10 shilin 1978

Common. The 1978 10 Shillings (P-22) is a regular-issue denomination that entered widespread circulation. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows UNC examples sold for $11.75 in 2021 and VF examples for $16.90 in 2025, both indicating modest collector demand and ample supply. The catalog value for UNC condition listed at $45 (2019 data) versus actual realized prices of $11-17 suggests the note is readily available in the secondary market. This is typical of regular-issue currency from functional central banks with substantial print runs.

Issued in 1978 by the Central Bank of Somalia (Bankiga Dhexe ee Soomaaliya) during the military regime of Siad Barre, this note reflects Somalia's emphasis on national symbols and traditional economic activities. The boat-building reverse illustrates the importance of maritime heritage and dhow construction to Somali culture and coastal livelihoods, while the lighthouse on the obverse symbolizes the nation's commercial and strategic coastal position. The 1977 legislative date inscribed on the note (December 1977) reflects the legal authorization preceding its 1978 circulation.

The obverse prominently features the Somali national coat of arms (a five-pointed star within an ornate circular medallion) positioned left of center, with a distinctive lighthouse structure as the central vignette—representing Somalia's strategic coastal position and maritime commerce. The architectural landmark is surrounded by stylized vegetation and coastal imagery. The reverse depicts a detailed scene of traditional dhow (wooden sailing vessel) construction, showing multiple Somali workers in traditional white clothing engaged in shipbuilding activities in a harbor or shipyard setting. Both sides employ Islamic geometric border patterns with repeating triangular and cross-hatch motifs, reflecting cultural design traditions. The color palette of green, pink, beige, and white creates visual distinction across the note's layout.

FRONT: 'BANKIGA DHEXE EE SOOMAALIYA' (Central Bank of Somalia), '10 SHILIN' (10 Shillings), 'SHILIN SOOMAALI' (Somali Shilling), 'SHILLINGS' (English denomination), 'MUQDISHO 1978' (Mogadishu 1978), 'TALIYAHA' (Leadership/Commander designation), 'LACAGHAYAHA' (Financial/Treasury designation), date reference 'DISEMBAR 1977' (December 1977). BACK: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SOMALIA' (English institutional name), '10 SOMALI SHILLINGS' (denomination), 'SHILIN SOOMAALI' (Somali Shilling). Serial numbers and reference codes also present (T005, 535219).

The note employs intaglio (engraved) printing methodology, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed geometric patterns, intricate security threading in borders, and sharp relief visible throughout both the coat of arms and the maritime scene. The complexity of the engraved elements—particularly the ornamental borders and fine-line security patterns—indicates high-quality security printing typical of Central Bank of Somalia currency production in this era. The printer for this series is not definitively identified in available catalogs, but production followed standard central bank security protocols of the period.

This example appears to be P-22a based on PMG cataloging standards, though the specific signature or printer variant cannot be definitively confirmed from the visual analysis alone. The serial number format (T005 prefix with 535219) and the 'MUQDISHO 1978' designation are consistent with standard 1978 issue characteristics. PMG records indicate two cataloged variants (P-22a and P-22s), with the current note likely representing the more common P-22a variety. No overprints or unusual production anomalies are evident in the uncirculated specimen.