Violet engraving gathers shell money, bird forms and national emblems into a note shaped by Solomon Islands ceremonial exchange.
Design & Symbolism
Obverse
The obverse combines the national coat of arms with a ceremonial bowl shaped through bird and fish forms, alongside a Santa Cruz shell pendant and a Dafi engraved pearl-shell gorget with frigate bird overlay from Malaita. These motifs place traditional ornament and state authority together, giving the 10 Dollars a cultural language rooted in both island artistry and national currency design.
Reverse
The reverse turns toward the making of poata shell money, showing a woman using a turtle-shell flywheel to drill holes in shell discs and beads. Rather than presenting money only as a modern printed instrument, the scene recalls an older system of value, labour and exchange, linking the banknote to the material practices that preceded it.
Collector’s Insight
For collectors, this 10 Dollars note belongs to the Solomon Islands 1986 circulation issue printed by De La Rue. The B/1-B/3 prefix range, Hughes and Kelesi signature combination, solid security thread and falcon-in-flight watermark give the note clear technical markers, while the shell money theme gives it strong cultural depth within Pacific banknote collecting.
Shipping & Guarantee
Each banknote is carefully handled and securely packed to ensure safe delivery. Authenticity is guaranteed.
Serial number and prefix may vary from the reference image.
