Catalog
10 Shillings Sterling
| Issuer | London & Natal Bank Ltd., Durban |
|---|---|
| Year | 186x |
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| Shape | Rectangular |
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| Obverse description | The obverse carries the bank title 'London & Natal Bank Limited' in bold letterpress across the upper register, flanked left by a circular vignette bearing a heraldic shield and right by a lozenge-shaped panel with the denomination numeral X and the words 'Ten Shillings'. A central intaglio vignette illustrates a pastoral and maritime scene with livestock, bales of goods, and ships under sail with flags, evoking the colonial trade character of the issuing institution. The denomination '10 Shillings' is printed in large orange guilloche underprint across the lower centre, with the place of issue 'Durban Natal' inscribed above, and signature lines for Managing Director and Manager at the lower right. |
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| Obverse lettering | LONDON & NATAL BANK LIMITED We Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand at our Office here Ten Shillings Sterling value received DURBAN NATAL By Authority of the Board X SHILLINGS Managing Director Manager Ent. |
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| Comments |
The London & Natal Bank Ltd. was a short-lived colonial institution, established in the early 1860s to service Natal's growing mercantile and settler economy. It never achieved the foothold its founders anticipated — the bank collapsed before the decade was out, leaving behind a note issue of exceptional rarity. Few examples from this series are known to survive in any condition.
Waterston of Edinburgh printed the stock, which was then shipped to Durban for issue. The "186x" dating convention indicates the final digit was completed by hand at the counter, a routine colonial practice given the cost and logistics of ordering fresh printed batches annually.