50 rupees 1970

Common. Although catalog values listed for VF ($450) and UNC ($1,750) appear high, eBay market data shows actual realizations in the F grade for $106-$175, indicating modest collector demand and regular availability. The 1968-1973 series had substantial print runs, and this note appears frequently in the secondary market. The 'SEX note' nickname has generated some novelty collector interest, but supply remains adequate at typical pricing. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or extraordinary scarcity factors.

This note was issued during Seychelles' early period as an independent nation (1970), reflecting the country's maritime heritage through the prominent three-masted schooner—a vessel type central to Indian Ocean trade and Seychellois seafaring tradition. Queen Elizabeth II's portrait signifies Seychelles' Commonwealth status at the time of issue, while the tropical landscape elements (palm trees, hillsides, ocean) emphasize the island nation's geographic and economic identity. The October 1st, 1970 date marks a pivotal moment in Seychelles' monetary sovereignty.

The obverse showcases a formal profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side within a decorative oval frame, rendered in fine engraving lines. The dominant design element is a three-masted sailing schooner (characteristic of Indian Ocean commerce) positioned at left, shown in full sail upon blue-green waters with a tropical mountainous coastline and palm trees in the background. The reverse presents a more austere security-focused design with an empty circular medallion frame (upper right), surrounded by elaborate guilloche patterns and multicolored wavy security borders (green, red, and blue) creating strong anti-counterfeiting elements. Corner ornaments and geometric/botanical line work frame denomination markings on all four corners.

FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (header); '50' and 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination); '1ST OCTOBER, 1970' (issue date); 'GOVERNOR' with signature of Bruce Greatbatch (authorization); Serial number 'A 084914' (printed top right and bottom left). BACK: 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (header); '50' and 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination markings in corners). All inscriptions are in English, reflecting the nation's colonial heritage and Commonwealth membership.

Intaglio (recess) engraving throughout, characteristic of high-security banknote production. The fine line work, guilloche patterns, and detailed landscape elements are typical of professional currency engravers of the period. The multicolored wavy security border on the reverse employs multi-plate color registration. For this Pick number (P-17c), the printing was likely executed by De La Rue or a similar Commonwealth-contracted security printer, though specific printer attribution would require additional research into Seychelles' central bank records.

Pick P-17c designation indicates this is the 1970 issue variety within the broader 1968-1973 series. Serial number prefix 'A' is observed on this specimen (A 084914). Signature variety present: Bruce Greatbatch as Governor. Multiple signature combinations are documented for this series, making signature variants a collecting focus. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic 'SEX' feature in the reverse tree design—this defining characteristic appears across the entire P-17c issue and is not a printing error but an intentional (if unfortunate) design element that has become the note's primary collecting distinction.