The banknotes of Palestine tell a story that few history books capture — the story of a land that passed through empires and mandates, all reflected in the paper money that ordinary people carried in their pockets every day.
This collection spans two distinct periods in Palestinian history, each with its own fascinating story of politics, economics and identity.
The Ottoman Period
For centuries, Palestine was part of the vast Ottoman Empire, and its currency reflected that imperial reach. Ottoman banknotes circulated across Palestine from the mid-19th century until the empire’s collapse following the First World War in 1918. These notes are rare and beautiful artefacts — windows into a world of Ottoman administration, trade and daily life in Palestine.
The British Mandate Period
Following the Ottoman defeat in 1918, Britain assumed control of Palestine under a League of Nations Mandate. To stabilise the economy and replace the chaotic mixture of currencies in circulation, the Palestine Currency Board was established in 1927. The banknotes issued by the Palestine Currency Board — featuring Arabic, English and Hebrew text — became the official currency of Palestine and remained in use until 1948. These notes are among the most historically significant and collectible artefacts of the entire Mandate period.