50 rupees 1960

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales of UNC examples in the $100-180 range across multiple years (2010-2020), with catalog values established at $200 for UNC condition as of 2019. Regular circulation sales at moderate prices and multiple UNC sales indicate this is a readily available note in the market. The 1951-1980 date range for this Pick number suggests a lengthy printing period with substantial circulation. This is a standard regular issue from a well-documented period of Maldivian currency production, not a scarce or rare variety.

This 50 Rupees note was issued in 1960, a pivotal year in Maldivian history when the nation was consolidating its sovereignty and establishing its independent monetary system under the Maldivian State Treasury. The imagery reflects the nation's maritime heritage through the prominent depiction of a traditional dhow vessel and palm tree, symbolizing the island nation's economic foundation in fishing and trade. The reverse features the Royal Embarkation Gate at Male, an important colonial-era administrative building that served as a symbol of governance, though it would later be demolished during port development works, making this note a historical record of vanished Maldivian architecture.

The obverse features a striking tripartite design within circular medallions: the left medallion depicts a solitary palm tree on a shoreline, representing Maldivian tropical flora and maritime setting; the center contains an intricate ornate geometric star or floral pattern characteristic of Islamic design traditions; the right medallion illustrates a traditional dhow sailing vessel on water, evoking the nation's seafaring heritage. All three medallions are framed with decorative circular ornamental borders and surrounded by elaborate Islamic geometric patterns and crosshatching. The reverse presents a central colonial-style administrative building (the Royal Embarkation Gate/Ibrahimiyya building at Male) rendered in red and cream with multiple windows, depicted with a water reflection or waterfront setting below. All four corners feature stylized lotus or flower medallions in Islamic design. The entire note is bordered with intricate geometric patterns. The color palette combines blue and purple as dominant colors with accents of green, red, and cream throughout.

Front side: The top center features 'الدولة الإسلامية المالديف' (Islamic State of Maldives). The denomination '50' appears in Arabic numerals in the top corners. The inscription 'وزارة المالية' (Ministry of Finance) is present. Serial number 'D048790' is visible at bottom. Back side: The top and bottom center display 'الدولة الإسلامية المالديف' (Islamic State of Maldives) and the denomination '50'. An inscription in Dhivehi script appears to reference an administrative official or authorization. All inscriptions are rendered in Arabic and Dhivehi scripts, reflecting the nation's linguistic heritage.

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine line engraving throughout, complex geometric patterns, detailed crosshatching, and the precise multiple color registration visible in both the obverse and reverse designs. The intricate security borders, fine microprint-style details in decorative elements, and sharp architectural rendering of the building all indicate professional security printing. The note characteristics are consistent with techniques employed by the British and Commonwealth security printers who handled Maldivian currency during this period, though specific printer attribution for Pick-6b variants requires consultation of specialized Maldivian currency references.

This note is cataloged as Pick-6b specifically, distinguishing it from other variants in the 50 Rupees series: P-6a, P-6as, P-6c (Lithographed), P-6cs (Lithographed), P-6r, and P-6s exist as recorded variants. The 'b' designation typically indicates a specific printing or signature variety. The observed serial number 'D048790' with the 'D' prefix suggests a specific print run. No major overprints, signature variations, or date variants are apparent from visual analysis, indicating this is a standard variety from the main printing series. The lithographed variants (P-6c, P-6cs) would show distinctly different printing characteristics from this intaglio-printed example.