10 shilin 1978

Common. eBay transaction data shows VF-grade examples selling for approximately $17 and UNC examples for $11.75-$45, indicating adequate supply in the collector market. The print run for this 1978 issue was substantial, and the note has not been recalled or withdrawn from circulation in historically significant quantities. PMG population data suggests standard numbers of graded examples. The moderate to low realized prices on the secondary market confirm this is a readily obtainable note for collectors of Somali currency, though the PMG 67 EPQ grade represents above-average preservation.

Issued in 1978 by the Central Bank of Somalia (Bankiga Dhexe ee Soomaaliya), this note was printed during the regime of Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, reflecting Somalia's emphasis on maritime commerce and national identity through its architectural and labor-focused imagery. The prominent lighthouse minaret and shipbuilding scenes celebrate Somalia's strategic coastal position and economic activities, while the watermark portrait of Sayyid Mohammed Aabdullah Hassan (the 'Mad Mullah') connects the currency to Somalia's colonial-era resistance history. The bilingual Somali-English inscriptions reflect the country's post-independence linguistic policy.

The obverse features the coat of arms of Somalia (shield with a single star) positioned at left, with a prominent lighthouse/minaret tower structure in the center-right, representing the Abdul Aziz Mosque in Mogadishu and Somalia's maritime heritage. The reverse depicts a detailed scene of boat builders and maritime workers engaged in traditional dhow or fishing vessel construction, emphasizing the nation's shipbuilding traditions and labor-based economy. Both sides incorporate geometric border patterns and corner ornaments in a classical engraved style. The watermark, visible as large circular areas on both sides, features Sayyid Mohammed Aabdullah Hassan, a significant historical figure in Somali resistance. The color scheme of green with pink/red and tan accents creates visual distinction while maintaining the formal aesthetic appropriate for central bank currency.

OBVERSE: 'BANKIGA DHEXE EE SOOMAALIYA' (Central Bank of Somalia), '10 SHILIN' and 'SHILIN SOOMAALI' (10 Shillin / Somali Shilling), 'MUQDISHO 1978' (Mogadishu 1978), 'TALIYAHA' (Commander/Leader), 'LACAGHAYANA' (Monetary), '10 SHILLINGS' (English denomination). REVERSE: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SOMALIA' (English), '10 SOMAL' (10 Somali), 'SHILLIN SOOMAALI' and '10 SHILLIN SOOMAALI' (10 Somali Shilling). Serial number observed: T005 535209.

Intaglio engraving (evidenced by the fine line work, sharp detail in the portrait areas, geometric patterns, and classical security features observed in the visual analysis). The multi-color printing utilizes the traditional intaglio process with separate color passes to achieve the green, pink, red, tan, and white color combinations. The watermark integration and the quality of fine line detail throughout are consistent with work from European security printers active in African currency production during the 1970s, though the specific printer attribution for this Pick number is not definitively established in readily available sources.

The visual analysis identifies this as Pick 22a variant (based on the 'T005' series prefix and confirmation of the '10 Shilin = 10/- Shillings' format matching cataloged P-22a characteristics). PMG records indicate P-22a and P-22s variants exist for this base Pick number. The observed serial number T005 535209 confirms the standard series designation. No overprints or signature variations are apparent in the images; this represents the standard regular issue variety from 1978.