10 guarinies 1952
Market Prices
7 salesAbout This Note
An exceptional example of Paraguay's 1952 Central Bank 10 Guaraníes note (Pick P-187c) in Uncirculated condition, featuring a striking red/pink color scheme and the portrait of Don Carlos Antonio López on the obverse. The note displays the characteristic fine engraving and ornamental design work of Thomas de la Rue's production, with the reverse showcasing the neoclassical Central Bank building in Asunción. Despite its stated UNC grade, the note exhibits visible aging with some foxing and creasing consistent with storage, making it a desirable example of mid-20th century Paraguayan currency design.
Common. This is a regular issue of the Banco Central del Paraguay with no documented print run restrictions or early recall. eBay market data confirms common status, with UNC examples selling for approximately $9 (2016 catalog value: $3.50 UNC). Even a high-grade PMG 66 example sold for $79 in 2025, which while notable, falls within the typical appreciation range for common notes achieving superior grades. The 1952 10 Guaraníes was produced in quantity sufficient for widespread circulation and remains available to collectors.
Issued under Decree Law No. 18 of March 25, 1952, this note represents the early period of the Banco Central del Paraguay's operations following the institution's establishment. The portrait of Don Carlos Antonio López, Paraguay's prominent 19th-century leader, reflects the nation's historical continuity and respect for its founding figures. The reverse's depiction of the Central Bank building in Asunción symbolizes the modernization and institutional development of Paraguay's financial system during the post-war period.
This note features a classical two-sided design characteristic of mid-20th century security printing. The obverse displays a formal portrait of Don Carlos Antonio López, the important 19th-century Paraguayan statesman and reform leader, rendered in three-quarter profile wearing formal attire with a bow tie. The portrait is centered and framed by elaborate ornamental cartouches with scrollwork and filigree elements in red and pink tones. The coat of arms of the Republic of Paraguay appears in a circular medallion in the upper right. The denomination '10' is displayed in four ornamental frames, one in each corner. The reverse presents an architectural vignette of the Banco Central del Paraguay's headquarters in Asunción, rendered in fine black line engraving on a white background showing a multi-story neoclassical building with columned entrance, regular window patterns, and landscaped grounds. The entire design employs intricate cross-hatching and geometric patterns typical of intaglio currency production.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DEL PARAGUAY' (Central Bank of Paraguay); 'DIEZ GUARANIES' (Ten Guaraníes); 'DON CARLOS ANTONIO LOPEZ' (Don Carlos Antonio López); 'PAZ Y JUSTICIA' (Peace and Justice); 'REPÚBLICA DEL PARAGUAY' (Republic of Paraguay); 'ESTE BILLETE TIENE CURSO LEGAL Y FUERZA CANCELATORIA ILIMITADA EN TODO EL TERRITORIO DE LA REPÚBLICA DECRETO LEY Nº 18 DEL 25 DE MARZO DE 1952' (This note has legal tender status and unlimited cancellatory force throughout the territory of the Republic, Decree Law No. 18 of March 25, 1952); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'PRESIDENTE' (President); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COY LTD. LONDRES, INGLATERRA' (Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., London, England); 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DEL PARAGUAY RECONOCE ESTE BILLETE POR' (The Central Bank of Paraguay Recognizes This Note By); Serial number: B1924432 (appears twice). BACK SIDE: 'REPÚBLICA DEL PARAGUAY' (Republic of Paraguay); 'DIEZ GUARANIES' (Ten Guaraníes); '10' (denomination in ornamental frames); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COY LTD. LONDRES, INGLATERRA' (Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., London, England).
Intaglio (engraved) printing produced by Thomas de la Rue & Co. Ltd., London, a premier international security printer. The technique is evident from the fine line work, precise cross-hatching, ornamental scrollwork, and the complex geometric patterns visible throughout both sides. The multiple color register marks and the precision of denomination placement in corner cartouches are hallmarks of Thomas de la Rue's mid-20th century currency production methods.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-187c. The PMG Population Report indicates P-187a exists as a cataloged variant, suggesting multiple printing varieties of the 10 Guaraníes 1952 may exist (potentially differing in signatures, dates, or serial number prefixes). The specific variety designation 'P-187c' and the serial number prefix 'B' visible on this example (B1924432) may indicate a distinguishing characteristic. Without access to comprehensive Pick catalog imagery or detailed variety documentation, the specific distinguishing feature of the 'c' variety cannot be definitively stated, but typical variety markers for this period include signature combinations, date variations on the note, and serial number prefix changes.
