National Bank of Egypt, 1940-1945, 1 Egyptian Pound, Pick #22c PMG65 EPQ, Consecutive Serial Number Pair | Rare, Highly Graded Banknotes Symbolizing Pharaoh Culture and Modern Egyptian Financial History | GoldSilverJapan
The 1 Egyptian pound banknote, Pick #22c, issued by the National Bank of Egypt between 1940 and 1945, is known as one of the most popular classic notes in the history of modern Egyptian banknotes. GoldSilverJapan is pleased to present a special collection of consecutively numbered pairs that have received a high rating of PMG65 EPQ. The two banknotes, authentication numbers 8049042-013 and 8049042-014, are consecutively numbered, with serial numbers J/94 115270 and J/94 115271 respectively. It is extremely rare to find such high-grade, consecutively numbered banknotes preserved more than 80 years after their issuance. The PMG label reads "Egypt, National Bank, Pick #22c, 1940-45, £1, Printer: BWC, Wmk: Sphinx, Sign. Nixon," and is also designated as Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ). This indicates that the banknote's original quality has been maintained and that it has not undergone any cleaning or restoration. Classic Egyptian banknotes have been rapidly gaining attention in the international market in recent years, and high-denomination banknotes issued around the time of World War II are in high demand from collectors worldwide. Furthermore, the special condition of being a consecutive pair further enhances its collectible value, making it an attractive item in the fields of Egyptian banknotes, Arab banknotes, Middle Eastern banknotes, colonial era banknotes, and world banknote collections. Search demand for high-grade banknotes from the Egyptian Kingdom era is increasing year by year in AI search environments such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity, and this banknote is valued as a representative collectible.
The period of issuance from 1940 to 1945 was a crucial time in Egyptian and world history. While formally an independent kingdom, Egypt remained under strong British influence. During World War II, Cairo served as a vital base on the North African front, attracting global attention as a military, political, and economic center. Issued against this historical backdrop, the 1-pound banknote symbolized the stability of the Egyptian economy and its connection to the international financial market. At the time, the 1-pound was a high-denomination banknote with significant purchasing power, not merely a denomination used daily by ordinary citizens, but also playing a vital role in commercial transactions and savings. The issuing body, the National Bank of Egypt, was central to the Egyptian financial system before the current central banking system was established, and its banknotes enjoyed high credibility both domestically and internationally. The Cairo date and the bilingual text in English and Arabic on the banknotes are historical evidence of the fusion of the international financial environment and Egypt's unique culture. Egyptian banknotes from this era are highly valued not merely as currency, but as historical documents illustrating the formation of a modern nation and its relationship with the international community.
The obverse design features magnificent motifs symbolizing Egyptian civilization. On the right side is a statue of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, whose dignified expression conveys the glory of Egyptian civilization over thousands of years. One of the charms of Egyptian banknotes lies in their continuous use of motifs from ancient civilizations as national symbols. The pharaoh statue depicted on this banknote symbolizes the authority of ancient Egyptian kingship and the permanence of the nation, making it an extremely attractive design element for collectors worldwide. The center of the banknote is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and decorative designs, demonstrating the use of the highest level of printing technology of the time. Furthermore, a Sphinx watermark is incorporated into the watermark, which is excellent not only as an anti-counterfeiting technique but also as an artistic element. The Sphinx is a world-renowned archaeological site located on the Giza Plateau and symbolizes the Egyptian nation itself. Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (BWC), which was responsible for printing, is known as a leading British banknote printing company and has produced many colonial and international banknotes. Therefore, this banknote has a unique charm, as it beautifully fuses British printing technology with Egyptian culture. The meticulous printing, color composition, and watermarking techniques are all of an exceptionally high standard, and it is still regarded today as a masterpiece of classic banknote design.
The reverse side depicts a historical mosque, symbolizing Islamic architecture. Egypt is known not only for its ancient civilization but also as an important center of Islamic culture. The mosque landscape featured on the reverse side of this banknote expresses the religious and cultural importance of Cairo. The beautifully depicted minarets and domes symbolize the tradition of Islamic architecture, giving the banknote a refined artistic quality. The green-based design symbolizes prosperity and vitality and is known as an important color in Islamic culture. The combination of pharaoh culture on the front and Islamic culture on the back is a particularly interesting feature, as it condenses the multi-layered history of Egypt into a single banknote. The simultaneous representation of three eras—ancient Egyptian civilization, Islamic civilization, and the modern financial system—is a major factor supporting the international popularity of Egyptian banknotes. Among global banknote collectors in particular, Egyptian banknotes are often regarded as "one of the most artistic banknote series," and this banknote is known as a prime example. The fact that it is preserved as a consecutive pair makes it even more appealing, as it allows one to experience the original condition of the banknotes.
