamic archways and coat of arms (featuring the crescent moon symbol central to Tunisia's national identity) emphasize the country's cultural and historical continuity. The bilingual French-Arabic inscriptions reflect Tunisia's post-colonial transition while maintaining French as an administrative language.

The obverse features a formal portrait of President Habib Bourguiba positioned on the right side in traditional suit and white collar, rendered in sharp detail typical of mid-20th century engraving. The dominant left-side image depicts a major arched bridge with multiple classical spans, symbolizing national development and infrastructure. The reverse showcases a classical Islamic colonnade or arcade with repeating arches and supporting columns, likely representing a significant historical monument or mosque interior. The national coat of arms appears in the upper right of the reverse, incorporating a crescent moon symbol with shield design elements and scales. An olive branch with detailed leaf work ornaments the right side of the reverse. Both sides feature elaborate Islamic geometric border patterns with ornamental corner elements. The entire design is executed in grayscale and brown tones with cream/off-white paper stock.

FRONT: 'الدولة التونسية' (The State of Tunisia) - sovereign state designation; 'محافظ البنك' (Bank Governor) - official title notation; additional Arabic inscriptions relating to bank authority and governance; serial number elements '254129' and letter 'C' with corresponding numeric reference '354139'. BACK: 'BANQUE CENTRALE DE TUNISIE' (Central Bank of Tunisia) - issuing authority in French; 'CINQ DINARS' (Five Dinars) - denomination in French; '5' - numeric denomination indicator.

The note employs traditional steel engraving (intaglio) printing, evident from the fine line work visible throughout the portrait details, architectural elements, and border patterns. The crisp, detailed rendering of Bourguiba's facial features, the intricate geometric patterns of the bridge's arches, and the fine-lined colonnade architecture on the reverse are characteristic of high-quality engraved banknote production. The complex border designs and security line work patterns indicate professional banknote production by a European security printer, consistent with Tunisian currency practices of the 1950s.

The observed specimen features serial number prefix 'C' with numbers 254129/354139. PMG population records indicate two catalogued variants (P-59 and P-59s), with the 's' designation typically indicating specimen notes. The specific variety of this example corresponds to P-59 regular issue, non-specimen. Serial number prefixes and specific signature varieties may exist across the 1958 issue range, but the example analyzed represents a standard circulation variety of this Pick number.