10 francs 1964

Common. The catalog value of $150 UNC (2019) combined with multiple documented eBay sales in the $80-96 range for UNC specimens indicates steady market availability. Print runs for this inaugural 1964 issue were substantial, and the note remains relatively easy to acquire in all grades. While early African independence currency issues hold collector interest, this particular note shows no evidence of rarity factors such as short print runs, recall, or numismatic scarcity.

Issued by the Banque du Royaume du Burundi in 1964, this note represents Burundi's transition to independence and establishment of its own monetary authority. The prominent display of the national coat of arms and bilingual inscriptions in French and Kirundi reflect the newly sovereign kingdom's dual cultural heritage and administrative structure. The antelope depicted on the obverse symbolizes the nation's wildlife and natural heritage, connecting the monetary system to Burundian identity during this formative post-colonial period.

The obverse features a centrally positioned antelope (likely a species native to the region, rendered in profile facing left) as the dominant design element, executed in fine black and brown engraving against a distinctive lilac-brown and pink/salmon colored underprint. The reverse displays the coat of arms of Burundi—a heraldic shield with symbolic national imagery—positioned within an ornate circular medallion with decorative flourishes. Both sides are framed by intricate geometric border patterns and fine line work. Signature lines for the President and Vice-President appear on the obverse. Denomination numerals appear in multiple locations including all four corners of the reverse. The bilingual presentation (French and Kirundi) underscores the nation's bicultural character.

OBVERSE: 'BANQUE DU ROYAUME DU BURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi) / 'DIX FRANCS' (Ten Francs) / '10 AMAFRANGA CUMI' (Ten Francs in Kirundi) / 'IBANKI Y'INGOMA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi in Kirundi) / 'LE VICE-PRESIDENT' (The Vice-President) / 'LE PRESIDENT' (The President) / Date: '20-11-64' (20 November 1964) / Serial: 'A 2150991'. REVERSE: 'BANQUE DU ROYAUME DU BURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi) / 'ROYAUME DU BURUNDI' (Kingdom of Burundi) / 'LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE' (Counterfeiters are punished with penal servitude) / 'IBANKI Y'INGOMA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi in Kirundi) / 'UWUZOKWIGANA IYI NOTI AZOFUNGWA' (Counterfeiters of this note will be prosecuted in Kirundi).

Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate printing), evidenced by the fine line detail, complex geometric patterns, and precise cross-hatching throughout the design. The crisp, sharp impressions visible on the uncirculated example confirm high-quality security printing typical of early independent African central bank notes. The specific printer for this issue is not definitively documented in standard catalogs, though it was likely produced by a European security printer, possibly in Belgium or Switzerland given Burundi's historical colonial connections.

This specimen is dated 20 November 1964 with serial number A 2150991. The catalog references multiple date variants: 1964, 25.2.1965, 20.3.1965, and 31.12.1965 (indicating extended printing across several years). The series letter 'A' prefix is standard. No overprints or significant varieties are apparent on this example. Collectors should note that this denomination was issued across multiple years with different signatures corresponding to different administrations, making signature varieties collectible.