10 centesimos 1887

Common. eBay transaction data shows multiple sales across all condition grades with modest prices (VG examples at $8–$24 range historically, 2016 catalog value for VG approximately $8–$15). The absence of branch office perforation or overprint indicates this is a standard regular issue without scarcity factors. Print runs for Banco Nacional 10 Centesimos of 1887 were substantial, and the denomination and age alone do not confer rarity in the numismatic market.

Issued during the period of the Banco Nacional de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay's early currency operations, this note reflects late 19th-century Uruguayan monetary design aesthetics. The ceremonial gathering scene depicted on the obverse and the allegorical female figure on the reverse exemplify the nation-building symbolism common in post-colonial Latin American currency design of the 1880s, when Uruguay was establishing its modern financial institutions.

The obverse displays an elaborate ornamental border with scrollwork in all four corners framing a central historical vignette depicting multiple figures in 19th-century period dress engaged in what appears to be a formal or ceremonial gathering—likely representing a significant moment in Uruguayan national history. The coat of arms or seal is positioned in the upper left corner. The reverse features a large circular medallion containing an allegorical female figure (Liberty or similar personification), surrounded by ornate scrollwork and border designs. Both sides employ fine-line engraved detail work characteristic of security banknote production of the era. The note is printed on tan/beige paper with black and blue inks.

Front: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE LA REPÚBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY' (National Bank of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay); 'DIEZ CENTÉSIMOS' (Ten Centesimos); 'MONEDA NACIONAL' (National Currency); 'ORO SELLADO' (Sealed Gold); '25 de Agosto de 1887' (August 25, 1887); 'MONTEVIDEO'; 'Serie N.' (Series N.) with serial numbers C095270 and C096270. Back: Text present around the circular medallion but not clearly legible in the analyzed images.

Engraved intaglio printing, typical of high-security banknotes of the period. The printer W&S (Watkins & Sons or similar firm) produced this note with fine line work, ornamental borders, and detailed vignettes achieved through traditional steel plate engraving and printing techniques. Multiple serial numbers in red ink indicate separate printing passes for numbering.

This note is identified as Pick A87, a regular issue (issued note without branch office perforation or overprint). Signature varieties are documented for this Pick number according to the reference catalog, though the specific signatures are not clearly legible in the provided images due to condition and image resolution. Serial number C095270 is recorded for this specimen. No overprints or special markings indicating a distinct variety subset are visible.