10 lirot 1968

Common. This is a regular-issue note from 1968 with significant surviving examples in the collector market. eBay transaction data shows numerous sales across multiple years at modest prices ($1-$20 for EF/UNC examples without professional grading), with even PMG-graded UNC specimens typically realizing $20-$60. The catalog value for UNC condition is listed as $5. Print runs for this standard issue were substantial, and the note remains widely available in the secondary market, indicating no scarcity premium.

Issued in 1968 (5728 in the Hebrew calendar), this note commemorates Chaim Nahman Bialik (1873-1934), widely recognized as the national poet of Israel and a towering figure in Hebrew literature and culture. The depiction of Bialik's house in Tel Aviv on the reverse honors his residence in Israel and reinforces the note's cultural-historical significance during a formative period of the modern Israeli state. This issue represents the Bank of Israel's commitment to featuring cultural icons and historical landmarks on its currency during the early decades of independence.

The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of Chaim Nahman Bialik positioned on the right side, shown in profile facing left, wearing formal attire with suit and tie. The portrait is complemented by ornate decorative elements including pink and orange floral motifs on the left portion of the note, with a repeating geometric background pattern providing security and aesthetic elements. The denomination '10' appears in decorative frames at both the upper left and lower right corners. The reverse displays a detailed Mediterranean-style architectural engraving of Bialik's house in Tel Aviv, featuring white-walled construction with arched entrances, a tower structure, flanking palm trees, and surrounding landscaping. The serial number is printed on the right side of the reverse. Both sides employ sophisticated line engraving techniques with fine geometric patterns serving as security features.

Front side: 'בנק ישראל' (Bank of Israel); 'עשר שקלים' (Ten shekels); '1968' (year of issue). Back side: 'בנק ישראל' (Bank of Israel); 'BANK OF ISRAEL' (English equivalent); Serial number: 79850830 with plate notation 2/72. Additional Hebrew text 'שקלים חדשים' (New shekels) and 'השנה' (The year) appear on the front as part of the standard design nomenclature.

Intaglio (line engraving) printing method, executed by JEZ (the printer identified for this Pick number variant). The fine line engraving is evident throughout both the portrait work and architectural detailing, with complex geometric background patterns providing anti-counterfeiting security. The multicolor printing incorporates browns, purples, pinks, oranges, greens, and cream/beige tones applied in distinct color separations typical of mid-20th century central bank note production.

This specimen is cataloged as Pick 35a, with the printer identified as JEZ. The PMG Population Report indicates three additional variants exist (35b, 35c, and 35s), all printed by JEZ. The specific variety designation (35a) may relate to subtle differences in design elements, numbering styles, or print dates within the 1968 issue. The serial number visible on this specimen (79850830 with 2/72 notation) would help distinguish it from other print runs if additional varietals within the 35a designation are documented.