10 kronor 1950

Common. This note comes from a regular issue circulating across Sweden during 1940-1952, with substantial print runs. Catalog values from 2016 list UNC examples at $6, and recent eBay sales show PMG 65 graded specimens selling for approximately $20-22, indicating typical collector-grade pricing for common mid-20th century Scandinavian banknotes. No evidence of limited mintage, short-lived issuing period, or recall status.

Issued by Sveriges Riksbank during the post-World War II period, this note honors Gustav Vasa (1496-1560), the founder of modern Sweden who unified the kingdom and liberated it from Kalmar Union rule in the 16th century. The coat of arms and heraldic lion supporters depicted on the reverse represent the continuity of Swedish royal authority and national sovereignty, themes particularly resonant in 1950 Sweden as the nation consolidated its position as a neutral Nordic power during the early Cold War era.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of King Gustav Vasa (1496-1560) in profile, rendered with distinctive facial hair and historical clothing within an ornate oval frame. The reverse displays the Swedish royal coat of arms—a shield containing the three crowns of Sweden—topped with a crown and flanked by two crowned lion heraldic supporters facing outward. Both sides are bordered by ornamental scrollwork and decorative flourishes. The background of the reverse contains a repeating pattern of fleur-de-lis or cross-like symbols arranged in rows, serving as an anti-counterfeiting measure. Fine decorative corner elements and border frames complete the classical engraved design.

Front: 'SVERIGES RIKSBANK' (Sweden's Central Bank), '10 KRONOR' (10 kronor denomination), '1950' (issue year), serial number '15485674'. Back: Denomination '10' appears in upper right and lower left corners. Partial inscription 'SÄKER OCH ROBUR' (Safe and Robust) visible as watermarked or background text.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security printing method for Swedish banknotes of this era. The fine line engraving, complex cross-hatching patterns, and intricate background security patterns visible throughout the note are characteristic of intaglio production. Sveriges Riksbank employed Sweden's state security printers for this series, utilizing advanced engraving techniques to prevent counterfeiting.

Cataloged as Pick P-40k, a variant within the broader 1940-1952 issue. The PMG population report indicates at least two other variants (P-40d and P-40l) exist for this denomination. This specific example exhibits the characteristic red dates and serial numbering, gray-blue on multicolor underprint, and Gustav Vasa watermark typical of this series. The serial number 15485674 and 1950 issue date place this within the mid-series production period.