10 kronur 1957

Common. While cataloged as Pick 38a with a known printing variant (38b), this note's market history shows consistent availability in UNC grades selling for $11-19 USD on eBay across multiple sales from 2015-2026. The 2016 catalog value of $18 for UNC examples and the regular appearance of UNC specimens at auction indicate a sufficient print run for the period. Notes in this denomination and era with regular eBay activity below $20 are standard circulation issues.

This note was issued pursuant to Law No. 63 dated June 21, 1957, during a period of post-war reconstruction and modernization in Iceland. The obverse portrait of Jón Eiríksson commemorates Iceland's medieval maritime heritage and early Norse exploration, while the reverse's detailed Reykjavik harbor scene reflects the nation's continued dependence on fishing and maritime commerce as economic cornerstones. The choice of these maritime themes underscores Iceland's identity as a seafaring nation during the mid-20th century.

The obverse features a portrait of Jón Eiríksson, the 10th-century Norse explorer credited with early voyages to North America, rendered in three-quarter profile facing left wearing formal 19th-century style clothing with a high collar. A multi-masted sailing ship is positioned in the lower right, representing Iceland's maritime tradition. The reverse depicts a detailed harbor scene of Reykjavik's dock with multiple sailing vessels moored at a wooden wharf, barrels and maritime cargo in the foreground, and mountains visible under a cloudy sky. Both sides feature ornamental geometric borders and complex parallel-line engraving work typical of period security printing. A circular bank seal appears in the lower left corner of the reverse.

FRONT SIDE: 'LANDSBANKI ÍSLANDS - SEÐLABANKINN' (National Bank of Iceland - The Bank); '10' and 'THÚ KRONUR' (Ten Kronur); 'SAMKVÆMT LÖGUM NR. 63, 21 JÚNÍ 1957' (According to Law No. 63, 21 June 1957); 'JÓN EIRÍKSSON' (name of the portrayed explorer); Serial number: B1345894. BACK SIDE: '10' (denomination, appears twice); 'REYKJAVÍKURHÖFN' (Reykjavik Harbor); 'LANDSBANKI ÍSLANDS' (National Bank of Iceland, visible in lower seal).

Intaglio (steel engraving), executed by BWC (British & West Continental Bank Note Printing Company) without visible printer's imprint. The detailed line work, fine hatching in the portrait, complex geometric patterns, and multi-layered color printing (purple/brown/green base with orange and pink underprints) are characteristic of high-security intaglio currency production from the mid-20th century.

This is Pick 38a, the primary variant printed by BWC without imprint. The catalog reference notes an interesting printing error: the letter 'Ö' (O-with-umlaut) in 'REYKJAVÍKURHÖFN' on the back is printed without its diacritic mark, appearing as a plain 'O' in 'REYKJAVIKURHOFN'—a documented error variety for this issue. A secondary variant (Pick 38b) also exists from the same printer. The specimen shown carries serial number B1345894.