1 gulden 1971
Market Prices
2 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1971 Surinamese 1 gulden note (Pick P-116b) in UNC condition, featuring a striking colonial-era church building with a tall steeple depicted within an ornate decorative frame on the front. The note displays crisp green and brown tones with excellent preservation, showing only light age-related patina and no major creasing or damage. The reverse features an elegant ornate circular medallion with geometric lattice patterns, characteristic of mid-20th century Dutch-influenced design from Johan Enschede printing.
Common. This is a regular issue note with substantial print runs characteristic of the 1961-1986 issuance period. eBay market data shows EF and F condition examples selling for $3-5.50, well below the $20 threshold for rare notes, and catalog values (2019) list UNC at $7, indicating robust availability in the collector market. While UNC examples command a modest premium over circulated grades, this Pick number does not show characteristics of scarcity.
This note was registered on April 1, 1971, following the ordinance of April 8, 1960, during a transitional period in Suriname's monetary history under the Muntbiljet (currency note) authority. The depicted colonial church building with its classical dome and steeple reflects Paramaribo's Dutch colonial architectural heritage, symbolizing the nation's institutional continuity as it prepared for independence in 1975. The signature of Minister of Finance Harry S. Radhakisharn indicates the final years of Dutch administrative control over Suriname's currency.
The obverse features the High Court (Gerechtshof) of Paramaribo, a significant colonial institutional building, depicted as a classical structure with a prominent central steeple and dome, flanked by classical architectural elements. The building is rendered in green ink with intricate black line work and cross-hatching, contained within an ornate rectangular decorative frame featuring shell-like border motifs. The reverse displays a large ornate circular medallion as the central design element, featuring complex geometric lattice work patterns in green and rust-brown tones, surrounded by a decorated circular frame with shell or fan-like border details. The color scheme alternates between green, brown/rust red, and cream backgrounds with black text, typical of Dutch security printing practices.
FRONT: 'SURINAME' (Suriname) | 'MUNTBILLET' (Currency note) | 'EEN GULDEN' (One gulden) | 'UITGEGEVEN KRACHTENS LANDSVERORDENING VAN 8 APRIL 1960 (G.P. No. 38)' (Issued under ordinance of April 8, 1960 - Government Publication No. 38) | 'GEREGISTREERD: PARAMARIBO, 1 APRIL 1971' (Registered: Paramaribo, 1 April 1971) | 'De Minister van Financiën:' (The Minister of Finance:) | 'Harry S. Radhakisharn' (signature). BACK: 'SURINAME' (Suriname) | 'WETTIG BETAALMIDDEL' (Legal tender) | 'EEN GULDEN' (One gulden) | Serial numbers 'EK07899' and 'EK07399' | Large denomination numeral '1' (One).
Intaglio (engraved) printing on security paper, executed by Johan Enschede (identified by 'JEZ' printer mark on reverse) of the Netherlands. The fine line engraving, intricate cross-hatching patterns, geometric lattice work, and detailed security printing throughout both sides are characteristic of high-security currency production. The precision of the line work and the complexity of the background patterns indicate professional security plate engraving with multiple color separations.
This note is identified as Pick P-116b variant, with the registration date of 1 April 1971 and signature of Minister Harry S. Radhakisharn. The PMG population report indicates multiple catalogued variants (P-116c through P-116i), suggesting this Pick number has several distinct signature or date varieties. The serial number prefix 'EK' and the specific 1971 registration date are consistent with this particular variety. No known overprints or significant design modifications are evident in the visual analysis.
