10 rupees 1928

Common. While this is an early issue from 1928, the eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales in the $3.88-$23.69 USD range for uncirculated examples, with most transactions clustering under $20 USD. A single outlier of $460 USD was listed for a VG grade note, which appears anomalous compared to the 2016 catalogue value of $250 for G grade notes. The typical market behavior and regular availability of this note in various eBay listings indicate it is a common date and denomination in the P-4 series. VF grade specimens are moderately priced and readily available.

Issued on 6th November 1928 by the Government of Seychelles during the reign of King George V, this note represents the monetary authority of the British colonial territory during the interwar period. The prominently featured portrait of George V on the right side, rendered in red within an ornate oval frame, reflects the colonial relationship and the legitimacy derived from the British monarchy. The declaration that 'these notes are legal tender for the payment of any amount' underscores the formal establishment of government-issued currency in Seychelles during this early period of the territory's monetary development.

The obverse features a symmetrical layout with the denomination '10' displayed in green in the upper left and right corners. The dominant design element is an elaborate green guilloche and geometric border pattern encircling all edges of the note, with crown-like ornamental corner pieces characteristic of Thomas de la Rue's security printing work. The center-right portion contains a red oval portrait frame containing the profile portrait of King George V facing left, rendered with fine detail work typical of high-security banknote engraving. The background is cream/beige with extensive fine line work throughout. The reverse appears to be largely blank, showing only watermark impressions consistent with security features of the period. Serial number A05735 appears in both upper left and lower right corners.

{"front":{"serial_number":"A05735 (appears in upper left and lower right)","denomination":"TEN RUPEES (in multiple locations)","issuer":"ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES","legal_declaration":"THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT","date":"6th November 1928","authorized_by":"GOVERNOR (signature line)","printer":"THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON"},"back":{"content":"Reverse side predominantly blank with watermark impressions only; minimal printed content visible"}}

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (also known as recess printing), the standard security printing method for government currency of the period. The fine line work, detailed guilloche patterns in the borders, the intricately engraved portrait, and the overall crisp impression visible in the VF condition specimen confirm professional engraving and printing by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The two-color printing (green and red) was achieved through multiple impression passes. The watermarks visible on the reverse indicate the use of specially watermarked security paper, another hallmark of Thomas de la Rue's production standards.

This specimen exhibits the characteristics of Pick P-4a, dated 6th November 1928, with serial number A05735. The catalog notes that the P-4 series includes various date and signature varieties spanning 1928-1936. This specific note represents one of the early 1928 issues. The 'A' prefix in the serial number (A05735) may indicate a specific printing batch or series variant, though without access to comprehensive serial number documentation, the exact significance cannot be determined. The uniface nature of the note (printed only on the obverse) is consistent with P-4a specifications.