Free UK shipping £50+ | Fast, Secure Dispatch | Estabished UK Coin & Collectables Dealer

Middle Eastern Banknotes for Sale

Discover Middle Eastern banknotes for sale, including notes from Lebanon, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and beyond. Use the search bar to find a specific country or era. If you're also interested in banknotes from further east, take a look at our Asian Banknotes collection.

More information

Middle Eastern Banknotes: Lebanon, Syria and the UAE

Middle Eastern banknotes cover a mix of currencies shaped by former mandates, oil wealth and newly formed states in the 20th century.

Lebanon and Syria shared the same currency for years. The Banque de Syrie et du Liban issued notes for both countries from 1920, and Lebanon didn't get its own separate pound until 1939. The two currencies stayed linked until independence in the late 1940s.

The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 from seven emirates, and each used a different currency until 1973. When the dirham was introduced that year, it replaced every regional currency within weeks.

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman and Afghanistan all developed their own currencies and central banks over the twentieth century, as monarchies and old currency boards gave way to modern monetary systems. Further notes from across the region are added as new stock comes in.

FAQs

What are Middle Eastern banknotes?
They cover paper currency from across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman and Afghanistan.

Are old UAE notes still valid?
Notes from the current series remain valid. A few very early designs were withdrawn from circulation in the 1980s and are no longer legal tender, though they're still bought and sold as collectables.

Why did Lebanon and Syria share the same currency?
Both countries were issued a joint currency by the Banque de Syrie et du Liban under the French mandate from 1920. The Lebanese pound split off as its own currency in 1939, though the two stayed linked until independence.

What currencies did the UAE use before the dirham?
Abu Dhabi used the Bahraini dinar, while Dubai and the other emirates used the Qatar and Dubai riyal, until the dirham replaced both in 1973.

Do you sell circulated and uncirculated notes?
Yes, both. Circulated notes have been used and may show folds or handling wear; uncirculated notes are in the same condition as when issued.

What affects the value of these notes?
Condition, rarity and demand all play a part. Notes from short-lived currencies or unusual issues can be worth more than common notes from the same period.

Are your banknotes authentic?
Yes, every note we sell is genuine and checked before listing.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. UK orders over £50 qualify for free shipping; postage below that is calculated by weight and destination and shown at checkout.

  • ★ Buy With Confidence

    We’re a UK seller, proud to offer authentic coins and collectables with clear descriptions and photos of the exact item you will receive.

  • ✓ Secure Checkout

    Shop with confidence. Our SSL secured checkout keeps your details protected and payments safe.

  • → Fast Dispatch

    Order before 12pm Monday to Friday and we usually dispatch the same day. Free UK delivery on orders over £50.

  • ↺ Peace Of Mind

    Changed your mind? You have 14 days to return. Just contact us first and we’ll help you sort it quickly.