5 rupees 1960
Market Prices
4 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional uncirculated example of the scarce Seychelles 5 Rupees from 1960 (Pick P-11b), one of the Government of Seychelles' first independent currency issues. The note displays pristine condition with vibrant pink/mauve and green coloring, featuring an elegant portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in a decorative rosette frame on the obverse, and a detailed coconut palm vignette on the reverse—both characteristic of Thomas de la Rue's masterful engraving. The crisp impressions, fine line work, and complete absence of wear make this a desirable example of this historically significant Commonwealth banknote.
Uncommon to scarce. While not extremely rare, this note shows moderate scarcity, particularly in uncirculated condition. Market evidence from eBay transactions shows UNC examples selling in the $400–$565 range (2009–2020), with catalog valuations (2019) listing UNC at $550. The relatively modest price points compared to truly rare issues, combined with the fact that this represents a regular issue from a significant printer, suggest a limited but not minuscule print run. The 1960 date is significant—this is the earlier issue variant (Pick P-11b) which sees less frequent market appearance than later 1968 issues. Scarcity increases notably in this UNC condition grade.
This 1960 note marks a pivotal moment in Seychelles' history, issued on 1st August 1960 as the territory moved toward greater monetary autonomy under British colonial administration. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Seychelles' Commonwealth membership, while the reverse's coconut palm symbolizes the nation's primary economic resource and tropical identity. The Government of Seychelles' assumption of note issuance authority (replacing earlier currency) underscores the island nation's growing self-governance during the decolonization period.
The obverse presents a formal Victorian-influenced design centered on a profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, rendered in green ink within an ornate circular rosette security frame. This portrait medallion is flanked by elaborate decorative corner designs featuring geometric and floral patterns in pink/mauve, establishing a colonial aesthetic appropriate to the period. The reverse depicts a botanically detailed coconut palm tree with full fruiting cluster, centered within a circular vignette in matching pink/mauve, flanked by large denomination numerals '5'. The minimalist reverse design emphasizes Seychelles' natural wealth and tropical character. Both sides employ fine-line engraving throughout, with the denomination appearing prominently in multiple formats.
FRONT SIDE: 'FIVE RUPEES' (denomination); 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); '1st August 1960' (issue date); 'GOVERNOR' (signature line); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON.' (printer attribution); Serial number 'A/7 55819' (appears upper left and lower right). BACK SIDE: '5' (denomination numeral, repeated left and right); 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority); 'FIVE RUPEES' (denomination text).
This example represents Pick P-11b (1960 issue, as opposed to the later P-11a variant). The serial number prefix 'A/7' and the specific signature present on this note should be cataloged. The banknote.ws reference notes 'signature varieties' exist for this issue, indicating multiple Governor signature variants. The observed Governor's cursive signature on the obverse should be documented and cross-referenced with known signature authorities to pinpoint the precise variety. Future comparative analysis of signature styles across examples would help distinguish specific signature variants within the P-11b type.
