10 francs 1968
Market Prices
3 salesAbout This Note
This is a striking UNC example of the 1968 Burundi 10 Francs (Pick-20a), featuring the iconic Place de la Révolution monument in vibrant red, green, and blue. The note displays crisp printing with exceptional clarity and shows no signs of wear, consistent with uncirculated condition. The bilingual French/Kirundi inscriptions and ornate corner medallions reflect Burundi's post-independence national identity, making this an attractive piece for collectors of African currency.
Common. This is a regular-issue banknote with no indicators of limited print run or short circulation period. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent eBay sales between $9.52 and $19.53 for comparable grades (EF-UNC) across multiple 2015-2016 transactions, establishing stable demand at modest prices typical of common African currency from this era. No numismatic sources identify this Pick number as scarce or rare.
Issued in 1968 by the Banque de la République du Burundi, this note commemorates the Place de la Révolution in Bujumbura, a monument to the nation's independence struggle. The bilingual presentation in French and Kirundi reflects Burundi's colonial heritage and post-1962 independence nation-building efforts. The reverse inscriptions emphasizing 'Unité' (Unity), 'Travail' (Work), and 'Progrès' (Progress) underscore the idealistic aspirations of the young East African nation during this period.
The obverse features the modernist Place de la Révolution monument positioned at right-center, depicted as a contemporary architectural structure with clean lines and columned design, symbolizing national progress. The note employs a red/pink and green color scheme with blue accents, enhanced by geometric guilloche patterns and fine-line engraving throughout. Four corners display ornate circular medallions with radiating floral or sunburst patterns, providing classical ornamentation that contrasts with the modern monument. The Burundi flag appears in the upper right. Signature lines for 'L'Administrateur' and 'Le Président' occupy the lower-left area. The reverse emphasizes nationalist themes through its inscription layout and maintains the decorative medallion motif in all four corners with extensive fine-line security work.
FRONT: 'BANQUE DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU BURUNDI' / 'IBANKI YA REPUBLIKA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Republic of Burundi); 'DIX FRANCS AMAFRANCA CUMI' (Ten Francs); 'PLACE DE LA REVOLUTION' (Place of the Revolution); 'L'ADMINISTRATEUR' (The Administrator); 'LE PRESIDENT' (The President); Serial number 'C890759'; Date '01-11-68' (1 November 1968). BACK: 'BANQUE DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU BURUNDI' / 'IBANKI YA REPUBLIKA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Republic of Burundi); '10 UNITE-UBUMWE' (10 Unit-Unity); 'TRAVAIL-IBIKORWA' (Work-Labor); 'PROGRES-AMAJAMBERE' (Progress); 'LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE' / 'UWUZOKWIGANA [Y] NOTI AZOFUNGWA' (The counterfeiter is punished with penal servitude).
Intaglio (recess) engraving, evidenced by the intricate fine-line patterns, geometric guilloche work, and detailed ornamental medallions visible throughout both sides. The crisp impression and fine line resolution suggest professional security printer production typical of 1960s central bank currency. The precise color registration and layered line-work patterns indicate multi-plate color intaglio printing.
This note exhibits the signature variety with 'L'ADMINISTRATEUR' and 'LE PRESIDENT' signature titles. The 1968 issue date is confirmed by the printed date '01-11-68' visible on the obverse. Serial number C890759 indicates standard numbering sequence. Pick-20a represents the 1968 dated version; a 1970 variant (likely Pick-20b) exists. No visible overprints or unusual security features indicating a specific sub-variety are apparent in this example.
