10 rupees 1974

Common. This note circulated widely and remains common in the marketplace. The extensive eBay transaction history shows consistent sales in the $1-$5 range for UNC examples, with even professionally graded PMG specimens (PMG 64-68) typically selling between $8-$43. The 2019 catalog valuation of $5 for UNC condition further confirms this is a standard, readily available issue. The note was printed in substantial quantities by Nepal Rastra Bank and has not been recalled or withdrawn from the numismatic market.

Issued during the reign of King Birendra Bir Bikram (1972-2001), this note reflects Nepal's modernization period and the establishment of centralized currency control under the Nepal Rastra Bank. The prominent positioning of King Birendra in military dress underscores the monarchy's central role in Nepal's governance during the mid-1970s. The incorporation of Hindu religious symbolism through the depiction of Vishnu on Garuda alongside Nepal's national heraldic emblem demonstrates the synthesis of traditional cultural and religious identity with modern state authority.

The obverse features King Birendra Bir Bikram positioned on the left in full military dress uniform with cap and eyeglasses, rendered with careful attention to detail and fine line engraving. The center showcases Changunarayan, a form of Vishnu mounted on Garuda (the divine eagle), depicted as a multi-armed deity figure within ornamental religious artwork, surrounded by decorative floral and geometric patterns. A zodiac wheel or circular emblem appears in the upper right. The reverse displays a standing antelope (buck) in a naturalistic landscape with stylized vegetation and trees, positioned centrally with the national coat of arms featuring a double-headed eagle motif in the upper center. The dominant color palette on the obverse consists of purples, magentas, pinks, grays, and greens on a cream underprint; the reverse employs browns, tans, greens, and grays.

Front side: 'नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंक' (Nepal Rastra Bank), 'हपयाँ दश' (Ten rupees), 'दश' (Ten), numerical denominations '90', '10', and 'नेपाल राष्ट्र एकै पत्र रुपयाँ २०' (Nepal State ten rupees 20). Back side: 'हपयाँ दश' (Ten rupees), 'RUPEES TEN' (English text), Nepali numeral '३०' (30), English numeral '10'. All inscriptions appear in both Nepali script and English, reflecting Nepal's bilingual currency convention.

Intaglio engraving and multicolor offset lithography. The fine line patterns, intricate geometric borders, and detailed engraving visible throughout both sides indicate professional security printing. According to PMG cataloging, the P-24a variety was printed by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson and Company), a renowned British currency printer. The note exhibits the characteristic crisp, dimensional quality and fine detail work associated with high-security banknote production of the 1970s era.

Per PMG population data, three cataloged varieties exist for Pick P-24: P-24a (printer BWC), P-24cts, and P-24s. The visual analysis does not reveal sufficient detail regarding signature variations, serial number prefixes, or printer marks to definitively identify which specific variety this specimen represents. Further examination of printer imprints and serial number characteristics would be needed for precise variety attribution. The note appears to conform to standard 1974-1985 date range noted in external references.