10 rupiah 1959

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades (UNC, AUNC, EF, VF, F) spanning from 2011 to 2026, with UNC examples typically selling in the $1–$6 range and graded examples (PMG 64-67) commanding $10–$43. The note's widespread availability, regular appearance in auctions, and modest pricing indicate a substantial original print run. The 1959 10 Rupiah is one of Indonesia's foundational currency issues but remains common in the collector market.

Issued on January 1, 1959, this note represents Indonesia's early years as an independent nation, having declared independence just four years earlier. The choice of native Indonesian flora (ornamental flowers) and fauna (salmon-crested cockatoos, endemic to eastern Indonesia) on the banknote reflects the country's national identity and natural heritage during the Sukarno era. The bilingual inscriptions in Indonesian and English, combined with the Jakarta date mark and Bank Indonesia issuer attribution, document the nation's establishment of its own central banking authority and currency system.

The obverse features an ornamental design centered on delicate floral motifs—flowers and buds arranged symmetrically around a cream-colored oval reserve space—flanked by decorative scrollwork in the corners. The design employs red-pink and gold tones on green background, with geometric meander pattern borders framing the composition. The reverse depicts two salmon-crested cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis), Indonesia's iconic large white parrots with distinctive salmon-red crests, rendered in green and teal tones with elaborate tail feathers. Both birds are positioned symmetrically flanking a large blank circular central space, with ornamental foliage and scrollwork completing the design. The bilateral symmetry and use of national flora and fauna underscore Indonesian national identity.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANK INDONESIA' (Bank Indonesia) | 'SEPULUH RUPIAH' (Ten Rupiah) | '10' (denomination) | '10BYB06219' (serial number) | 'DJAKARTA' (Jakarta) | '1 DJANAUARI 1959' (1 January 1959) | 'GUBERNUR' (Governor) | 'DIREKTUR' (Director) | 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution). BACK SIDE: '10' (denomination markers in corners) | 'BARANGSIAPA MEMILIKI ATAU MEMALSUKAN UANG KERTAS DAN BARANGSIAPA MENGELUARKAN DENGAN SENOADJA ATAU MENJIMPAN UANG KERTAS TIRUAN ATAU UANG KERTAS-JANG DIPALSUAKAN AKAN DITUNTUT DIMUKA HAKIM' (Whoever owns or forges banknotes and whoever issues forged banknotes intentionally or keeps counterfeit banknotes or forged banknotes will be prosecuted before a judge).

Intaglio engraving, executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company of London, a premier security printer of the era. The fine line work, detailed filigree patterns, ornamental borders, and sharp definition of the bird imagery are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. Multiple color printing using separate plates for the red-pink-gold overprint on the obverse and the green-teal overprint on the reverse demonstrates sophisticated multicolor security printing technology of the late 1950s.

The observed specimen carries serial number '10BYB06219', consistent with the standard early 1959 emission. The date '1 DJANAUARI 1959' (using the old Dutch-influenced spelling of January, 'Djanauari') is standard for this issue. No significant varieties (signature variations, date varieties, or color variants) are documented for Pick P-66 in major catalogs. The Thomas De La Rue printing attribution and the Jakarta issue location are constant for this Pick number across the known population.