1 rupee 1960

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across a wide range of condition grades from 2012 to 2024, with UNC examples regularly selling in the $24-$48 range and even AUNC notes reaching only $36-$55. These modest prices and regular market availability indicate this is a common note that, while attractive and historically interesting, does not command premium prices. The population of graded examples across multiple grades further supports common classification.

Issued in 1960 during the transition period of Maldivian governance, this note reflects the sultanate's maritime heritage and institutional development. The building depicted on the reverse—identified as the Customs House or related government structure in Malé—represents the administrative infrastructure of the newly organized Maldivian State, while the dhow and palm tree vignettes celebrate the island nation's seafaring tradition and tropical identity.

The obverse features a sophisticated three-part composition: left circular vignette depicting a coconut palm tree on a tropical beach with calm waters and a traditional sailing vessel; right circular vignette showing a fully-rigged traditional Maldivian dhow under sail. Between these vignettes is an ornate central decorative motif with intricate Islamic geometric patterns and floral elements, all enclosed within an elaborate geometric and floral border. The reverse showcases a large ornate rosette or mandala pattern (representative of Islamic decorative traditions) on the left side, with a prominent multi-story classical government building on the right—identified as the Customs House, Post Office, or Office of the Prime Minister in Malé, featuring columned entrance, arched doorways, and multiple stories suggesting institutional importance.

Front: Ornate Arabic script in decorative arch at top (precise transcription not possible from image resolution, but appears to contain the denomination and issuer identification); Serial number D570659 in Arabic numerals at bottom center. Back: Arabic script in ornamental banner at top (appears to contain institutional or governmental title text, exact transcription unclear); Additional Arabic numerals below the building vignette (denomination or reference information not clearly legible in provided images).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) with fine line work, evidenced by the crisp guilloche patterns, intricate geometric designs, and detailed architectural rendering visible throughout both sides. Multiple color printing using separate plates or color layering to achieve the multicolored underprint in blue, green, orange, purple, brown, and cream tones. The security printing demonstrates professional craftsmanship characteristic of established currency printers of the era.

Identified as Pick 2b per the provided catalog data. This variety designation indicates a specific printing variant within the 1960 series; the PMG population report notes multiple variants exist for Pick 2 (including P-2a, P-2as, P-2b, P-2bs, P-2s). The serial number D570659 appears within typical range for this issue. No visible overprints, stamps, or anomalies suggesting this is a standard circulating example of the 2b variety.