10 shillings 1949
Market Prices
4 salesAbout This Note
A handsome example of Malta's 1949 Currency Notes Ordinance issue, this 10 Shillings note features elegant green engraving on a cream background with a fine portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in formal regalia. The note exhibits the expected wear and patina of a mid-20th century circulated banknote, with visible creasing, foxing, and discoloration consistent with VF grade; the crisp engraving and legible inscriptions remain well-preserved despite age-related deterioration.
Common. eBay market data shows examples regularly selling in the $20–$50 range for similar grades, with VF catalog values around $40 (2016). The circulation and availability of examples at modest price points, combined with this being a regular issue of a substantial British Commonwealth currency authority, indicates a healthy print run. No evidence of scarcity or recall.
Issued under the Currency Notes Ordinance of 1949, this note represents Malta's transition period as a British Crown Colony, with its currency backed by the sterling standard. The prominent display of the George Cross—Malta's national symbol and emblem of bravery—alongside the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Malta's Commonwealth status during the early post-WWII era, symbolizing both national identity and imperial connection during a pivotal moment in the island's path toward independence.
The obverse displays a formally dressed female portrait identified as Queen Elizabeth II, shown in three-quarter profile wearing a tiara and jewelry within an ornate oval frame positioned on the right side. The left side features the George Cross—a silver cross with a lion emblem in the center, Malta's most recognizable national symbol. The denomination '10/-' appears prominently at top center and in decorative corner cartouches. The reverse presents a heraldic blank shield surrounded by elaborate symmetrical acanthus leaf scrollwork and rococo flourishes, typical of De La Rue's classical security printing aesthetic. Fine ornamental borders frame both sides.
FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF MALTA' (issuing authority); 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR' (legal tender declaration); 'IN MALTA AND ITS DEPENDENCIES AND IS ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTES ORDINANCE 1949' (statutory authorization); 'FOR THE CURRENCY BOARD' (issuing body); Serial number 'A 6 012564' (individual note identifier). BACK: 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer's identification mark).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving and cross-hatching), the signature security printing method of Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, as identified by the printer's mark on the reverse. The detailed fine-line patterns, ornamental borders, and cross-hatched background areas are characteristic of high-security currency production of the era. Single-color green printing on cream/white paper stock.
Pick-23a represents the standard variety. The serial number prefix 'A 6' and the visual characteristics (green obverse, George Cross at left, Elizabeth II portrait at right) confirm this as the primary identified variety for the 1949 issue. No overprints or significant variants are noted in the visual analysis. PMG records indicate a single cataloged variant for this base Pick number.
