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The Rhodesia 10 Dollars 1979 banknote, cataloged as Pick #41, is a numismatic artifact deeply embedded in the tumultuous political and monetary history of Southern Africa. Issued during the final year of Rhodesia’s existence before its transition to Zimbabwe in 1980, this note symbolizes both the resilience of a regime under international pressure and the impending dawn of a new political order. The note belongs to the last currency series produced under the Rhodesian government led by Ian Smith, which was internationally unrecognized following the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) from Britain in 1965. Graded UNC (Uncirculated), this note remains in pristine condition, showcasing sharp corners, bright colors, and original paper crispness, unmarred by handling or folds, making it a standout example of late-issue Rhodesian currency.
Rhodesia’s monetary system, modeled closely on the British pound sterling, was initially pegged to that currency and later evolved into a decimal system using the Rhodesian dollar, introduced in 1970 to replace the Rhodesian pound. The transition marked a significant step toward economic autonomy in the face of international sanctions. The 1979 10 Dollar note was part of the second and final dollar series and represented a high denomination at the time, used for substantial commercial and institutional transactions. It was issued just months before the Lancaster House Agreement was signed, ending the Rhodesian Bush War and paving the way for internationally recognized elections and the establishment of the Republic of Zimbabwe in 1980.
The obverse of the 1979 10 Dollar note features a detailed engraved portrait of Cecil John Rhodes, the British imperialist and founder of the territory that would eventually bear his name. Dressed in formal 19th-century attire, Rhodes is presented in a stoic, idealized fashion—emblematic of the colonial legacy and ruling ideology that still dominated Rhodesian state imagery. His likeness is set against a finely patterned background of geometric security designs, with subtle use of blue, green, and violet tones. The portrait is positioned to the left, while the denomination “10” appears in large numerals in all four corners. The note also bears the text “RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA” prominently across the top, and the denomination is written in full below the central frame: “TEN DOLLARS.”
Other elements on the obverse include the signatures of Reserve Bank officials, specifically the Governor, along with the serial number, which is printed in black in the upper right and lower left corners. Microprinting and guilloché patterns run throughout the note, forming a complex lattice that prevents counterfeiting and adds depth to the overall design. The watermark of Cecil Rhodes is embedded into the paper and visible when held to light, further validating the authenticity of the note. In UNC condition, all these design elements are crisp and sharp, without smudging or wear, allowing full appreciation of the craftsmanship and historical symbolism behind the imagery.
The reverse of the note highlights the natural wealth and colonial-era vision of Rhodesia by featuring the iconic Kariba Dam, an immense hydroelectric dam spanning the Zambezi River between Zambia and what was then Rhodesia. Completed in the late 1950s, the Kariba Dam was a feat of engineering and a symbol of industrial advancement, providing power to both Rhodesia and Zambia. Its inclusion on the reverse signifies Rhodesia’s reliance on its mineral and energy resources, as well as its ambitions for regional infrastructure leadership. The dam is illustrated in fine detail, capturing its sweeping curve and the dynamic flow of water into Lake Kariba, set against a rugged landscape of hills and bushland.
The reverse color palette complements the obverse with rich green and blue tones, enhancing the naturalistic theme while maintaining design harmony. The words “RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA” and “TEN DOLLARS” are repeated, with the denomination again emphasized numerically in all corners. Ornamental borders and security designs continue throughout the reverse, offering both aesthetic appeal and protection against forgery. The note’s layout and iconography reflect both the colonial grandeur and technocratic optimism that the Rhodesian state tried to project, even as it faced growing military and diplomatic isolation in the final months of its existence.
The note was printed by Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, a well-known British banknote printer that supplied many Commonwealth nations. The print quality is high, featuring fine intaglio lines, color gradations, and sharp registration. The paper stock is robust, with embedded security fibers and the aforementioned watermark. In uncirculated condition, the note exhibits none of the usual flaws—such as bends, soiling, or ink fading—that affect lower-grade examples. The paper retains its original sheen and rigidity, while the ink is vibrant and unbroken. These characteristics make UNC specimens highly desirable, particularly as Rhodesian notes were withdrawn from circulation shortly after Zimbabwe’s establishment and are increasingly difficult to find in superior condition.
The 10 Dollar denomination was the largest regularly issued note in the 1979 Rhodesian series, reflecting both inflation and the need for a high-value instrument during a time of economic instability. Sanctions, guerrilla warfare, and internal unrest had strained the Rhodesian economy, leading to shortages, black-market trading, and currency depreciation. As the nation edged closer to its transformation into Zimbabwe, the Reserve Bank continued to issue currency, even as confidence in the Rhodesian dollar began to falter. The 10 Dollar note thus represents not only monetary policy but also a final assertion of state authority before a dramatic political realignment.
Collectors and historians value the 1979 10 Dollar note for its historical significance, distinctive artwork, and relatively low survival rate in uncirculated grades. It provides insight into the contradictions of Rhodesia’s final year: a state clinging to colonial iconography and symbols of progress while facing international condemnation and internal collapse. The juxtaposition of Cecil Rhodes’s portrait and the Kariba Dam encapsulates the dual legacies of imperial ambition and economic development that defined Rhodesian statehood. For numismatists, it serves as both a conversation piece and a tangible relic of a country that no longer exists.
In conclusion, the Rhodesia 10 Dollars 1979 P#41 UNC banknote stands as a poignant and beautifully designed example of late colonial-era currency. With its fine engraving, thematic symbolism, and connection to a pivotal historical moment, it holds enduring value for collectors and scholars alike. Its uncirculated state ensures the preservation of every design nuance and enhances its rarity, offering an authentic glimpse into the complex final chapter of Rhodesia’s monetary and political history.