10 gulden 1966
Market Prices
209 salesAbout This Note
This Netherlands 10 Gulden banknote from 1966 (issued 1968) represents a high-grade example in PMG 67 EPQ condition, displaying the characteristic elegant design of the mid-20th century Dutch currency. The obverse features a stylized self-portrait of Frans Hals rendered in dark blue on violet and multicolor underprint, while the reverse showcases a distinctive geometric 'bullseye' pattern with fine radiating lines and concentric ovals—signature design elements of this denomination. The note exhibits exceptional preservation with no visible wear, creases, or damage, maintaining pristine paper quality and sharp engraving details throughout.
Common. The extensive eBay auction history provided shows consistent sales activity from 2012-2025, with raw/circulated examples regularly selling for $3-15 and certified examples (PMG 67-68) typically achieving $25-55, with occasional outliers. The 2019 catalog value of $25 for UNC and the high frequency of PMG-graded specimens in the population data indicate substantial historical print runs and continued collector availability. Notes of this denomination and era from major European issuers are generally common unless from exceptionally brief issuance periods or small print runs, neither of which applies to this 1966-1968 issue. The PMG 67 EPQ grade places it in the upper range of typical specimens, explaining its value premium ($30-35 range based on recent sales), but the note itself remains readily available to collectors.
This banknote commemorates Frans Hals, the renowned 17th-century Dutch Golden Age painter, reflecting the Netherlands' cultural pride during the post-World War II period of economic recovery and artistic celebration. The 1968 issue date and Amsterdam printing location align with a stable period in Dutch monetary policy, when the guilder remained a primary currency before the transition to the Euro. The professional engraving and security features, including the geometric patterns and dual serial numbering, represent the technological standards of late-1960s banknote production by Johan Enschede, the prestigious Dutch security printer.
The obverse features a stylized portrait of Frans Hals (1580-1666), the celebrated Dutch Golden Age painter, depicted with characteristic long, curled shoulder-length hair and 17th-century draped neck cloth, shown in three-quarter profile facing left. The portrait occupies the right portion of the note against a light gray/cream background. The left side is dominated by a large blue numeral '10,' with a prominent geometric security element—concentric circles creating a target-like or 'bullseye' pattern—positioned in the center-left area. Three blue circular dots appear in the lower left corner, serving as a visual design element. The reverse displays the note's most distinctive feature: a large oval geometric pattern with radiating fine lines emanating from a central point, creating a sophisticated 'bullseye' effect through concentric ovals and intricate line work. The upper left contains a square geometric security element with internal decorative patterning, along with circular security components. The denomination '10' appears in both upper right and lower left corners, with the serial number printed twice on this side for verification purposes. Fine line engraving throughout both sides demonstrates the precision and artistry characteristic of Johan Enschede's work.
Front Side: 'TIEN GULDEN' (Ten Gulden) - the denomination name; '10' - numeral value (appears twice); 'amsterdam 25 april 1968' - place and official issue date; 'de nederlandsche bank' (The Dutch Bank/Nederlandsche Bank) - issuing authority; 'president' and 'secretaris' (President and Secretary) - titles of official signatories. Back Side: '10' - denomination numerals (appears in upper right and lower left); Serial number '5684686407' repeated in two locations; 'JOH.ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN IMP' (Joh. Enschede and Sons, Printer) - identification of the printing firm; '© AUTEURSRECHT DE NEDERLANDSCHE BANK NV' (© Copyright Dutch Bank NV) - copyright notice; 'RDEOXENAAR INV.' - designer/engraver initials; Additional fine print text containing banking regulations and legal information (partially legible in lower left).
Intaglio printing (line engraving), identified by the fine, detailed line work visible throughout the design, particularly in the radiating bullseye pattern and geometric security elements. The banknote was produced by Johan Enschede en Zonen (Joh. Enschede and Sons), Amsterdam, one of Europe's premier security printers, as indicated by the 'JEZ' printer designation corresponding to Pick catalog variant P-91b. Multiple color separation and printing passes (dark blue on violet and multicolor underprint, as noted in catalog references) indicate sophisticated multi-stage intaglio production typical of premium European banknote manufacturing of the 1960s. The precision of the concentric geometric patterns and the clarity of the portraiture reflect the advanced engraving techniques and printing standards maintained by this prestigious Dutch printer.
Catalog Pick P-91b, indicating the variant with JEZ (Johan Enschede and Zonen) as printer—differentiated from P-91a which also lists JEZ according to the PMG Population Report. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic features of this variety: the plain 'bullseye' pattern in the upper left of the reverse, the geometric concentric circle security elements, and the square geometric pattern in the upper left corner. The issue date of 25 April 1968 (as shown in both catalog references and visible inscription) and the serial number format (5684686407) are consistent with this variety. No overprints or signature variations are evident. The PMG holder designation '67 EPQ' (Exceptional Paper Quality) certifies the superior condition and preservation of this particular specimen.
