50 rupees 1954

Common. While this is a historically interesting commemorative issue, eBay market data shows VF examples trading in the $28-$275 range with most common listings below $100, and UNC examples typically under $30 with the exception of outlier prices that suggest either exceptional variants or listing errors. The 1954-1967 series was a regular issue with presumably substantial print runs for a territorial government of the period. The condition observed (VF grade) aligns with the lower-to-mid range pricing patterns typical of common banknotes rather than scarce issues.

This 50 Rupees note was issued by the Government of Seychelles on 1st August 1954, specifically commemorating the First Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (which took place in June 1953). The inclusion of the Queen's portrait reflects Seychelles' status as a British colonial possession during this period, while the reverse depicts a coconut palm—a symbol of the island nation's tropical identity and economic reliance on coconut cultivation. This note represents an important transitional period in Seychelles' monetary history under the British colonial administration.

The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in right-facing profile, enclosed within an elaborate circular medallion frame with intricate mesh crosshatching patterns that provide anti-counterfeiting security. The left side displays a decorative oval frame containing the denomination and issuer information with fine printed text declaring legal tender status. The entire note is surrounded by an ornate border featuring repeating fan and floral patterns in all four corners and along all edges, characteristic of Thomas de la Rue's high-security design aesthetic. The reverse presents a centered circular vignette containing a detailed fine-line engraving of a coconut palm tree in a coastal landscape setting, with 'FIRST CORONATION' inscribed at the base, emphasizing the commemorative nature of this issue. The symmetrical layout with minimal additional ornamentation on the reverse contrasts elegantly with the highly decorated obverse.

FRONT SIDE: 'A/2 05475' (Serial number indicator), 'FIFTY RUPEES' (Denomination), 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (Issuer), 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (Legal tender declaration), '1st August 1954' (Issue date), 'GOVERNOR' (Title), 'Allain Bédié' (Governor's signature), '50' (Denomination numeral), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED. LONDON.' (Printer information). BACK SIDE: '50' (Denomination, left and right sides), 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (Issuer), 'FIFTY RUPEES' (Denomination text), 'FIRST CORONATION' (Commemorative inscription visible in circular vignette).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on banknote paper, printed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London. The security features include intricate fine-line engraving throughout the design, detailed crosshatching patterns in the portrait medallion background, ornate decorative borders, and multiple serial number placements. The sharp clarity and fine detail visible in both the portrait medallion and the reverse palm vignette are consistent with high-quality intaglio security printing standards employed by Thomas de la Rue during the 1950s.

This note displays the signature variety with Allain Bédié as Governor, signed and dated 1st August 1954. Serial number observed: A/2 05475, indicating an early printing from the A/2 series prefix. Pick P-13a designation indicates this is the first catalogued variety of the 1954 50 Rupees issue. Signature varieties are known to exist within the 1954-1967 series as different governors served during this period, making signature identification a key collector variable for this issue.