10 kronur 1981

Common. This is a standard circulation issue of the 10 kronur denomination from 1981, with no indication of limited print run, early withdrawal, or special collecting demand. Icelandic kronur notes from this era remain readily available in the numismatic market, and uncirculated examples are not scarce. The note's condition grade of UNC is relatively common for preserved specimens from this printing, as these notes were produced in substantial quantities for general circulation.

This banknote was issued by Sedlabanki Íslands (Central Bank of Iceland) under Law No. 10, dated 29 March 1961, though this particular specimen represents the 1981 printing. The front honors Arngrímur Jónsson Ísleifí (1568-1648), a significant Icelandic ecclesiastical and intellectual figure from the early modern period who played an important role in Icelandic cultural and religious history. The reverse's depiction of traditional Icelandic household life reflects the nation's connection to its heritage during a period of economic modernization in the late 20th century.

The obverse features a three-quarter length portrait of Arngrímur Jónsson, the 16th-17th century Icelandic scholar, bishop, and author, depicted in period dress with a dark jacket, white collar detail, and holding a book—symbolic of his intellectual contributions. The portrait occupies the right side of the note against a pink and salmon-colored background. An ornate border composed of repeating blue floral medallion patterns frames the design, with a central decorative flower motif in orange and coral tones. The reverse presents an engraved scene of traditional Icelandic domestic life, showing multiple figures including adults and children in historical dress engaged in household activities around storage containers, baskets, and simple furnishings—providing visual documentation of historical Icelandic living conditions and domestic economy. Both sides employ fine-line engraving with detailed cross-hatching for depth and authenticity.

Front side: '10' (denomination numeral); 'TIÚ KRÓNUR' (Ten Kronur); 'Arngrímur Jónsson Ísleifí' (portrait subject's name); '1568-1648' (life dates); 'SAMKVÆMT LÖGUM NR.10' (According to Law No. 10); '29.MARS 1961' (29 March 1961); 'SEDLABANKI ÍSLANDS' (Central Bank of Iceland); signatures of 'Jóhanna Nordal' and 'Davíð Ólafur'; Serial number 'A 0561788'. Back side: '10' (denomination numeral appearing in top right and bottom left corners). All inscriptions are in Icelandic except for the numerical denominations and serial number.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) with fine detail work evident in both the portraiture and the reverse domestic scene. The security features include the ornate border pattern and fine-line printing details characteristic of high-security banknote production. The color differentiation between front (pink/salmon with blue and orange accents) and back (dark blue on white) demonstrates sophisticated multicolor intaglio printing typical of mid-20th century Central European banknote printers. The note was printed by the Central Bank of Iceland's designated security printer for this issue period.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-48(1), representing the 1981 issue printing. The serial number prefix 'A' and the sequential numbering 'A 0561788' indicate this is from an early batch of the 1981 printing. Key identifying features for variety classification include the presence of the signatures of Jóhanna Nordal and Davíð Ólafur as authorized signatories, and the reference to Law No. 10 dated 29 March 1961 (the original authorization date). Collectors should note that multiple signature combinations and printing variants exist within Pick P-48 designation, though this particular combination appears to be a standard variety for 1981 production.