10 shillings 1961

Common. While this is a pre-decimal note from a minor issuing authority, the 10 Shillings denomination from 1961 appears regularly in the market. eBay price tracking shows AUNC examples selling for approximately $57-$100, and even lower grades (PMG 30) selling for around $51 in 2017. These market prices, combined with catalog values of $325 for UNC (from 2019 data), indicate steady but not scarce availability. The note was part of a regular issue during a 21-year period (1945-1966), suggesting adequate print runs. No evidence of short-run scarcity or recall status is indicated by the catalog data.

This note was issued during the period 1945-1966 when Guernsey maintained its own currency separate from sterling, reflecting the Bailiwick's semi-autonomous status within the British Crown Dependencies. The coat of arms on the reverse—featuring three lions within a heraldic shield—represents the official seal of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and emphasizes the government's authority to issue currency. The formal promise to pay language and the signature of the Treasurer underscore the note's status as legal tender backed by the States of Guernsey's authority during the post-war period.

The obverse features a formal, symmetrical layout typical of mid-20th century British Commonwealth currency design. The denomination '10' appears in large ornamental circles in the upper corners, with the issuer name and denomination repeated prominently in the center. The design employs fine-line guilloché patterns as background security features, surrounded by an ornate decorative border. The reverse presents the Coat of Arms of the Bailiwick of Guernsey as the dominant central element—a heraldic shield containing three lions arranged vertically, enclosed within concentric circular text and surrounded by elaborate floral and leaf ornamental borders. The heraldic design emphasizes official governmental authority and the Bailiwick's distinctive identity.

Front side: 'THE STATES OF GUERNSEY' (header); '10' and 'GUERNSEY' (denomination and issuer); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND' (legal tender clause); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination in words); 'VALUE RECEIVED BY AUTHORITY OF THE STATES' (authorizing statement); 'TREASURER' (signatory title); '1ST JANUARY, 1961' (issue date); Serial number 'L 2127' (appearing twice). Back side: 'BAILIWICK OF GUERNSEY' (issuing authority); 'PRINT'S BACON LIMITED LONDON' (printer identification—note: likely reads 'PERKINS BACON' per catalog data).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), as evidenced by the fine guilloché patterns, elaborate heraldic detailing, and crisp line work visible throughout both sides. The note was printed by Perkins Bacon Limited, London, a specialist security printer renowned for high-quality currency production. The multi-color printing (pink/mauve, green, blue/purple tones) was achieved through multiple plate impressions, a standard technique for currency of this era.

This note is identified as Pick P-42b, one of three cataloged variants (P-42a, P-42b, P-42c) for the 10 Shillings denomination. All three variants were printed by Perkins Bacon (PBC). The specific characteristics that differentiate P-42b from its siblings (P-42a and P-42c) are not detailed in the provided catalog references, but may relate to signature variations, date ranges, or subtle design modifications. The serial number prefix 'L' and the date '1ST JANUARY, 1961' are consistent with the P-42b issue type. Further research into PMG population data or specialized Guernsey currency catalogs would be required to identify definitive distinguishing characteristics of this specific variety.