5 dirhams 1973

Common. The 1973 5 Dirhams Currency Board issue is the base denomination of the first UAE currency series and was produced in substantial quantities. Market evidence from eBay sales data strongly indicates commonality: ungraded examples regularly sell for $5–$20 USD across all grades from VG to VF, with even AUNC and EF specimens typically fetching $24–$62. Only premium-graded examples (PMG 66 and above) command significantly higher prices ($255–$265 based on historical sales), reflecting the rarity of finding this circulated-era note in true gem condition rather than the note itself being scarce. The note remains readily available in the collector market.

The 1973 UAE Currency Board issue represents the early monetary infrastructure of the freshly-federated United Arab Emirates, established in 1971. The note's iconography directly reflects the nation's dual economic pillars: the dhow and maritime traditions represent the historical pearl-diving and trading heritage of the Gulf emirates, while the oil derrick symbolizes the petroleum wealth that transformed the region's economy in the 20th century. Fujairah Fort on the reverse serves as a reminder of the emirates' strategic and historical importance in Arabian Peninsula affairs.

This 5 Dirhams note showcases a sophisticated dual-language design reflecting the UAE's bilingual governance. The obverse features a prominent circular vignette illustrating a stylized Arabian desert landscape with a traditional dhow (Arab sailing vessel) at left, a camel caravan, a palm tree, and an oil derrick—symbolic elements representing maritime heritage, nomadic tradition, and modern petroleum economy. The reverse depicts Fujairah Fort (also known as Al Bidyah Fort or similar fortification), an authentic 16th-century structure with characteristic crenellated walls, multiple defensive towers, and palm trees in a desert setting, emphasizing the emirates' historical military and cultural significance. Both sides are framed with ornate decorative borders in red/pink and gold geometric and floral patterns. The denomination numeral '5' appears in decorative frames in all four corners. The color palette combines warm tones (red, pink, gold, orange) with cool accents (purple, dark blue) on a cream/beige base, creating a visually striking and dignified presentation.

Front side — Arabic: 'لإمارات العربية المتحدة' (United Arab Emirates), 'مجلس النقد' (Currency Board), 'خمسة دراهم' (Five Dirhams), '٥' (5 in Arabic numerals). Back side — English: 'UNITED ARAB EMIRATES', 'CURRENCY BOARD', 'FIVE DIRHAMS', '5'. PMG certification markings: 'Exceptional Paper Quality', grade '66', certification number '1921824-007', reference '2a66E1921824007G'.

Intaglio (recess) engraving combined with multicolor offset lithography, as evidenced by the sharp, fine-line detail work visible throughout the design, the crisp border patterns, and the multi-colored underprint noted in market catalogs. The printer is identified as De la Rue, London (marked as TDLR on the note), one of the world's premier currency printers. Security features include intricate fine-line engraving throughout, ornate border patterns with complex geometric designs, and the Arabian horse's head watermark visible in the paper stock itself.

This specimen is cataloged as Pick P-2a (or P-2 base number) with the TDLR printer mark visible. The PMG Population Report indicates this Pick number (P-2) has multiple cataloged varieties (P-2a, P-2a*, P-2s representing standard, replacement, and specimen notes respectively). The certification reference '2a66E1921824007G' indicates this is a P-2a variety in PMG grade 66 EPQ. The Arabian horse's head watermark and TDLR printer mark are consistent with the De la Rue printing for the initial Currency Board series. No overprints, signatures, or date variations are visible on this example.