10 gulden 1944

Common. The 10 gulden denomination was one of the standard circulating notes of the Nederlandsche Bank during the 1944 period, with substantial print runs to meet everyday transaction needs during the Occupation. No specific information suggests this Pick-59 variety was short-lived, recalled, or produced in minimal quantities. EF-graded examples are desirable for collectors but not scarce; the note's wartime origin provides historical interest rather than numismatic rarity.

Issued during Nazi occupation of the Netherlands (1940-1945), this 10 gulden note represents currency produced under constraints of the Occupation period. The date of 19 February 1944 places it in the final year of German control, when the Nederlandsche Bank continued operating under supervision. The elaborate security features—complex guilloche patterns and geometric interlocking designs—reflect the bank's efforts to maintain currency security during a period of significant counterfeiting risk and economic disruption.

The front features a portrait of a man in profile facing left, wearing a distinctive wide-brimmed hat and collared shirt—likely a Dutch historical figure relevant to banking or commerce. The left side is dominated by large ornate numerals '10' surrounded by intricate circular guilloche patterns in navy blue and cream. The center and right portions display elaborate interlocking geometric designs in red and green. The back reverses the color scheme with green, brown, and red tones, displaying the denomination in both large numerals (left) and within an ornamental shield cartouche (right), with extensive fine-line guilloche work throughout. Ornamental corner flourishes with scrollwork enhance the design on both sides.

Front side: 'DE NEDERLANDSCHE BANK' (The Dutch Bank), 'TIEN GULDEN' (Ten Guilders), 'DE PRESIDENT' (The President), 'DE SECRETARIS' (The Secretary). Back side: 'AMSTERDAM' (the city of issue), '19 FEBRUARI 1944' (19 February 1944, the date of issue), '10' (denomination marker), '2 BZ' (printer's mark/security designation, appears twice).

Intaglio (copperplate) engraving, the standard method for Dutch banknotes of this era. The fine-line guilloche patterns, complex geometric interlocking designs, and crisp portrait work are characteristic of intaglio security printing. The security printer for this series is identified by the '2 BZ' marks visible on the note, indicating production by Enschedé (BZ representing Buiten Zijde or external security marking) or a coordinating Dutch security printer. The multiple color application and layered security patterns reflect advanced intaglio techniques of the 1940s.

The specific date of 19 February 1944 and the printer mark '2 BZ' are identifying features of this particular production lot. The observed serial number format (2 BZ 000000 visible) and the consistent use of the Amsterdam printing location are standard for this issue. No overprints or significant varieties are evident from the visual analysis. Collectors should note signature combinations (President and Secretary) which may vary between sheets, though both are indicated on this example.