10 pounds 1976 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (which carries a small premium over regular circulation notes), the 1976 Jersey £10 issue itself had a substantial print run, and specimen notes from this era are readily available in the collector market. eBay pricing data shows specimens selling in the $80–$250 range depending on grade, with catalog values of approximately $120 in UNC condition—consistent with common-to-uncommon classification. No evidence of rarity from short print runs or recalls exists for this Pick number.

Issued in 1976 as part of the States of Jersey's modernized currency series, this note reflects the island's post-war development and cultural identity. The inclusion of Victoria College—the historic Gothic-style educational institution depicted after Felix Benoist's painting—underscores Jersey's commitment to celebrating its institutional heritage and local landmarks. Queen Elizabeth II's portrait affirms Jersey's status as a British Crown Dependency while maintaining its distinctive monetary sovereignty.

The obverse (front) features a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing formal regalia including pearls and earrings, positioned at center-right against a light purple/lavender background with green intaglio printing. A heraldic shield bearing lions occupies the center-upper portion, with decorative gold rosettes in the corners. The reverse depicts Victoria College, the prominent Jersey educational institution, rendered as a detailed Gothic-revival structure with towers and crenellations, shown in a landscape with period-dressed figures in the foreground. The design credits the composition to Felix Benoist. A large circular security feature frame is positioned on the right side of the reverse, characteristic of the security design (blank on this specimen).

FRONT: 'The STATES of JERSEY' (issuing authority); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER' (promise clause); 'Ten pounds' (denomination in words); 'JERSEY. C.I.' (location designation, C.I. = Channel Islands); 'TREASURER OF THE STATES' (authorized official title); '£10' (denomination symbol); 'AB000000' (specimen serial number); 'SPECIMEN' (overprint indicating non-legal tender). BACK: 'STATES of JERSEY' (issuing authority); 'VICTORIA COLLEGE' (landmark identification); 'AFTER FELIX BENOIST' (artist credit); 'Ten pounds' (denomination); '£10' (denomination symbol); 'DE LA RUE' (printer identification); 'SPECIMEN' (overprint).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by De la Rue, London, the world-renowned currency printer. The visual analysis confirms fine line patterns, detailed microprinting in backgrounds, and the characteristic sharp, crisp impressions of intaglio work. Security features include a watermark (Jersey cow's head, visible as a lighter region on the obverse) and a vertical security thread area. The specimen overprint in red is applied post-printing, typical of production samples.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-13as, indicating it is a specimen variant of the 1976 series. The PMG population report identifies multiple variants (P-13CS1, P-13a, P-13a*, P-13b, P-13s) for this base denomination, with printer De la Rue (TDLR) consistent across all known variants. The 'as' suffix confirms this as a specimen note. Serial number prefix 'AB' with zeros (AB000000) is standard for specimen notes and does not represent a circulating variety.