10 franken 1977

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $2-$5 range for circulated and VF examples, with UNC/AU examples commanding $9-$16, indicating robust collector availability. PMG 67 examples are more desirable than lower grades but not particularly scarce, with the 2019 catalogue value for UNC listed at $14. The print run for the fifth series was substantial, and P-45u is a standard catalogued variety within this series. The moderate premiums observed in PMG-graded examples reflect standard market appreciation for professionally certified high-grade notes rather than intrinsic rarity.

This 10 Franken note was issued during the stable post-war period of Swiss monetary policy under the fifth series of banknotes (1956-1980), which represented the Swiss National Bank's commitment to modern security printing and cultural representation. The note honors Gottfried Keller, Switzerland's prominent 19th-century writer and cultural figure, reflecting the Swiss tradition of celebrating national literary heritage on currency. The issue date of January 6, 1977, falls within a period of relative economic stability in Switzerland, and the botanical imagery of the Avens flower (Geum urbanum) represents the integration of natural scientific subjects into Swiss monetary design.

The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of Gottfried Keller (1819-1890), the renowned Swiss writer and cultural figure, rendered in profile facing right in purple and pink tones with meticulous detail work. The portrait occupies the right portion of the note and is accompanied by a Swiss cross in a square frame on the left side, symbolizing national sovereignty. The reverse displays an elaborate botanical illustration of the Avens flower (Geum urbanum), a common European wildflower, rendered with exceptional engraved detail in the same purple and pink palette. Both sides feature ornamental rosette patterns in the corners and extensive guilloche security patterns throughout, demonstrating the highest standards of security printing from the period. The denomination '10' appears in ornate styling on both sides, framed by additional decorative elements.

Front side: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (German: Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), 'SERIE 97 N' (Series 97 N), Serial number '065896', 'Der Präsident des Bankrates' (The President of the Bank Council), 'Der Hauptkassier' (The Chief Cashier), 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums' (A Member of the Directorate), 'BERN UND ZÜRICH, 6. JANUAR 1977' (Bern and Zurich, January 6, 1977), denomination '10'. Back side: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (Swiss National Bank), denomination '10'.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) printed by Orell-Füssli (OFZ), Zurich. The visual analysis reveals characteristic fine line engraving throughout, complex guilloche security pattern backgrounds, and multiple layers of security printing with exceptional detail work. The precision of the portrait rendering, the intricate floral engraving on the reverse, and the elaborate guilloche patterns are all hallmarks of high-security intaglio production. Watermark technology is evident in the portrait area, adding an additional layer of anti-counterfeiting protection.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-45u, Series 97 N, Serial Number 065896. The 'u' designation within the P-45 family indicates this is a specific catalogue variety. The visual analysis notes this is from the 1977 issue date (January 6, 1977, Bern and Zurich), which falls within the known issuance period for this denomination (1955-1977 according to catalog data). The PMG population report indicates that seven variants of Pick P-45 have been catalogued (P-45a, P-45h, P-45n, P-45p, P-45r, P-45s1, and P-45u), suggesting this particular variety may represent a specific signature or serial number range variant within the broader fifth series release.