10 shillings 1958

Common. The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland issued significant quantities of currency during its decade of operation (1953-1963), and the 10 shillings denomination was a standard circulation note. The 1st August 1958 issue date represents the second year of the Federation's currency, well within the active circulation period. Pick P-20a remains readily available in the collector market across various grades, with VF examples typically trading at modest prices reflecting their common status.

Issued during the height of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953-1963), this 1958 note reflects the political union of three British territories and features iconography celebrating the region's natural landscape and British sovereignty. The depiction of the river scene with palm vegetation on the reverse represents the Zambezi River valley and broader regional identity, while Queen Elizabeth II's portrait underscores the Commonwealth connection during this period of constitutional governance.

The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II in right-facing profile on the right side, rendered in classical engraved style typical of Commonwealth currency of the era. The lower left displays a heraldic eagle with wings spread, symbolizing strength and regional identity. A coat of arms appears at top center with ornate decorative rosettes containing denomination text. The reverse presents an engraved scenic vignette of the Zambezi River landscape with native vegetation, palm trees, and a small river boat, symbolizing the Federation's natural resources and regional character. Both sides employ fine guilloche patterning in the background and ornamental border designs. The color scheme is predominantly mauve and reddish-brown with cream and beige highlights, creating a warm, sophisticated aesthetic typical of Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co's mid-twentieth century work.

Front side: 'BANK OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND' (issuing authority); '10/-' and 'TEN SHILLINGS' (denomination); 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand' (legal tender clause); 'SALISBURY' (place of issue); '1ST AUGUST, 1958' (date of issue); 'Governor' (authorized officer title); 'W/12 741316' (serial number). Back side: 'BANK OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND' (issuing authority); 'TEN SHILLINGS' and '10/-' (denomination repeated in corners); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer's imprint).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate engraving) by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd, the renowned British security printer. Fine guilloche patterns, intricate border designs, and detailed scenic vignettes were created through traditional intaglio processes, providing both aesthetic appeal and security against counterfeiting through the difficulty of reproducing fine engraved lines.

This note exhibits the standard P-20a variety from the 1st August 1958 issue date. The serial number format W/12 741316 indicates a standard letter-prefix serial number common to this issue. No overprints, special markings, or known varieties are evident in the observed specimen. The Governor's authorization title appears as standard on this date, with no known signature varieties documented for Pick P-20a that would constitute separate catalog numbers.