10 shillings 1966
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5 salesAbout This Note
A pristine example of the Bermuda Government's 1966 10 Shillings banknote (Pick-19c), printed by Bradbury Wilkinson in uncirculated condition. The note features a striking pink and red color scheme with Queen Elizabeth II's profile portrait in an oval frame on the obverse and the Bermuda coat of arms on the reverse. With crisp margins, sharp detail work, and no visible wear, this note represents an exceptional specimen of mid-20th-century Commonwealth currency design.
Common. The 1966 issue of the 10 Shillings denomination had a substantial print run as part of Bermuda's regular currency circulation. eBay market data shows UNC examples selling in the $250-$300 range (2014-2019 catalog valuations), with typical sales occurring regularly. Multiple PMG-graded variants (P-19a, P-19b, P-19c) exist in the population reports, indicating wide commercial availability. This is a collectible but readily obtainable note for Commonwealth currency collectors.
Issued on October 1, 1966, during Bermuda's transition period as a self-governing British Overseas Territory, this banknote represents the final phase of the pre-decimalization sterling currency system in the island. The prominent display of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait and the elaborate heraldic arms underscore Bermuda's Commonwealth status and colonial governance structure at the time, while the denomination in shillings reflects the sterling-based monetary system that would soon be replaced by decimalization.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in profile facing right, enclosed within an ornate oval frame with decorative corner flourishes and geometric borders. Below the portrait is Gate's Fort in St. George's, the historic fortification depicted in a landscape scene. The reverse showcases the Bermuda coat of arms as the central design element, featuring a shield supported by two lions, with a crown above, and decorative rosette patterns incorporating the denomination '10' in each corner. Throughout both sides, fine line engraving creates intricate background patterns and ornamental borders characteristic of security printing of the era.
FRONT: '10/-' and 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination markings in corners); 'BERMUDA GOVERNMENT' (issuing authority); 'BERMUDA NOTES ARE THE PAYMENT OF LEGAL TENDER FOR ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BERMUDA LEGISLATURE' (authorization statement); 'HAMILTON, BERMUDA 1ST OCTOBER, 1966' (place and date of issue); 'COLONIAL TREASURER' and 'DEPUTY COLONIAL TREASURER' (authorized signatories); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN SURREY ENGLAND' (printer attribution); 'Y9775I9' (serial number). BACK: '10' and 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination markings within rosette patterns).
Intaglio (engraved) printing by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd, the renowned London-based security printer. The detailed line work visible in the background patterns, portrait rendering, and heraldic imagery are consistent with traditional copper plate engraving techniques. Fine line work throughout serves as both aesthetic and security design elements.
This note is cataloged as Pick-19c, representing one of three known varieties of the 1966 10 Shillings denomination, all printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd. Varieties P-19a, P-19b, and P-19c exist, likely differentiated by signature combinations or serial number prefixes. The observed serial number Y9775I9 on the examined specimen should be cross-referenced against known variety documentation to confirm the specific P-19c classification. The October 1, 1966 date is consistent with the primary issue date for this series.
