10 naira 1973 specimen
Market Prices
7 salesAbout This Note
This is a pristine AU specimen of the 1973 Nigerian 10 Naira note (Pick P-17as), characterized by the red 'SPECIMEN' overprint diagonal across the reverse. The note displays exceptional eye appeal with vibrant burgundy, pink, and multicolor underprinting, featuring the Central Bank of Nigeria building on the obverse and the iconic Kainji hydroelectric dam on the reverse. As a specimen issue with serial number prefix DA 000000, this note represents a non-circulating reference example from the Central Bank's inaugural decimal currency series.
Common. The 1973 10 Naira note (Pick P-17) was issued in substantial quantities as a foundational denomination of Nigeria's decimal currency system. Market data shows regular circulation notes (VF-EF grade) selling for $4.99–$33, with UNC examples catalogued at $110 (2019). Specimen notes command modest premiums over circulation examples but remain regularly available in the market. Print runs were substantial for a note of this denomination during the early Central Bank period.
Issued in 1973 following Nigeria's transition to decimal currency, this 10 Naira note commemorates two symbols of post-independence national development: the modernist Central Bank building in Lagos representing financial authority, and the Kainji Dam representing Nigeria's hydroelectric infrastructure and engineering capability. The specimen status indicates this was produced for official distribution to banks and collectors as a reference example during the early years of the Central Bank of Nigeria's operations under the new currency system.
The obverse features a large ornate four-lobed flower medallion in burgundy positioned at left center, with the Central Bank of Nigeria building—a modernist multi-story government complex with grid-patterned windows and landscaping—illustrated in the center. A decorative oval frame with radiating green and purple lines occupies the right side, serving as the watermark area. The reverse depicts the Kainji hydroelectric dam as a prominent engraved illustration showing stepped concrete spillways with cascading water, positioned right of center. The Nigerian coat of arms appears in the lower left corner. All four corners of both sides feature the ornate flower medallion design. The color scheme combines a light pink/beige base with burgundy accents, gray/black engraving, and security guilloche patterns throughout.
Front Side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA' (English); 'TEN NAIRA' (English); '₦10' (currency symbol, repeated in three corners); 'DA 000000' (specimen serial number); 'GOVERNOR' and 'CHIEF OF BANKING OPERATIONS' (signature labels); 'Alsop/D' and 'P.Aliyeme' (authorized officer signatures); 'نيجيريا' (Arabic: Nigeria). Back Side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA' (English); 'TEN NAIRA' (English); '₦10' (denomination symbol in all four corners); 'SPECIMEN' (red overprint, English).
Intaglio (engraved) security printing, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate guilloche patterns, and detailed architectural engravings visible throughout both sides. The multi-color underprint technique is employed, with separate color passes creating the burgundy, green, and purple tonal effects. Security printers for this series typically included De La Rue or similar Commonwealth security printing firms, though the specific printer for Pick P-17as is not definitively identified in standard catalogs.
This is specifically identified as a specimen note (P-17as per Pick catalog designation, where 's' denotes specimen status). The serial number prefix 'DA 000000' is consistent with specimen/proof production. Standard circulation issues carry prefixes like 'DZ/' for replacement notes. Signatures present are 'Alsop/D' (Governor) and 'P.Aliyeme' (Chief of Banking Operations), representing the authorized officers of the 1973 issue period. The red 'SPECIMEN' overprint is the defining characteristic distinguishing this from regular P-17 circulation notes.
