Lebanese Banknote Sells for $43,920, Leading Heritage World Paper Money Auction to $1.54 Million

A 1939 Lebanese 250 Livres banknote sold for $43,920, becoming the top lot in Heritage Auctions' World Paper Money Signature Auction held on March 26. The auction achieved a total of $1,543,704 as collectors pursued rare and historically significant currency from various nations. The Lebanese note, issued by Banque de Syrie et du Liban and printed by the Bank of France, represents the highest value denomination in its 1939 series. With only about 112,000 notes originally produced and most redeemed long ago, this type is exceptionally scarce. The specific example auctioned is the second-highest graded among just eight specimens evaluated by PMG, certified as Extremely Fine 40. It displays engravings of St. John's Church on the front and the Sea Castle of Sidon on the back, noted for its sharp paper quality and vibrant pastel colors. The strong visual appeal and rarity contributed to its high price, highlighting continued demand for elite paper money collectibles in the numismatic market.