10 griven 1918

Common. This note is widely available in the market across multiple condition grades. eBay sales data shows consistent trading at modest prices—VF examples sold for $7.50 in 2022, AUNC specimens for $24-36 in earlier years, with catalog values at $10 for VF grade (2016 pricing). The relatively high supply and low market prices indicate this was issued in substantial quantities and remains common among collectors of Ukrainian currency. While historically significant as an early Ukrainian emission, it is not scarce in terms of numismatic availability.

This banknote was issued during the tumultuous period of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1917-1920), when Ukraine briefly declared independence following the Russian Revolution. The prominent trident symbol and Cyrillic inscriptions emphasizing 'Ukrainian People's Republic' reflect the nationalist aspirations of this short-lived state, while the reference to gold backing (8.712 dol of fine gold per hryvnia) demonstrates attempts to establish monetary credibility during a period of political instability. The severe penalties for counterfeiting noted on the reverse underscore the government's efforts to maintain the integrity of its newly-established currency system.

The note features a symmetrical design centered on the Tryzub (trident), the national coat of arms of Ukraine, positioned prominently at the top center of the obverse. The entire note is framed by an elaborate decorative border composed of repeating scroll work and geometric patterns in mauve and reddish-brown inks. The denomination '10' appears in all four corners in Arabic numerals, with the reverse displaying a large ornamental numeral '10' constructed from floral and leaf decorative elements in the center-left area. The palette of mauve, reddish-brown, and tan creates a unified aesthetic typical of early 20th-century Eastern European currency design. Text is arranged in multiple lines in Cyrillic script, with a rectangular framing box on the reverse containing the legal text regarding currency backing and counterfeiting penalties. The serial number appears in blue ink on the reverse.

FRONT SIDE: 'УКРАЇНСЬКА НАРОДНА РЕСПУБЛІКА' (Ukrainian People's Republic); '10' and 'ДЕСЯТЬ ГРИВЕНЬ' (Ten hryvnia); 'РОКУ 1918' (Year 1918); '1 гривня містить 8,712 доль шпиготу астота' (1 hryvnia contains 8.712 dol [fine] gold); 'Директор Картайного Банку' (Director of State Bank); 'Скарбник' (Treasurer). BACK SIDE: Serial number 'A·09305672'; 'ДЕСЯТЬ ГРИВЕНЬ' (Ten hryvnia); 'УКРАЇНСЬКА НАРОДНА РЕСПУБЛІКА' (Ukrainian People's Republic); 'Державні кредитові білети України-ської Народної Республіки заосвітечуються всім державним майном Республіки. Державні кредитові білети Українськой Народної Республіки публічні одиниці напрями з золотою монетою. За фальшування державних кредитових білетів виновних карається позбавленням прав і тюрмою.' (State credit notes of the Ukrainian People's Republic are secured by all state property of the Republic. State credit notes of the Ukrainian People's Republic are public units equivalent to gold coin. For counterfeiting state credit notes, the guilty are punished with deprivation of rights and imprisonment.)

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the crisp, fine detail visible in the ornamental borders, decorative numerals, and Cyrillic text. The uniform color application and sharp print quality indicate high-quality steel engraving typical of official government banknote production. The elaborate ornamental elements and fine line work are characteristic of security printing techniques employed by central European printers during the 1918 period. The specific printer for Pick P-21a is not definitively identified in standard catalogs, though Ukrainian notes of this period were sometimes produced by multiple security printers.

This example is cataloged as Pick P-21a. The PMG population report indicates two variants exist for this base Pick number (P-21a and P-21b), suggesting minor differences between printings or signature varieties. The observed serial number (A·09305672) with letter prefix 'A' may be relevant to variety identification, as serial number prefixes often distinguish between printing runs. Without access to comparative images of P-21b, the specific distinction cannot be detailed here, but collectors should verify whether their example matches P-21a or P-21b characteristics. The 1918 date and issuer designation confirm this as the standard first issue of the Ukrainian People's Republic's 10 Hriven denomination.