25 rupees 1967

Common. While this 1967 issue represents early Bank of Mauritius currency, the eBay sales data shows consistent availability across multiple condition grades over several years, with VF examples selling in the $16-$34 range and UNC examples catalogued at $110. The PMG 66 EPQ example achieved $222.50 in November 2019, reflecting premiumization for high grades rather than inherent scarcity of the underlying note. No evidence of limited print runs or recalls exists for this Pick number.

Issued in 1967, this banknote commemorates Mauritius's post-independence monetary development under the Bank of Mauritius, which assumed note-issuing authority following the island nation's independence in 1968. The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting Mauritius's Commonwealth status during this period, while the reverse depicts the ox cart and agricultural landscape—sugar cane fields and rural pastoral scenes—that were central to Mauritius's economy and cultural identity. The trilingual inscriptions in English, Tamil, and Hindi reflect the island's multicultural population and British colonial heritage.

The obverse features a formal right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in profile, characteristic of Commonwealth currency of the era, positioned at the right side of the note. The design incorporates ornate decorative elements including flower-shaped emblems on both left and right margins, a central coat of arms or heraldic shield in the lower center, and a cornucopia or wheat design on the right side representing agricultural abundance. The reverse depicts a romanticized rural Mauritian landscape with an ox-drawn cart as the central element, bare trees on the left, sugar cane fields on the right, and a mountainous background across a body of water. The composition emphasizes Mauritius's agricultural heritage and natural landscape. Corner cartouches display the denomination Rs.25 in decorative frames.

FRONT SIDE: 'Bank of Mauritius' (English), 'Twenty-Five Rupees' (English), 'இருபத்தைந்து ரூபாய்' (Tamil: Twenty-five Rupees), 'पच्चीस रुपये' (Hindi: Twenty-five Rupees), 'This Note Is Legal Tender for the Payment of the Amount Stated Thereon' (English), 'R.S. 25' (English: Rupees 25, appears twice), 'Governor of the Bank' (English), 'Managing Director' (English), Serial numbers 'A/1 000104' and 'A 000104'. BACK SIDE: 'Bank of Mauritius' (English), 'Rs.25' (English: Rupees 25, appears twice), '25 ஆ' (Tamil: 25), 'Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited' (English, printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London, a world-renowned security printer. The note exhibits fine line work, intricate engraving patterns, and complex background designs characteristic of high-security banknote production. The multicolored printing with light green, pink, cream, and dark green inks demonstrates sophisticated multi-plate engraving technology. Security features include fine line work throughout borders and a dodo bird watermark embedded in the paper.

Pick number P-32a represents the standard variety of the 1967 25 Rupees. The PMG population report indicates four catalogued variants (P-32a, P-32b, P-32b*, and P-32s), with variations likely related to printer distinctions or signature variants. The observed specimen displays serial number prefix 'A/1' with number 000104, suggesting early printing from the initial release batch. Thomas de la Rue printer credit is visible on the reverse, confirming the TDLR printing variant.