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Libya 5 Piastres 1951 P-5a VF

Libya 5 Piastres 1951 P-5a VF

4.800 HUF
4.800 HUF
Sale Sold out
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Own a cornerstone piece of North African independence with this incredibly rare 1951 Libya 5 Piastres banknote (Pick 5a), curated by ExtremeBanknotes. Issued to commemorate the unification and newly won independence of the United Kingdom of Libya under King Idris I, this historic currency represents the very first national legal tender of the post-colonial Libyan state.
An elite addition for specialized numismatists of the Mediterranean, Islamic world currency, or mid-century royal issues. This small-denomination treasure packs immense historical value and timeless engraving artistry into a single specimen.

📋 Technical Specifications

  • Country: Libya 
  • Issuing Authority: Libyan Currency Commission
  • Currency: Libyan Pound (1951–1971)
  • Type: Standard circulation banknote
  • Material: Premium Security Paper
  • Size: Approximately 111 mm × 61 mm
  • Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited (London, England)

🎨 Stunning Design Details

This note boasts a classic, intricate mid-century layout with deep red and multi-color undertones:
  • Obverse (Front): Features the elegant, crown-topped royal seal/monogram of King Idris I inside a beautifully detailed decorative crest on the right. Complex guilloché security patterns border the center text, which features both English and Arabic proclamations from the Libyan Currency Commission.
  • Reverse (Back): Showcases an elaborate, symmetrical geometric pattern built around the bold legal text. The face value "5 PIASTRES" is cleanly displayed in crisp Western typography inside a central ornamental tablet.
  • Watermark: Profile portrait of King Idris I.

📜 History & Significance

Dated 1951, this note marks the historic transformation of a formerly divided territory (Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, and Fezzan) into the unified United Kingdom of Libya. Printed by London's legendary Thomas De La Rue firm, the 5 Piastres note was a vital building block of everyday trade for a newly sovereign people. Following the 1969 revolution, royalist currency was systematically recalled and destroyed. Finding early 1951 sovereign kingdom notes in clean, collectible grades is a true numismatic triumph.

🔍 Condition Description

  • Grade: Very Fine (VF)
  • Details: This note shows completely natural signs of light, honest circulation from the 1950s. The paper body displays typical vertical and horizontal folds, minimal surface softening, and light handling wear. The red ink pigments remain beautifully bright, and the borders are fully intact without any large tears, distracting ink stains, or large pinholes. (Please review our high-resolution listing photos to verify its outstanding historical patina).

 

🛡️ Why Shop with ExtremeBanknotes?

  • 100% Guaranteed Authenticity: Every note is hand-inspected by banknote experts in our team.
  • Hardened Shield Shipping: Dispatched inside an archival, acid-free protective sleeve to eliminate transit bending.
  • Tracked Premium Delivery: Swift dispatch ensures your collectible arrives safely and completely uncompromised.

💡 Looking for more unique currency to expand your collection?

🌎 Discover a world of historic global paper money by checking out our New Arrivals

💸 Fascinated by African Numismatics? Explore historic paper money from the area by browsing our African Banknotes Section

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All sales, returns, and guarantees for this item are governed strictly by our Terms of Service. Please review the full policy here before purchasing. By purchasing, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Serial Number Disclaimer

Actual serial numbers on banknotes vary from piece to piece. The serial shown in product photos may not match the banknote you receive, but all items are guaranteed authentic and graded as described.

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CONDITION GUIDE

Gem Uncirculated

A note that is flawless, with the same freshness, crispness and bright color as when first printed. It
must be perfectly centered, with full margins, and free of any marks, blemishes or traces of handling.

About Uncirculated

A bright, crisp note that appears new but upon close examination shows a trace of very light use, such as  a corner fold or faint crease. 'About Uncirculated' is a borderline condition, applied to a note which may not be quite uncirculated, but yet is obviously better than an average Extra Fine note. Such notes command a price only slightly below a new note and are highly desirable.

Extra Fine

A note that shows some faint evidence of circulation, although it will still be bright and retain nearly full crispness. It may have two or three minor folds or creases but no tears or stains and no discolorations.

Very Fine 

A note that has been in circulation, but not actively or for long. It still retains some crispness and is still choice enough in its condition to be altogether desirable. It may show folds or creases, or some light smudges from the hands of a past generation. Sometimes, Very Fine notes are the best available in certain rare issues, and they should accordingly be cherished just as much as uncirculated notes. 

Fine

A fine note shows evidence of much more circulation, has lost its crispness and very fine detail, and creases are more pronounced, although the note is still not seriously soiled or stained.

SHIPPING

Tracking information will be provided!

Your banknote will be packaged between two sturdy pieces of cardboard to safeguard its condition during transit, guaranteeing it arrives to you exactly as described. Should you have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to assist you!