10 rupees 1989 specimen

Common. Specimen notes from the 1989 Seychelles series are relatively accessible to collectors, with eBay market data showing comparable PMG-graded specimens selling in the $30–40 range, well below the threshold indicating scarcity. This particular issue was produced in standard quantities for distribution to banks and collectors as reference examples. No significant print run limitations or recall history are documented for this Pick number, and the denomination (10 Rupees) was a standard circulation value. Specimen notes, while not circulated, are generally more common than their circulation counterparts since multiple examples were intentionally produced and preserved.

Issued in 1989 by the Central Bank of Seychelles, this banknote reflects the island nation's post-independence development and cultural identity, with imagery emphasizing modern institutional infrastructure (the Central Bank building in Victoria) alongside traditional Seychellois cultural practices (dancers depicted on the reverse). The bilingual inscriptions in English and Seychellois Creole underscore the nation's linguistic heritage during the late Cold War era, a period of relative political stability for Seychelles following its 1976 independence.

The obverse features the Central Bank of Seychelles building as the primary architectural focal point, depicted in the center with a modern grid-patterned facade supported by a stylized decorative base incorporating two flying fish figures—symbolic of Seychelles' maritime heritage. Boy Scouts are illustrated on the lower left, representing youth and national service, while a male figure with flags and a broken chain appears on the right, likely symbolizing independence and liberation. The reverse depicts local Seychellois people engaged in traditional dancing around a central drummer, celebrating the nation's cultural heritage. Floral and botanical patterns frame both sides, and a watermark featuring a black parrot's head (endemic to Seychelles) provides security authentication. The overall design emphasizes nation-building themes: institutional modernity, cultural pride, natural resources, and social unity.

FRONT SIDE: 'Central Bank of Seychelles' (English) / 'Labank Santral Sesel' (Seychellois Creole, meaning 'Central Bank Seychelles') / 'Ten Rupees' (English) / 'Dis Roupi' (Seychellois Creole, meaning 'Ten Rupees') / 'Governor' (signature line, English) / 'A000000' (specimen serial number, repeated) / 'Specimen' (red overprint, English). BACK SIDE: 'Central Bank of Seychelles' (English) / 'Bank Santral Sesel' (Seychellois Creole, meaning 'Central Bank Seychelles') / 'Ten Rupees' (English) / 'Dis' (Seychellois Creole, meaning 'Ten') / 'Specimen' (red overprint, English) / '0057' (reference/control number).

Multi-color offset lithography with intaglio (engraved) security elements, evidenced by the fine line engraving patterns, intricate geometric designs, and detailed line work visible throughout both sides. The sharp, well-defined printing quality and precise color separation across multiple hues (beige, green, pink, teal, dark blue) indicate professional security printing standards typical of Central Bank currency production in the late 1980s. The red 'SPECIMEN' overprint appears to have been applied separately via relief or offset printing after the primary design work.

As a specimen banknote, this note carries the distinguishing characteristic of zero serial numbers (A000000) and the red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint on both obverse and reverse. The specific variety identifier '0057' visible on the reverse suggests this may be a numbered specimen in a series of specimen sheets or packs distributed by the Central Bank of Seychelles. No significant varieties in signature, date, or design elements are noted for the 1989 P-32s issue; the main distinction for collectors would be the presence or absence of the specimen overprint and the condition grade.