50 rupees 1967

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales in the $6–$30 USD range for UNC and XF examples, with most transactions clustered in the $10–$20 range, indicating steady but not exceptional demand. While the 2019 catalog values are significantly higher ($550 for VF, $4000 for UNC), contemporary market activity suggests actual realizations are substantially lower. The 1967 50 Rupees appears in standard catalogs and is regularly available on the secondary market, consistent with a regular-issue note from an established government printer with no reported short print runs or recall status.

This 1967 note was issued shortly after Seychelles achieved self-governance (internal autonomy in 1975, full independence in 1976), though it still bore the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II as the nominal sovereign during this transitional period. The reverse's palm tree motif reflects Seychelles' tropical island identity and natural resources, while the ornate English-language legal tender clause underscores the continued influence of British colonial administrative traditions in the newly autonomous territory's monetary system.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in right-facing profile, enclosed within an elaborate medallion frame composed of intricate crosshatch and spiral engraving patterns—a hallmark of Thomas de la Rue's security printing standards of the era. The portrait is flanked by ornamental cartouches on the left bearing legal and issuing information within decorative borders. The reverse displays a centered circular seal containing a stylized palm tree, symbolic of Seychelles' tropical geography and economic base, with the denomination '50' prominently displayed on both left and right sides in large serif numerals. Both sides employ the two-color printing typical of government currency from this period (black on cream/white stock), with decorative borders and geometric patterns serving dual purposes: aesthetic appeal and anti-counterfeiting security.

Front side: '50' (denomination, appears in all four corners); 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination in words); 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); '1st January 1967' (issue date); 'GOVERNOR' (title of authorized official); 'A/2 33897' (serial number); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON' (printer identification). Back side: '50' (denomination, left and right); 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority); 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination in words); Inscription on central seal appears to read 'GOVT CORONAT SEYCHS' or similar (likely 'Government Coronet Seychelles').

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/steel plate engraving), characteristic of Thomas de la Rue & Company's premium banknote production methods. The crisp, fine-line details observed throughout—particularly in the portrait frame's complex crosshatch patterns, the floral and geometric border elements, and the palm tree seal—are consistent with high-quality steel plate intaglio work. The two-color monochromatic printing (black on cream stock) was achieved through sequential press runs, a standard practice for security printing during this period.

The observed specimen bears the serial number prefix 'A/2' (A/2 33897). Seychelles 50 Rupees notes from the 1967 issue are known to exist with signature varieties corresponding to different Governors during the 1967–1975 period; the signature visible on this specimen should be noted for variety identification. The catalog designation P-13d suggests this is the 'd' variety within the P-13 family, likely differentiated by signature or printer's mark variants. Researchers should cross-reference the specific Governor's signature against Pick catalog supplementary notes to confirm exact variety assignment.