10 shillings 1966
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a stunning uncirculated example of Ireland's 10 shillings note from 1966, issued by the Central Bank of Ireland. The note features exquisite red-orange coloring with a female portrait on the obverse and a classical male bust on the reverse, both rendered in fine engraved detail. In UNC condition, this note displays pristine preservation with no visible wear, making it an attractive example of mid-20th century Irish currency design.
Common. eBay market data shows multiple sales across various condition grades with UNC examples selling in the $25-$44 range, indicating substantial supply in the market. The 10 shillings denomination was a standard regular issue from the Central Bank of Ireland in 1966 with no evidence of a short print run or recall. The widespread availability at modest prices confirms this is a common note despite its attractive design.
Issued in 1966, this note commemorates a pivotal moment in Irish monetary history, following the country's transition toward decimalization. The bilingual English-Irish inscriptions reflect Ireland's commitment to cultural identity within its currency, while the classical imagery—including the Greco-Roman styled male bust on the reverse—connects to Ireland's classical artistic heritage. The note was authorized on 25 May 1966 and represents the Central Bank of Ireland's aesthetic standards during the post-independence era.
The obverse features a female portrait in profile facing left, enclosed in an ornate oval frame positioned on the left side of the note. The portrait depicts a woman wearing period clothing or traditional head covering, rendered in fine engraved detail. The reverse showcases a classical male bust with curly hair and beard in Greco-Roman style, centered within a decorative rectangular frame. Both sides feature extensive ornamental Celtic design elements including Celtic knots, intricate vine and floral motifs, Celtic cross patterns, and classical Greek key borders. The color scheme throughout employs warm red-orange tones with cream and white accents, creating visual harmony across the note's design.
FRONT: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND' (English) / 'BANC CEANNAIS NA hÉIREANN' (Irish: Central Bank of Ireland); 'LEGAL TENDER NOTE' (English) / 'NÓTA DLÍ THAIRGRTHE' (Irish: Legal Tender Note); '10/-' (denomination: 10 shillings); 'TUEN SHILLINGS' / 'DEICH SCILLINGE' (Ten Shillings); 'GOVERNOR' / 'AN GOBHARNÓIR' (The Governor); 'SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE' / 'RÚNAÍ NA ROINNE AIRGEADAIS' (Secretary of the Finance Department); Date: '25·5·66' (25 May 1966); Serial number: '62P 861929'. BACK: Primarily decorative with no significant text inscriptions visible.
Intaglio (engraved) printing on banknote paper. The note exhibits sophisticated fine-line engraving work characteristic of high-security currency production from this era. The intricate patterns, detailed portraiture, and ornamental borders demonstrate the complexity typical of Central Bank of Ireland currency security printing from the 1960s, likely produced by a specialized security printer such as De La Rue or a similar banknote security facility.
Pick catalog P-63a denotes this specific variety with 'Bank Title' watermark. The date '25·5·66' (25 May 1966) is printed on the front. Serial number '62P 861929' is visible on the obverse, with the prefix '62P' indicating production batch details. PMG records note only one variant catalogued under this base Pick number, suggesting limited variation within this issue type.
