Egyptian 50 Piaster Banknote 1967 (1967–1978) Overview and Detailed Description
basic information
• Country of issue: Arab Republic of Egypt 🇪🇬
• Issuing bank: Central Bank of Egypt
• Periodization:
• United Arab Republic (UAR): 1958–1971
• Arab Republic of Egypt: 1971–present
• Denomination: 50 piastres (0.50 EGP, half an Egyptian pound)
• Publication period: 1967-1978
• Shape: Rectangle
• Size: 151 x 75 mm
• Material: Banknote (cotton paper)
• Status: Already demonetized
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Design Features
Surface
• Base color: reddish brown, brown, multicolor printing
• Main design:
• Al-Azhar Mosque
• A symbol of Islamic architecture located in Cairo.
• Built in the 10th century, it is known as one of the world's oldest mosques and home to a university.
• Characters: Arabic notation
• “Central Bank of Egypt”
• “ خمسون قرشاً (50 piastres)”
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Back side
• Main design:
• King Ramses II
• A statue of Ramses II, a pharaoh of the 19th dynasty of ancient Egypt, is placed at center right.
• The background features decorative patterns symbolizing ancient Egypt.
• Characters: Latin letters
• “CENTRAL BANK OF EGYPT”
• "50 FIFTY PIASTRES"
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Security Elements
• Watermark: Ancient Egyptian scribe
• Security Strip: Metal strip built into the right side of the bill
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Issue Variations and Signatures
• 1967 ND (P#43a): Signed Ahmad Nazmy Abd El-Hameed
• 1971–1975 ND (P#43b): Signed Ahmad Zendo
• 1976–1978 ND (P#43c): Signed Mohamad Abd El-Fattah Ibrahim
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Market value (reference: overseas trading price)
• VF (fair quality): 1.20 USD
• XF (semi-unused): 3.50 USD
• AU (nearly unused): 4.50 USD
• UNC (completely unused): 4.70 USD
*Market price varies depending on the condition and serial number.
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Historical background and collection value
Issued since 1967, this 50 piastre banknote is part of an important series spanning the United Arab Republic and the Arab Republic of Egypt eras.
It features a rare design that simultaneously depicts symbols of Islamic culture and ancient Egyptian civilization, namely Al-Azhar Mosque and Ramses II, making it popular among collectors.
It is particularly valued as an early modern banknote with a watermark and security strip, making it a representative piece in any Egyptian banknote collection.
