50 rupees 1942

Uncommon. While the catalog value of $850 in VF condition (2016) and the documented eBay sale at $437.50 for a VF example indicate this is not a common circulation note, it is not exceptionally rare. The note was issued by a minor colonial territory during wartime, resulting in a more limited print run than major currency issues, but surviving examples continue to appear in the collector market with some regularity. The rarity is moderate rather than high, placing it in the 'uncommon' category rather than 'rare' or 'very rare.'

Issued on 7th April 1942, this note represents Seychelles' currency during World War II under British colonial administration. The portrait of King George VI reinforces the territorial connection to the British Commonwealth at a time when the islands served strategic importance in the Indian Ocean theater. The formal declaration that these notes are 'LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' reflects the Government of Seychelles' authority to issue currency, a colonial prerogative exercised during the wartime period.

The obverse features King George VI rendered in classical profile facing right, positioned within an ornate scalloped medallion on the left side of the note. The design is framed by an elaborate decorative border composed of geometric and floral patterns in orange-brown tones against a cream background, with blue accents. Denomination numerals (50) appear in decorative corners. The right side contains the legal text and issuing authority information. The reverse appears to have been printed with minimal contrast or has faded significantly, showing only faint traces of a scalloped medallion and border framework. The serial number A09609 appears in multiple locations.

FRONT: '50' / 'FIFTY RUPEES' / 'ISSUED BY THE' / 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' / 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' / '7th April 1942' / 'GOVERNOR' [signature area] / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON.' / Serial number: A09609. BACK: Serial number portion '09609' visible; reverse appears heavily faded with minimal legible text.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate printing) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The fine line engraving is evident throughout, with intricate crosshatching and geometric patterns characteristic of high-security banknote production of the era. The detailed portrait work and ornamental borders demonstrate the hand-engraved quality typical of TDLR's wartime currency commissions.

Serial number A09609 observed on this example. Known varieties for P-10 include different signature combinations for the Governor position and potential date/serial number variations across the issue. The note is recorded as uniface (printed on one side only), consistent with several other early Seychelles Government issues. This specimen should be cataloged with its specific serial number prefix and signature variety for complete identification within the P-10 series.