1948-51 Israel Anglo-Palestine Bank 5 Pounds – P-16a | PMG 30 VF |

1948-51 Israel Anglo-Palestine Bank 5 Pounds – P-16a | PMG 30 VF | Historic Early Israeli Note

The 1948-51 Israel Anglo-Palestine Bank 5 Pounds banknote (P-16a) is a highly sought-after piece of numismatic history, representing the early days of Israel’s independence. Issued by the Anglo-Palestine Bank, which later became Bank Leumi, this note played a crucial role in the newly formed State of Israel’s economic transition from the British Mandate period.

Certified PMG 30 VF (Very Fine), this banknote has been professionally graded, ensuring authenticity and collectibility. As one of Israel’s first official banknotes, it is a rare and historically significant addition for collectors and investors alike.

With limited surviving examples in high-grade condition, this 5 Pounds note is a must-have for those interested in Israeli history, numismatics, and rare currency investments.

Historical Significance of the 1948-51 Israel 5 Pounds Banknote

The declaration of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, led to an urgent need for a national currency. Up until this point, the economy relied on British Mandate Palestine banknotes, which were issued under British administration. To establish financial independence, the newly formed government authorized the Anglo-Palestine Bank to issue emergency currency, bridging the gap until a formal central bank could be established.

The Anglo-Palestine Bank notes were the first official banknotes of Israel and circulated between 1948 and 1952. They were later replaced by the Israeli lira (pound) when the Bank of Israel was established in 1954. Because these notes had a short circulation period and were gradually phased out, they are now highly scarce and valuable to collectors.

This 5 Pounds note (P-16a) is particularly important because it was widely used in daily transactions, making well-preserved examples like this one incredibly rare today.

Design and Features of the 1948-51 Israel Anglo-Palestine 5 Pounds Banknote (P-16a)

Obverse (Front Design)

• Printed in rich blue tones, this note showcases a distinctive and intricate design.
• The denomination “Five Pounds” is written in Hebrew and English, reflecting Israel’s diverse linguistic landscape.
• Features the issuing authority, Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited, before it was rebranded as Bank Leumi.
• Serial numbers and security features authenticate the note’s legitimacy.

Reverse (Back Design)

• Displays an elegant geometric pattern, reinforcing security against counterfeiting.
• The design incorporates classic Jewish and Middle Eastern motifs, symbolizing Israel’s heritage.

PMG 30 VF Grading – What It Means

This 1948-51 Israel 5 Pounds banknote has been graded PMG 30 VF (Very Fine), meaning it has been well-preserved with some signs of circulation. Here’s why this grading is significant:

✔ Strong paper integrity: The note remains structurally solid despite light handling.
✔ Clear print details: The intricate design and inscriptions are legible and well-defined.
✔ Historical authenticity: The PMG certification guarantees authenticity, ensuring it is an original banknote from Israel’s founding era.
✔ Investment-worthy: PMG-graded notes hold their value well and are highly sought-after by serious collectors.

A PMG 30 VF note strikes a balance between affordability and preservation, making it an excellent entry point for collectors seeking a piece of early Israeli financial history.

This Israel Anglo-Palestine Bank 5 Pounds banknote (P-16a, PMG 30 Very Fine) is a highly collectible piece of Israel’s early banking history, issued shortly after the country’s independence. The Anglo-Palestine Bank, which later became Bank Leumi, played a crucial role in Israel’s financial foundation. This note is a must-have for collectors of Israeli and Middle Eastern currency.

🔹 Year: ND (1948-1951)
🔹 Issuer: Anglo-Palestine Bank Ltd (Predecessor of Bank Leumi, Israel’s first national bank)
🔹 Denomination: 5 Pounds
🔹 Pick Number: P-16a
🔹 Certification: PMG 30 Very Fine – Authenticated with strong paper quality and visible details
🔹 Historical Significance: Among the first banknotes issued in the newly established State of Israel
🔹 Condition: Very Fine (VF 30) – Moderate circulation wear, well-preserved with clear details

💎 Why This Note is Special:

• Early Israeli Banknote – Issued during Israel’s first years as an independent state
• PMG Certified – VF 30 – Guaranteed authenticity and quality preservation
• Rare Collectible – Increasingly scarce, making it a valuable investment piece
• Historical Value – Represents the transition from the British Mandate to the modern Israeli economy

🎯 Collector’s Note:
This authentic 1948-51 Israel Anglo-Palestine 5 Pounds banknote (P-16a, PMG 30 VF) is a historically rich and highly sought-after piece of Israeli numismatics. Don’t miss the chance to own this significant artifact!

Why This 1948-51 Israel 5 Pounds Note is a Must-Have Investment

1. First Official Israeli Banknotes

This 5 Pound note is part of the first currency series issued by the new State of Israel, marking a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history. These notes are essential for anyone collecting early Israeli memorabilia.

2. Scarcity and Collector Demand

Because these notes were only in circulation for a few years before being withdrawn and replaced, very few well-preserved specimens remain today. Finding a PMG 30 VF example is particularly rare, making it a prime collectible.

3. Historical and Numismatic Importance

The Anglo-Palestine Bank notes were a temporary emergency currency, making them unique and historically valuable. Collectors and historians prize them as they bridge the economic transition from the British Mandate to Israeli independence.

4. Investment Growth Potential

Early Israeli banknotes have steadily increased in value, particularly those that are PMG-certified. As demand for Israeli and Middle Eastern historical artifacts continues to rise, these notes are expected to appreciate over time.

5. Unique and Aesthetic Appeal

• The artistic design and historical relevance make this note stand out among the world banknotes.
• The use of Hebrew and English text highlights Israel’s multicultural roots.
• Blue color tones and intricate patterns make it visually appealing for display collections.

Conclusion

The 1948-51 Israel Anglo-Palestine 5 Pounds banknote (P-16a) – PMG 30 VF is a historically significant and rare collectible from the early days of Israeli independence. As one of Israel’s first official banknotes, it carries immense historical, numismatic, and investment value.

With its limited circulation, strong PMG grading, and increasing rarity, this banknote is an essential addition for serious collectors and investors looking to secure a piece of Israel’s foundational years.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a rare and historically important early Israeli banknote that will continue to appreciate over time!