1988 Lebanon 500 Livres Banknote PMG 64 EPQ Pick 68 Choice UNC Banque du Liban

1988 Lebanon 500 Livres Banknote PMG 64 EPQ Pick 68 Choice UNC Banque du Liban

Here is a certified Lebanon 500 Livres banknote from 1988, graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality). Cataloged as Pick #68 / PCLB 99a, this note was printed by Thomas De La Rue (TDLR) and features striking imagery of both modern Beirut and Lebanon’s ancient heritage.

Design & Features:

• Obverse: The front of the note presents a sweeping aerial view of Beirut, Lebanon’s capital city, set against the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding green hills. Intricate geometric designs frame the scene, with denomination markings (٥٠٠) in Arabic script.

• Reverse: The back highlights Roman ruins at Baalbek, one of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient world, alongside Lebanon’s national emblem, the Cedar Tree. Inscriptions in Arabic and French reflect Lebanon’s bilingual heritage.

• Watermark: Features a lion’s head watermark for added security.

• Printer: TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), a premier global banknote producer, ensuring durability and quality.

• Color Scheme: A vivid combination of pink, violet, and light green, giving the note a highly attractive and collectible appearance.

Historical Significance:
Issued during the late stages of Lebanon’s turbulent civil war, this 500 Livres note captures the country’s dual identity: a vibrant modern capital city and a proud connection to its ancient Phoenician and Roman past. It stands as a testament to Lebanon’s resilience, as its currency often mirrored the challenges of inflation and instability during the 1980s.

Remarkable Denomination:
The 500 Livres denomination carried significant purchasing power in 1988, though subsequent decades of economic decline and hyperinflation dramatically altered its value. Today, it serves as a poignant collectible from Lebanon’s pre-crisis era.

Catalog Reference: Pick 68, PCLB 99a, dated 1988.

Collector’s Value:
With a PMG 64 EPQ Choice Uncirculated grade, this note offers both visual appeal and certified authenticity. Collectors of Middle Eastern or inflation-era banknotes will value its strong historical context, attractive design, and well-preserved state. A noteworthy addition to any advanced world currency collection.