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10 lirasi 1966

Middle East › Turkey
P-1801966Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez BankasiUNC
10 lirasi 1966 from Turkey, P-180 (1966) — image 1
10 lirasi 1966 from Turkey, P-180 (1966) — image 2

Market Prices

15 sales
Catalogue (2019)
VF$1
UNC$10
VF$2.992021-01-25(4 bids)
F$2.322021-01-25(3 bids)
VF$2.012021-01-25(3 bids)
VF$0.992020-12-08(1 bid)
PMG 64$12.52019-02-27(4 bids)
VF$0.992016-06-27(1 bid)
UNC$3.992016-03-16(7 bids)
F$1.762016-02-11(3 bids)
F$7.52016-02-11(7 bids)
F$6.52016-02-11(7 bids)
EF$32016-01-03(3 bids)
F$2.012015-10-21(4 bids)
VF$1.042014-09-17(3 bids)
AUNC$18.592014-09-09(8 bids)
F$1.252013-11-07(2 bids)

About This Note

This is a stunning example of the Turkish 10 Lirasi banknote from the 1966 issue (Pick P-180), presented in uncirculated condition with exceptional clarity and vibrant color preservation. The note features a finely engraved portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the obverse and the iconic Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) on the reverse, both rendered with intricate detail and ornate baroque-style decorative elements in green, brown, blue, and pink. The pristine condition, sharp registration, and complete absence of wear make this an excellent example for collectors of Turkish currency or historical Middle Eastern banknotes.

Rarity

Common. This is a regular issue banknote from a major central bank with substantial circulation, and the eBay price history provided shows consistent sales ranging from $0.99 to $18.59, with most examples trading in the $1-$3 range and even cataloged UNC examples valued at $10 as of 2019. The circulation of similar notes spanning decades (referenced L.1930 through at least L.1970 per Pick P-186) indicates a sizeable original print run. While this particular example in UNC condition is more valuable than worn examples, the denomination, issuer, and market data all indicate this is a commonly available note.

Historical Context

This 1966 issue was authorized under the law numbered 1715 dated June 1930, reflecting Turkey's continued use of currency legislation from the early Republican period under Atatürk's leadership. The obverse portrait honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, whose image was a standard feature on Turkish banknotes throughout the mid-20th century. The reverse depicts the Maiden's Tower on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, one of Turkey's most recognizable landmarks, symbolizing the nation's geographic and cultural significance at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Design

The obverse features a detailed right-facing profile portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, rendered in fine engraving and displayed at the right side of the note. The portrait shows a bearded gentleman in formal attire with a white collar, characteristic of early 20th-century styling. The design is framed by elaborate baroque-style ornamental flourishes, decorative wings, and intricate floral and geometric patterns executed in green, brown, blue, and pink. The Turkish Central Bank emblem/seal is prominently displayed. The reverse depicts the Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), a distinctive white-walled tower with a dark domed top, situated in the waters of the Bosphorus with the Istanbul cityscape visible across the water in the background. The architectural rendering employs fine line work to capture the tower's iconic form. The right side of the reverse features elaborate decorative vine and willow-like foliage motifs, with ornamental border patterns at the bottom. The denomination and issuer information frame the landmark on both sides.

Inscriptions

{"front":{"issuer":"TÜRKIYE CUMHURIYET MERKEZ BANKASI = Turkish Republic Central Bank","denomination":"ON TÜRK LİRASI = Ten Turkish Lirasi","legalBasis":"HAZIRAN 1930 TARİH VE 1715 NUMARALI KANUNAGÖRE ÇIKARILMIŞTİR = Issued according to the law numbered 1715 dated June 1930","signatures":["GENEL MÜDÜR = General Director","GENEL MÜDÜR MUAVINI = Deputy General Director","EMİSYON VE VEZNE MÜDÜRÜ = Emission and Cash Director"],"serialNumber":"D18308994"},"back":{"issuer":"TÜRKIYE CUMHURIYET MERKEZ BANKASI = Turkish Republic Central Bank","denomination":"ON TÜRK LİRASI = Ten Turkish Lirasi; 10 TURK LİRASI = 10 Turkish Lirasi"}}

Printing Technique

This banknote was produced using traditional intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate engraving), as evidenced by the exceptional fineness of the line work throughout both sides, the crisp registration of the multi-color underprint, and the dimensional depth visible in the ornamental patterns. The printer was DBM-A (Deutsche Bundesdruckerei), as noted in the catalog references, though no imprint is visibly marked on the note itself. The multi-color effect was achieved through successive passes of different color inks, a standard technique for high-security banknote production of this era.

Varieties

This specific variety is identifiable by the following characteristics: Pick catalog number P-180, dated L.1930 (Legal date: June 1930) with the actual banknote issue/printing date of 4.7.1966, serial number prefix 'D' (as seen on the example: D18308994), three signature lines for General Director, Deputy General Director, and Emission and Cash Director, green on multicolor underprint color scheme, and printer DBM-A without imprint. A later issue with L.1970 is cataloged separately as Pick P-186. The watermark features a portrait of K. Atatürk.