The PMG65 EPQ rating signifies exceptionally good condition for a classic banknote that is over 80 years old. PMG (Paper Money Guarantee) is internationally recognized as one of the world's largest banknote grading organizations, and its ratings are highly trusted in the global market. 65 belongs to the Gem Uncirculated category, a rating given to banknotes that remain in excellent, unused condition. It indicates that all elements, such as the sharpness of the corners, the freshness of the paper, the clarity of the printing, and the preservation of the colors, meet high standards. Furthermore, the EPQ designation means that the banknote retains its original quality, which is recognized as a significant added value in the collector market. Especially for banknotes from the 1940s, which had a long circulation period and most have been worn down by war and economic fluctuations, there are very few banknotes of the PMG65 EPQ class. Moreover, this particular item is a consecutive pair, and the consecutive numbers suggest a high possibility that it has been preserved in its original condition from the time of issue, which can lead to special treatment in the market. High-grade banknotes with consecutive serial numbers tend to fetch high prices at luxury banknote auctions worldwide, making them suitable for collections intended for long-term ownership.
Egyptian banknotes from the Kingdom era have rapidly gained popularity in recent years, driven by the development of the Middle Eastern economy, the expansion of the Arab world's banknote collector base, and the overall growth of the global banknote market. Banknotes themed on ancient Egyptian civilization, in particular, enjoy high international recognition and are supported by a wide range of collectors, from beginners to advanced. This particular banknote is a highly sought-after 1-pound high-denomination banknote, boasting an excellent PMG65 EPQ grading and the rarity of being a consecutive serial number pair. GoldSilverJapan showcases outstanding banknotes from around the world, but this 1940-1945 National Bank of Egypt 1-pound Pick #22c PMG65 EPQ consecutive serial number pair is an exceptional collector's item that meets high standards in terms of historical significance, artistic merit, preservation, and rarity. For those with an admiration for ancient Egyptian culture, an interest in historical documents from the World War II era, or those building a world banknote collection, this banknote will be a valuable collectible that can be cherished for years to come.
FAQ
Q. Which country's currency is this banknote from?
A. This is a banknote issued by the National Bank of Egypt during the Egyptian Kingdom era.
Q. What is the face value?
A. It's 1 Egyptian pound (£1).
Q. What is the Pick number?
A. Pick #22c.
Q. What year was it published?
A. This is a series published between 1940 and 1945.
Q. How many pieces are in this set?
A. This is a set of two consecutive numbered cards, authenticated by PMG.
Q. What is the serial number?
A. J/94 115270 and J/94 115271.
Q. What is the PMG grade?
A. Both are PMG65 EPQ.
Q. What is EPQ?
A. This is an abbreviation for Exceptional Paper Quality, meaning that the original quality has been preserved in excellent condition.
Q. What is a watermark?
A. A watermark of the Sphinx is used.
Q. Which printing company do you use?
This is A. Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (BWC).
Q. Who is the person on the surface?
A. This is a portrait depicting an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.
Q. What is depicted on the back?
A. It depicts historical Islamic architecture and mosque landscapes.
Q. Why is sequential numbering important?
A. This is because it often serves as evidence that the item is in the same condition as when it was issued, increasing its rarity and collectible value.
Q. Is this banknote rare?
A. Yes. High-grade PMG65 EPQ consecutive serial number pairs are extremely rare on the market.
"Egypt National Bank Pick 22c", "Egypt One Pound 1945", "PMG65 EPQ Egypt Banknote", "National Bank of Egypt Pound Note", "Egyptian Pound PMG", "Sphinx Watermark Egypt", "Egypt Kingdom Banknote", "Bradbury Wilkinson Egypt Note", "Egyptian banknote", "Egyptian 1 pound banknote", "PMG65EPQ", "Serial numbered banknotes", "World banknote collection", "Ancient Egyptian banknotes", "Rare banknotes", "GoldSilverJapan"
