This colorful Indonesian banknote represents the 2nd denomination of the 4th Series Rupiah. Also know as the "Flowers and Birds" series. The notes of this colorful series features the native flowers and birds of Indonesia. They were produced by world renown British printer Thomas De La Rue (TDLR). These notes were replaced by Indonesian produced "Handicraft" Series (1959-1961).
Due to their age and impressive artwork, completing this series can be relatively costly. With prices generally rising at the higher denominations. The uncirculated 100, 500, 1,000 Rupiah are particularly hard to source, at responsible princes.
Observe
The observe features a beautiful illustration of a circle of Hoya flowers, framing the watermark area. Hoya is native to Southeast Asia and the islands of Oceania. The waxy flowers grow from vines, in dense colorful clusters. They often grown indoor house plant, in temperate climates. The watermark features the Garuda Pancasila, the National Emblem of Indonesia.
Above the note's header reads "Bank Indonesia". Below the ring of flower is the notes (trans.) "1 January 1959" print date. This print date is flanked by a pair of signatures. The left represents the Bank Governor (Gubenur), while the right represents the Director (Direktor).
The note's (trans.) "Ten Rupiah" face value it off-set to the right. Besides the header are hanging decorative designs. The note's dual-serial numbers (10GAR21421) can be seen near and on these designs. At the top of each design is a number "10", representing the note's "Ten Rupiah" value. The numbers rest on guilloche backing.
At the footer the note's printer is listed as "Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited".
Reverse
The reverse feature 4 Eleonora Cockatoos, framing the watermark area. The Eleonora Cockatoo is native to the forests, of the Aru Islands. Although they have been introduced to Indonesian's Kai Islands, The species is highly intelligent and are often kept as pets. The watermark area sits on a frame, giving the appearance of a glowing orb. The watermark the matches the observe.
Below the illustration is a warning to potential counterfeiters and money launders. Threating offenders with imprisonment. Along the lower sides are ornaments, resting on a pair of number "10"s. Some partial framing extends from these ornaments. It runs along the sides and ends part-way along the top.
"Flowers and Birds" Series Gallery
(Gallery will be completed, when more banknotes are databased)
Additional Notes
This notes dimensions are 133 x 68 mm or 5.24 x 2.68 in, larger than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are large sized protective sleeves.
The Indonesian Rupiah ISO code is IDR, it uses Rp as it's official symbol.
In theory, the Rupiah is subdivided into 100 Sen, inflation has made it obsolete.