Not a Silver Item (Egyptian 50 Pound Banknote)
Paper Currency / Banknote · National Bank of Egypt; Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co (London)
Pattern: Farouk Era / Early Republic Series
Type
Paper Currency / Banknote
Maker
National Bank of Egypt; Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co (London)
Material
Cotton-fiber paper with watermark and security ink; contains 0% silver or precious metal
Dimensions
Approximately 188 x 103 mm; Weight: negligible (standard banknote weight)
Description
This is a historical 50 Egyptian Pound banknote featuring a large vignette of the Mosque of Sultan Qaitbay and the Citadel. The reverse (shown) displays the 'National Bank of Egypt' title in stylized lettering within a complex security border.
Key Features
Sultan Qaitbay mosque vignette, large '50' numeral in geometric rosettes, dual-language text
Material & Composition
Cotton-fiber paper with watermark and security ink; contains 0% silver or precious metal
Finish & Decoration
Intaglio printing with decorative guilloché patterns, vignettes of Islamic architecture, and scrollwork
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not applicable. Contains serial numbers, governor signatures, and Egyptian Arabic numeral stamps
Construction Details
Security paper printing using engraving and offset lithography methods
Functional Features
Legal tender (historical), watermark for security, Arabic and English denominations
Handle & Grip Details
None; intended for manual handling and folding
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-engraved metal plates used for intaglio printing to create tactile, raised ink surface
Authentication Indicators
Guilloché patterns (fine line work), specific plate luster, and the distinctive 'Bradbury Wilkinson' engraving style
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt (Issuer) / United Kingdom (Printer)
Era & Period
Modern Egypt (Kingdom/Early Republic Transition), mid-20th century
Age Estimate
Circa 1949-1952 (Tutankhamun/Farouk era design variations)
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Egyptian numismatic art, blending Islamic architectural heritage with Western security printing traditions.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant creasing, edge tears, foxing (brown spotting), staining, and ink marks in the watermark field.
Value Estimate
$50 - $200 USD depending on the specific signature and serial number rarity, despite the poor condition
Care & Maintenance
Should be stored in a PVC-free archival Mylar sleeve; keep away from direct sunlight and humidity
Similar Pieces
100 Pound Egyptian Notes of the same era; 50 Pound 'King Farouk' specimen notes
Interesting Facts
The 50 LE note was a massive denomination for its time, often equivalent to several ounces of gold in purchasing power during the early 20th century.