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Egypt
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Curiosities about the currency
The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the current currency of Egypt and is divided into 100 piastres or 1000 millimes. Its symbols are ج.م, LE or £. In ancient times, currency was minted locally and there was no single system for the entire country until the arrival of the Egyptian pound in 1836.
Currently, there are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Egyptian pounds. The new denominations of 10 and 20 are made of polymer, which gives them a plastic texture. They also have transparent areas that act as a security feature.
The currencies minted by the Central Bank of Egypt are 5, 10, 25, and 50 piastres, as well as one pound. The obverse features some of the most relevant buildings and historical figures of the country, such as Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, or the Alabaster Mosque of Cairo.
Given the scarcity of silver and gold within Egypt, there was a time when convertible banknotes in gold and sterling pounds were accepted as a method of payment. This fact influenced the symbol of the Egyptian pound and the sterling being the same.
Until the arrival of the Egyptian pound, the official currency was the qirsh. However, it never completely disappeared, as it currently equates to the piastres into which a pound is divided. Only the form of the coin changed, as it previously had a hole.
What do the banknotes/coins look like?
Front part
*The banknotes and coins correspond to the newest issued series and are for reference. Colours may vary and there may be more designs than those shown.
