Syria 500 Pounds 1998 Pick 110c UNC Banknote
The Syria 500 Pounds 1998 Pick 110c banknote was issued by the Central Bank of Syria as part of the country’s modern banknote series introduced during the late 1990s. It is the third and final variety of the 1998 issue, distinguished by the denomination “500” printed in all four corners of the reverse.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this attractive banknote is one of Syria’s most iconic modern issues and a favourite among collectors of Middle Eastern currency.
Historical Background
The 1998 series replaced older Syrian banknotes with improved security features and new designs celebrating the country’s rich historical heritage and economic development. The 500 Pounds denomination honors Queen Zenobia, the legendary ruler of the ancient city of Palmyra, while the reverse highlights the Euphrates Dam, one of Syria’s most important infrastructure projects supporting hydroelectric power and agriculture. This series remained in circulation until the introduction of newer designs in the following decade and has since been demonetized.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Syria
- Denomination: 500 Pounds
- Year: 1998 (1419 AH)
- Pick Number: P-110c
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of Syria
- Currency: First Syrian Pound (SYP)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 165 × 75 mm
- Status: Demonetized
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Queen Zenobia
- Ancient Theatre of Palmyra
- Arabic inscriptions
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
Queen Zenobia ruled the Palmyrene Empire during the 3rd century AD and became famous for challenging the Roman Empire. She remains one of the most celebrated historical figures in Syrian history and a symbol of cultural pride.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Euphrates (Tabqa) Dam
- Irrigation canals
- Agricultural products including fruits and crops
- English inscriptions
- Large denomination numerals
The Euphrates Dam is Syria’s largest hydroelectric project and has played a vital role in electricity generation and agricultural irrigation since its completion, making it one of the country’s most important engineering achievements.
Security Features
- Watermark of an Arabian horse’s head
- Embedded security thread
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- UV security elements
- Microprinting
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Syria 500 Pounds 1998 Pick 110c UNC banknote is one of the most recognizable modern Syrian banknotes. Its combination of the legendary Queen Zenobia, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Palmyra, and the Euphrates Dam makes it a historically and visually significant addition to any collection.
Perfect for:
- Syria banknote collections
- Middle Eastern currency collections
- Ancient history-themed banknotes
- Queen Zenobia collections
- Former currencies
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 110c is the most common and final variety of the 1998 issue, identified by the “500” denomination appearing in all four corners of the reverse. Earlier varieties P110a and P110b feature different reverse layouts and are less frequently encountered. The beautiful portrait of Queen Zenobia has made this one of the most popular modern Syrian banknotes among collectors.
