Gibraltar Government-issued £10 banknote, Pick #26, PMG 66 EPQ | 1995. A highly valued banknote featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the history of Gibraltar | GoldSilverJapan
The £10 banknote, Pick #26, issued by the Government of Gibraltar in 1995, is highly valued by collectors worldwide as a beautiful banknote symbolizing Gibraltar's history, culture, and strategic importance as a British Overseas Territory. The banknote presented here is an excellent uncirculated example with PMG certification number 8067839-010 and a high rating of PMG66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated Exceptional Paper Quality). The PMG label reads "Gibraltar / British Administration, Pick #26, 1995, £10, Wmk: Queen Elizabeth II," and the serial number is AA293741. It was issued by the Government of Gibraltar, and is a separate banknote from those issued by the Bank of England in mainland Britain. The PMG66 EPQ rating is a highly valued grade in the global market, meaning that the banknote's original quality has been preserved in extremely good condition. Gibraltar banknotes circulate at the same value as British pounds, but are known for their limited mintage and are relatively difficult to obtain on the international market. High-grade PMG-certified banknotes, in particular, are in high demand from banknote collectors worldwide and collectors building British-related collections. GoldSilverJapan introduces rare banknotes and PMG-certified banknotes from around the world, and this particular banknote is an attractive piece that holds an important place in British Royal Collections, European Banknote Collections, and Commonwealth Banknote Collections.
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain, has played a crucial role for centuries as a strategic point overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It was occupied by the British during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704 and officially became a British territory under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Since then, Gibraltar has developed as an important base for the British Navy and continues to hold high value as a military and commercial hub connecting Europe and Africa. Gibraltar still maintains its own government and issues its own currency, but its currency unit is the British pound, demonstrating its deep ties with Britain. The year 1995, when this banknote was issued, coincided with a period of economic development and political stability, as Gibraltar began to grow as a financial center. The banknote design skillfully blends its historical relationship with Britain with Gibraltar's unique history, which is what attracts collectors worldwide. While sharing elements with British banknotes, the series' greatest feature is its depiction of Gibraltar's unique historical figures and events.
The obverse of the banknote features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and her image has been widely used on banknotes of Commonwealth countries and British overseas territories. The portrait on this banknote symbolizes dignity and stability, clearly reflecting Gibraltar's political position, which is strongly linked to the British monarchy. To the left of the portrait is the coat of arms of Gibraltar. This famous design, depicting a fortress and a key, symbolizes Gibraltar's geopolitical importance as the "key to the Mediterranean." The key represents its strategic location controlling the Strait of Gibraltar, and the fortress represents its history as a strong defensive stronghold. A cannon is depicted at the bottom of the banknote, reflecting Gibraltar's history as a military base. The overall design utilizes intricate guilloché patterns and fine printing, combining beauty with anti-counterfeiting technology. The precise printing techniques characteristic of 1990s banknotes are still highly regarded today, and in high-quality examples like the PMG66 EPQ, these details can be clearly observed. The banknote designs are exceptionally well-crafted, and it is known as one of the most popular series of British banknotes.
The reverse side of the banknote depicts General George Augustus Eliott, a key figure in Gibraltar's history. General Eliott is known as a hero for his successful defense of Gibraltar during the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which took place from 1779 to 1783. This siege was one of the large-scale military operations associated with the American Revolutionary War, in which a combined Spanish and French force attempted to recapture Gibraltar. However, General Eliott's garrison held out despite being at a significant disadvantage and ultimately succeeded in defending the castle. This victory is considered one of the most important events not only in British history but also in Gibraltar history. The upper left corner of the banknote depicts a scene from the Great Siege, creating a composition that evokes a sense of historical drama. For the people of Gibraltar, General Eliott is a symbol of freedom and defense and is still highly respected today. Thus, the reverse side of the banknote is not merely decorative, but also plays a role in local history education and identity formation. For collectors, it is an attractive design that allows them to appreciate the value of the banknote more deeply by understanding its historical background.
The PMG66 EPQ grade is a highly valued quality in the banknote market. PMG (Paper Money Guarantee) is one of the world's largest banknote grading organizations, and its grading standards are widely recognized in the international market. 66 falls within the Gem Uncirculated category, indicating an unused state with no signs of circulation. Furthermore, EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) means that the banknote's original paper quality and originality have been maintained. While some banknotes in collections have undergone restoration, cleaning, or pressing, EPQ certified banknotes are guaranteed to be in a naturally preserved state without such problems. This particular banknote, issued in 1995, remains in a condition close to its original issue, making it a very attractive collector's item. Gibraltar banknotes have a lower issuance volume compared to British mainland banknotes, and the supply of high-grade banknotes is limited. Therefore, PMG66 EPQ class banknotes are rarely seen on the market, and their collection value for long-term holding is highly anticipated. They are especially popular among collectors specializing in British-related banknotes and those building Elizabeth II-related collections.
Gibraltar, currently a British Overseas Territory, maintains its unique identity while continuing to develop, primarily through international finance and tourism. Its historical background and distinctive political position are strongly reflected in the design of its banknotes, making this particular note a symbolic representation of that. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the Gibraltar coat of arms, the Great Siege, and General Elliott—the region's history and its connection to Britain are condensed into a single banknote. The appeal of banknote collecting lies not only in its monetary value, but also in learning about the history, culture, and politics of the country or region it represents. This banknote is a prime example of this, and is an interesting document from the perspectives of British history, military history, European history, and colonial history. GoldSilverJapan showcases excellent PMG-certified banknotes from around the world, and this 1995 Gibraltar £10 banknote, Pick #26 PMG66 EPQ, is highly regarded as an outstanding collector's item, possessing artistic merit, historical significance, rarity, and excellent condition. It is a fascinating banknote that will continue to attract attention in the British banknote market and the global banknote market.
FAQ
Q. Which country's currency is this banknote from?
A. This is a £10 banknote issued by the government of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory.
Q. What is the Pick number?
A. Pick #26.
Q. What year was it published?
A. It was published in 1995.
Q. What is the PMG certification number?
A. PMG Cert 8067839-010.
Q. What is the PMG grade?
A. PMG 66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated Exceptional Paper Quality).
Q. What is the serial number?
A. AA293741.
Q. What is EPQ?
A. This is an abbreviation for Exceptional Paper Quality, indicating that the banknote has superior paper quality and is in excellent condition.
Q. Who is the person on the surface?
A. Queen Elizabeth II.
Q. Who is the person on the back?
A. General George Augustus Elliott, known as a hero of the defense of Gibraltar.
Q. What is Great Siege?
A. This was the historic Siege of Gibraltar, which took place from 1779 to 1783, in which the British garrison repelled an attack by the combined Spanish and French forces.
Q. Can Gibraltar banknotes be used in the UK?
A. Legally, these are banknotes issued in Gibraltar, but in most cases, they will need to be exchanged in mainland Britain.
Q. Is this banknote rare?
A. Yes. Gibraltar banknotes are issued in small quantities, and the PMG66 EPQ class is particularly popular.
Q. Is it worth collecting?
A. Very high value. Highly sought after by collectors of British banknotes, Elizabeth II banknotes, and Gibraltar banknotes.
Q. Why does Gibraltar issue its own currency?
A. Because it is a British Overseas Territory with autonomy and the right to issue its own currency.
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