5 rupees 1959
About This Note
This 5 Rupees note from 1959 represents an early post-independence issue from Ceylon's Central Bank, featuring the distinctive lion emblem of Sri Lanka on the obverse and a graceful female figure in traditional dress on the reverse. The VF condition grade reflects moderate to heavy wear with visible creasing, foxing, and age-related discoloration throughout, though the fine engraving details remain legible and the note retains its structural integrity.
Common. This note belongs to a standard circulation issue series (Pick P-58b, dated 1956-1962) from the Central Bank of Ceylon with substantial print runs typical of the period's monetary requirements. The VF condition grade, while showing wear consistent with circulation, does not indicate any special rarity or scarcity factor. Early Ceylon banknotes of this denomination remain readily available in numismatic markets at modest valuations.
Issued in 1959, this note was produced during Ceylon's early years following independence in 1948, reflecting the nation's transition to its own currency authority. The prominent lion emblem within the crown-topped shield on the obverse symbolizes the national heraldry of Ceylon, while the female figure in traditional dress on the reverse represents the cultural heritage and classical aesthetics valued by the newly independent nation. This series (1956-1962) marks an important period in Ceylon's monetary sovereignty before the country adopted its current name, Sri Lanka, in 1972.
The obverse features the central heraldic emblem of Ceylon—a lion rampant within a circular shield surmounted by a crown, rendered in red and pink tones. This lion symbol (derived from the historical coat of arms of Ceylon) is surrounded by ornamental decorative borders with fine geometric and floral patterns. The reverse depicts a standing female figure in classical traditional dress, positioned centrally within an ornamental arched frame, rendered in red and green coloring with elaborate border work. The denomination numeral '5' appears in all four corners on the reverse. Both sides feature bilingual inscriptions in English and Sinhala, with Tamil script also present on the reverse, reflecting Ceylon's multilingual identity.
FRONT SIDE: 'FIVE RUPEES' (English denomination); 'ශ්රී ලංකා' (Sinhala: Sri Lanka); Date marking '1959-7-1' (July 1, 1959); Serial number 'G 36 1954410' appearing in top right and bottom left. BACK SIDE: 'FIVE RUPEES' (English denomination); '5' (numeral in all four corners); 'ශ්රී ලංකා' (Sinhala: Sri Lanka, repeated); 'ஐந்து ரூபாய்' (Tamil: Five Rupees); 'SECURITY, WILKINSON & CO. LTD. NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving, executed by Bradbury Wilkinson (Security Printers), New Malden, Surrey, England. The visual analysis confirms characteristic fine line work, intricate border patterns, and the high-quality engraved detail typical of Bradbury Wilkinson's security printing process. The precision of the decorative patterns and the durability of the engraved elements are evident despite significant age-related wear.
Pick P-58b designation indicates this is from the second printing variant of the 5 Rupees (1956-1962) series. The observed serial number prefix 'G 36' and the specific date marking of July 1, 1959 are consistent with notes from the mid-period of this series' issue. No overprints or exceptional varieties are noted. The multicolor design (red/pink obverse, red/green reverse) is standard for this Pick number throughout its circulation period.
