10 pesos 1949

Common. The eBay price history provided shows consistent sales of this note in various grades ranging from $1.25 to $31.50 over more than a decade, with most UNC examples selling for under $5 in recent years and certified PMG grades (64-66) typically selling in the $15-26 range. This pricing pattern is characteristic of common, readily available banknotes with substantial print runs. The 1949 issue was a regular production note with no known short print run or rarity factors.

This banknote was issued in 1949, just three years after the Philippines gained independence from the United States (1946), representing the young Central Bank's authority to issue currency for the newly sovereign nation. The obverse features Fathers Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, three priests executed by Spanish colonial authorities in 1872, making them nationalist martyrs and symbols of Philippine independence from foreign rule. The reverse depicts the Urdaneta and Legaspi Monument, commemorating two Spanish conquistadors who established Manila, reflecting the complex colonial heritage present in Philippine national symbolism during this transitional period.

The obverse features a cream/beige background with black and brown intaglio printing. The central design showcases three historical male figures in religious robes on the left side, identified as Fathers Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—three Catholic priests who became nationalist martyrs during the Spanish colonial period. Their portraits are rendered in classical style consistent with 19th-century engraving tradition. The right side displays the Central Bank of the Philippines seal dated 1949, featuring architectural elements. The denomination 'TEN PESOS' is prominently displayed in the center within a decorative scalloped frame. Ornamental vine and leaf patterns form the borders throughout. The reverse features a brown/tan color scheme dominated by a large oval vignette in the center depicting the Urdaneta and Legaspi Monument, a religious structure with a prominent spire shown with radiating sunburst rays and ornamental clouds suggesting divine light. Four large circular denomination frames positioned in each corner contain 'TEN PESOS' and 'PESOS' with ornamental numerals. Complex geometric and floral border patterns frame the entire design.

FRONT: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES' (top center header); 'THIS NOTE IS A LIABILITY OF THE CENTRAL BANK AND IS FULLY GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES' (liability statement); 'TEN PESOS' (denomination in decorative frame); 'FATHERS BURGOS, GOMEZ AND ZAMORA' (identification of portrayed figures); 'Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd' (printer credit); 'President of the Philippines' and 'Governor of the Central Bank' (signature lines); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE' (legal tender declaration); Serial number: EB377531. BACK: 'TEN PESOS' and 'PESOS' repeated in four corner denomination frames; 'URDANETA AND LEGASPI MONUMENT' (identification of central vignette); '10' (numeral denomination).

Intaglio engraving printed by Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd, London. The visual analysis reveals intricate fine-line work, complex guilloche patterns in the background, ornamental border designs executed with geometric precision, and detailed shading techniques that create depth and three-dimensionality in the vignettes. The sharp, clear impression and fine line reproduction are characteristic of high-quality intaglio security printing typical of De la Rue's work during this period.

This specimen is identified as Pick catalog P-136e, representing a specific variety within the 1949 10 Pesos series. The note bears serial number EB377531, with the 'EB' prefix indicating the specific printing batch. The large Central Bank Seal Type 1 referenced in the catalog is visible on the obverse. No overprints or significant printing variations are evident in this example. The note represents the standard regular issue type for this denomination and year.