10 franken 1970

Common. This is a standard regular-issue Swiss 10 Franken note from a 22-year circulation period (1955-1977) with substantial print runs. The eBay market data shows consistent sales ranging from $2-26 depending on condition grade, with PMG 66 examples selling in the $17-27 range historically. The 2019 catalog valuation for UNC is $15, confirming this is an accessible note for collectors. While the PMG 66 EPQ grade represents above-average preservation, the underlying note type itself is not scarce.

Issued on January 5, 1970 by the Schweizerische Nationalbank, this banknote was part of the sixth series of Swiss francs that circulated from 1955-1977. The choice of Gottfried Keller, a renowned 19th-century Swiss writer and cultural figure, reflects Switzerland's emphasis on celebrating domestic literary and intellectual heritage. The reverse featuring detailed botanical illustration (carnation/avens flower) exemplifies the Swiss tradition of combining naturalistic imagery with refined engraving techniques.

The obverse features a portrait of Gottfried Keller (1819-1890), the Swiss writer and politician, depicted as a bearded man in profile facing right, wearing glasses and formal attire, framed in an ornate oval cartouche with decorative engraved background. The left side displays the Swiss cross symbol. The reverse showcases a detailed botanical illustration of a carnation flower (Geum urbanum, also known as avens) positioned at left-center with elaborate engraved floral and botanical designs. Both sides incorporate extensive guilloche patterns, decorative border elements with geometric designs, and concentric circular corner ornaments. The denomination '10' is prominently displayed in an oval frame on the reverse. The color scheme throughout consists of cream/beige underprint with purple and maroon printing, characteristic of this series.

Front side inscriptions: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (German: Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), 'SERIE 64 B' (Series 64 B), '001987' (Serial number), 'Der Präsident des Bankrates' (The President of the Board of Directors), 'Der Hauptkassier' (The Chief Cashier), 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums' (A Member of the Directorate), 'BERN UND ZÜRICH, 5. JANUAR 1970' (Bern and Zurich, January 5, 1970). Reverse side inscriptions: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (German: Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), '10' (denomination), 'BANQUE NATIONALE' (French: National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE' (Italian: National Bank).

This banknote was produced using intaglio engraving and printing methods by Orell-Füssli (OFZ), Zurich, the established Swiss security printer. The visual analysis confirms the presence of fine guilloche patterns, detailed line engraving, intricate botanical illustrations, and precise security features typical of intaglio production. The sharp clarity of the engraved lines, the depth of the printing visible in the portraits and floral designs, and the crisp definition of the security patterns are all consistent with high-quality intaglio printing on specialized banknote paper.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-45p, indicating it is the 'p' variant within the sixth series of Swiss 10 Franken notes. The visual analysis shows 'SERIE 64 B' designation and serial number '001987'. The Pick catalog identifies 7 variants for the base P-45 number (P-45a, P-45h, P-45n, P-45p, P-45r, P-45s1, P-45u), with variations likely relating to signature combinations, printing dates within the 1970 issue period, or other minor differences. The specific date of issuance shown ('5. JANUAR 1970') and signature authority designations ('Der Präsident des Bankrates', 'Der Hauptkassier', 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums') are characteristic identifiers of this particular variety.