1995 Iraq 250 Dinars PMG 65 EPQ Pick 85a1 – Saddam Hussein Portrait & Freedom Monument – Gem Uncirculated

1995 Iraq 250 Dinars PMG 65 EPQ Pick 85a1 – Saddam Hussein Portrait & Freedom Monument – Gem Uncirculated

Presented is a 1995 Iraq 250 Dinars banknote, catalogued as Pick #85a1, certified PMG 65 EPQ Gem Uncirculated. This note, issued during the Saddam Hussein era, reflects both Iraq’s political climate and its artistic heritage of the 1990s.

The obverse features a bold portrait of Saddam Hussein, the then-President of Iraq, set against an ornate background of guilloché patterns in purple, lavender, and aqua tones. The denomination “250” is displayed prominently in Arabic numerals at each corner. The watermark is the horse’s head, a consistent anti-counterfeiting measure of the series.

The reverse highlights the Freedom Monument (Nasb al-Hurriyah) in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square. Designed by the famous Iraqi sculptor Jawad Saleem, this mural-style piece commemorates Iraq’s 1958 revolution, and the depiction on the note emphasizes national pride and political identity.

Graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated with Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ), this note exhibits superb originality, vibrant ink colors, sharp detail, and excellent preservation. Its strong centering and crisp paper quality place it among premium surviving examples.

Collector’s Value:
The 1995 250 Dinars note holds significant historical weight, representing a turbulent chapter in Iraq’s modern history while also showcasing an important national monument. Collectors of Saddam-era Iraqi currency particularly value high-grade PMG EPQ examples like this, which combine political symbolism with numismatic artistry.