50 rupees 1973

Uncommon. While this note series had a respectable print run as a regular issue of Seychelles' early monetary system, the specific combination of condition (UNC) and the note's iconic collector status as the 'SEX' note creates sustained demand above typical circulation notes. Catalog values of $1000 UNC (2019) and recent eBay sales in the $600-$1500 range for UNC to PMG 66 grades indicate a moderately scarce note in premium condition, though not rare by global standards. The series was issued 1968-1973 with multiple signature varieties, making high-grade examples less common than lower grades.

Issued on 1st August 1973 by the Government of Seychelles during the early years of the nation's post-independence monetary system, this note reflects Seychelles' maritime heritage through the prominently depicted multi-masted schooner. The inclusion of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait acknowledges Seychelles' Commonwealth status at that time. The elaborate engraving work and security features demonstrate the sophisticated printing standards expected of newly independent African nations establishing their monetary credibility during the 1970s.

The obverse (front) depicts a three-masted schooner under full sail positioned on the left, rendered in naturalistic style with mountainous coastal backdrop and tropical vegetation including a palm tree on the right. Queen Elizabeth II appears in a formal left-facing oval portrait frame on the right side, wearing formal collar detail. The denomination '50' appears in all four corners in decorative frames. The reverse (back) features ornamental guilloche patterns with a stylized sun or flower motif with radiating lines on the left side and a large decorative circular medallion frame on the right (empty of portraiture). The multicolor design incorporates the now-notorious concealed letters 'SEX' within the stylized trees on the reverse—a documented intentional inclusion by the designers that has become the note's most famous collector feature.

Front side: 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority); '50' (denomination in numerals); 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination in words); '1ST AUGUST, 1973' (official issue date); 'PRINCE BETTAH' and 'GOVERNOR' (signature and title of the authorized official); 'A 206548' (serial number). Back side: 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority); 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination in words); '50' (denomination in numerals repeated throughout design).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on multicolor underprint, evidenced by the fine parallel line work, detailed guilloche patterns, and the sophisticated border decorations visible throughout both sides. The printing displays the hallmarks of De La Rue or similar Commonwealth security printers of the era, with fine line engraving providing both aesthetic detail and security features. The color registration and fine detail suggest high-quality rotogravure or combined letterpress and intaglio techniques typical of 1970s central bank note production.

This note is Pick P-17e, representing one of the documented signature varieties of the 1973 issue. The visible signature 'Prince Bettah' in the Governor position represents a specific signing variety within this denomination. Serial number prefix 'A' and the 1st August 1973 date confirm the later issue within the series. Multiple signature varieties exist for this Pick number, with different governors' signatures representing distinct collectible varieties. The exact signature combination is an important factor in determining rarity within the P-17 designation.