5 rupees 1936
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a Government of Seychelles 5 Rupees note from 1936 (Pick P-3c) in exceptional condition, graded VF. The note features an ornate mauve and purple decorative border with intricate geometric and floral patterns, a cream background, and a striking green profile portrait medallion of King George V positioned on the right side. The excellent preservation, clean margins, and absence of visible wear, creasing, or foxing make this an attractive example of early Seychelles currency.
Common. The eBay price tracking data shows typical market prices ranging from $6.65 to $9.95 USD for uncirculated examples, with exceptional prices ($450–$490) being outliers likely representing certified or premium quality exceptions. The 2016 catalogue value for EF grade is $1,000, but widespread availability at modest prices on secondary markets indicates this is a regularly traded note without significant scarcity. The 1928–1936 date range and regular issue designation further support common status.
This 1936 issue represents the Government of Seychelles' early currency period under British colonial administration. The prominent portrait of King George V (depicted in profile facing right within an oval medallion) reflects the political sovereignty of the British Crown during this era. The note's English-language inscriptions and Thomas de la Rue printing affirm Seychelles' status as a British colonial possession, with currency authority vested in the Governor.
The obverse (front) displays a finely engraved design centered on King George V in profile, rendered in green tones within an ornate oval medallion frame positioned on the right side of the note. The left and right margins feature elaborate decorative border work with repeating fan and geometric patterns in mauve/purple tones. An ornamental cartouche frames the central text declaring the note's authority and legal tender status. The color scheme comprises mauve/purple, green, cream/beige, and black, with fine line work throughout providing anti-counterfeiting detail. The reverse (back) appears to feature a faint architectural or landscape vignette, likely rendered as a watermark or very light impression, with faint oval portrait frames visible.
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); 'GOVERNOR' (signature authority designation); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON' (printer attribution). Serial number appears as 'A48888' (repeated on obverse). Back side: Text content not legible in provided image due to faint printing or watermark appearance, but architectural or landscape vignette is faintly visible.
Intaglio (engraved) printing, characteristic of Thomas de la Rue & Company's security banknote production methods. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and detailed portrait rendering visible in the visual analysis are hallmarks of intaglio engraving. The multi-color design (mauve, green, black on cream background) was achieved through successive passes on the intaglio press, a standard security printing technique employed by de la Rue during this period.
The observed serial number is A48888, indicating an 'A' series prefix. Pick P-3c designation denotes this as the third variety of the 5 Rupees denomination with 'c' variety suffix, suggesting multiple signature or date variants exist within the 1928–1936 issuance period. The specific governor's signature on this example would determine the precise sub-variety; comparison with other documented P-3c notes would clarify whether this A-series serial number represents a known variety marker. No overprints or additional markings are evident in the visual analysis.
