10 shillings 1960
Market Prices
91 salesAbout This Note
This is a Bank of England 10 Shillings note from the 1960-1970 series, presented in Extremely Fine condition. The note features a mauve and cream color scheme with Queen Elizabeth II in profile on the obverse and the allegorical figure of Britannia on the reverse, both rendered in intricate fine-line engraving. The note shows minimal wear with only slight aging consistent with its age, making it an attractive example of mid-20th century British currency design.
Common. This is a regular issue from a series with substantial print runs spanning approximately 1960-1970. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales averaging $6-$40 depending on grade, with raw EF examples selling for $3-$20.50. The existence of numerous certified examples in PMG holders at various grades further confirms this is a commonly circulating note that remains readily available to collectors. No supply restrictions or recall information suggests scarcity.
Issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, this 10 Shillings note represents the Bank of England's currency in the period before decimal currency was introduced in 1971. The obverse features the reigning monarch in a formal portrait setting, while the reverse depicts Britannia, the allegorical personification of Britain herself, seated classically with shield—a design element harking back to centuries of British numismatic and artistic tradition. This series bridges the pre-decimal and modern eras of British banking.
The obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in formal profile, facing left, positioned within an ornate oval frame on the right side of the note. She is shown wearing her crown and formal regalia. The reverse depicts Britannia, the classical allegorical female figure symbolizing Britain, seated facing right in classical dress and headdress, positioned centrally within an ornate frame and appearing to hold a shield. Both sides are dominated by elaborate fine-line engraved decorative patterns including geometric designs, floral flourishes, scrollwork, and scalloped denomination frames displaying '10' on left and right margins. The color scheme of mauve/dusty pink on cream provides the characteristic appearance of this series.
Front side: 'BANK OF ENGLAND' / 'I promise to pay the Bearer on Demand the sum of Ten Shillings' / 'LONDON' / 'for the Gov. and Comp. of the BANK of ENGLAND' / 'Chief Cashier' / Serial number 'A98N 132287'. Back side: 'TEN Shillings'. All inscriptions are in English and appear on their original note as printed.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on banknote paper. The note exhibits the fine, precise line work and detailed portraiture characteristic of steel plate intaglio printing, the standard security printing method for Bank of England notes of this era. The intricate geometric patterns, portrait detail, and multi-color registration are consistent with high-security banknote production by Thomas De La Rue, the principal security printer for the Bank of England during this period.
The observed serial number 'A98N 132287' indicates this is an example from the regular issue series. The 'A' prefix is typical of this series. Pick catalog number P-373c identifies this as a standard variety; however, detailed variety identification would require knowledge of specific signature combinations, date ranges, and security features (such as watermark patterns of laureate heads) which may distinguish subtypes within the broader P-373c classification. The visual analysis notes a continuous vertical row of laureate heads watermark at left, which is consistent with documented specimens of this issue.
