10 shillings 1962

Common. The eBay price history shows this note selling for approximately $11.61 in 2010 (VF condition), well below the $75 catalogue valuation for VF notes, indicating regular market availability. The 1957-1965 Fiji 10 Shillings series was a standard issue with substantial print runs. Pick number P-52c represents a standard variety within this series, with known variants (P-52d, P-52e) catalogued by PMG, suggesting multiple printings. There is no evidence of a short print run, recall, or scarcity conditions.

Issued in 1962, this note represents Fiji's currency during the final years of the British colonial period, before the territory's path toward independence in 1970. The prominent display of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait and the formal heraldic imagery reflect Fiji's status as a British Crown Colony, while the classical architectural elements and ornamental design language were typical of Commonwealth currency design of the era. The denomination in shillings and the reference to 'Commissioners of Currency' emphasize Fiji's integration into the sterling currency system of the British Empire.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in profile facing right, positioned at the right side of the note, rendered in the refined intaglio style characteristic of British security printers. The upper center contains classical architectural vignettes depicting draped allegorical figures and columned structures, reflecting the Commonwealth design tradition. The reverse displays a symmetrical formal layout with a geometric medallion pattern on the left side (possibly representing Fiji's identity or heraldic elements) and ornamental blank circular space on the right. Decorative scrollwork and flourishes occupy all four corners on both sides. The color scheme of rose/mauve pink on cream underprint with dark maroon/burgundy accents was standard for this denomination in the 1957-1965 series.

Front side: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuing authority); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination in words); 'for the GOVERNMENT OF FIJI 19 DECEMBER, 1962' (authorization date); 'COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY' (issuing body); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGLAND' (printer identification); Serial numbers: 'C 07781' and '607781'. Back side: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuing authority); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination in words); '10/-' (denomination in abbreviated form, appearing in all four corners).

Intaglio engraving (letterpress) produced by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd, New Malden, England—one of the world's foremost security printers of the era. The visual analysis confirms characteristic intaglio features including fine line engraving with intricate crosshatch patterns, geometric guilloche backgrounds, and raised ink appearance. The printer's mark 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGLAND' is prominently displayed on the obverse. This company was renowned for high-security currency and banknote production.

This note is catalogued as P-52c per the Pick reference. The visual analysis confirms this is from the Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd printing (BWC printer mark visible). The specific date of 19 December 1962 and serial number format (C 07781 / 607781) are consistent with this variety. PMG records indicate at least two additional variants (P-52d and P-52e) exist within this base Pick number, likely distinguished by signature combinations, date variations, or serial number prefix changes. The 'C' serial prefix observed here may indicate a specific printing batch within the 1962 issue.