10 dalasi 1991 specimen
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1991 specimen 10 Dalasi banknote from the Central Bank of The Gambia (Pick P-13as), presented in uncirculated condition with a red SPECIMEN overprint. The note features an elegant design with President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara in formal profile on the obverse and the Abuko Earth Satellite Station depicted on the reverse, both rendered in green, tan, and multicolored inks. As a specimen note with pristine condition and clear security features, this represents an important historical currency issue from the early post-independence period of Gambian monetary policy.
Common. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales ranging from $6.50 to $14.51 over a 6-year period (2013-2019), with catalog valuations at $12 UNC in 2019. These modest, stable prices across multiple transactions indicate healthy supply in the collector market. The 1991-1995 series represented standard circulation currency with substantial print runs. Specimen notes, while traditionally less common than regular issues, remain relatively accessible for this series. The absence of any scarcity notations in PMG population data and the continuous availability on secondary markets confirm common status.
Issued in 1991 during the tenure of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara as President and Edward Singhateh as Central Bank Governor, this note commemorates the nation's telecommunications infrastructure achievements through the depiction of the Abuko Earth Satellite Station on the reverse. The selection of the sacred ibis (depicted as a crowned crane in the design) reflects Gambian national symbolism and wildlife heritage. This 1991-1995 series marked an important modernization of Gambian currency design, incorporating contemporary security features and celebrating the nation's technological progress during the post-colonial era.
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the First President of The Gambia, depicted wearing glasses and formal attire positioned on the right side of the note. The left side displays a sacred ibis rendered in white and green, a significant national symbol. Ornamental decorative foliage, geometric border patterns, and medallion designs frame the composition. The denomination '10' appears in all four corners. The reverse depicts the Abuko Earth Satellite Station as the central focal point, surrounded by supporting buildings with arched architectural features, vegetation, trees, and infrastructure elements including fencing. Fine line patterns and microprinting are visible throughout both sides, with complex ornamental borders framing the entire design. The dominant color palette of green, tan/beige, and white creates a cohesive and professional appearance characteristic of central bank note design standards.
FRONT SIDE: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA' (issuing authority); 'PROMISE TO PAY ON DEMAND THE SUM OF' (standard currency promise); 'TEN DALASIS' (denomination in words); 'SIR DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA, FIRST PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA' (portrait identification); 'GOVERNOR' and signature of 'Edward Singhateh' (bank official); 'GENERAL MANAGER' (officer title); serial number 'A0000000' (specimen numbering); 'SPECIMEN' (red overprint designation). BACK SIDE: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA'; '10' and 'TEN DALASIS' (denomination markings); 'SPECIMEN' (red overprint). All inscriptions are in English.
This note exhibits characteristics of intaglio printing, the standard security printing method for banknotes. The fine line patterns, microprinting visible in the background, complex ornamental borders with repeating patterns, and detailed landscape shading on the reverse are consistent with high-security intaglio engraving. The precise registration of multiple color layers (green, tan, and multicolored underprinting) and the clarity of the portrait and security elements indicate production by a professional security printer. While specific printer attribution for Pick P-13a requires additional catalog research, the technical execution suggests a reputable international security printing facility contracted by the Central Bank of The Gambia.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-13s, identifying it as a SPECIMEN variety of the base P-13 denomination. The specimen designation is indicated by the red diagonal SPECIMEN overprint visible on both obverse and reverse. The visual analysis confirms the serial number format 'A0000000' typical of specimen printing. PMG catalogs three variants for this base Pick number (P-13a, P-13b, P-13s), with differences likely reflecting signature varieties or subtle design variations across the 1991-1995 issuance period. The specific Governor signature of Edward Singhateh and General Manager title represent this particular printing variant. No date printing is visible on the note itself, consistent with the catalog designation 'ND (1991-1995)' indicating the broader issuance window.
