10 lirot 1958

Common. The eBay price history demonstrates consistent market activity with UNC examples selling in the $12-25 range in recent years, with lower grades trading for $1-5. Multiple PMG grades have been recorded in the population reports, indicating adequate supply of this note in various conditions. Print runs for this early Israeli note series were substantial, and the note shows no evidence of recall or scarcity. While desirable for Israeli currency collections, it is a standard, regularly encountered note of its era.

Issued in 1958 (5718 in the Hebrew calendar), this note commemorates Israel's early emphasis on scientific advancement and technological development during the formative years of the state. The imagery—combining laboratory science on the obverse with the Tablets of the Law on the reverse—represents the dual themes of modern progress and ancient Jewish heritage that were central to Israel's national identity in this period. This note was part of the early series of Israeli currency issued by the newly established Bank of Israel, reflecting the nation's aspirations for scientific and cultural significance.

The obverse features a portrait of a male scientist or researcher in a laboratory coat, depicted in profile facing right, holding a test tube or pipette in one hand. Behind him stands a microscope on its stand, with additional scientific instruments, grid patterns, and cross symbols suggested in the background, emphasizing research and scientific methodology. The reverse displays the Tablets of the Law (Ten Commandments) as the central element, depicted as stone tablets with carved Hebrew inscriptions, flanked by decorative sculptural figures or hands on either sides. The design carries monumental and formal qualities, reflecting historical and religious significance. Both sides employ a dominant pink and mauve color palette with security dot patterns throughout and fine-line engraving creating depth and complexity in the design.

FRONT: 'בנק ישראל' (Bank of Israel), '10' (denomination in Arabic numerals), '1958' (issue year), 'עשר לירות ישראליות' (Ten Israeli Lirot). BACK: 'בנק ישראל' (Bank of Israel), 'BANK OF ISRAEL' (English text), '10' (denomination), '8872253 1/3' (serial number), 'עשר שקלים' (Ten Shekels, alternative or archaic denomination name). The Hebrew text 'השנה החחמשלחת' on the front is partially unclear in the description but likely refers to the Hebrew year designation.

Intaglio engraving with multicolor offset printing, as indicated by the fine-line security patterns, circular dot background motifs, cross-hatching, and the multiple color layering observed in the visual analysis. The printer for Pick P-32a is TDLR (likely Thomas De La Rue, a renowned security printer). Security features include watermark areas (visible as white oval spaces), security threading, and the complex engraved design with multiple printing depths characteristic of intaglio work.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-32a, one of at least five known varieties (P-32a through P-32d, plus P-32s specimen note) all printed by TDLR. The specific variety P-32a can be distinguished from other variants (P-32b, P-32c, P-32d) through printer attributions and subtle design differences, though the exact differentiating characteristics would require specialist reference material. The serial number format '8872253 1/3' visible on this example is consistent with the standard issue format for this pick number.