10 pounds 1980 specimen

Common. Specimen notes of this series appear regularly in the collector market with eBay price ranges showing UNC specimens at approximately $300-$500 USD, indicating consistent market availability. The 1971-1989 series was produced in substantial quantities, and specimen notes were routinely distributed to collectors and institutions. While specimen notes command a premium over circulation examples, this particular denomination and date does not show indicators of scarcity (limited print run, recall, or short-lived issuance). The presence of multiple comparable sales at varying price points supports a common classification.

Ulster Bank Limited's 10 pounds note from 1980 reflects Northern Ireland's established banking tradition during a period of relative stability in the late Cold War era. The reverse design features a heraldic coat of arms with the Latin motto 'NIHIL IMPOSSIBILE ERIT VOBIS' (Nothing will be impossible for you) and Celtic knot border patterns, symbolizing Ulster's cultural identity and heritage. The obverse depicts Belfast's economic importance with landscape scenes of water, port facilities, and urban development, underscoring the city's role as a major commercial center.

The obverse features a predominantly green design with ornamental circular rosettes displaying geometric patterns flanking the denomination '10' on both sides. A central watermark area depicts a shell-like design in the center-right portion. The lower portion shows a landscape scene of Belfast's waterfront with port facilities and bridge structures, symbolizing the city's maritime commerce. The reverse is dominated by a heraldic coat of arms (the Ulster Bank's official emblem) positioned centrally and flanked by two allegorical supporter figures. This arms design is surrounded by an intricate Celtic knot border pattern running around all edges, with decorative floral corner ornaments. The color palette of green and pink appears throughout both sides, with white space highlighting the engraved details.

Front: 'ULSTER BANK LIMITED' (issuer identification); 'TEN POUNDS' (denomination); 'ULSTER BANK LIMITED PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND' (legal tender promise); 'C000000' (specimen serial number); 'HEAD OFFICE BELFAST' (location); '2ND JUNE, 1980' (issue date); 'FOR ULSTER BANK LIMITED' (authorization); 'CHIEF EXECUTIVE' (signatory title); 'R.J. Hamilton' (signature). Back: 'ULSTER BANK LIMITED' (issuer); '£10' (denomination, appearing twice); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen designation); 'NIHIL IMPOSSIBILE ERIT VOBIS' (Latin motto meaning 'Nothing will be impossible for you').

Intaglio (steel engraving) and letterpress printing techniques, as evidenced by the deeply engraved ornamental rosettes, fine line work in the Celtic knot borders, and precise serif typography throughout. The watermark areas and security features show the characteristic crisp detail of Bradbury Wilkinson's high-security banknote printing methods. The ornamental patterns and intricate decorative elements are consistent with traditional steel plate engraving used by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., New Malden) during this period for British and Irish note production.

This is a specimen variety of the standard 1971-1989 issue, identifiable by: (1) the red 'SPECIMEN' diagonal overprint across both obverse and reverse; (2) sequential serial number C000000 (typical of specimen notes); (3) June 2, 1980 issue date; (4) signatory R.J. Hamilton as Chief Executive. The specimen designation itself is the primary variety marker distinguishing this from regular circulation issues of the same type. No additional noted varieties (such as signature changes, date variants, or serial number prefix variations) are evident in this example.