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Auction: 403 - World Banknotes at NY INC
Lot: 507

Banque de Syrie, Syria, specimen 50 Livres Syriennes, Beyrouth, 1st January 1920,
The 50 Livres Syriennes note, issued on the January 1st, 1920, represents the first of two dates for this particular denomination. It was printed, like the rest of the series, by the renowned Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. in London.

The note features two striking images that capture the essence of the Levant’s cultural and economic life. On the front, the note depicts the Via Recta in Damascus, a historically significant street that connects the heart of the ancient city to the Church of St. Anne. This route has long been a symbol of the city's rich religious and cultural heritage.

On the reverse, the note showcases dhow boats sailing along the mountainous coastline near Sarafand, on the Sidon coast. These boats represent Lebanon's maritime history, while the surrounding landscape emphasizes the region's natural beauty and economic importance, rooted in trade and fishing.

This note embodies the early years of the French Mandate, a period marked by political and economic shifts, and provides a fascinating snapshot of the era's design and symbolism.
(Pick 9s, PCLB 9) in PMG holder 63 Choice Uncirculated, previously mounted, only 10 notes in higher grade on PMG Census

Estimate
$1,800 to $2,800

Starting price
$1250