Syria 200 Pounds UNC Banknote | 2009–2021

Historic Hama on the Orontes River

The front design is dominated by the famous Norias of Hama, the enormous traditional waterwheels associated with the Orontes River. Their distinctive wooden structures make this denomination immediately recognizable within the modern Syrian banknote series.

In addition, the composition incorporates the Nur Al-Din Mosque in Hama. Founded during the Zengid period, the mosque strengthens the architectural and historical character of the design.

Arabic inscriptions identify the Central Bank of Syria and the denomination. Depending on the variety, the printed date corresponds to either the earlier 2009 issue or the later 2021 version.

As a result, the obverse combines engineering heritage, architecture, and regional identity within a single Syrian banknote design.

Decorated Ceiling from Ancient Palmyra

The reverse shifts from Hama to one of Syria’s best-known archaeological locations: ancient Palmyra.

Its central artistic subject is the richly decorated ceiling of the southern niche of the Temple of Bel. Rather than presenting a simple exterior view of the monument, the banknote highlights an ornamental architectural detail from the temple.

Consequently, the two sides create a strong heritage pairing. While the front represents Hama through its waterwheels and historic mosque, the reverse connects the denomination with the architectural legacy of ancient Palmyra.

English inscriptions identify the issuing institution as the Central Bank of Syria and state the denomination as Two Hundred Syrian Pounds.

Although the two versions look closely related, collectors can distinguish them through several details.

• 2009 Issue: Dated 1430 AH / 2009 and catalogued as Pick P#114.
• 2009 Serial Format: Uses a letter prefix with the serial number.
• 2021 Issue: Dated 1442 AH / 2021.
• 2021 Serial Format: Uses the later fractional-prefix serial-number arrangement.

Therefore, collectors building a type or date collection may find value in owning both versions rather than treating them as completely identical notes.

• Watermark: Horse head combined with the 200 denomination; the later issue is documented with an Arabian horse head and electrotype 200.
• Security Thread: Incorporated into the banknote as an authentication feature.
• 2009 Thread: The earlier P#114 uses a windowed security thread visible in sections on the front.
• Iridescent Element: The 2009 type incorporates an iridescent stripe on the reverse.
• UV Features: Security elements can also be examined under ultraviolet illumination.
• Dimensions: Both issues measure approximately 145 × 65 mm.

Printing also differs between the varieties. The 2009 P#114 was produced by Oesterreichische Banknoten- und Sicherheitsdruck GmbH in Vienna, whereas the documented 2021 variety was printed by Goznak in the Russian Federation.

This denomination offers more than a simple face-value position within a Syrian collection. In particular, its combination of the Norias of Hama, Nur Al-Din Mosque, and Palmyra creates a strong architectural and cultural theme.

Furthermore, the existence of closely related 2009 and 2021 versions gives collectors an opportunity to compare changes within the same basic design. Differences in dates, serial-number structures, printers, and security details make the denomination particularly useful for type collectors.

For collectors assembling Syria’s modern denomination sequence, the 200 Pounds note also creates a natural bridge between the smaller 100 Pounds issue and the larger 500 Pounds P#115.

A collector building a modern Syrian banknote set can place this denomination between the 100 and 500 Pounds issues. Meanwhile, collectors focused on architecture can connect it with other Syrian notes depicting archaeological sites, mosques, monuments, and historic structures.

Because the design spans both Hama and Palmyra, it also works particularly well in a collection organized around Syrian cultural heritage.

• 200 Pounds denomination: A recognizable modern Syrian banknote type.
• Two dated possibilities: Available as 2009 or 2021 depending on stock.
• 2009 catalogue: The earlier version is Pick P#114.
• Front artwork: Norias of Hama together with Nur Al-Din Mosque.
• Reverse artwork: Decorated Temple of Bel ceiling from ancient Palmyra.
• UNC condition: Suitable for clean album presentation and long-term collector storage.

• Use archival protection: Store the banknote inside an acid-free, PVC-free currency sleeve.
• Avoid surface contact: Handle the note carefully by its edges whenever possible.
• Control light and moisture: Keep the banknote away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity.
• Preserve UNC quality: Finally, avoid folding, pressing, laminating, or attaching adhesive materials to the note.

• Preparation: Orders are normally prepared within 1–3 business days.
• Protection: Each banknote is protected carefully 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.