10 Sri Lankan Rupees Banknote (Chinthe)

10 Rupees Rupee (Issued 1991-1994)

Surviving examples of the 1991–1994 issue Sri Lankan ten-rupee note are considerably fewer in number than the original print runs might suggest, as decades of circulation, humid tropical conditions, and the note’s eventual withdrawal from legal tender have taken a heavy toll on well-preserved specimens. The transition to polymer and redesigned paper notes in subsequent series rendered this issue obsolete, and many examples were returned to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and destroyed in the ordinary course of currency management. Those that do remain in private hands tend to show signs of handling, making cleaner examples of genuine interest to those who document the evolution of Sri Lankan monetary design. The note sits at a historically significant juncture in Sri Lanka’s currency history, representing the bold graphic language the Central Bank adopted during the early 1990s.

On the front, the dominant visual feature is a large, highly detailed sculptural depiction of a Sinhala lion — a stylised mythological creature rendered in warm brown and amber tones and positioned prominently to the right of centre. The lion is shown in a seated, rearing posture with an elaborately carved mane, outstretched claws, and an ornate tail curling behind it, closely resembling the stone guardian figures found at ancient Sri Lankan temples and palaces. To the left of the lion, a broad circular guilloché medallion in shades of olive green and golden yellow occupies the lower-centre of the note, its fine lathe-work pattern providing an intricate anti-counterfeiting background. At the top centre, the issuing authority is printed clearly in English as “Central Bank of Sri Lanka,” accompanied by Sinhala script text above and Tamil script text below, all set within a decorative panel in green and red tones. The denomination appears in large Sinhala script lettering in the centre of the note, rendered in red, with the numeral “10” appearing in bold green at the lower right corner and again in a smaller form at the upper left. The serial number “M/3 802313” appears twice — once in green at the upper left and once in red at the lower right — providing the note’s unique identifier. A date of 1991-01-01 is printed in the lower-left area of the note. Along the left edge, the words “TEN RUPEES” are printed vertically in English, and “Sinhala script text” and “Tamil script text” appear in vertical bands along the left margin. A floral rosette motif in pale green is visible in the lower-left corner, adding a further decorative element. The overall colour palette of the front is a harmonious combination of green, olive, amber, and red, printed on cream-coloured paper with fine background security printing throughout.

The reverse presents a stately neoclassical building rendered in warm brown and terracotta tones at the centre of the composition, identifiable as the former Parliament Building of Sri Lanka — also known as the Old Parliament House in Colombo — depicted with its colonnaded facade, symmetrical wings, and formal grounds rendered in careful intaglio-style engraving. Below this central architectural vignette, a cluster of large yellow lotus flowers blooms in vivid yellow and green, with broad petals and rounded buds depicted in naturalistic detail against a pale background. To the upper right of the note’s reverse, a painted stork — rendered in warm brown, white, and orange tones — stands on one leg in a naturalistic pose, representing Sri Lanka’s rich birdlife and serving as a secondary decorative motif. The numeral “10” appears in bold green at the upper left within a guilloché oval frame, and again at the lower right in red numerals. Sinhala script text and Tamil script text appear in a horizontal band near the top of the central panel, with the words “CENTRAL BANK OF SRI LANKA” printed in English directly beneath. Tamil script text reading “TEN RUPEES” and the English words “TEN RUPEES” are printed along the lower edge of the note. The background of the reverse features delicate floral and leaf patterns in pale pink and green, providing visual depth and security against reproduction. A printer’s imprint appears in small text along the lower margin. The overall palette of the reverse is built around greens, browns, yellow, and cream, creating a rich, layered composition that reflects the natural and architectural heritage of Sri Lanka.

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

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

Got a mix of old coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange your Sri Lankan Rupees banknotes alongside other leftover and foreign currency, settling the whole lot in one straightforward transaction.

Other Sri Lankan Rupees you can exchange: 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 20, 50, 100, 200.