10 Nigerian Naira Paper Banknote (Bank Building)

10 Naira (Issued 1973-1978)

Nigeria’s First Republic had given way to military governance by the time this banknote entered circulation, with General Yakubu Gowon having led the Federal Military Government since 1966 and presiding over the country’s post-civil war reconstruction following the devastating Biafran conflict of 1967 to 1970. The introduction of the Naira in January 1973 was one of the most consequential monetary reforms in Nigerian history, replacing the Nigerian pound as part of a broader programme of economic modernisation and national identity building. The decimal currency system, under which 100 kobo equalled one Naira, represented a deliberate departure from the colonial monetary framework and aligned Nigeria with contemporary international currency conventions. This Ten Naira note stands as a direct product of that landmark transition, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria during a period of significant oil-driven economic expansion.

On the front, the note is dominated by a finely engraved central vignette depicting the headquarters building of the Central Bank of Nigeria — a large, multi-storey modernist structure rendered in detailed intaglio with surrounding trees and landscaping visible at its base, conveying institutional gravitas and economic authority. The overall colour palette of the front is a warm rose-pink with subtle mauve undertones, overlaid with intricate guilloché patterning that fills the background across the entire face of the note. At the top, the issuing authority is clearly printed in bold dark lettering reading “CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA”, with “TEN NAIRA” appearing immediately below in similarly prominent typography. The denomination symbol “₦10” appears in multiple positions across the note — prominently to the lower left in a decorative circular guilloché surround, to the upper right within a dark ornate panel, and again to the lower right. A decorative wavy band of fine repeated motifs runs across the upper portion of the note, accompanied by a stylised flame or leaf device to the right of the “TEN NAIRA” text. To the right of centre, a large oval space — characteristic of the era’s portrait or watermark reserve — is framed by elaborate dark engraved scrollwork incorporating the ₦10 denomination. Below the central vignette, the text “نير عنوما” appears in Arabic script, reflecting Nigeria’s significant Muslim population in the northern regions. The serial number DD/47 909092 appears twice — once in the upper right corner and once along the lower left — printed in dark ink. Two manuscript-style signatures appear at the lower centre, beneath which the titles “GOVERNOR” and “CHIEF OF BANKING OPERATIONS” are printed, identifying the authorising officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The reverse features a striking intaglio-engraved panoramic scene of a large hydroelectric dam — almost certainly the Kainji Dam on the River Niger, Nigeria’s flagship infrastructure project of the era — depicted with great technical precision. Water is shown surging powerfully through multiple open sluice gates at the base of the dam wall, with the stepped concrete structure rising dramatically across the right-hand portion of the composition. The scene is rendered in the same deep rose-mauve tonal range that characterises the front, with fine line engraving capturing the movement of the water and the textured surface of the dam’s concrete flanks. To the left of the reverse, a large circular watermark reserve is surrounded by elaborate guilloché scrollwork, with the text “CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA” arcing around the inner border of the decorative surround. The denomination “₦10” appears in all four corners of the reverse within ornate cartouches formed by the background patterning. At the lower centre, “TEN NAIRA” is printed in bold serif lettering. The Nigerian coat of arms — featuring the black shield with a white wavy band, flanked by two horses and supported above a wreath — is visible within the decorative panel to the lower left of the reverse composition. The overall background of the reverse is covered with fine repetitive geometric and guilloché line-work that serves both as an aesthetic device and as a security deterrent against reproduction.

Looking to exchange leftover currency? Your 10 Naira banknote can be sold to Webuyallcurrency.com alongside other old or withdrawn Nigerian Naira banknotes, turning spare money from a trip or collection into cash in one simple transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 10 Naira Naira banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

From leftover holiday money to inherited collections, Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange or buy your Nigerian Naira banknotes and other foreign currency, handling old and withdrawn pieces in the same simple process.

Other Nigerian Naira you can exchange: 5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000.