This colorful Zimbabwean banknote represents the 2nd denomination of the First Dollar (Chiremba Rocks Series). The "Chiremba Rocks" Series, receives it's name from the Chiremba Balancing Rocks featured on every denomination. This series was issued from 1994-2004 and represented the last issued notes of the First Dollar.
Notably the main series (5-100 Dollars) were issued from 1994-1997. As replacements for earlier First Dollar banknotes, issued from 1980-1994. The larger 500 and 1000 Dollar notes were issued later, in 2001 and 2003 respectively.
Observe
The observe prominently features the famous Chiremba Balancing Rocks, at Matobo National Park. Behind the illustration are "fish scale" cells, with microprint number 10s inside. Moving toward the note's center is an illustration of a red Zimbabwe Creeper flower.
Notably all denominations of the Chiremba Rocks Series featured a native flower, at their center. Additionally all notes of the series featured their value (in this case "TEN DOLLARS"), overprinted on the flower.
The before mentioned flower also acts as the center of the note's underprint. All notes of the series featured a sprawling 2-tone guilloché pattern, which varied between denominations. This denomination shifts to a brownish hue, along the edges.
Above the note's header simply lists the issuing body as the "RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE". While the footer includes the bank "Governor" signature and states the note was issued at "HARARE", in 1997. The city of Harare being the Zimbabwean capital.
The observe features a number of security elements. The note utilizes a dual-serial number (CR8335622). The first serial number is black inked, located below the header. While the second is red inked and vertical, located at the far left. Dual ink colors are purposely used, to complicate production for would be counterfeiters.
To the lower right of the governor's signature, is a textured security stamp. This stamp features a hidden 8-point double star and directional microprint. The color of this stamp and its hidden image changes between denomination. In addition to the decorative spire above it.
The note's "10" dollar value is repeated on each corner. Although the lower right is unusual, instead featuring 5 number "10"s. It depicts a pair of Mbarapi (Sable Antelope) on a field of grass. The lower right numbers alternate from an outline to solid form, making it more difficult for counterfeiters.
The watermark features the "Zimbabwe Bird", an artifact from the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Backlighting the note will also expose a hidden vertical security strip. Located at the letter "K" in "BANK, on the header. It reads "RBZ 10", for Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe 10 (Dollars).
Reverse
The reverse depicts the Chilojo Cliffs, at Gonarezhou National Park. The note's illustration depicts the Runde River, a tributary of the larger Save River. A keen eye will notice a large Baobab tree, at the base of the first cliff. Due to the tree being inked similar to the surrounding area. It can difficult to notice.
Notably the reverse features some similar and altered elements from the observe. For example the underprint follows a similar pattern, although with a turquoise to brown multi-tone. The textured stamp has also been changed. Now featuring a 8-pointed design with a floral interior. The spire above also has a different guilloché pattern within it's interior.
Just as the observe, the reverse also features number "10"s on each corner. Including a pair of Mbarapi, at the lower right. Although these numbers are printed in a dull pink ink. Additionally the Mbarapi are printed in dull green, rather than red-orange.
First Dollar Gallery (Series 1994)
(Gallery contains only banknotes within the database)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 142 x 70 mm or 5.59 x 2.76 in, shorter than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are standard size protective sleeves.
This note was demonetized on 21 August 2006, with the adoption of the Second Dollar.
Relatives of the Zimbabwe Creeper are native throughout Southern Africa.
Due to rising inflation, First Dollar banknotes were partially replaced by the short-lived Travellers' Cheque, in 2003.
Travellers' Cheque were unpopular, as banks charged the bearer a commission fee, for receiving and depositing them.