10 franken 1968

Common. The 10 Franken note from the 1955-1977 series (6th series) was a standard circulation denomination produced in large quantities by the Swiss National Bank. eBay market data shows consistent sales at modest prices ($1.50-$12.50 for circulated and AU/AUNC examples from 2014-2024), with catalogue values of $3.50 (VF) and $15 (UNC) as of 2019. The AU condition specimen observed falls within the typical price range for this series. Large print runs, no recall history, and continued availability in the secondary market confirm this as a common banknote.

Issued on May 15, 1968, during a period of significant cultural pride in Switzerland, this banknote honors Gottfried Keller (1819-1890), one of Switzerland's most important literary figures and a symbol of Swiss Romantic nationalism. The Swiss National Bank's decision to feature Keller on currency reflects the mid-20th century appreciation of the nation's intellectual heritage, while the botanical imagery on the reverse—characteristic of the 6th series (1955-1977)—represents Switzerland's natural beauty and commitment to detailed, security-enhanced currency design. This note type circulated during Switzerland's post-war economic stability and continued prosperity.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Gottfried Keller, identifiable by his characteristic long beard and glasses, positioned on the right side of the note. A Swiss cross (white cross on shield) is prominently displayed on the left side as a national symbol. The background employs extensive guilloche patterning and fine-line engraving throughout, with ornate numerals '10' in large format at center-left and smaller corners. The color scheme comprises purple/mauve dominant tones over a red-brown underprint, with white and blue accent elements creating visual depth. The reverse depicts a detailed botanical illustration of flowering plants (peonies or similar species with multiple blooms and full foliage) positioned in the left-center area, surrounded by decorative guilloche patterns and enclosed within an ornate oval frame containing the denomination numeral '10'. Vertical text arrangements frame both sides of the reverse design.

FRONT: Trilingual bank name inscriptions—'Schweizerische Nationalbank' (German), 'Banque Nationale Suisse' (French), and 'Banca Nazionale Svizzera' (Italian). Series designation 'Serie 53 Q' and serial number '002385'. Denomination text 'Dix Francs' / 'Franchen' (Ten Francs). Issue date and location: 'Bern und Zürich, 15. Mai 1968' (Bern and Zurich, May 15, 1968). Signature lines: 'Der Präsident des Bankrates' (President of the Bank Council), 'Der Hauptkassier' (Chief Cashier), and 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums' (A Member of the Board of Directors). Denomination numeral '10' appears in multiple locations. BACK: Repeated trilingual bank name inscriptions—'Schweizerische Nationalbank', 'Banque Nationale Suisse', 'Banca Nazionale Svizzera'. Denomination numeral '10' within ornate oval frame.

Intaglio (recess engraving) printing, the standard security printing method for Swiss banknotes of this period. The note was produced by Orell-Füssli (OFZ), Zurich, Switzerland's premier banknote printer. The extensive guilloche patterns, fine-line engraving throughout, intricate portrait rendering, and detailed botanical illustrations are all characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The sharp clarity and fine detail visible in both the portrait and floral designs confirm professional security printing with multiple engraved steel plates.

This note is catalogued as Pick-45n, one of seven known varieties within the base Pick-45 designation for the 10 Franken series (variants include P-45a, P-45h, P-45n, P-45p, P-45r, P-45s1, and P-45u). The specific identifier 'n' likely designates a particular signature combination or printing period within the 1968 issue. The observed specimen displays Series 53 Q with serial number 002385, consistent with the 1968 issue date of May 15, 1968. The trilingual inscriptions (German, French, Italian) and location designations (Bern and Zurich) are standard for all SNB notes of this era and do not constitute variety distinction.