Banknote Macedonia 10 Denari - Statues - Peacock mosaic - 2011

The 10 Macedonian denari banknote issued in 2011 features significant iconographic elements from the country's history and art. It measures 140 millimeters in length and 70 millimeters in width.

On the obverse, the banknote highlights the torso of a statue of the Egyptian goddess Isis, dating from the 3rd century BC. This representation testifies to the ancient cultural influences present on Macedonian territory. Another notable element is an earring discovered in Berantsi, near Bitola, in a tomb dating from the 4th century BC. This archaeological artifact underscores the richness of the region's historical heritage.

The reverse of the banknote is adorned with a detail of a floor mosaic depicting a peacock. This mosaic comes from the baptisteries of the episcopal basilica of the ancient city of Stobi, dating from the 5th-6th centuries AD. The peacock, a symbol of beauty and immortality, is a recurring motif in Byzantine and early Christian art.

The banknote's watermark reproduces the torso of the statue of the goddess Isis, ensuring security against counterfeiting while integrating a visual element consistent with the obverse of the banknote. The ensemble of motifs and symbols chosen for this 10 denari banknote reflects a panorama of Macedonian history and art, ranging from Antiquity to the Byzantine period. The combination of these elements offers an overview of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the identity of Macedonia.