10 pounds 1979

Common. While catalog values from 2019 list UNC examples at $150, current eBay market data shows highly variable pricing ranging from $10.00 to $299.99 USD for UNC examples, with a substantial cluster of sales in the $30-$100 range. This wide variation suggests healthy supply in the secondary market. Provincial Bank notes from this era were issued in sufficient quantity to remain accessible to collectors, and no historical evidence indicates a restricted print run or recall. The note's availability across multiple listings at modest prices confirms common status despite its regional issuer appeal.

The Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited was established in London in 1825 and operated as a member bank of Allied Irish Banks Ltd, making this 1979 note part of the final era of independent regional Irish banking before consolidation. The reverse design commemorates the Girona, a Spanish Armada galleon that wrecked off the Northern Irish coast in 1588, reflecting the note's celebration of Northern Ireland's maritime heritage and historical significance. This note represents the transition period of Irish banking, issued just as the region was moving toward greater financial integration.

The obverse features a right-facing male portrait executed in the classical engraved style typical of 19th-century bank note portraiture, occupying the right portion of the note against an intricate background of geometric patterns in purple, brown, green, and gold. The left side displays an ornamental architectural element representing classical structures, with the denomination '10' displayed in elaborate frames on both left and right margins. A blue circular logo bearing a stylized bird emblem (Provincial Bank's institutional mark) appears in the top left, while heraldic shields and coat of arms are positioned at the bottom center, emphasizing the note's official authority. The reverse showcases a detailed maritime engraving at center depicting the wreck of the Girona during the Spanish Armada period, rendered with dramatic waves and coastal elements, surrounded by Celtic knotwork patterns and geometric borders in purple, brown, and orange tones, with matching ornate denomination markers and heraldic elements maintaining design consistency.

FRONT SIDE: 'Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited' (issuing institution); '(A MEMBER BANK OF ALLIED IRISH BANKS LTD) Established in London 1825' (corporate affiliation and founding date); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER' (legal currency promise); 'Ten Pounds' (denomination); 'AT BELFAST' (redemption location); '1ST JANUARY 1979' (issue date); 'FOR PROVINCIAL BANK OF IRELAND LIMITED' (issuer designation); 'MANAGER' (authorization); 'RN200034' (serial number). BACK SIDE: 'Ten Pounds' (denomination); 'SINKING OF THE GIRONA' (historical subject); '£10' (denomination symbol).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on banknote paper, executed by Thomas de la Rue, London—the premier security printer of the period. The note demonstrates multiple-color intaglio printing with layered security effects achieved through complex geometric and Celtic pattern backgrounds, fine-line engraving in both portraiture and decorative elements, and intricate background patterns visible throughout. The quality of detail in the maritime scene and portrait work, combined with the multiple-color application and watermark security features, confirms professional security printing standards characteristic of De La Rue's production.

This example is identified as Pick 249b, the later variety in the 1979 Provincial Bank series. The serial number 'RN200034' indicates a standard-issue note from the 1979 printing. Distinguishing features for Pick 249b versus Pick 249a typically involve subtle variations in signatures, issuing authority designations, or minor design elements; this specimen shows the characteristic design elements and 'MANAGER' signature line consistent with the Pick 249b classification. No overprints or exceptional varieties are evident in this standard-issue uncirculated example.