1 gulden 1974

Common. The 1 Gulden 1974 (Pick 116d) is a standard currency issue from Suriname's post-colonial period with presumed substantial print runs typical of regular circulation currency. While this specific specimen's PMG 67 EPQ grade with radar serial number variety represents exceptional quality and collector interest, the underlying Pick number itself is not scarce. The radar serial number (KD71217) is a desirable variety characteristic that may command modest premiums among specialized collectors, but does not elevate the baseline rarity of this pick number, which remains common in the catalog.

Suriname's 1974 gulden issue was authorized under the Land Decree of April 8, 1969, and officially registered in Paramaribo on November 1, 1974. The architectural vignette depicted on the obverse—a colonial-style building with a tower or minaret—reflects Suriname's Dutch colonial heritage and the period's nation-building identity following increased autonomy. The ornamental geometric patterns and intaglio security features exemplify the high-quality printing standards employed for this foundational currency issue during Suriname's transition period.

The obverse features a colonial-style building with a distinctive tower or minaret set within an ornamental rectangular frame on the left side of the note, representing Suriname's architectural heritage. The reverse displays an elaborate circular rosette or medallion design in red/burgundy and brown tones, surrounded by intricate geometric patterns and green ornamental borders. Both sides incorporate fine line work and decorative geometric borders typical of high-security currency design. The color scheme throughout is predominantly green on the obverse and red/brown with green accents on the reverse, printed on a cream-colored paper stock. The denomination appears as both spelled-out text ('EEN GULDEN') and numerical indicators, with legal tender declarations in Dutch.

OBVERSE: 'SURINAME' (Suriname); 'MUNTBIJLET' (Banknote); 'EEN GULDEN' (One Gulden); 'UITGEGEVEN KRACHTENS LANDSVERORDENING VAN 8 APRIL 1969 (G.B. No. 38)' (Issued pursuant to Land Decree of April 8, 1969 [G.B. No. 38]); 'GEREGISTREERD: PARAMARIBO, 1 NOVEMBER 1974' (Registered: Paramaribo, 1 November 1974); 'De Minister van Finantiën:' (The Minister of Finance:). REVERSE: 'SURINAME' (Suriname); 'WETTIG BETAALMIDDEL' (Legal Tender); 'EEN GULDEN' (One Gulden). SERIAL/CERTIFICATION: Serial Number KD71217; Pick# 116d; Grade 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated; EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality); Radar Serial Number; Printer: JEZ; Without Printed Name H.A.E. Arron.

This banknote was produced using intaglio printing, as evidenced by the fine, detailed line work visible throughout the design, the intricate geometric patterns, and the elaborate ornamental borders described in the visual analysis. The printer JEZ (likely Joh. Enschedé en Zonen, a renowned Dutch security printer) employed traditional intaglio engraving techniques to create the security features including the detailed architectural vignette and complex rosette medallion. The crisp, precise rendering of these elements at grade 67 demonstrates the high-quality execution characteristic of professional currency production from this era.

This specimen represents the 'Without Printed Name H.A.E. Arron' variety of Pick 116d, indicating it lacks the printed signature/name of H.A.E. Arron (Henry Alfred Ernest Arron, who served as Suriname's President). The serial number KD71217 is a radar number—a palindromic serial that reads the same forwards and backwards when digits are reversed—making this a desirable sub-variety for numismatic collectors. The PMG certification specifically notes this radar characteristic, indicating awareness of this variety's collector appeal. Printer JEZ variant without overprints or security enhancements beyond standard intaglio design.