2 1/2 gulden 1973

Common. This banknote is widely available in the collector market, with eBay transaction data from 2015-2020 showing consistent sales in the $1.29-$34.90 range depending on grade, indicating strong supply relative to demand. The catalog valuation of $9 UNC (2019) reflects typical pricing for circulated post-1960 Surinamese currency notes. The existence of multiple documented varieties (P-118a, P-118b, P-118s2) and consistent auction activity suggests substantial original print runs. No evidence of rarity factors such as short print runs, early recalls, or limited issuer lifespan applies to this series.

Issued in 1973 under the authority of a national ordinance dating to April 8, 1960, this banknote reflects Suriname's early independence period (independence granted in 1975, just two years after this note's registration on September 1, 1973). The obverse features the blue-gray tanager, a native Amazonian bird species symbolic of Suriname's tropical biodiversity and natural heritage. The reverse showcases the Apoeraka Dam (also known as Afobaka Dam), a significant hydroelectric infrastructure project representing the nation's development ambitions and resource management during this formative period.

The obverse features a finely engraved composition with a light blue-gray tanager (Tangara sayaca) depicted in profile facing left, perched on a brown branch with decorative tropical foliage surrounding it. The bird serves as the primary focal point within an ornate cartouche framed by reddish-brown and gold guilloche borders with intricate line work. Denomination numerals (2½) appear in opposite corners with the serial number 044499 positioned in the upper right and repeated lower left. The reverse presents an abstract landscape interpretation of the Apoeraka (Afobaka) hydroelectric dam facility, rendered through curved green lines representing water and terrain features, complemented by geometric infrastructure elements in reddish-brown and gold tones. The composition demonstrates sophisticated security printing with complex engraved patterns throughout both sides.

FRONT: 'Suriname' / 'Muntbiljet' (Currency Note) / 'Twee en een halve gulden' (Two and a half gulden) / 'Uitgeven krachtens Landsverordening van 8 April 1960 (G.B. No. 38)' (Issued in accordance with national ordinance of April 8, 1960 [G.B. No. 38]) / 'Geregistreerd Paramaribo, 1 September 1973' (Registered Paramaribo, 1 September 1973) / 'De Minister van Financiën:' (The Minister of Finance:) / 'Harry S. Radhakishun' and 'Strauss ghisonis' (signatures) / Serial number: 044499 / Denomination: 2½. BACK: 'Suriname' / 'Wetttig betaalmiddel' (Legal tender) / 'Twee en een halve gulden' (Two and a half gulden) / 'Apoeraka Dam' (Apoeraka Dam).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed on high-quality banknote paper. The fine line work, guilloche patterns, and complex security design elements are characteristic of this era's currency production standards. Based on PMG population data indicating a P-118s2 variant printed by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson & Company, a prominent British security printer), the P-118a variety was likely produced by a comparable specialized security printer employing multi-color intaglio techniques with careful registration for the layered color elements visible in the ornamental borders and landscape design.

This is catalogued as Pick P-118a, one of three documented varieties for the 2½ Gulden 1973 issue. PMG records indicate P-118b variant exists, and P-118s2 represents a security printer variant (BWC - Bradbury Wilkinson & Company). The observed specimen exhibits serial number 044499 with signatures of Minister of Finance Harry S. Radhakishun and Strauss ghisonis, dated and registered September 1, 1973 at Paramaribo. No visible overprints or printing errors are evident in the examined images.