5 rupees 1974

Common. This note circulated widely during the 1970s and beyond, with substantial print runs typical of regular issue denominations. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales in the $1–$22 range across various grades, with UNC specimens cataloging at approximately $10 (2019 valuation), indicating robust availability in the secondary market. No evidence of short print runs, recalls, or scarcity factors applies to this Pick number. The observed condition issues (creasing, foxing, wear) are entirely consistent with notes that were circulated in normal commerce.

Issued in 1974, this note commemorates the cultural and architectural heritage of medieval Sri Lanka through its iconic imagery—King Parakkrama representing the island's golden age of patronage and development, and the lion (likely from the Lion Throne of Polonnaruwa's royal audience hall) symbolizing sovereignty and royal authority. The use of Sinhala script alongside Tamil and English reflects the multilingual character of Ceylon/Sri Lanka during this period of post-independence national identity consolidation.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of King Parakkrama (12th century Sinhalese monarch), depicted shirtless with distinctive facial features and ceremonial headdress, positioned at the right side of the note. The central area is dominated by ornate decorative floral and geometric patterns in red/pink and black on a cream background, with elaborate fan-like motifs in the corners. The reverse showcases a reclining lion in profile (the Lion Throne element from the royal audience hall of Polonnaruwa) set within a red/pink oval panel, surrounded by ornamental arches and green/teal decorative borders. Denomination numerals (5) appear in all four corners on both sides. The multilingual inscriptions in Sinhala, Tamil, and English reflect Ceylon's official linguistic composition of the period.

FRONT: Central Bank of Ceylon / Sri Lanka (ශ්‍රී ලංකා in Sinhala) / Five Rupees / Rupees (ටැසුවේ in Sinhala) / Central Bank of Ceylon (இலங்கை மத்திய வங்கி in Tamil) / Rupees (இந்திய ரூபாய் in Tamil) / Serial Number: G 213 131460 / Date: 27.8.1974. BACK: Central Bank of Ceylon / Sri Lanka (ශ්‍රී ලංකා in Sinhala) / Five Rupees / Rupees (ටැසුවේ in Sinhala, repeated) / Central Bank of Ceylon (இலங்கை மத்திய வங்கி in Tamil) / Rupees (இந்திய ரூபாய் in Tamil) / Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd New Malden, Surrey England [printer attribution].

Intaglio printing, executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, England—one of the world's premier banknote security printers. The fine line printing patterns visible throughout both sides, the intricate geometric borders, the sharp definition of portraiture, and the complex ornamental designs are all characteristic of intaglio's capability to produce the detailed, raised-relief impressions essential for currency security and aesthetic presentation. The precise layering of colors and fine detail work throughout demonstrates the multi-color intaglio process.

Serial number prefix 'G' and issue date 27 August 1974 are recorded on this example. The catalog designation P-73Aa indicates a post-1971 issue of the 5 Rupees denomination with the country name changed to 'Sri Lanka' (as distinguished from earlier P-73 and P-68 varieties with 'Ceylon' only or with Sinhala-only bank naming). No signature varieties, overprints, or printing errors are evident on this specimen. The date falls within the documented 1973–1974 issuance window for this series.