10 shillings 1955

Common. The eBay market data shows multiple VF-grade examples trading at $115.00 USD, with numerous other grades available at modest prices ranging from $9.99 to $450.00 USD depending on condition. The issue date range of 1945-1959 indicates a substantial print run, and the Pick catalog designation (P-56c) shows this as a standard variant within a well-known series. No evidence of rarity or scarcity is present in the market data or catalog records.

Issued during the post-independence period of the Irish Free State (later Republic of Ireland), this 1955 note reflects the young nation's cultural identity through its deliberate use of bilingual text and Celtic design elements. The portrait of Lady Hazel Lavery, a distinguished Anglo-Irish artist and socialite, served as a dignified representation of Irish cultural heritage, while the classical male head on the reverse (the River Blackwater water spirit) connected Irish currency to its mythological traditions and landscape. The note's promise to pay 'on demand in London' reflects Ireland's transitional economic ties during the mid-20th century.

The obverse features Lady Hazel Lavery in left-facing profile within an ornate oval frame, rendered in fine engraved line work. Her portrait is characterized by long wavy hair and classical features, positioned on the left side of the note. The reverse displays a bearded classical male head or mask (representing the River Blackwater water spirit from Irish mythology) in frontal view, also within an ornate rectangular frame. Both sides are framed by elaborate Celtic-inspired decorative borders incorporating knotwork, scrollwork, and interlocking geometric patterns typical of Celtic art. The design is predominantly printed in red and coral tones on a cream and light tan background. Multiple instances of the denomination '10' appear in decorative frames at the corners, and a Celtic cross symbol is positioned at the top center of the obverse.

FRONT: '10/-' (10 shillings); 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND' / 'BANC CEANNAIS NA H ÉIREANN' (Central Bank of Ireland, bilingual); 'LEGAL TENDER NOTE' / 'NOTA DLI THAIRGTHE' (Legal tender note, bilingual); Serial number '45N552023'; 'GOVERNOR' / 'AN GOBHARNÓIR' (The Governor); 'SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE' / 'RÚNAÍ NA ROINNE AIRGEADAIS' (Secretary of the Department of Finance); '19·10·55' (19 October 1955); 'TEN SHILLINGS STERLING' / 'A DEICH SCILINGE STERLING INDIOCTHA' (Ten shillings sterling, payable); 'PAYABLE TO BEARER ON DEMAND IN LONDON' / 'AR AN ÉILEAMH SAN DO I LUNDAIN' (Payable on demand in London). BACK: No text inscriptions visible, design consists solely of portrait and decorative elements.

Line engraving on multicolor currency paper, utilizing fine-line engraving for portrait detail and background patterns. The security features include complex decorative line patterns, multiple color printing (red, coral, cream, and tan), and dual serial number placement. This represents traditional currency production methods employed by the Central Bank of Ireland during the mid-20th century, consistent with British Commonwealth currency printing standards of the era.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-56c (10 shillings, 1955 dated issue). The PMG population report identifies P-56d as a variant, indicating minor varieties exist within this denomination. The specific date of '19·10·55' (19 October 1955) combined with the serial number prefix '45N' establishes the particular printing and issuing batch. The bilingual format (English/Irish) is standard for all Central Bank of Ireland notes of this series, not a distinguishing variety.