10 dollars 1945

Common. While this note has historical significance as a Malayan currency piece, the denomination and issue are not scarce. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across all grades over many years, with PMG 30 examples selling for $160-306 in recent transactions, well within the range for common-grade circulated notes. The note was part of a standard currency series issued in quantity by the colonial administration. Print runs for this issue were substantial, and examples remain readily available in the collector market.

Issued during a period of British administration over Malaya, this note represents the monetary authority established to manage currency in the Malayan territories and settlements. The date of '1st July 1941' marked the initial authorization, though the 1945 release reflects the post-war reconstruction period following Japanese occupation. The prominent display of multiple state heraldic emblems on the reverse emphasizes the federated nature of the Malayan administrative structure under British oversight.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of King George VI rendered in red and pink tones, positioned on the right side of the note, reflecting British sovereignty during this period. The design is framed by ornate red and cream-colored decorative borders with intricate guilloche patterns and elaborate scrollwork typical of security printing from this era. A circular central vignette space (watermark area) occupies the middle of the composition. The reverse side showcases a symmetrical arrangement of multiple heraldic coats of arms and state emblems representing the constituent states and settlements of Malaya, with a prominent crown symbol at center, surrounded by decorative floral and scroll motifs. The overall composition emphasizes official authority and territorial federation through its heraldic iconography.

Front Side: 'Board of Commissioners of Currency' (issuing authority), 'Malaya' (country designation), 'Ten Dollars' (denomination in English), 'In the Settlement of the Malaya States' (territorial specification), '1st July 1941' (authorization date), 'Chairman of the Commissioners' (official title), signature of 'Hinchley' (authorized official), serial number 'J/6 093070'. Back Side: '$10' (denomination), 'Waterlow & Sons Limited, London' (printer identification). Both sides contain Arabic script text consistent with the multilingual nature of Malayan currency during this period, though specific translations are not fully legible in the provided images.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate process), as evidenced by the crisp, detailed guilloche patterns, fine line work, and dimensional quality of the design elements visible in the images. The printer was Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, a renowned British security printer, as stated on the reverse. The complexity of the heraldic designs and the precision of the ornamental borders are characteristic of high-security intaglio production methods used for currency during the mid-20th century.

The observed serial number prefix 'J/6' indicates this specific variety from the 1941 (1945) issue. This notation reflects the standard serial numbering system employed by the Board of Commissioners. The signature of 'Hinchley' as Chairman of the Commissioners is consistent with the administrative personnel of the period. No significant overprints, date variations, or security feature variations are apparent in this example, indicating it represents the standard variety of Pick P-13.