25 rupees 1967

Common. While this is an early post-independence note from 1967, the 25 Rupees denomination from this series was printed in substantial quantities by Thomas de la Rue. eBay auction data shows VF examples consistently selling in the $16–$34 range, with UNC catalog values around $110 (2019). The PMG population report documents four varieties (P-32a, P-32b, P-32b*, P-32s), indicating a standard series with multiple printings. Notes trading below $50 in most grades are typical indicators of common circulation issues. This UNC example commands higher value due to condition preservation rather than inherent scarcity.

Issued in 1967, this note reflects Mauritius's post-independence era (independence achieved in 1968), still bearing Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning monarch. The reverse design depicting an ox-cart laden with sugarcane illustrates the island's primary agricultural industry and economic foundation during this period, while the multilingual inscriptions in English, Tamil, and Hindi reflect Mauritius's diverse multicultural population and the linguistic composition of the colony at the time.

The obverse features an elegant portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in right profile, positioned on the right side of the note in formal regalia. The design incorporates ornate Art Deco-inspired floral corner medallions and a central heraldic coat of arms with multiple elements representing Mauritian national symbols. The denomination appears in multiple formats and languages (English, Tamil, Hindi), reflecting the island's plural society. The reverse displays a meticulously engraved vignette depicting the economic and cultural heart of mid-20th century Mauritius: a laborer with an ox-drawn cart laden with sugarcane, set against a landscape of cultivated fields with a gnarled tree in the foreground and distant mountains across water. The entire composition is framed by decorative guilloche borders with rosette corner ornaments, maintaining visual symmetry with the obverse design.

Front (Obverse): 'BANK OF MAURITIUS' (English), 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE AMOUNT STATED THEREON' (English legal tender declaration), 'TWENTYFIVE RUPEES' (English), 'ഇരുപത്തയ്യായ്റപ്പായ്' (Tamil: Twenty Five Rupees), 'पच्चीस रुपये' (Hindi: Twenty Five Rupees), 'Rs.25' and 'Rs 25' (denomination abbreviations), 'GOVERNOR OF THE BANK' and 'MANAGING DIRECTOR' (signature lines), Serial number: 'A/1 000109' and 'A 000109'. Back (Reverse): 'BANK OF MAURITIUS' (top), 'Rs 25' and 'Rs25' (denomination markings), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio (steel plate engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London, the world's leading security printer of the period. The note exhibits characteristic fine line engraving with sophisticated guilloche patterns and detailed tonal shading in the landscape vignette. Security features include complex decorative borders, fine-line crosshatching, and intricate background patterns designed to prevent counterfeiting. The multicolor printing demonstrates de la Rue's advanced chromatic capabilities, with green dominant on the obverse and a harmonious blend of green, brown, pink, and gray tones on the reverse.

This note is cataloged as Pick 32a, the primary variety of the 1967 25 Rupees issue. The PMG population report identifies four recognized varieties for this base Pick number: P-32a, P-32b, P-32b* (star note), and P-32s (specimen), all bearing the Thomas de la Rue printer mark. Varieties likely distinguish between signature combinations, serial number prefixes, or printer variations. The observed serial number (A/1 000109 and A 000109) suggests an early printing run within the A-series. The specimen note variety (P-32s) would be marked as such and typically shows overprinting or perforation indicating non-circulation status.