25 sylis 1971

Common. This note regularly appears on the secondary market with consistent eBay transaction history spanning from 2011 to 2025. UNC examples sell for approximately $1.95–$7.50 in raw form, with PMG-graded examples (65-66) commanding $25–$38. The frequency and volume of sales, combined with modest pricing for high-grade examples, indicate substantial print runs and ready availability in the collector market. This is a standard-issue, widely circulating denomination that presents no scarcity premium.

The 25 Sylis was issued by the Banque Centrale de la République de Guinée in 1971, during Guinea's socialist period under President Ahmed Sékou Touré (1958-1984). The pastoral imagery depicting cattle and rural labor reflects the nation's emphasis on agricultural development and collective work following its 1958 independence from France. The note's design—with its focus on traditional economic activities and folk imagery—exemplifies post-colonial African nation-building, celebrating indigenous culture and resource wealth rather than colonial symbolism.

The obverse features a portrait of a distinguished figure in right profile, wearing traditional West African attire including a wrapped head covering and ornamental garments, positioned on the right side of the note. The subject is framed by elaborate decorative borders composed of repeating geometric diamond patterns and shell-like ornaments on both left and right margins, with scrollwork and leaf designs surrounding the central text area. The reverse depicts a comprehensive pastoral landscape scene showing multiple human figures engaged in cattle herding activities against a backdrop of palm trees and savanna vegetation, with radiating sunburst lines creating depth in the sky. Both sides are framed with complex geometric borders featuring hexagonal ornamental designs in the corners and repeating fan patterns along the header. The overall design employs a warm color palette of cream, tan, brown, and black with subtle green and pink accents, creating a cohesive representation of Guinean rural life and cultural identity.

Front side: 'BANQUE CENTRALE DE LA REPUBLIQUE DE GUINEE' (Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea), 'VINGT-CINQ SYLIS' (Twenty-Five Sylis), 'le 1er MARS 1960' (March 1st, 1960 - the legal authorization date under the Law of 1960), 'MINISTRE DES FINANCES' (Minister of Finance), 'GOUVERNEUR BANQUE CENTRALE' (Governor, Central Bank), '1971' (issue year), 'TOUT CONTREFACTEUR SERA PUNI PAR LA LOI EN VIGUEUR' (All counterfeiters will be punished by law in force), '25' (denomination), and serial number 'BA 492334'. Back side: '25' (denomination appears in multiple locations), 'VINGT-CINQ SYLIS' (Twenty-Five Sylis).

Intaglio (steel plate engraving) with multicolored overprinting. The note exhibits characteristic features of fine line intaglio work including intricate guilloche patterns, complex geometric borders, and detailed engraving throughout both the portrait and landscape scenes. The quality of line work and security features indicates production by a specialized security printer, likely a European banknote printer contracted by the Guinean central bank, consistent with 1970s African banknote production standards.

The observed example bears the serial number 'BA 492334' with 'BA' prefix, indicating it belongs to the standard P-17 series. The note is dated '1er MARS 1960' (authorizing legislation) but printed in 1971 as indicated by the '1971' imprint—a common dating convention for Guinean currency under continued authorization. PMG population data indicates one variant exists for Pick-17. No overprints, color variations, or signature variants are evident in this example, suggesting it represents the standard type for this Pick number.