10 lirasi 1971
Market Prices
10 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1970-dated 10 Turkish Lira note (Pick P-186) in circulated condition, featuring an engraved portrait of President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the obverse and a historically significant depiction of the Maiden's Tower (Kızkulesi) on the reverse. The note displays characteristic fine-line engraving with multicolored underprint in greens, creams, and grays, and shows typical age-related patina and light creasing consistent with its 50+ year history.
Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $1.50-$26 range depending on grade, with UNC catalog values around $5 as of 2019. The note was issued in regular circulation and remains readily available on the secondary market. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuance.
Issued under Law No. 121 dated January 14, 1970, this note represents the Turkish Central Bank's currency during a period of economic modernization in Turkey. The Maiden's Tower depicted on the reverse is an iconic Istanbul landmark with Byzantine origins, symbolizing Turkey's historical and cultural significance. The continued portraiture of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, reinforces the nationalist themes central to Turkish currency design of this era.
The obverse features a formal three-quarter portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, rendered in classical engraved style, positioned on the right side of the note in formal business attire. The reverse depicts the Maiden's Tower (Kızkulesi), the famous lighthouse structure located on a small islet in the Bosphorus Strait near Istanbul, shown with its distinctive white base and green-domed turret. The background cityscape includes period Ottoman architecture with cypress trees framing the composition. Both sides are extensively ornamented with intricate scrollwork, geometric patterns, and fine-line security printing characteristic of 1970s Turkish banknote design.
FRONT: 'TÜRKİYE CUMHURİYET MERKEZ BANKASI' = Republic of Turkey Central Bank; 'ON TÜRK LİRASI' = Ten Turkish Lira; '14 OCAK 1970 TARİH VE 121İ SAYILI KANUNA GÖRE ÇIKARILMIŞTıR' = Issued According to Law No. 121 Dated January 14, 1970; 'BAŞKAN' = President; 'BAŞKAN YARDIMCISI' = Vice President; Serial number 'L1906084' appears in top left and bottom right. BACK: 'TÜRKİYE CUMHURİYET MERKEZ BANKASI' = Republic of Turkey Central Bank; 'ON TÜRK LİRASI' = Ten Turkish Lira (appears top center and bottom right); denomination '10' in corners.
Intaglio engraving (fine-line engraving) with multicolor printing. The note was produced by DBM-A printer without imprint marking. Multiple layers of security printing are evident from the intricate geometric patterns, cross-hatching, and ornamental borders that provide protection against counterfeiting.
This specific note is dated L.1970 (Law date January 14, 1970) with serial number prefix 'L', consistent with the primary variety of P-186. The catalog notes reference to P-180 indicates an earlier similar design exists with L.1930 dating. The visual analysis shows two signatures (BAŞKAN and BAŞKAN YARDIMCISI positions), standard for this issue. No overprints or unusual varieties are apparent.
