10 sen 1945
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11 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of the historically significant Indonesian 10 Sen note from October 17, 1945, issued during the Republic of Indonesia's declaration of independence. The note displays the characteristic tan/beige coloration with brown ornamental designs typical of early Indonesian currency, featuring elaborate scrollwork, floral patterns, and classical security engraving throughout both obverse and reverse. In UNC condition, this note shows minimal aging with no visible tears or creases, representing a pristine specimen of this important nationalist-era banknote.
Common. While historically significant as an early nationalist-era Indonesian banknote, this denomination is not rare in numismatic terms. eBay price tracking shows consistent modest valuations with UNC condition notes catalogued at $3.50 (2016 values) and actual sales ranging from under $1 to $15.50 depending on condition and grading. The relatively high volume of these notes still in circulation and the consistent availability in the secondary market indicate a common issue.
This 10 Sen note was issued on October 17, 1945, just days after Indonesia's August 17 proclamation of independence from Dutch colonial rule, making it a tangible artifact of the nation's foundational period. The inscriptions prominently feature 'REPUBLIK INDONESIA' and 'DJAKARTA,' reflecting the newly established Indonesian republic's assertion of sovereignty and centralized authority from its capital. The ornate design elements and security features demonstrate the young nation's commitment to establishing legitimate monetary institutions independent of colonial administration.
This classical banknote features an elegant symmetric design typical of mid-20th century currency. The obverse displays 'REPUBLIK INDONESIA' as the primary text with ornamental scrollwork framing positioned in the top left and right corners, each containing a decorative number '10' in elaborate frames. A central circular medallion or seal element anchors the lower portion of the obverse. The reverse presents a large rounded oval frame as the focal point, containing the denomination '10' and surrounded by ornamental scrollwork in all four corners with intricate geometric and floral patterns. A central rectangular legal panel spans the reverse, containing statutory information ('UNDANG'). The overall design eschews portrait imagery in favor of nationalist symbolism and ornamental security elements, appropriate for a provisional early-independence currency.
OBVERSE: 'REPUBLIK INDONESIA' (Republic of Indonesia) / 'TANDA PEMBAJARAN JANG SAH' (Legal Tender) / 'SEPULUH SEN' (Ten Sen) / 'DJAKARTA 17 OKTOBER 1945' (Jakarta 17 October 1945) / 'MENTERI KEUANGAN' (Minister of Finance). REVERSE: 'SEPULUH SEN' (Ten Sen) / 'UNDANG' (Act/Law) / '10' (Denomination numeral) / Additional legal text in rectangular panel (partially illegible in available images).
The banknote employs intaglio engraving, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and deeply detailed scrollwork visible throughout both sides. The consistent quality of ornamental borders and the fine detail of the floral and geometric security elements are characteristic of classical engraved banknote production. According to PMG population data, the printer for this Pick number variant is JEZ (Julius Ernst Zimmer), a respected German security printer.
This note is catalogued as Pick 15a, representing the base Pick number for this 10 Sen denomination from October 17, 1945. PMG records indicate one primary variant for this base Pick number. No significant overprints, signature variations, or serial number prefix variations are apparent in the visual analysis. The note's consistent design and lack of visible distinguishing marks suggest it represents a standard printing of this issue without documented sub-varieties.
