10 shillings 1960

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales in the $10–$67 range across multiple condition grades (F, VF, EF) from 2009–2016, with catalog values for VF grade at $45 (2016). The regular circulation of multiple VF examples in the secondary market, combined with the standard 2016 catalog valuations, indicates this Pick number had a substantial print run typical of a regular issue from a major Commonwealth territory. Jamaica's early post-independence currency issues were generally produced in adequate quantities to serve the newly independent nation's monetary needs.

This note was issued on July 4, 1960, marking Jamaica's transition toward independence (formally achieved August 6, 1960) and reflects the island's final period under the British monetary system before decimalization. The continued portrayal of King George VI—who died in 1952—indicates this note was part of a series authorized before his death but issued during Queen Elizabeth II's reign, representing Jamaica's Commonwealth status. The 'Government of Jamaica' attribution and the specific currency commissioners' signatures document the establishment of Jamaica's own monetary authority separate from the British colonial administration.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of King George VI in military dress with formal regalia and decorative collar insignia, enclosed within an ornamental scalloped oval frame positioned on the left side of the note. The center of the obverse contains a large circular white area characteristic of watermark windows in de la Rue currency notes. The reverse displays the Jamaican coat of arms—a shield with supporters (likely representing the national heraldic achievement)—positioned prominently at the top center. Both sides employ symmetrical geometric border patterns and decorative wave motifs in the corner areas. The denomination is presented in two formats: numerically as '10/' and textually as 'TEN SHILLINGS,' positioned in the corners and along the sides of both surfaces.

FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA' (issuing authority); '10/' (denomination in shillings and pence notation); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (written denomination); '4th JULY 1960' (issue date); 'CURRENCY NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY' (authorizing official title); '78D46665' (serial number); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED, LONDON' (printer attribution). BACK: 'GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA' (issuing authority); '10/' (denomination, repeated on both left and right sides); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (written denomination, appears on both left and right sides).

Intaglio engraving, produced by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited of London. The visual analysis reveals characteristic fine line engraving with intricate cross-hatching, geometric security patterns, and detailed wave patterns throughout the design. The crisp definition of the ornamental frames, the precision of the security line work, and the consistent color saturation observed in the VF condition specimen all confirm traditional currency intaglio printing methods employed by de la Rue during the mid-20th century.

This note corresponds to Pick P-46, distinguished by 'TEN SHILLINGS' appearing in one line on the reverse (rather than split across two lines as in Pick P-38 and P-39, per the banknote.ws reference). The observed specimen shows serial number '78D46665' with the '4th JULY 1960' date, confirming the official issue date of July 4, 1960. The purple color scheme and single-line 'TEN SHILLINGS' text on the reverse are definitive characteristics of this specific Pick catalog variety.