The Swaziland 20 Emalangeni commemorative banknote

 

The Swaziland 20 Emalangeni banknote, issued in 1981, is a commemorative overprint edition celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of King Sobhuza II (1921–1981). This note was introduced by the Central Bank of Swaziland (now Eswatini) to honor 60 years of King Sobhuza II’s reign, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in world history.

While this banknote follows the standard 20 Emalangeni design, it carries a special overprint acknowledging the Diamond Jubilee, making it a historically significant issue. The obverse (front) prominently features a portrait of King Sobhuza II, while the reverse (back) highlights Swaziland’s agricultural economy, emphasizing its reliance on farming and natural resources.

This banknote is not just a medium of exchange but also an important collector’s item, symbolizing both Swazi heritage and economic development.

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Design and Aesthetic Details

Obverse (Front)

The front side of the 20 Emalangeni banknote features:

• A detailed engraved portrait of King Sobhuza II, Swaziland’s longest-serving monarch, in traditional attire. His confident and noble expression reflects his enduring rule.
• The text “Central Bank of Swaziland” is prominently placed at the top, indicating the issuing authority.
• The denomination “20 Emalangeni” is displayed both numerically and in words.
• The commemorative overprint acknowledges King Sobhuza II’s Diamond Jubilee (1921–1981), celebrating his 60-year reign.
• A small elephant illustration appears below the portrait, symbolizing Swazi strength, heritage, and resilience.
• Traditional geometric patterns and Swazi motifs surround the central elements, adding to the cultural significance.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse side of the 20 Emalangeni note focuses on Swaziland’s agricultural economy, showcasing:

• A detailed rural scene, featuring sugarcane fields, fruit orchards, livestock, and a processing facility, representing Swaziland’s economic backbone.
• Farmers and cattle are visible, reinforcing the importance of agriculture in Swazi society.
• The denomination “20” appears in all four corners.
• The phrase “Monetary Authority of Swaziland” is printed at the top.
• A geometric circular emblem appears in the upper left, adding an artistic touch.

This imagery highlights Swaziland’s reliance on farming, livestock, and natural resources, a sector that has historically sustained its economy.

Color Scheme

The color scheme of the banknote is predominantly purple, brown, green, and red, creating an earthy and elegant look. These colors reflect both Swazi tradition and modernity, complementing the intricate engravings.

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Dimensions

The Swaziland 20 Emalangeni (1981) note has the following dimensions:

• Width: 155 mm
• Length: 78 mm

These dimensions are consistent with standard banknote sizes of the time, making it easy to handle and distinguish from lower denominations.

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Security Features

To prevent counterfeiting, the Swaziland 20 Emalangeni (1981) note incorporates several security features:

1. Watermark: A watermark of King Sobhuza II’s profile is embedded into the note, becoming visible when held against light.
2. Security Thread: A thin metallic security thread runs vertically through the note, deterring forgery.
3. Microprinting: Tiny, nearly invisible text is incorporated into certain areas of the design, readable only under magnification.
4. Intaglio Printing: Raised ink provides a textured feel, making it easy to verify authenticity by touch.
5. UV Features: Certain sections of the note glow under ultraviolet light, adding another layer of security.
6. Commemorative Overprint: The “Diamond Jubilee” overprint is distinct, verifying the note’s special status.
7. Color-Shifting Ink: Some printed areas shift in color depending on the viewing angle, making replication more difficult.

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Circulation and Collectibility

The Swaziland 20 Emalangeni (1981) Diamond Jubilee Issue was a limited-edition release, making it highly collectible. While it was once legal tender, today it holds increased numismatic value due to its historical significance.

• Rarity: This note was produced in limited quantities and is now considered scarce, especially in uncirculated (UNC) condition.
• Collector Appeal: The Diamond Jubilee overprint and King Sobhuza II’s legacy make this an attractive item for collectors of African banknotes.
• Market Value: Depending on condition (UNC, AU, VF, or circulated), this banknote can command a high premium in numismatic markets.
• Current Status: While no longer commonly used in circulation, this note remains a valued artifact among collectors and historians.