10 makuta 1968

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales in the $4–$8 range for VF-graded examples from 2013–2024, with only occasional outliers reaching $13–$23 in exceptional circumstances (usually higher grades). The 2019 catalog value for VF is $12.50, confirming this note trades as a common, readily available collectible in the secondary market. No evidence of restricted print runs, recalls, or short-issue periods exists for this Pick number.

This note was issued during the early years of Mobutu's rule in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then called the Democratic Republic of the Congo), reflecting the regime's nation-building initiatives through the depicted civic landmarks. The 'Tata Raphael' stadium and National Assembly building represent the government's infrastructure development and centralization of power during this period. The makuta currency system (replacing the franc) symbolized the consolidation of Mobutu's control and the modernization efforts of the newly independent nation.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of President Joseph Désiré Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku wa za Banga, depicted wearing a military dress uniform with visible shoulder insignia and eyeglasses, positioned on the right side of the note. On the left is an architectural drawing of the 'Tata Raphael' stadium in Kinshasa, a large institutional sports facility shown in plan view with visible field markings and seating areas. The reverse displays a formal neoclassical institutional building—the National Assembly (Palais du Peuple) in Kinshasa—rendered in symmetrical architectural perspective with decorative water features and formal gardens flanking the structure. The overall design employs a blue and tan/beige color palette with pink/rose accents and extensive fine-line security patterns throughout. The BNC (Banque Nationale du Congo) logo appears prominently on the obverse.

Front side: 'BANQUE NATIONALE DU CONGO' (National Bank of Congo), 'DIX MAKUTA' (Ten Makuta), '10' and 'MAKUTA' (denomination markers), 'LE GOUVERNEUR' (The Governor), '1·9·1968' (issue date: 1 September 1968), 'DK9879976' (serial number), 'LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE' (The counterfeiter is punished with penal servitude). Back side: 'BANQUE NATIONALE' (National Bank), 'DU CONGO' (of Congo), '10' and 'MAKUTA' (denomination markers), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer identification).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on high-quality banknote paper, executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London (indicated by the TDLR printer mark and confirmed in catalog data). The note exhibits fine geometric crosshatch security backgrounds, intricate engraving detail work, and ornamental border patterns characteristic of de la Rue's security printing standards of the period. Multiple security features include fine-line work throughout and dual serial number printing.

This example is dated 1·9·1968 (1 September 1968), consistent with the Pick P-9 issue range of 1967–1970. The printer is Thomas de la Rue & Company (TDLR), corresponding to the P-9a variety. The serial number format (DK9879976) is consistent with documented examples. The visual analysis confirms this as a standard issue of the 1968 date, with no visible overprints, signatures, or other distinguishing variety markers observed. The PMG population report notes P-9a as the TDLR-printed variety for this Pick number.