Egypt - 10 Pounds 1916 - National Bank of Egypt - Printer's Archival Specimen / Specimen Proof - Perforated "CANCELLED"

Egypt - 10 Pounds 1916 - National Bank of Egypt - Printer's Archival Specimen / Specimen Proof - Perforated "CANCELLED" Printer's archival specimen of a 10 Egyptian Pounds note of the National Bank of Egypt, dated 1916. Rather than a regular circulation note subsequently cancelled after use, the characteristics of this piece are consistent with a printer's archival specimen prepared as part of the printing and approval process and not intended for normal circulation. Of particular importance is the numbering: the note displays the number "100000", rather than an ordinary serial number characteristic of a circulation note. This feature, together with the "CANCELLED" perforation, supports its identification as a printer's archival specimen. Obverse: Multicolored design in brown, green and blue. Across the top: "NATIONAL BANK OF EGYPT" At center: "TEN EGYPTIAN POUNDS" At right is an old Cairo street scene with a mosque and minaret. Arabic and English inscriptions are present. The lower portion is perforated: "CANCELLED" Reverse: Elaborate symmetrical ornamentation with geometric and floral motifs, the Arabic inscription "البنك الأهلي المصري" (National Bank of Egypt) at center and the denomination 10. The cancellation perforations are also visible from this side. A handwritten annotation appears in the upper margin.