20 rupees 1977
Market Prices
11 salesAbout This Note
This is a stunning example of the Republic of Seychelles 20 Rupees note from 1977 (Pick-20), presented in uncirculated condition with pristine margins and crisp printing throughout. The note features a portrait of President Sir James Richard Marie Mancham on the obverse alongside a sea turtle, while the reverse depicts a traditional sailing vessel in a serene maritime landscape. The purple and multicolor design scheme, combined with the fine engraving and intricate geometric patterns, exemplifies the high-quality security printing standards of Seychelles' early independence-era currency.
Common. Market data from eBay sales shows consistent trading in the $9.50–$180.50 range across various condition grades, with UNC examples regularly achieving $80–$100+. The 2019 catalogue value of $100 for UNC confirms this as a readily available note in the collector market. No evidence of rarity in print runs, short-term issuance, or recalls exists for Pick-20.
This note was issued during the early years of the Republic of Seychelles following independence, when the nation was establishing its own currency identity. President Mancham, depicted on the obverse, was the nation's first president, symbolizing the young republic's sovereignty and national pride. The reverse's emphasis on the sailing vessel and maritime landscape reflects Seychelles' cultural heritage and economic dependence on the sea, making this note a cultural artifact of the post-colonial period.
The obverse features President Sir James Richard Marie Mancham, a bearded gentleman in formal business attire (suit and tie), positioned prominently in the center-right portion of the note. To the left is a sea tortoise in profile, symbolizing Seychelles' unique fauna. A decorative floral wreath with red/pink flowers and green leaves occupies the center-left area. The reverse showcases a traditional sailing vessel (likely a dhow or local sailing boat) on calm waters with a mountainous or hilly coastline visible in the distance, evoking the island nation's maritime character. Ornate circular frames containing the denomination '20' are positioned in all four corners of the reverse. The overall composition is enhanced by intricate geometric patterns and fine line work throughout.
Front side: 'REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES' (nation designation), 'TWENTY RUPEES' (denomination in English), 'MINISTER FOR FINANCE' (issuing authority signature line), serial number 'A 212259', and denomination numeral '20' (in ornate oval frame, top-left and top-right). Back side: 'Republic of Seychelles' (nation designation), 'Twenty Rupees' (denomination), and denomination numeral '20' (in decorative oval frames, all four corners).
Intaglio (engraved line) printing, characteristic of high-security banknote production. The fine detail observable in the portrait, landscape elements, and decorative borders—combined with the complex geometric patterns and multiple color registration—indicates professional security printer work. This printing method, standard for Commonwealth-era currency from this period, provided both aesthetic quality and anti-counterfeiting protection.
The observed serial number prefix 'A' followed by six digits (A 212259) is consistent with the standard first issue of 1977. No visible overprints, date variations, or alternative signatures are apparent in this specimen. This represents the regular issue variety without notable variants documented for Pick-20.
