Libya 1/4 Dinar ND (1991) Pick 57b UNC Banknote
The Libya 1/4 Dinar ND (1991) banknote (Pick 57b) was issued by the Central Bank of Libya as part of the Series 4 (1991–1993) banknotes during the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya period. Printed by De La Rue in the United Kingdom, this issue introduced a full-print border design and updated signatures while retaining Libya’s famous historical landmarks.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, it is one of the most popular low-denomination Libyan banknotes among collectors.
Historical Background
The Series 4 banknotes replaced the earlier white-border issues and remained in circulation throughout the early 1990s. The Pick 57b variety is identified by the signature of Dr. Abdulhafid Mahmoud Zilitni, Governor of the Central Bank between 1990 and 1996, making it the most commonly encountered variety of the series.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Libya
- Denomination: 1/4 Dinar
- Year: ND (1991)
- Pick Number: P-57b
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of Libya
- Currency: Libyan Dinar (LYD)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 142 × 71 mm
- Printer: De La Rue (United Kingdom)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Arch of Trajan at Leptis Magna
- Arabic inscriptions
- Denomination numerals
- Decorative guilloche patterns
- Serial numbers
The Arch of Trajan, located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Leptis Magna, is one of the finest surviving Roman monuments in North Africa and reflects Libya’s remarkable archaeological heritage.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Murzuq Fortress
- Palm trees
- Desert well
- Arabic inscriptions
- Large denomination numerals
The historic Murzuq Fortress, situated in the Fezzan region of southwestern Libya, was an important stop along the trans-Saharan trade routes and remains one of the country’s best-known desert fortifications.
Security Features
- Watermark of the Libyan Coat of Arms (Heraldic Falcon)
- Embedded security thread
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Multicolour underprint
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Libya 1/4 Dinar ND (1991) Pick 57b UNC banknote is an attractive example of Libya’s Jamahiriya-era currency. Its combination of Roman architecture and Saharan heritage makes it one of the most distinctive low-denomination African banknotes.
Perfect for:
- Libya banknote collections
- African currency collections
- Roman archaeology collections
- UNESCO World Heritage themes
- Historic fortress collections
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 57b is the most common signature variety of Libya’s Series 4 quarter dinar. Collectors often complete the full set by acquiring the three signature varieties P57a, P57b and P57c, each representing a different Governor of the Central Bank of Libya. Its detailed engraving and historical motifs make it a favourite among collectors of North African banknotes.
