A Pristine Example of Modern Middle Eastern History

This listing offers a stunning and historically significant piece of modern Middle Eastern numismatics. It is a Crisp Uncirculated example of the 1979 Iraq 1 Dinar banknote, catalog reference P-69a. This note is a tangible piece of modern Middle Eastern history, issued during a pivotal year that marked the beginning of a new era for Iraq.

This particular example is in Crisp Uncirculated condition, meaning it has never been folded or used in circulation, retaining its original sharpness, color, and crispness as it came from the printing press. As an ungraded note, it has not been professionally assessed by a third-party grading service like PMG or PCGS, offering excellent value for collectors.

Historical Context: A New Era Begins

The year 1979 was a watershed moment for Iraq. It marked the year Saddam Hussein officially came to power. This banknote is from the first series of the Swiss dinar issue released under his leadership. Interestingly, this issue was given the nickname Swiss dinar due to its high-quality Swiss-style printing, which made it far more difficult to counterfeit than other regional currencies.

The 1979 to 1986 banknote series, including this 1 Dinar note, reflects a period of national pride and the cementing of a new regime. While later issues would prominently feature Hussein's portrait, this note is part of the transitional series that still celebrated Iraq's rich cultural heritage. The 1979 notes are generally more scarce than later issues from 1980 and 1984, making this a highly collectible piece.

Design and Features

This 1 Dinar note is a beautiful example of the era's engraving and design, printed in olive-green and deep blue on a multicolored underprint. The design was produced for the Central Bank of Iraq by the renowned printer Thomas De La Rue and Company, Limited of England.

The obverse features a central design of a gold Dinar coin, a symbol of Iraq's historical wealth and power. The text is printed in Arabic, stating Central Bank of Iraq and the denomination. It includes the signature of the Central Bank Governor, typically Ezz al-Din Mohamed Saleem al-Bahrani for this issue. The reverse features a central design of the Mustansiriyah School, or Madrasah, in Baghdad, a renowned thirteenth-century center of Islamic learning and a testament to Iraq's intellectual history. The text is printed in Latin script, stating Central Bank of Iraq and One Dinar. The watermark features an Arabian horse's head, visible when held to the light.

Product Specifications

Country: Iraq
Year: 1979, AH1399
Denomination: 1 Dinar
Catalog Reference: P-69a
Condition: Crisp Uncirculated, Ungraded
Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, Limited, England

Why This Note Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This note represents a pivotal historical era, a piece from the year Saddam Hussein came to power, marking the start of a new chapter in Iraq's history. It features high-quality Swiss printing, part of the renowned Swiss dinar series known for its exceptional anti-counterfeiting features and high-quality engraving. It displays a beautiful design, with iconic Iraqi imagery from the gold coin to the historic Mustansiriyah School. It is in Crisp Uncirculated condition, a pristine example that has never been used in commerce, making it a prize for any collector. Most of all, as an ungraded note, it offers an affordable entry point for collectors to acquire this key piece of Iraqi currency history.

This note is more than currency. It is a pristine example of modern Middle Eastern history, offering a Crisp Uncirculated piece from a pivotal year in Iraq's national story. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Notes of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 2.6, Width 5.2, Depth 0.004 inches
Weight 0.03 oz

Condition:
Excellent - Crisp uncirculated, no folds, creases, tears, or pinholes. Original vibrant colors and sharp corners.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

• Low Estimate: 25.00
• High Estimate: 75.00