50 rupees 1967

Common. The 50 Rupees denomination from 1967 is widely available in the market, with eBay listings showing prices ranging from $4.70 to $399.00 USD depending on condition and seller variation, and typical catalog values for VF condition around $65 USD. Print runs for early Bank of Mauritius notes were substantial, and this note was not recalled or subject to limited circulation. PMG population data shows multiple variants (P-33a through P-33c with sub-variants) in their grading registry, further indicating widespread availability.

Issued in 1967, this note represents Mauritius's early post-independence monetary period (independence achieved 1968), featuring Queen Elizabeth II as head of state during the transitional year before the nation's formal republican status. The reverse vignette of Port Louis Harbour with its active shipping traffic reflects the strategic importance of Mauritius's primary port to the island's economy during the mid-20th century. The multilingual inscriptions in English, Tamil, and Hindi reflect Mauritius's diverse population and cultural heritage.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II rendered in classical intaglio style, positioned in the upper right portion of the note. The left side displays the coat of arms and heraldic seal of Mauritius, featuring architectural and ceremonial elements befitting the nation's official insignia. All four corners contain decorative quatrefoil frames with denomination markings. The reverse showcases a detailed landscape vignette of Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius's primary maritime gateway, depicted with multiple ocean-going vessels at anchor, a lighthouse or coastal fortification structure, and mountain ranges in the atmospheric background. Ornate scrollwork with palmette designs adorns the bottom corners. The entire design employs fine parallel-line engraving with careful color separation to achieve the purple, violet, and pink color palette against cream underprint.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANK OF MAURITIUS' (English); 'FIFTY RUPEES' (English); 'உயிழி ரூபாய்' (Tamil: Fifty Rupees); 'पचास रूपय' (Hindi: Fifty Rupees); 'RS.50' (English: Rupees 50); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE AMOUNT STATED THEREON' (English); 'GOVERNOR OF THE BANK' and 'MANAGING DIRECTOR' (signature designation lines); Serial Number 'A 000066' (appears twice). BACK SIDE: 'BANK OF MAURITIUS' (English); 'RS 50' (English: Rupees 50); '₹50' (Rupee symbol notation: Rupees 50); '50' (numeral denomination).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, London, a world-renowned security printer. The note exhibits characteristic fine-line engraving patterns, detailed vignette work with tonal gradations, multiple color printing with precise registration, and the exceptional paper quality associated with De la Rue's currency production standards. Security features include a dodo bird watermark (the national symbol of Mauritius) and sophisticated engraved background patterns.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-33a, identifying it as a Thomas de la Rue printing variant. The serial number 'A 000066' with prefix 'A' and the signature block arrangement correspond to early issuance characteristics. The PMG population report identifies this as one of several variants (P-33a, P-33b, P-33c, and starred/specimen variants), suggesting sequential printings or issuing runs. The EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) designation on the PMG holder specifically notes the superior state of preservation and paper condition, indicating this is a premium example of the type even within uncirculated specimens.