2 1/2 gulden 1955

Common. This is a regular issue from a well-established colonial monetary series. eBay price tracking data shows F-condition examples selling in the $39.88 range (2017), with catalog valuations placing F-grade notes at approximately $20. The 1955 date and established printer (Enschede) indicate substantial production runs. No evidence of short print runs, recalls, or circulation restrictions exists in available numismatic literature. Market pricing and availability patterns indicate this is standard collector material rather than a scarce variant.

Issued on July 1, 1955, this silverbon (silver bond) represents Suriname's post-WWII monetary system, authorized under ordinances dating to 1940-1941 during the Dutch colonial period. The note's legal tender inscription and elaborate anti-counterfeiting warnings reflect the security concerns of mid-century colonial administration, while the Mercury portrait on the obverse connects to classical iconography commonly employed in European-influenced currency design of this era. This issue predates Suriname's independence by over two decades, making it an important artifact of the territory's colonial monetary history.

The obverse features a classical profile portrait facing left, identified as Mercury based on catalog references, rendered in the fine engraved style typical of high-security currency production. The portrait is framed by an ornate decorative border featuring a repeating wavy or scalloped pattern, with denomination numerals '22' prominently displayed on both margins. The color scheme of red/rose with cream/beige tones creates strong visual contrast. The reverse presents an elaborate circular medallion design at center with intricate geometric and floral patterns, surrounded by decorative borders of similar repeating motifs. Denomination marking '2½' appears on both left and right sides of the reverse. The overall design emphasizes security through visual complexity achieved via fine-line engraving and intricate cross-hatching throughout both sides.

FRONT: 'SURINAME' (country name); 'ZILVERBOON GROOT' (Great Silver Bond); 'TWEE EN EENHALVE GULDEN' (Two and a Half Gulden); 'UITGEGEVEN KRACHTENS LANDSVEROORDENING VAN 21 MEI 1940 (C.B. No. 55), GEWIJZIGD BIJ LANDSVEROORDENING VAN 19 MEI 1941 (G.B. No. 49)' (Issued under the Ordinance of May 21, 1940 [C.B. No. 55], modified by the Ordinance of May 19, 1941 [G.B. No. 49]); 'GEREGISTREERD; PARAMARIBO, 1 JULI 1955' (Registered; Paramaribo, July 1, 1955); 'De Minister van Financiën; De Gouverneur van Suriname;' (The Minister of Finance; The Governor of Suriname); Serial number 'DM0441980' (upper corners); Denomination markers '22' (left and right sides). BACK: 'SURINAME' (country name); 'WETTIG BETAALMIDDEL' (Legal Tender); 'TWEE EN EENHALVE GULDEN' (Two and a Half Gulden); 'HET NAMAKEN OF VERVALSEN VAN ZILVERBONS MET HET OOGMERK OM DE ALS ECHT EN ONVERVALSCHT IN OMLOOP TE BRENGEN OF DAARVAN GEBRUIK TE MAKEN WORDT GESTRAFT MET GEVANGENISSTRAF VAN TEN HOOGSTE NEGEN JAREN.' (The counterfeiting or forging of silver bonds with the intention to put them into circulation as genuine and unforged or to make use thereof shall be punished with imprisonment of a maximum of nine years) [repeats three times]; 'JOH. ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN HAARLEM' (Joh. Enschede and Sons, Haarlem [printer]); Denomination markers '2½' (left and right sides).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on behalf of Joh. Enschede en Zonen (Enschede and Sons) of Haarlem, Netherlands, as attributed in the printer's mark on the reverse. The fine line engraving, intricate cross-hatching patterns, ornate geometric designs, and high-resolution portraiture are characteristic of premium security printing from this Netherlands-based printer, which was renowned for banknote production during the mid-20th century. No modern security features (watermarks, security threads, color-shifting inks) are evident, consistent with 1955 printing standards.

This example represents the standard Pick-110 variety with the defining characteristic of 4 lines of text at center right on the front (as distinguished from Pick-109, which features 3 lines of text). Serial number prefix 'DM' is observed. The issue date of July 1, 1955 (PARAMARIBO, 1 JULI 1955) matches the cataloged issuance date. PMG records indicate one primary variant for this Pick number. No overprints or special markings are evident on this specimen.