Lot #671: Rare Lebanon 1981 One Livre (Pound) Coin - Cedar of Lebanon - Banque du Liban - Final Year of Issue

Obverse: Features the Cedar of Lebanon, the national emblem of Lebanon, symbolizing longevity and holiness. It has been used since ancient times for its high-quality wood (notably for Solomon's Temple and the ships of the Phoenicians. Lettering: The issuer name is written in Arabic at the top (مصرف لبنان - Banque du Liban) and in French at the bottom (BANQUE DU LIBAN). The Gregorian date 1981 is shown on the left, with the Arabic numerals for the same year (١٩٨١) on the right. Reverse: The Denomination: The number 1 is centered in both Western and Arabic numerals (١) with the denomination LIVRE (French) and ليرة (Lira/Pound in Arabic). The value is framed by two elegant laurel branches, a classic symbol of peace and victory. The Lebanon 1981 One Livre (Pound) Coin is a beautiful example of Lebanese coinage from the late 20th century. It features a dual-language design, reflecting Lebanon's historical ties to both the Arabic-speaking world and the French-speaking West (Livre is the French term for Pound). Many of these coins were lost or melted down due to the civil unrest in the region during the 1980s. Finding them in high grade is becoming increasingly popular for collectors of Middle Eastern currency. Even though this is a Lebanese coin, many of the 1981 issues were struck at the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom. This was the final year this specific large-size nickel design was produced. Dimensions: Pure Nickel. 27.3 mm. 8 g. (Roughly the size of a Canadian Silver Dollar) Pickup category timeslot {A}