The Swaziland 10 Emalangeni commemorative banknote issued in 1981

The Swaziland 10 Emalangeni banknote issued in 1981 is a special commemorative overprint issue marking the Diamond Jubilee of King Sobhuza II (1921–1981), celebrating his 60 years of rule. This note was issued by the Central Bank of Swaziland (now Eswatini) and holds historical and numismatic significance due to its association with one of Africa’s longest-reigning monarchs.

This note follows the traditional design of Swaziland’s 10 Emalangeni currency but includes a special overprint marking the Diamond Jubilee. The banknote features a portrait of King Sobhuza II on the obverse (front), while the reverse (back) illustrates Swaziland’s industrial progress, specifically mining operations. The commemorative nature and limited issuance of this note make it particularly valuable to collectors.

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Design and Aesthetic Details

Obverse (Front)

The front side of the 10 Emalangeni note prominently features:

• A detailed engraved portrait of King Sobhuza II, wearing traditional attire, with a warm and dignified expression.
• The text “Central Bank of Swaziland” at the top, indicating the issuing authority.
• The denomination “10 Emalangeni” is written both numerically and in words.
• The special overprint that marks the Diamond Jubilee (1921–1981), celebrating King Sobhuza II’s 60th anniversary of reign.
• A geometric pattern surrounding the portrait, incorporating Swazi cultural motifs.
• A small elephant illustration, which is a traditional symbol of strength and national pride in Swaziland.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse side showcases the country’s economic progress:

• A detailed illustration of a mining operation, representing Swaziland’s industrial sector, particularly its natural resource extraction.
• Various industrial structures, such as mining buildings, conveyor belts, and storage facilities, highlighting Swaziland’s development.
• The denomination “10” is printed in large numerals at the four corners.
• The phrase “Central Bank of Swaziland” is repeated at the top of the note.
• A circular pattern with geometric designs appears in the background.

Color Scheme

The color scheme of this banknote is a harmonious blend of green, purple, brown, and red, creating an elegant yet secure design. The colors enhance the artistic engravings while maintaining security features to prevent counterfeiting.

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Dimensions

The Swaziland 10 Emalangeni (1981) note has the following dimensions:

• Width: 150 mm
• Length: 75 mm

These dimensions conform to standard banknote sizes for the period, ensuring ease of handling and secure storage.

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Security Features

To prevent counterfeiting, the Swaziland 10 Emalangeni (1981) note incorporates several security features:

1. Watermark: A watermark featuring King Sobhuza II’s profile is embedded in the paper, visible when held against light.
2. Security Thread: A thin embedded security thread runs vertically through the banknote to deter counterfeiting.
3. Microprinting: Tiny inscriptions, visible only under magnification, enhance security by making replication difficult.
4. Intaglio Printing: The raised ink used for certain elements of the note allows for tactile verification by touch.
5. UV Features: Special UV-reactive elements are embedded, which become visible under ultraviolet light.
6. Overprint Security: The “Diamond Jubilee” overprint is uniquely applied, making it distinct from standard Swazi banknotes.
7. Color-Shifting Ink: Some areas of the note change color when tilted, making it harder to duplicate.

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Circulation and Collectibility

The Swaziland 10 Emalangeni (1981) Diamond Jubilee Issue was a limited commemorative release, making it highly collectible. While it was originally legal tender, it now holds higher value in numismatic markets.

• Rarity: Due to its limited production and commemorative nature, this banknote is scarce in uncirculated condition.
• Collectible Value: The historical significance and the connection to King Sobhuza II’s Diamond Jubilee increase the desirability of this note among collectors.
• Market Price: Depending on the condition (UNC, AU, VF, or circulated), the note can fetch a high premium in auctions or private sales.
• Current Status: While no longer commonly used in circulation, it remains an essential piece for numismatists and collectors of African currency.