10 shilin 1980

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows recent sales in the $3.25–$6.50 range for circulated examples, with catalog valuations of $27.50 for UNC specimens (2019). The note was part of a regular issue series with substantial print runs, and multiple variant types (P-26, P-26*, P-26s) exist within the PMG population reports, indicating widespread availability. No indicators of limited mintage, recalls, or scarcity are present.

Issued in 1980 by the Bankiga Dhexe ee Soomaaliya (Central Bank of Somalia), this banknote reflects the maritime heritage and infrastructure of Somalia during the Siad Barre regime. The lighthouse depicted on the obverse represents Somalia's coastal importance and connection to the Indian Ocean, while the reverse's shipbuilding and dock workers scene emphasizes the nation's traditional maritime economy and labor. The bilingual (Somali/English) and trilingual (adding Arabic) inscriptions reflect Somalia's linguistic and cultural diversity during this period.

The obverse features the Muqdisho Lighthouse (lighthouse at Mogadishu) as the central architectural element, a tall cylindrical tower structure with multiple sections typical of East African coastal lighthouse design. To the left is the national coat of arms—a circular emblem containing a shield with a single star, representing Somalia's national symbol. Ornamental geometric and floral borders frame both sides of the note with fine engraved diamond-shaped decorative motifs. The reverse depicts traditional maritime labor scenes with dock workers engaged in ship building and cargo handling beside a traditional wooden dhow (sailing vessel), emphasizing Somalia's maritime economy. A prominent circular watermark area with beaded border is visible on the reverse, featuring what catalog sources identify as Sayyid Mohammed Aabdullah Hassan (though not clearly discernible in the visual analysis). The color palette of green, pink, beige, and gold creates a sophisticated multicolor design characteristic of 1980s African currency.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANKIGA DHEXE EE SOOMAALIYA' (Central Bank of Somalia) | '10 SHILIN / SHILLINGS' (10 Shillings) | 'SHILIN SOOMAALI' (Somali Shilling) | 'GUDDOMIYAHA' (Chairman/President) | 'LACAGHAYAHA' (Treasurer) | 'MUQDISHO 1980' (Mogadishu 1980) | Date reference: April 1980 | Serial number prefix: X010 | Serial number: 533019. BACK SIDE: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SOMALIA' | '10 SOMALI SHILLINGS' | 'SHILIN SOOMAALI' (Somali Shilling) | 'البنك المركزي الصومالي' (Central Bank of Somalia in Arabic).

Intaglio (engraved) printing with multi-color offset lithography for the underprint, evidenced by the fine line work, complex geometric patterns, and intricate detail visible throughout the note. The precise color registration and layered security features suggest production by a professional security printer, likely De La Rue or a similar specialist, as was common for Central Bank of Somalia currency during this period.

Observed serial number prefix X010 with serial number 533019. PMG records three cataloged variants for Pick 26: the regular P-26, the starred variety P-26* (typically indicating replacement/emergency notes), and the specimen variety P-26s. Catalog sources note that replacement notes carry the serial number prefix Z001, differing from the X010 prefix observed on this example. This appears to be a regular issue note (P-26) rather than a replacement variety. The specific date marking 'APRIL 1980' on the note confirms the April 1980 issue date for this series.