10 pesos 1942

Common. While emergency currency certificates from the Philippine Commonwealth are historically significant, the Bohol Emergency Currency Board issued these certificates in substantial quantities to serve local monetary needs during the 1942-1945 emergency period. eBay market data shows comparable notes trading consistently in the $2-10 range across multiple condition grades, with even circulated examples readily available at $2.50-$3.99. The VF grade specimen represented here is neither exceptionally scarce nor particularly expensive relative to other Philippine banknotes, indicating steady supply in the collector market. Survival rates for these certificates remain relatively robust despite their age and wartime conditions.

Issued during 1942 under the authority of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, this emergency currency certificate represents the wartime financial emergency when normal currency circulation was disrupted during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines (1942-1945). The Bohol Emergency Currency Board, operating from Tagbilaran, issued these certificates as a localized monetary solution to maintain economic function in the province. The note's redemption promise "upon termination of emergency" reflects the provisional nature of wartime currency, backed by the Philippine government's commitment to honor these certificates after the restoration of normal conditions.

This emergency currency certificate features a minimalist but functional design appropriate to wartime conditions. The front displays a circular seal containing the Philippine eagle and shield (the official government emblem), positioned on the right side above redemption language. The back is dominated by large 'TEN PESOS' denominations framing a carabao (Asian water buffalo) illustration on the left, a symbolic animal representing Philippine agricultural heritage and common wealth. The entire note is bordered by geometric decorative patterns in dark gray/black on a beige/tan field, with red-ink serial numbering (195664) appearing bilaterally for tracking. Signature lines for the Metropolitan Province Treasurer, Provincial Auditor (Chairman), and Provincial Fiscal (Member) appear on the front, reflecting the tri-partite authorization structure of the Bohol Emergency Currency Board.

FRONT SIDE: 'TREASURY EMERGENCY CURRENCY CERTIFICATE' / 'BY AUTHORITY OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES' / 'THIS CERTIFIES THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES WILL REDEEM THIS CERTIFICATE OF 1942 AT FACE VALUE UPON TERMINATION OF EMERGENCY' / 'TEN PESOS' / 'PAYABLE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND IN LAWFUL CURRENCY OF THE PHILIPPINES' / 'BOHOL EMERGENCY CURRENCY BOARD' / Serial number: 195664 (appears twice in red) / 'METRO PROV.TREAS.' (Metropolitan Province Treasurer) / 'PROV. AUDITOR CHAIRMAN' / 'PROV. FISCAL MEMBER' — BACK SIDE: 'TEN PESOS' / 'PHILIPPINES' / 'ISSUED BY THE BOHOL EMERGENCY CURRENCY BOARD' / 'TAGBILARAN, BOHOL' / 'TEN PESOS' (appears at top and bottom). All text is in English, reflecting the Commonwealth's official language.

This note was produced using letterpress printing, evidenced by the crisp geometric border patterns, the clean serif typography of the main text blocks, and the uniform application of the two-color scheme (red and black on tan/beige paper stock). The carabao illustration on the reverse shows characteristics consistent with engraved or photogravure techniques used for detail work in mid-20th century Philippine currency production. The red serial numbers were likely applied in a separate pass using standard currency numbering machinery. The Philippine Government Printing Bureau (BIR) or a contracted security printer produced these emergency certificates, though specific printer identification marks are not prominently displayed on this design.

This example is identified as Pick catalog P-S137j, with serial number 195664. The 'j' designation in the Pick catalog suggests this is one of multiple varieties or printing runs of the Bohol Emergency Currency Board's 10 peso certificate. Varieties for this series typically differ by serial number ranges and signature combinations of the three authorizing officials (Treasurer, Auditor, and Fiscal). No overprints or unusual markings are evident on this specimen. The red serial numbering and two-signature authority structure (visible signature lines for Treasurer and dual committee representatives) are standard for this issue type.