10 kronur 1961

Common. The 1961 10 Krónnur series (Pick P-42) was a standard circulation issue of the Central Bank of Iceland with substantial production quantities typical for a base denomination in general circulation. While this specific note is in outstanding uncirculated condition, the denomination and year are not scarce. These notes remain relatively available in the collector market at modest valuations, consistent with common post-war European banknotes.

Issued under Law No. 10 of March 29, 1961, this banknote was produced during Iceland's post-independence era as the nation developed its modern monetary system under the Central Bank of Iceland (Seðlabanki Íslands). The iconography reflects Iceland's maritime heritage and economic foundation—Jón Eiríksson (likely referring to Erik the Red or a related historical Norse figure) on the obverse honors the nation's Viking heritage, while the detailed depiction of Reykjavík Harbor on the reverse emphasizes the critical importance of fishing and seafaring to Iceland's economy in the mid-20th century.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Jón Eiríksson positioned on the left side, rendered as a bearded gentleman in formal 19th or early 20th century attire, depicted in profile facing forward. To the right, a maritime scene depicts a fishing or cargo vessel at sea with mountainous coastline in the background, creating a dual narrative of historical personage and maritime economy. The reverse showcases an elaborate harbor scene specifically identifying Reykjavík Harbor (Reykjavíkurhöfn), populated with multiple fishing vessels, commercial boats of varying sizes, and dock infrastructure, with mountains visible across the water in the background. A circular national seal or coat of arms appears in the lower left corner. The entire composition utilizes ornate engraved borders with geometric and floral design elements, intricate line work, and fine cross-hatching throughout. The color scheme combines purple-brown and green on the obverse with green and pale mauve-pink tones on the reverse.

FRONT SIDE: 'SEÐLABANKI ÍSLANDS' (Central Bank of Iceland); 'TÍU KRÓNUR' (Ten Kronur); 'JÓN EIRÍKSSON' (Jon Eiriksson - portrait identification); 'SAMKVÆMT LÖGUM NR. 10, 29. MARZ 1961' (According to Law No. 10, 29 March 1961); Serial number 'BA3294751'; Denomination '10'. BACK SIDE: 'REYKJAVÍKURHÖFN' (Port of Reykjavik/Reykjavik Harbor); Denomination numerals '10' appearing in upper corners.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on banknote stock, evidenced by the fine detailed portrait work, intricate background line patterns, precise geometric border designs, and the characteristic crisp definition of all elements. The security features include fine engraved line work throughout, detailed shading through cross-hatching, and the complexity of the maritime scenes which would be difficult to replicate without authentic engraved plates. This represents the standard security printing technique for Central Bank of Iceland issues during this period.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-42(2), indicating it represents the second variety or issue of the 1961 10 Krónnur design. The serial number prefix 'BA' may indicate a specific printing batch or series, though without comprehensive documentation of all serial number ranges for this issue, specific variety attribution based solely on this serial number cannot be definitively established. The consistent design elements (date of 29 March 1961, law reference, portrait and harbor imagery) confirm this as the standard P-42(2) variety issued under the specified legislation.