10 pesos 1942

Common. The eBay market data shows this note trading across a wide price range ($1.99 to $9.99 USD) with multiple listings in circulated and higher-grade examples, indicating a relatively plentiful supply in the collector market. While these 1942 emergency notes are historically significant, the Philippines issued them in substantial quantities to support the wartime economy. Print runs for this Pick number are not known to be restricted, and the consistent availability at modest prices confirms broad collector accessibility.

Issued in 1942 under the Commonwealth of the Philippines during the Japanese occupation of World War II, this emergency currency note represents the Philippine government's response to wartime economic disruption. The text 'BY AUTHORITY OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES' and 'WILL REDEEM THIS CERTIFICATE OF 1942 UPON TERMINATION OF EMERGENCY' explicitly document the temporary nature of this currency, which was meant to facilitate transactions until normal currency could be restored. The Bond Emergency Currency Board, noted on both obverse and reverse, was established as a provisional financial authority to manage the crisis economy.

This emergency currency certificate features a formal, austere design typical of wartime administrative documents rather than conventional banknotes. The obverse displays the circular Government Seal of the Philippines prominently on the right side, surrounded by ornamental border designs. The reverse contains matching decorative corner vignettes and borders framing the denomination text. The note is printed entirely in formal English-language typography using serif typefaces, reflecting the Commonwealth government's official character. Red-ink serial numbers appear in the left and right margins on the front. A handwritten signature in blue/navy ink appears on the reverse, indicating official approval or counter-signature by the Currency Board administrator. The overall layout emphasizes governmental authority and legal redemption language rather than artistic design elements.

FRONT: 'BY AUTHORITY OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES' / 'THIS CERTIFIES THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES' / 'WILL REDEEM THIS CERTIFICATE OF 1942' / 'FACE VALUE UPON TERMINATION OF EMERGENCY' / 'TEN PESOS' / 'PAYABLE TO THE BEARER IN DEMAND IN LAWFUL CURRENCY OF THE PHILIPPINE BOND EMERGENCY CURRENCY BOARD' / Serial numbers: 54440 and 3110 / Official designations: 'PROV. TREAS.' (Provisional Treasurer), 'PROV. AUDITOR' (Provisional Auditor), 'SECY. FISCAL' (Secretary Fiscal). BACK: 'TEN PESOS' / 'ISSUED BY THE BOND EMERGENCY CURRENCY BOARD TAGALON, JUNE 1ST' / 'ONE HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS' [denominations].

Intaglio letterpress printing, characteristic of emergency government securities issued during World War II. The formal serif typeface, crisp text impressions visible despite aging, and the fine ornamental borders suggest professional security printing from a government or contracted security printer. The red serial numbers appear to have been applied via separate print pass. The handwritten signature indicates manual authorization by officials, a common practice for emergency currency to ensure individual accountability.

Pick catalog number P-S137a indicates this is variety 'a' of the 1942 10 pesos emergency issue. The specific serial number combination (54440/3110) and the 'TAGALON, JUNE 1ST' issuance date on the reverse establish this as an early issue from the June 1942 printing. Varieties of this emergency series are known to differ by printing location, serial number ranges, and signature combinations. The collector note referencing 'Bohol' may indicate either the collecting provenance or a variant associated with that island's treasury operations, though this would require cross-reference with detailed Pick catalog documentation on variety designations.