10 francs 1965

Common. This note regularly appears on the secondary market with eBay sales data showing consistent circulation at modest prices ranging from $15.50 to $96.09 depending on condition. The catalog values (2019) indicate VF at $25 and UNC at $150, consistent with a regularly issued denomination. The 1964–1965 dating window and standard government issue status indicate a substantial print run. PMG 64 EPQ examples are highly desirable due to exceptional condition but do not represent rare varieties—the note itself is common in the market.

Issued by the Banque du Royaume du Burundi in 1965, this note commemorates the kingdom's early years of independence (achieved in 1962) and its pastoral economy. The prominent depiction of zebu cattle on the obverse symbolizes wealth and livestock importance in Burundian society, while the central coat of arms on the reverse asserts national sovereignty and identity during a formative period in the country's post-colonial development.

The obverse features a central pastoral vignette of two zebu cattle with characteristic long horns, depicted in profile standing in grassland, symbolizing Burundi's pastoral wealth and agricultural economy. The design incorporates bilingual inscriptions in French and Kirundi, reflecting the country's linguistic composition. The reverse displays a formal circular coat of arms or national emblem at center, flanked by decorative oval rosette patterns, with the denomination '10' appearing in all four corners. The overall design employs ornamental geometric border patterns and fine line-work characteristic of high-quality banknote engraving. The color scheme—tan, beige, and brown on the obverse with gray and tan on the reverse—creates visual distinction between the two sides while maintaining design cohesion.

OBVERSE: 'BANQUE DU ROYAUME DU BURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi); 'DIX FRANCS' (Ten Francs); 'AMAFRANGA CUMI' (Ten Francs in Kirundi); 'IBANKI Y'INGOMA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi in Kirundi); 'LE VICE-PRESIDENT' and 'LE PRESIDENT' (signature lines); Date: '31-12-65' (December 31, 1965); Serial number: 'M668549'. REVERSE: 'BANQUE DU ROYAUME DU BURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi); 'IBANKI Y'INGOMA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Kingdom of Burundi in Kirundi); 'LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE' (The counterfeiter is punished with penal servitude); 'IWUZOKWIGANA IYI NOTI AZOFUNGWA' (Counterfeiting this note will result in imprisonment in Kirundi).

This note was produced using traditional intaglio (engraved) printing techniques, evidenced by the sharp, crisp impression of the fine line-work, intricate geometric patterns, and detailed rosette designs visible throughout both sides. The precision of the agricultural vignette and the delicate border work are characteristic of high-quality security printing from the mid-1960s. The specific printer for this Pick number is not definitively documented in standard references, though Banque du Royaume du Burundi contracted with established European security printers of the era.

This specific example is dated 31-12-1965 (December 31, 1965) with serial number M668549. The 1965 issues are distinguished from the earlier 1964 printing. This note carries two signature lines labeled 'LE VICE-PRESIDENT' and 'LE PRESIDENT' (unsigned in this example), consistent with the standard design of the Pick-9 issue. The 'M' serial number prefix is typical for this series. No known significant varieties (overprints, color variants, or signature changes) are documented as major distinguishing features for this denomination during its 1964–1965 issue period.