10 shillings 1953

Common. While this is a banknote from 1953, it remains relatively abundant in the collector market. eBay sales data demonstrates consistent trading at modest prices: VF-graded examples have sold in the $200-400 range historically, with lower grades (F, VG) selling for under $60. The 2016 catalog value for VF is listed at $200, placing it firmly in the common-to-uncommon range rather than scarce territory. The Bahamas Government issued these notes in substantial quantities as they were the primary currency during a period of active commercial circulation. Pick 14b (representing a specific printing variant by Thomas de La Rue) shows no evidence of limited print runs or premature withdrawal from circulation.

Issued in 1953 under The Currency Note Act 1936, this banknote represents the early monetary independence of the Bahamas Government during the post-war Commonwealth period. The reverse features the national coat of arms with the Latin motto 'EXPULSIS PIRATIS ET COMMERCIA' (with pirates expelled and commerce restored), reflecting the historical maritime identity of the Bahamas and its emergence from colonial piracy concerns. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, crowned just months before this note's issue date, reinforces the Bahamas' status as a Commonwealth realm during the early years of her reign.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in right profile, adorned with her coronation tiara and enclosed within an ornate rectangular decorative frame. On the left side is a circular medallion containing a caravel-style sailing ship, representing the Bahamas' maritime heritage and historical commerce, surrounded by the Latin inscription 'EXPULSIS PIRATIS ET COMMERCIA.' The note employs elaborate baroque-style decorative elements including corner medallions with denomination markers and intricate scrollwork throughout. The reverse displays the official coat of arms of the Bahamas Government positioned on the left within an ornamental heraldic frame, with the denomination '10/-' prominently featured on the right. Both sides are unified by consistent rose-pink and dark pink/magenta coloring with cream background, creating a cohesive and elegant design characteristic of Thomas de La Rue's Commonwealth currency production.

FRONT SIDE: 'THE CURRENCY NOTE ACT 1936' / 'THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT' / 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' / 'TEN SHILLINGS' / '10/-' (denomination) / 'EXPULSIS PIRATIS ET COMMERCIA' (Latin: 'With pirates expelled and commerce restored') / Serial number 'A 488709' / Signatures of 'GEORGE HIGGS' (Commissioner of Currency), 'W.L. STIRLING' (Receiver General Commissioner of Currency), and 'P.G. DAVIS' (Commissioner of Currency) / 'COMMISSIONER OF CURRENCY' and 'RECEIVER GENERAL COMMISSIONER OF CURRENCY' (titles) / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON' (printer). BACK SIDE: 'TEN SHILLINGS' / 'THE BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT' / '10/-' (denomination) / 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' (French: 'God and my right' - Royal motto).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Thomas de La Rue & Company Limited of London. The fine line engraving is evident in the detailed portraits, heraldic designs, and intricate guilloche security patterns visible throughout both sides of the note. The multi-color engraving technique employs rose-pink and dark pink/magenta inks with cream background, producing the characteristic depth and security features typical of high-security currency printing from this period. The baroque decorative elements and fine-line backgrounds demonstrate the sophisticated engraving skills for which Thomas de La Rue was renowned.

This note is cataloged as Pick 14b, representing one of four known variants (14a-14d) of the 1953 10 shillings issue, all printed by Thomas de La Rue. The primary varieties within the 1953 series are distinguished by signature combinations and minor design details. The observed specimen carries signatures of GEORGE HIGGS (Commissioner of Currency), W.L. STIRLING (Receiver General Commissioner of Currency), and P.G. DAVIS, which represents the signature combination for the 1953 issue period. The serial number prefix 'A' and serial number A 488709 are consistent with the standard issue format. The note's classification as 14b rather than 14a, 14c, or 14d would be confirmed by specific signature variations or subtle design differences that distinguish the variants within the Pick catalog system, though the catalog data does not specify the precise distinguishing characteristics between these sub-varieties.