QUEEN ELIZABETH II SEYCHELLES BANKNOTES
In September 1978, during a visit to cash a travelers checks at Barclays Bank in Victoria, capital of the Seychelles, I noticed in the bank teller’s hand a Queen Elizabeth 100 Rupee bright red banknote, recently withdrawn from circulation. She was pleased to give it to me for the going exchange rate at the time of 6.80 Rupees to the $1, and so started a lifelong fascination for what truly is a beautiful series of banknotes.
What’s your favorite banknote—do you choose based on rarity, value, country of origin or design? The Queen Elizabeth II Seychelles banknotes provide two issues that are completely different. The 1954 issue is plain and unexciting although it does contain a profile view of the Queen’s head. The 1968 issue is colorful, and beautifully designed to portray one of the best “Queen’s Heads,” but also the fauna, flora and scenery of the Seychelles. It meets ALL the criteria for a favorite banknote listed above!
GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES 1954 ISSUE
Click on links to see images of notes
| 5 Rupees | 10 Rupees | 50 Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Pick | Pick | Pick |
| 11a 1-8-1954 | 12a 1-8-1954 | 13a 1-8-1954 |
| 11b 1-8-1960 | 12b 1-8-1960 | 13b 1-8-1960 |
| 12c 1-5-1963 | 13c 1-5-1963 | |
| 12d 1-1-1967 | 13d 1-1-1967 |
The 1954 issue portrait of the Queen shown in profile is one traditionally shown on coins but reflects Thomas De La Rue, the printer’s, desire to continue the series of notes so that they would be similar to the previous George V and George VI designed notes. For the 1968 series the printers Bradbury Wilkinson used a portrait adapted from a painting by Annigoni. The portrait is regarded as one of the finest portrayals of the Queen.
GOVERNMENT OF SEYCHELLES 1968 ISSUE
Click on links to see images of notes
| 5 Rupees | 10 Rupees | 20 Rupees | 50 Rupees | 100 Rupees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick | Pick | Pick | Pick | Pick |
| 14 1-1-1968 | 15a 1-1-1968 | 16a 1-1-1968 | 17a 1-1-1968 | 18a 1-1-1968 |
| 15b 1-1-1974 | 16b 1-1-1971 | 17b 1-1-1969 | 18b 1-1-1974 | |
| 16c 1-1-1974 | 17c 1-10-1970 | 18c 1-1-1972 | ||
| 17d 1-1-1972 | 18d 1-8-1973 | |||
| 17e 1-8-1973 | 18e 1-6-1975 |
The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money omits signatures; if you are interested in checking your notes I include references below.
Governors’ signatures on Queen Elizabeth II Seychelles Banknotes
May 1953–Jan 1958 William Addis
Jan 1958–Aug 1961 John Kingsmill Thorp
Jan 1962–1967 Earl of Oxford and Asquith
1967–1968 Sir Hugh Selby Norman-Walker
1969–1973 Sir Bruce Greatbatch
1973–Oct 1975 Colin Hamilton Allan
