Syria 100 Pounds UNC Banknote | 2009–2021

Ancient Architecture of Bosra

The front of the Syria 100 Pounds banknote focuses on the ancient city of Bosra. One of its principal subjects is Bab el-Hawa, or Gate of the Wind, the western gate positioned at the end of the city’s historic Decumanus Maximus.

Built from dark basalt stone, the gate connects the banknote directly with Bosra’s surviving Roman-era urban architecture.

Alongside it appears the celebrated Bosra Amphitheatre. This monumental structure provides another recognizable archaeological element and strengthens the note’s connection with Syria’s ancient architectural heritage.

Arabic inscriptions identify the issuing institution and the 100 Pounds denomination. Consequently, the front works particularly well for collectors interested in archaeology, Roman architecture, and Syrian heritage sites.

Architecture and Ancient Numismatics

The reverse brings together several different historical subjects rather than relying on a single monument.

One prominent element is the Dome of the Treasury at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. This historic structure adds an important Islamic architectural theme to the denomination.

Also represented is the Central Bank of Syria building at Sabaa Bahrat Square, or Square of the Seven Fountains, in Damascus. Therefore, the reverse creates an interesting visual connection between historic and modern Syrian institutions.

A particularly relevant detail for numismatists is the depiction of an ancient Roman silver Antoninianus coin of Emperor Philip the Arab. Philip I, commonly known as Philip the Arab, ruled the Roman Empire from AD 244 to 249.

As a result, this banknote has an unusual collecting connection: it is modern paper money that incorporates an ancient coin directly into its artwork.

Collectors can distinguish the earlier and later varieties through several production details.

• 2009 P#113: Uses the earlier ascending-size serial-number format.
• 2021 P#113c: Uses a fractional serial number with characters of consistent size.
• Reverse Ornament: The later variety adds a chevron ornament at the lower-right area of the reverse.
• Fluorescent Detail: The earlier version includes a fluorescent stripe that is absent from the later variety.

Therefore, collectors building a date or variety collection may choose to keep both versions even though their principal artwork remains closely related.

• Watermark: Arabian horse head with electrotype 100.
• Security Thread: Embedded security strip visible when examined against transmitted light.
• UV Activity: Selected printed elements respond under ultraviolet illumination.
• Serial Variation: Serial-number format helps distinguish the earlier and later varieties.
• Paper: Printed on cotton-based banknote paper.
• Dimensions: Approximately 140 × 65 mm.

The 2009 P#113 was produced by Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck GmbH in Vienna, Austria. By comparison, the later fractional-serial variety is associated with Goznak in the Russian Federation.

Why This 100 Pounds Note Stands Out

Many modern banknotes focus on a single landmark or portrait. In contrast, this Syrian denomination brings together Roman archaeology, Islamic architecture, a modern central-bank building, and even an ancient coin.

Moreover, its Bosra imagery complements the larger 1000 Pounds P#116 without simply duplicating the same collecting role. For collectors building a broader Syrian series, the 100 Pounds denomination therefore adds both visual diversity and historical depth.

A Banknote with a Numismatic Detail

The depiction of Philip the Arab’s Roman coin is especially interesting for collectors. Instead of separating coin collecting from paper-money collecting completely, this design places an ancient numismatic object directly on a modern banknote.

Consequently, P#113 can also appeal to collectors interested in banknotes depicting coins, Roman history, or historically themed currency designs.

For denomination-based collectors, the 100 Pounds issue provides a natural starting point before moving upward to the 200 Pounds, 500 Pounds P#115, 1000 Pounds P#116, 2000 Pounds P#117, and later 5000 Pounds denomination.

Alternatively, a thematic collection can position this note alongside banknotes depicting Bosra, Damascus, Roman monuments, ancient coins, or major Middle Eastern archaeological sites.

• Two collectible varieties: 2009 P#113 and later 2021 P#113c.
• Bosra imagery: Bab el-Hawa and Bosra Amphitheatre appear on the front.
• Damascus heritage: The reverse incorporates the Dome of the Treasury and Central Bank building.
• Numismatic connection: An ancient coin of Philip the Arab appears in the reverse design.
• Security interest: Arabian horse watermark, electrotype 100, security strip, and UV elements.
• UNC condition: Suitable for clean album presentation and organized collector storage.

• Use archival protection: Place the banknote inside an acid-free, PVC-free currency sleeve.
• Protect the surface: Handle the note carefully by its edges with clean, dry hands.
• Control the environment: Store away from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and heat.
• Preserve UNC quality: Finally, avoid folding, laminating, taping, or attaching labels directly to the banknote.

• Preparation: Orders are normally prepared within 1–3 business days.
• Protection: The banknote is carefully protected before shipment.
• Variety Notice: Date, serial number, and prefix may differ from the photographed example.
• Combined Shipping: In addition, combined shipping is available when ordering multiple Syrian or world banknotes.