1 dinar 1965

Common. While issued during a brief political period (1965-1967 pre-independence), this is a regular circulation issue from an established currency authority with apparent healthy print runs. The eBay pricing data indicates UNC examples have sold in the $73-$375 range, with multiple examples reaching the market over several years, suggesting adequate supply in the collector market. The denomination (1 dinar) and lack of reports of recalls or extreme scarcity support a common classification despite its historical interest.

Issued by the South Arabian Currency Authority in 1965, this note represents the monetary system of South Arabia during the final years before the territory's political transformation. The dhow depicted on the obverse symbolizes the region's maritime heritage and trade importance, while the palm tree and flowering plants on the reverse reflect the geographical character of the Arabian Peninsula. This currency was produced at a pivotal moment in South Arabia's political history, shortly before the establishment of the People's Republic of South Yemen in 1967.

The obverse features a picturesque maritime landscape dominated by a traditional Arab dhow with billowing white sail, depicted on calm waters with a coastal settlement visible in the background and mountains rising beyond. Ornamental floral and geometric patterns form decorative borders on both sides, with wave pattern ornamentation along the top and bottom margins. A large circular watermark area appears on the left side. The reverse showcases a botanical composition centered on a mature palm tree with flowering plants (likely Arabian jasmine) in the lower left, set against a stylized desert landscape, with corner denomination symbols ('1' with pound/dinar notation) and similar fine engraving security patterns throughout. Both sides employ intricate crosshatch and dot patterns in the background as anti-counterfeiting measures.

Front side: 'SOUTH ARABIAN CURRENCY AUTHORITY' (English) / 'سلطة النقد الجنوب العربى' (Arabic: South Arabian Currency Authority); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE DINAR' (English) / 'دينار واحــد' (Arabic: One Dinar); Serial number: C421003; 'SECRETARY' (English) / 'الرئيس' (Arabic: Chairman/President); Printer attribution: 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED.' Back side: '£1' (Pound/Dinar symbol designation appearing in all four corners).

Intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, a renowned British security printer. The note exhibits characteristic intaglio features including fine line engraving, detailed crosshatch patterns, intricate botanical and architectural illustrations, and raised surface texture. The dual-color printing (dark blue/navy with light gray/cream underprinting) and precision of the decorative borders are consistent with de la Rue's high-security banknote production standards of the 1960s era.

The observed specimen carries serial number C421003, indicating the 'C' prefix series. Pick P-3a designation confirms this as the 1965 issue by the South Arabian Currency Authority (as opposed to later issues or variant overprints). No evidence of overprints, date variants, or signature varieties is apparent in this example. Collectors should note that distinguishing between early 1964-issue notes and the 1965 catalogued variants may require comparison of serial number prefixes and issuer details, though Pick reference P-3a specifically denotes the 1965 South Arabian Currency Authority issue.