Seychelles 10 Rupees 40th Independence Commemorative Banknote (2013)

n 2013, the Central Bank of Seychelles issued a 10 Rupees commemorative banknote to mark the 40th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence from the United Kingdom, which was achieved on June 29, 1976. This special edition of the 10 Rupees note retains the design elements of the standard circulating version but incorporates unique features celebrating the nation’s independence milestone.

The obverse of the banknote features a portrait of former President James Mancham, who was the first President of Seychelles at the time of independence. The background includes intricate security patterns, along with a depiction of Seychelles’ national emblem. Additionally, the number 40 is prominently displayed to signify the anniversary.

The reverse of the banknote highlights the rich biodiversity of Seychelles, showcasing various indigenous flora and fauna. The banknote also includes a depiction of the Aldabra giant tortoise, one of the country’s most iconic species, emphasizing Seychelles’ commitment to environmental conservation.

A key distinguishing feature of this commemorative issue is the gold overprint of the words “40th Anniversary of Independence 29th June 1976 – 29th June 2016”, making it easily recognizable from the standard 10 Rupees note.

How Many Pieces Were Printed?

The Central Bank of Seychelles issued only 40,000 pieces of this commemorative 10 Rupees note, making it a relatively low-mintage issue compared to standard circulation banknotes. Due to this limited quantity, it has become a sought-after collectible among banknote enthusiasts.

Technology and Security Features

The 2013 Seychelles 10 Rupees commemorative banknote incorporates several advanced security features, ensuring both authenticity and durability. These features include:

• Watermark: A watermark of a Seychelles endemic bird, visible when held up to the light, enhances security.
• Security Thread: A windowed security thread runs through the banknote, making it harder to counterfeit.
• Microtext: Fine microprinted text, only visible under magnification, is integrated into the design.
• Holographic Overprint: The gold overprint commemorating the 40th anniversary adds an extra layer of security and commemorative significance.
• UV Features: Certain elements of the design glow under ultraviolet light, assisting in authentication.