Syria 200 Pounds 1997 Pick 109 UNC Banknote
The Syria 200 Pounds 1997 Pick 109 banknote was issued by the Central Bank of Syria as part of the modern banknote series introduced in 1997–1998. It celebrates Syria’s rich history through the image of Saladin, one of the most famous leaders of the medieval Islamic world, while also highlighting the country’s agricultural and industrial heritage.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this note is one of the most popular modern Syrian banknotes among collectors.
Historical Background
The 1997 series replaced several older Syrian banknotes with updated security features and new national symbols. The 200 Pounds denomination combines monuments associated with Syrian history and independence with imagery representing the country’s cotton industry, one of Syria’s most important economic sectors during the twentieth century. The banknote has since been demonetized, increasing its appeal to collectors.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Syria
- Denomination: 200 Pounds
- Year: 1997 (1418 AH)
- Pick Number: P-109
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of Syria
- Currency: First Syrian Pound (SYP)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 160 × 75 mm
- Status: Demonetized
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Monument to Saladin (Salah ad-Din)
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Damascus
- Ancient gold dinar
- Wheat ears
- Classical architectural columns
- Arabic inscriptions
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
Saladin (Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub) is celebrated for unifying much of the Muslim world and recapturing Jerusalem in 1187. His monument in front of the Citadel of Damascus is one of Syria’s best-known historical landmarks.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Cotton plant
- Women harvesting cotton
- Cotton spinning
- Cotton storage silos
- English inscriptions
- Large denomination numerals
The design highlights Syria’s traditional cotton industry, which for decades ranked among the country’s most important agricultural exports and played a significant role in the national economy.
Security Features
- Watermark of an Arabian horse’s head
- Embedded security thread
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- UV security features
- Microprinting
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Syria 200 Pounds 1997 Pick 109 UNC banknote combines medieval history, national monuments and agricultural heritage in one beautifully engraved design. It is one of the finest examples of Syria’s classic modern banknote series.
Perfect for:
- Syria banknote collections
- Middle Eastern currency collections
- Saladin-themed collections
- Historical monument banknotes
- Former currencies
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 109 was introduced as part of Syria’s landmark 1997–1998 series and circulated until the redesign of the 200 Pounds denomination in 2009. Its detailed engraving of the Monument to Saladin and scenes from the cotton industry make it one of the most recognizable and collectible Syrian banknotes of the modern era.
