10 sen 1947

Common. Despite its historical significance as a transitional-period note, this Pick 31 denomination is not rare. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $3-$10 range for VF-grade examples, with numerous transactions recorded from 2011 to 2023. Catalog values (2016) list VF at $1 and UNC at $3, indicating modest collector demand. The large print run necessary to supply small change throughout the Netherlands Indies, combined with the relatively recent 1947 date and the historical abundance of this denomination, all support a common classification. The note's primary value lies in its numismatic and historical interest rather than scarcity.

This note was issued on December 1, 1947, precisely during the Dutch-Indonesian negotiations following the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945. The Dutch Civil Administration issued this currency as emergency small change ('uang pembayaran') during a period of political transition in the Netherlands Indies. The presence of both Dutch language legal warnings regarding counterfeiting and Indonesian text demonstrates the hybrid administrative structure of this brief post-war period, before full Indonesian sovereignty was achieved in December 1949.

The obverse features a classic colonial-era banknote design dominated by ornate Art Deco-influenced floral scrollwork in all four corners, with circular denomination markers displaying '10' in each corner. The central design area is occupied by large text blocks in green/teal ink on a cream underprint, with 'INDONESIA' as the prominent header and 'SEPOELOEH SEN' (Ten Sen) displayed prominently in the center. Two handwritten signatures appear on the lower portion of the note, typical of emergency currency of this period. The reverse displays the large numeral '10' centrally positioned, surrounded by elaborate symmetrical ornamental borders and fine scrollwork patterns rendered in rose/magenta ink. Both sides feature dense, intricate line engraving patterns typical of security printing. There are no portraits or specific landmarks depicted; instead, the design relies entirely on decorative geometric and floral motifs for visual impact and security purposes.

OBVERSE: 'INDONESIA' (header) | 'UANDA PEMBAJARAN JANG SAHU' (Bank of Treasury Promissory Note) | 'DAPAT DITERIMA SEBAGAI ALAT PEMBAJARAN DAN DAPAT DITORAR DI SEMOEAPAS NEGARA' (Can be received as a means of payment and can be exchanged at all state offices) | 'SEPOELOEH SEN' (Ten Sen - denomination) | 'DJAKARTA 1 DESEMBER 1947' (Jakarta, 1 December 1947 - issue date). REVERSE: Dutch text - 'HET NAMAKEN OF VERVAL SCHEN VAN MUNTBILJETTEN HET OPZETTELIJK UITGEVEN IN VOORRAAD HIERBEN BINNEN NEDERLANDS INDIE INVOEREN VAN VALSCHE OF VERVALSCHTE MUNTBILJETTEN. IS BIJ DE ARTIKELEN 244, 245 EN 249 WETBOEK VAN STRAFRECHT STRAFBAAR GESTELD.' (The counterfeiting or falsification of banknotes, intentional issue or possession, importing counterfeit or forged banknotes into the Dutch Indies is punishable under Articles 244, 245, and 249 of the Criminal Code). Indonesian text - 'DIDALAM FATSAL 244-245 DAN 249 DARI KITAB OENDANG-OENDANG HOEKOEK MAN DITETAPKAN HOEKOEMAN TJENTOK JANG MENIROE ATAU MEMAL SOEKAN OEWANG KERTAS...' (Penalties under Criminal Code Articles 244-245 and 249 for counterfeiting, forging, or circulating false paper money into the Dutch Indies).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine line work, detailed ornamental borders, scrollwork security patterns, and the crisp, sharp impression visible throughout both sides of the note. The consistent density of the line patterns and the precision of the decorative elements are characteristic of high-quality intaglio security printing. This note was produced by the Dutch Government Printing Office (Rijksmunten- en Medalliefabriek) or a contracted Dutch security printer, typical of Netherlands Indies currency production of the period.

This is the standard Pick 31 variety, issued December 1, 1947 in Jakarta. Varieties for this note may include different signature combinations (two handwritten signatures are visible on the obverse), though the visual analysis does not provide sufficient detail to identify the specific signatories. No overprints, serial number prefixes, or other distinguishing variety markers are clearly identifiable from the provided images. The 1947 date is consistent with the single known issue date for this denomination under Dutch Civil Administration.