10 shillings 1949
Market Prices
5 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of the 1949 Government of Malta 10 Shillings note (Pick P-21) in uncirculated condition, displaying pristine preservation with no signs of circulation, wear, or handling. The note features King George VI in formal portrait on the obverse and the characteristic green intaglio printing by Thomas de la Rue, with the distinctive Maltese cross and ornate heraldic shield on the reverse. As a pre-decimal Commonwealth currency note from Malta's early post-war period, this represents an important piece of Maltese numismatic history during the transition from British colonial governance.
Common. While this note is desirable to collectors, the eBay market data indicates modest valuations—VF examples have sold in the $20-$30 range in recent years, with UNC catalogue values around $200. The 1949 issue of Malta 10 Shillings represents a regular issue from a reasonably-sized print run. The UNC condition specimen shown is more valuable than circulated examples, but the denomination and issue are not scarce in the broader market. This is a standard Commonwealth-era banknote rather than a rare or limited emission.
Issued under the Currency Notes Ordinance of 1949, this banknote represents Malta's monetary independence during the immediate post-World War II period while still maintaining its Commonwealth connection, as evidenced by the portrait of King George VI. The note's design reflects the formal heraldic traditions of British security printing, with the Maltese cross symbolizing the nation's cultural identity and the shield representing governmental authority during this formative period of Maltese self-governance. This series was issued during a transformative era when Malta was transitioning from full colonial status toward greater autonomy.
The obverse features a formal portrait of King George VI positioned within an oval frame on the right side of the note, dressed in formal attire. To the left is the Maltese cross with a central circular seal, a symbol representing Malta's national identity and the historical significance of the cross in Maltese heraldry. Ornamental corner elements display the denomination '10/' in all four corners. The reverse presents an elaborate heraldic composition with a large central shield (coat of arms) flanked by symmetrical scrolling acanthus leaf ornaments executed in the finest classical engraving tradition. The entire design employs delicate line work characteristic of high-security currency printing.
Front side: 'GOVERNMENT OF MALTA' (header); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR' (legal statement); '10/-' (abbreviated denomination in corners); 'IN MALTA AND ITS DEPENDENCIES AND IS ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTES ORDINANCE 1949' (statutory authority); 'FOR THE CURRENCY BOARD' (issuing authority). Serial number: A013648 (repeated). Back side: 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).
Intaglio (recess) printing by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London, one of the world's premier security printers. The visual analysis reveals fine line engraving throughout with detailed intaglio texture visible in both the portrait work and the elaborate ornamental designs. The green printing on pale pink/cream paper demonstrates the sophisticated multi-color intaglio process typical of Thomas de la Rue's 20th-century banknote production.
Pick catalog P-21 identifies this as the Government of Malta 10 Shillings note. The PMG population report notes at least two variants exist for this base Pick number (P-21 and P-21cts). The observed note bears serial number A013648 with no visible overprints or date changes. The note is identified as issued under Law of 1949 (with actual circulation beginning in 1951). No signatures or additional variants are evident from the visual analysis provided, suggesting this represents the standard variety without specialized collector markings.
