10 karbovantsev 1919
About This Note
This is an uncirculated example of the Ukrainian State 10 karbovantsiv note from 1919, featuring exceptional preservation with no visible wear or circulation. The note displays intricate engraved ornamentation throughout, with the Ukrainian trident (trizub) heraldic symbol prominently featured on the reverse within decorative oval framing. The brown and tan color scheme and fine line work are characteristic of this early Ukrainian currency issue from the Petlyura Directorate period.
Common. While these notes are from a short-lived issuing authority (1919 Ukrainian State), this particular denomination and variety were printed in sufficient quantities to ensure ready availability in the collector market. The catalog notes five different serial number prefixes for this issue, indicating substantial production runs. UNC examples are not particularly difficult to locate for collectors, and market pricing reflects common status rather than scarcity.
Issued during the brief Ukrainian War of Independence (1917-1921) under the Symon Petlyura Directorate, this banknote represents an early attempt by the Ukrainian State to establish its own national currency independent of Russian control. The prominent display of the Ukrainian trident and inscriptions entirely in Ukrainian (rather than Russian) reflect the nationalist aspirations of this period. The note's declaration that it 'circulates equally with credit notes' indicates the currency stability challenges faced by the fledgling Ukrainian state during this turbulent period.
The note features a classical European banknote design with ornamental borders composed of elaborate floral scrollwork and geometric patterns. The central design element is the Ukrainian national arms, specifically the trident (trizub) heraldic symbol, depicted within decorative oval frames with scrollwork on both sides of the note. Large denomination numerals '10' are positioned within circular decorative frames in the corners. The entire note employs fine-line engraving technique with consistent geometric repeating pattern fills throughout, creating a complex anti-counterfeiting design. The color palette of brown and tan on a lighter background was typical of Ukrainian currency from this period.
Front side: '10' (Arabic numerals); 'ДЕСЯТЬ КАРБОВАНЦІВ' (Ten karbovantsiv); 'ДЕРЖАВНОГО СКАРБНИЦІ' (State Treasury); 'ХОДИТЬ НАРІВНІ З КРЕДИТОВИМИ БІЛЕТАМИ' (Circulates equally with credit notes). Back side: '10' (Arabic numerals); 'КАРБОВАНЦІВ' (Karbovantsiv); 'ЕМАЛЮВАННЯ КАРБОВАНЦІВ ПО БАНКОВОМУ' (Issuance of karbovantsiv by the bank).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine detail work, precise geometric patterns, and complex scrollwork visible throughout the design. The intricate border designs and security features such as the repeating geometric background patterns are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The specific printer for this Pick 36(2) variety is not conclusively documented in standard catalogs, though Ukrainian currency from this period was produced by various European security printers.
Per the catalog reference, this note (Pick P-36(2)) is distinguished from similar issues by the presence of a serial number (as opposed to block numbers only). The catalog notes identify five different serial number prefixes for this issue. All examples of this note type feature the 'spades' watermark (contrary to the earlier catalog notation of four watermark varieties). The specific variety designation (2) in the Pick catalog indicates this is the second major variety of the 10 karbovantsiv 1919 note, differentiated by its serial number characteristics.
