2 1/2 gulden 1967
Market Prices
15 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1967 Surinamese 2½ Gulden banknote (Pick P-117b) in circulated condition, featuring an ethnographically interesting portrait of a figure in traditional indigenous dress with ornate feathered headdress on the obverse. The note displays the characteristic reddish-brown coloration and fine engraved security patterns typical of Johan Enschede's high-quality work, with visible signs of age-appropriate circulation wear including creasing and minor discoloration consistent with 1960s-era currency handling.
Common. This 1967 issue was produced in substantial quantities for regular circulation in Suriname. Secondary market pricing data shows eBay sales consistently ranging from $15-$60 depending on grade, with UNC examples averaging $20-$35, clearly indicating abundant supply relative to collector demand. The note remains readily obtainable on the numismatic market.
Issued in 1967 under Suriname's National Ordinance of April 8, 1960, this banknote was produced during a significant period of transition for the Dutch colony, which would achieve independence in 1975. The indigenous portrait on the obverse reflects Suriname's cultural heritage and diverse population, incorporating traditional Amerindian imagery that became characteristic of Surinamese currency design during this era. The legal text and formal Dutch inscriptions underscore Suriname's status as a Dutch-speaking colonial territory at the time of this note's manufacture.
The obverse features a profile portrait of an indigenous Surinamese figure facing left, wearing a distinctive ornate feathered headdress and patterned/checkered traditional clothing, rendered in fine engraved detail within an intricate decorative border. The reverse displays an elaborate circular medallion design composed of symmetrical geometric patterns and guilloche work, serving as a security element. Both sides employ extensive fine-line engraving and ornamental borders in reddish-brown ink, with denomination indicators (2½) positioned in all four corners of the back and top-left/bottom-right on the front. The overall design emphasizes Suriname's cultural identity while incorporating the security printing standards expected from the prestigious Johan Enschede en Zonen printing house of Haarlem.
FRONT: 'SURINAME' (Suriname); '2½' (denomination in numerals); 'MUNTBILJET' (Banknote); 'TWEE EN EEN HALVE GULDEN' (Two and a Half Gulden); 'UITGEGEVEN KRACHTENS LANDSVERORDENING VAN 8 APRIL 1960 (G.B. No. 38)' (Issued under the National Ordinance of April 8, 1960 [Government Bulletin No. 38]); 'GEREGISTREERD; PARAMARIBO, 2 JULI 1967' (Registered; Paramaribo, July 2, 1967); 'De Minister van Financiën:' (The Minister of Finance:); 'JOH. ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN HAARLEM' (Joh. Enschede and Sons, Haarlem [printer]). BACK: '2½' (denomination repeated in four corners); 'SURINAME' (Suriname); 'WETTIG BETAALMIDDEL' (Legal Tender); 'TWEE EN EEN HALVE GULDEN' (Two and a Half Gulden); Serial numbers 'AV075059' and 'AM505059'; Legal text regarding counterfeiting penalties and banking regulations in Dutch (fine print).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by Johan Enschede en Zonen, Haarlem, Netherlands. The note exhibits characteristic fine-line guilloche patterns, intricate security borders, and detailed portraiture typical of high-security banknote production. Multiple color layers in reddish-brown and rose/mauve tones were achieved through skilled intaglio press work with careful registration.
This specimen is catalogued as Pick P-117b (standard variety). The PMG population data indicates a variant P-117b* exists with JEZ printer mark, suggesting minor printing variations. The observed serial numbers (AV075059 and AM505059) and the registration date of July 2, 1967 are consistent with the 1967 issue specification. No overprints or additional security marks beyond standard engraved elements are evident.
