10 kronur 1981
About This Note
An uncirculated 1981 issue of Iceland's 10 kronur note featuring a striking portrait of Arngrímur Jónsson (1568-1648), the celebrated Icelandic scholar and cleric, rendered in fine blue and pink engraving. The reverse depicts a detailed historical domestic scene with multiple figures and period household items, showcasing the high-quality line engraving work characteristic of Central Bank of Iceland notes from this era. This note represents an exceptional example of Icelandic numismatic artistry, with pristine condition and no visible wear or imperfections.
Common. The 10 kronur denomination was a standard circulation note issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. Print runs for denominations of this value during the 1961-1981 period were substantial, and surviving examples in all grades are readily available to collectors. No evidence of special rarity, short-lived issue, or recall status affects this Pick number.
Issued under Law No. 10 of March 29, 1961, this note commemorates Arngrímur Jónsson, a pivotal figure in Icelandic intellectual history during the late Renaissance period. The reverse scene depicting domestic life and learning reflects Iceland's cultural heritage and emphasis on education and household traditions. This design choice underscores Iceland's pride in its scholarly traditions during a period of modernization and nation-building in the latter half of the 20th century.
The obverse features a three-quarter length portrait of Arngrímur Jónsson, an Icelandic theologian, grammarian, and scholar (1568-1648), depicted in Renaissance-era clothing with a dark coat and ornate collar, holding a book symbolic of his intellectual contributions. The portrait is positioned on the right side with an ornamental circular floral medallion in the center. The reverse presents a detailed allegorical or historical scene illustrating domestic and educational life in historical Iceland, with multiple figures (adults and children) engaged in household and instructional activities, surrounded by period furnishings including wooden vessels and barrels. The composition employs fine cross-hatching and detailed line work throughout.
Front side: '10' (denomination); 'TÍÐ KRÓNUM' (Ten Kronur); 'Arngrímur Jónsson lærdi 1568-1648' (Arngrímur Jónsson the learned 1568-1648); 'SAMKVÆRMT LÖGUM NR.10 29.MARS 1961' (In accordance with law no. 10, 29 March 1961); 'SEÐLABANKI ÍSLANDS' (Central Bank of Iceland); Signatures: 'Halldórsson' and 'Davíð Ólafur'; Serial number 'A03298476' appears twice. Back side: '10' appears in upper right and lower left corners.
Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel engraving), characteristic of high-quality banknote production. The fine line engraving, detailed cross-hatching visible in both the portrait and reverse scene, and the crisp color registration between the navy blue, pink/salmon, and white/cream elements indicate professional banknote production. The printer for Icelandic notes of this period was typically Sedlabanki Íslands' contracted security printer, with such notes often produced by European security printers specializing in intaglio work.
This specific example bears the serial number A03298476 and is signed by Halldórsson and Davíð Ólafur. The Pick catalog lists this as P-48(3), indicating it is the third dated variety or signature variety of the 10 kronur note from the 1961 law authorization. The 1981 issue date places this in a later printing period of notes authorized under the 1961 legislation. Varieties for this Pick number typically relate to different signature combinations and printing dates throughout the 1961-1981 authorization period.
