Queen Nefertari to be printed on Egypt’s new L.E 20 bank note

CAIRO – 3 August 2021: The cash printing machines at the new Central Bank of Egypt in the Administrative Capital, is issuing the denominations of the new Egyptian currency, which represents a civilizational shift as it is made of polymer, known in the media as plastic money.

Among the new currency is the L.E 20 bank note, on which the picture of Egypt’s queen Nefertari will be printed.

The 20th century witnessed the most important ancient Egyptian archaeological discoveries, which caused a sensation in various countries of the world. 

The Valley of the Queens in ancient Egypt bore several names such as "The Great Valley", "The Southern Valley" and “T st nfrw” which means the place of beauty. 

It was initially established as a necropolis dedicated to burying the women of the royal class of ancient Egypt at the beginning of the New Kingdom, on the western shore of the Nile, facing the city east of Thebes [currently Luxor]. 

Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Antiquities Museum Hussein Abdel Bassir said the organized scientific excavations did not begin until 1903 AD, with the arrival of the famous Italian Ernesto Seciaparelli [1856-1928 AD], director of the Egyptian Museum in Turin, obtaining the permit to excavate in the valley from the Department of Antiquities. He succeeded in discovering the tomb of the charming Queen Nefertari, the beauty of all beauties. 

Hussein Abdel Bassir added that Queen Nefertari is considered the main wife of the most famous pharaoh of Egypt, King Ramses II the Great [1290-1224 BC], and the mother of six of his most important children. 

Out of his great love for her, King Ramses II dug this necropolis for her and carved a temple for his beloved wife in Abu Simbel, next to his great temple. 

Since this cemetery was found, it was considered one of the most beautiful tombs created by the ancient Egyptians. Its walls and corridors display 520 square meters of enchanting beauty. 

When Seciaparelli discovered it in 1904 AD, it opened the door to the world to witness one of the most beautiful artistic creations.