10 gulden 1966

Common. While this note remains sought-after by collectors of Dutch currency and portraiture enthusiasts, eBay transaction data spanning from 2012 to 2025 shows consistent availability with numerous sales across all condition grades. UNC examples regularly sell in the $10-15 range, with exceptional PMG-graded specimens (69-70) commanding premiums of $60-700+, but the base UNC grade remains relatively affordable and readily obtainable. The note was issued in substantial quantities during its 1968 release, and many specimens have survived in high condition due to the durability of modern printing techniques and currency handling practices.

Issued by Nederlandsche Bank on April 25, 1968, this note commemorates the Golden Age Dutch painter Frans Hals through his stylized self-portrait, reflecting the Netherlands' cultural heritage during the post-war period. The elaborate geometric patterns and fine engraving represent the sophisticated security printing techniques employed by Johan Enschede in the 1960s, when such design elements were cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting measures.

The obverse features a carefully rendered portrait of Frans Hals, the 17th-century Dutch master, shown wearing a wide-brimmed hat and period clothing in classical engraving style, facing slightly rightward. The background employs a sophisticated design palette of blue and light blue with decorative wavy line patterns across the middle section and a distinctive circular geometric pattern with concentric circles on the left. The reverse showcases an elaborate geometric composition dominated by a large oval pattern with radiating lines emanating from the center, creating a mesmerizing security design, supplemented by an ornamental square pattern in the upper left corner and multiple concentric circular elements positioned strategically throughout. All security features employ fine parallel line work characteristic of high-quality intaglio printing.

FRONT: '10' (denomination); 'TIEN GULDEN' (Ten Guilders); 'FRANS PHALS' (Frans Hals); 'DE NEDERLANDSCHE BANK' (The Netherlands Bank); 'AMSTERDAM 25 APRIL 1968' (issue date and location); 'PRESIDENT' and 'SECRETARIS' (official signatures). BACK: '10' (denomination, repeated in corners); Serial number '568468848' (printed twice); 'R.D. EOXENAAR INV.' (Designer R.D. Eoxenaar); '© AUTEURSRECHT DE NEDERLANDSCHE BANK NV' (© Copyright The Netherlands Bank N.V.); 'JOH. ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN IMP' (Printed by Joh. Enschede and Sons); 'WETTBOEK VAN STRAFRECHT ARTIKEL 208' (Penal Code Article 208 regarding counterfeiting).

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing by Johan Enschede and Sons (JEZ), the renowned Dutch security printer. The extremely fine detail work visible throughout—including the precisely rendered portrait, intricate geometric patterns, parallel line work, and concentric circle designs—is characteristic of steel-plate intaglio printing, which was the gold standard for banknote security at the time. The crisp, sharp reproduction of all fine details indicates expert craftsmanship and proper press pressure.

Pick catalog identifies two variants (P-91a and P-91b), both printed by JEZ (Johan Enschede en Zonen). This specimen is P-91b. Variants are typically distinguished by minor printing differences or security feature modifications rather than major design changes. Serial number 568468848 appears on this note; serial number variants and prefix differences may exist across the printing run, though such distinctions are not typically cataloged as separate Pick numbers. No date variants are known for this issue, as all examples carry the April 25, 1968 issue date.