50 rupees 1968 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is an uncirculated 1968 specimen note from the Government of Seychelles featuring Queen Elizabeth II in formal profile within an elegant oval frame on the obverse, paired with a detailed multi-masted sailing vessel on the reverse. The note is marked with red 'SPECIMEN' overprints and displays sharp, pristine printing characteristic of unissued specimen notes, making it an attractive example for collectors of Commonwealth currency and early Seychelles monetary history.
Common. While specimen notes command premiums over circulated examples, this particular Pick number shows wide price variation on secondary markets (ranging from $6.65 to $1,999.00 USD), indicating variable demand and likely multiple examples in collector circulation. The 1968-1973 issue period suggests substantial print runs. Specimen notes are less common than issued notes but not genuinely scarce given the availability documented across multiple eBay listings.
Issued in 1968 following Seychelles' path toward independence (achieved in 1976), this banknote represents the nation's early monetary autonomy under British Crown governance. The prominent depiction of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Seychelles' Commonwealth status during this period, while the sailing vessel imagery celebrates the archipelago's maritime heritage and trading history. The 1968 date marks the beginning of a new currency series for the newly self-governing territory.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II shown in left-facing profile within an ornate oval cartouche positioned at right, rendered in black and gray tones against a multicolored underprint. The reverse showcases a detailed engraving of a multi-masted schooner or merchant sailing vessel positioned at left, with mountainous coastline visible in the background. Both sides incorporate elaborate guilloche pattern work, decorative geometric borders with wavy designs in green, pink, blue, and black, and corner ornaments typical of classical banknote design. The specimen marking 'SPECIMEN' appears diagonally in red on both sides, indicating this note never entered circulation.
Front side: '50' (denomination numeral), 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority), 'A/1 000000' (specimen serial number), '1ST JANUARY, 1968' (issue date), 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination in words), 'GOVERNOR' (signature title), 'SPECIMEN' (specimen overprint in red). Back side: '50' (denomination numeral, appears twice in corners), 'GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES' (issuing authority), 'FIFTY RUPEES' (denomination in words split as 'FIFTY' and 'RUPEES'), 'SPECIMEN' (specimen overprint in red).
Intaglio engraving (letterpress/line engraving) with multicolor offset printing underprint. The fine guilloche patterns, intricate geometric designs, and sharp line details evident throughout the note are characteristic of traditional banknote intaglio production. The security printing incorporates multiple color separations and sophisticated ornamental engraving typical of Commonwealth currency production in this era, likely produced by De La Rue or similar established security printer.
This is identified as a specimen note variant (Pick P-17s) of the 50 Rupees denomination, distinguishable by the red 'SPECIMEN' overprint and the serial number format 'A/1 000000' typical of unissued examples. The 1st January 1968 date on this specimen aligns with the inaugural issue of this design series. Signature varieties are documented for this Pick number across different printings; this specimen represents the base design without circulation variants.
