10 pounds 1975

Common. The eBay market prices for UNC examples range from approximately $29.88 to $69.99 USD (with one outlier listing at $2900 likely representing an error or special variant), and the 2019 catalogue value of $900 for UNC condition is consistent with a well-preserved but regularly available note. The Falkland Islands' 1975 first issue was produced in quantities sufficient for regular circulation, and examples remain readily obtainable on the numismatic market. PMG population reports indicate multiple variants (P-11a through P-11cs) exist, suggesting substantial print runs across variants.

Issued on 5th June 1975, this banknote marks the Government of the Falkland Islands' establishment of its own currency system, reflecting the territory's growing administrative independence during a period of increased self-determination in the British Overseas Territories. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in formal regalia reinforces the Falkland Islands' status as a British Commonwealth territory, while the 'Commissioner of Currency' designation on the note emphasizes the local authority's role in monetary control. The elaborate engraved design and de la Rue printing reflect international security printing standards of the mid-1970s.

The obverse features a formal right-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing her royal crown and regalia, enclosed within an ornate circular medallion with elaborate decorative scrollwork, floral wreaths, and botanical elements. The denomination '£10' appears in a decorative cartouche on the left side of the note. The reverse displays the full width of the banknote with an intricate symmetrical ornamental design in green featuring interlocking curved lines, floral motifs, and geometric patterns arranged in a mirror-image composition, creating a medallion-like central focal point. The overall color scheme consists of cream and beige background tones with green primary design elements and pale pink accents, typical of de la Rue's classical banknote aesthetic from this period.

OBVERSE: Serial number 'A 32605' (top left and bottom right); 'THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS' (issuing authority); '£10' and 'TEN POUNDS' (denomination); 'These Notes are Legal Tender for the payment of any amount' (legal tender statement); '5th June 1975' (issue date); 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS' (authorization); 'Commissioner of Currency' (authorized signatory title); 'THOS DE LA RUE & CO LTD LONDON' (printer information). REVERSE: Serial number 'A 32605' faintly visible in background watermark-style security printing. All text in English.

Intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd, London. The fine linework visible throughout the portrait, decorative scrollwork, and ornamental patterns are characteristic of traditional engraving and intaglio processes. The security printing includes complex symmetrical ornamental designs and fine-line anti-counterfeiting patterns throughout both sides of the note. The watermark-style background security elements and the overall crisp, detailed appearance confirm professional security printing standards.

This note is identified as Pick P-11a, the first variant of the 1975 £10 issue. The serial number prefix 'A' is visible on this example. The PMG population report indicates seven distinct variants exist for this base Pick number (P-11a, P-11as, P-11b, P-11bs, P-11c, P-11cs, P-11s), with differences likely relating to signature variants, serial number prefixes, and/or printer markings. The date of issue is specifically 5th June 1975, as printed on the note. Further variety determination would require comparison of signature blocks and serial number prefix patterns across known examples.