10 shillings 1947

Common. The 1947 Bermuda 10 Shillings (Pick P-15) remains readily available in the secondary market. eBay historical sales data shows VF examples selling for approximately $21-25, well below the 2016 catalogue value of $250 for VF, indicating robust supply relative to collector demand. The note was part of a standard government issue and saw reasonable circulation. While the EF grade represents above-average condition, the denomination itself does not command scarcity premiums. Most surviving examples are obtainable by collectors at modest prices.

Issued on 17 February 1947 under the authority of the Bermuda Legislature, this note represents the post-World War II period when Bermuda was reasserting its financial independence as a British colony. The inclusion of King George VI's portrait reflects Bermuda's status within the Commonwealth, while the depiction of Gate's Fort—a significant 17th-century fortification in St. George's—emphasizes the island's strategic and historical importance. The shilling-based denomination indicates this predates Bermuda's 1970 decimalization, making it a bridge between colonial currency systems.

The obverse features a formally composed portrait of King George VI positioned in left profile within an ornate oval medallion frame, located in the upper-center portion of the note. Below the portrait sits a landscape vignette depicting Gate's Fort in St. George's, Bermuda's oldest settlement, rendered with architectural detail and surrounding terrain. The design employs elaborate decorative borders with floral and geometric motifs in all four corners, and includes multiple legal and issuing authority inscriptions arranged around the composition. The reverse displays the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom and Bermuda, centered and flanked by large ornamental numeral '10' in elaborate scalloped frames, with a banner containing heraldic elements beneath the shield. Both sides employ cream, red, pink, and orange color tones typical of the period.

FRONT SIDE: 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); '10/-' (denomination in shillings); 'BERMUDA NOTES ARE THE PAYMENT OF LEGAL TENDER FOR ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination in words); 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (authorization statement); 'HAMILTON, BERMUDA, 17TH FEBRUARY, 1947' (place and date of issue); 'H/4 254341' (serial number); 'CROWN TREASURER' and 'ASSISTANT COLONIAL TREASURER' (signatory titles); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO. LTD. NEW MALDEN SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer attribution). BACK SIDE: '10' (denomination numeral); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination in words).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate crosshatch and mesh patterns visible throughout the design, and the characteristic sharp, crisp detail of the portrait and security features. Printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. Ltd., New Malden, Surrey, England—a preeminent British banknote security printer known for sophisticated anti-counterfeiting engraving techniques. The complex geometric patterns, fine mesh backgrounds, and detailed heraldic work are hallmarks of Bradbury Wilkinson's security printing methodology.

This specimen carries serial number H/4 254341, with the 'H/4' prefix indicating the printing block designation. The date of 17 February 1947 is fixed for this entire issue. PMG has recorded one catalogued variant for Pick P-15. No overprints, color variants, or signature varieties are evident in this example. The note represents the standard 1947 regular issue type as confirmed by multiple catalog sources.