2013 Lebanon 50000 Livres Polymer Independence 70 Years PMG 65 EPQ Replacement P-96*

2013 Lebanon 50000 Livres Polymer Independence 70 Years PMG 65 EPQ Replacement P-96*

This colorful polymer 50,000 Livres note from 2013 is Lebanon’s first polymer banknote and a circulating commemorative for the 70th anniversary of independence (1943–2013). It is the replacement variety, identified by its special D/99 serial prefix, and is catalogued as Pick 96* (PCLB 127a*).

Authenticity & catalog details

• Country / issuer: Lebanon – Banque du Liban

• Denomination: 50,000 Livres

• Year: 2013 (Independence 70 Years commemorative)

• Catalog numbers: Pick 96* / PCLB 127a*

• Type: Replacement / star note, with replacement prefix D/99 used to substitute notes damaged during production.

• Substrate & printer: Polymer, printed by Thomas De La Rue (TDLR).

The note is encapsulated by PMG, whose label confirms the type, denomination, and replacement status.

Historical significance – 70 years of independence

On 22 November 1943, Lebanese leaders imprisoned in the Citadel of Rashaya were released and the date was adopted as Independence Day, marking the end of effective French control.

Seventy years later, Banque du Liban celebrated the anniversary with this limited polymer issue, released on 22 November 2013. It represents both a patriotic tribute and a technological milestone as Lebanon’s debut polymer banknote, part of the global shift toward longer-lasting plastic currency.

Design & features

Obverse (Arabic side)

• Left: Detailed view of the Citadel of Independence at Rashaya, where the independence leaders were held in 1943.

• Right: Bold, stylized Lebanese flag with the green cedar tree, integrated into a modern graphic composition.

• Central legends celebrate “70 years of independence,” with Eastern Arabic numerals “٧٠” and ornamental geometric patterns reminiscent of Lebanese tile work.

• A clear polymer window near the lower right frames a finely rendered cedar tree, which forms part of the note’s security and national symbolism.

Reverse (French side)

• Right: Map of Lebanon overlaid by the national flag.

• Legends in French read “70 Ans d’Indépendence” and “CINQUANTE MILLE LIVRES”, tying the design to the francophone tradition of earlier Lebanese notes.

• The background is filled with blue, lilac, and green geometric tessellations, with repeating microtext and fine line guilloches.

Security & polymer technology

• Transparent cedar-tree window with latent features.

• Complex microprinting and line work around the citadel and flag.

• Durability and cleanliness of polymer substrate, chosen for longer circulation life and enhanced anti-counterfeiting.

Remarkable denomination

At the time of issue, 50,000 Livres was one of Lebanon’s highest-value circulating notes, making this commemorative an everyday reminder of independence for anyone withdrawing cash or paying large bills.

Collector’s value

This piece combines several desirable traits: first Lebanese polymer type, 70 Years of Independence commemorative, and the scarcer replacement (D/99) variety, all confirmed on a PMG holder. It’s an eye-catching modern design with strong historical content—perfect as a centerpiece for a Lebanon type set, Middle East polymer collection, or a themed album of independence commemoratives.