10 dinara 1939

Common. Despite its historical significance, this 10 Dinara 1939 note (P-35) is common in the collector market. eBay sales data provided shows consistent trading activity with prices ranging from $2 to $76 depending on condition grade, with most ungraded notes selling between $3 and $15 and certified PMG examples ranging from $21 to $76. The note was part of a substantial regular issue by the National Bank and surviving examples are readily available. Print runs were large enough to ensure circulation of working currency across the kingdom. An uncirculated example like this specimen, while desirable and commanding $30+ based on 2016 catalogue values, represents a common date and denomination within Yugoslav banknote series.

Issued during the final years of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia before the upheaval of World War II, this note represents a period of relative stability under the regency for young King Peter II. The inclusion of the Stari Most bridge and traditional folk imagery reflected the Yugoslav government's effort to promote national identity and unity among its diverse South Slavic peoples. The formal military portraiture and nationalist symbolism are characteristic of interwar European banknote design, emphasizing state authority and cultural cohesion during a period of increasing geopolitical tension.

The obverse presents a right-facing three-quarter portrait of King Peter II dressed in formal military uniform with medals, epaulettes, and decorative insignia across his chest and shoulder. To the right of the portrait is a meticulously engraved architectural vignette depicting the Stari Most (Old Bridge) of Mostar, a 16th-century Ottoman structure characterized by its distinctive single stone arch spanning the Neretva River, with fortified stonework and a cityscape visible in the background. The reverse features a portrait of a woman in full traditional Yugoslav folk dress, wearing an ornate embroidered headdress with a long veil, decorative jewelry, and richly patterned traditional clothing reflecting the ethnic costume traditions of the kingdom. Both sides are framed by elaborate decorative borders with scrollwork, floral botanical elements, and geometric diamond-and-cross motif patterns in the central frame. The engraving signature 'Veljko Akun' appears on the reverse, crediting the artist. The entire design employs fine line engraving technique with no color tinting—the note is printed in black and white only.

FRONT: 'Narodna Banka Kraljevine Jugoslavije' (National Bank of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia); 'Plaća Donosiocu' (Pays to Bearer); 'Deset Dinara' (Ten Dinars); 'Beograd, 22 Septembar 1939' (Belgrade, 22 September 1939); 'Glavni Upravitelj' (Chief Administrator); 'Guverner' (Governor); Reference number '456'; Denomination '10'; Technical specification '0.0704'. BACK: 'Narodna Banka Kraljevine Jugoslavije' (National Bank of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia); 'Plaća Donosiocu' (Pays to Bearer); '10 Dinara' (Ten Dinars); 'Deset' (Ten); 'Njovanovic Fec.' (Njovanovic engraved [this]); 'Veljko Akun' (engraver/designer attribution). Both sides include the warning: 'Falsifikovanje novčanica kazni se po propisima krivičnog zakonika koji vrede za krivice zbog pravljenja laznog novca' (Counterfeiting banknotes is punished according to the provisions of the Criminal Code applicable to crimes of producing false money).

Intaglio engraving (steel engraving). The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, sharp contrast, and dimensional depth typical of intaglio printing from this era. The detailed portrait work, intricate border ornamentation, and security line patterns all show the precision associated with steel plate engraving. The printer is not identified on the note itself, but Yugoslav banknotes of this period were typically produced by the National Bank's own printing facilities or contracted European security printers. The engraver Veljko Akun is credited for the design and engraving work.

This specimen represents the standard P-35 variety (10 Dinara). The Pick catalog notes that P-35 has at least 5 denominated variants catalogued by PMG (5 Dinara as P-35As through 1000 Dinara as P-35Fs), though this particular note is the base 10 Dinara denomination. The specimen dated 22 September 1939 from Belgrade represents the only dated issue for this denomination. Serial number '456' is visible, though without examination of multiple notes it cannot be determined if specific serial number ranges have collectible significance. No overprints, color variants, or printing errors are apparent in this UNC example.