New book traces history of paper currency in Seychelles |28 June 2006

Entitled The History of Paper Currency in the Seychelles, the 53-page booklet, in full colour, should prove useful to not only the bank note collector but also for educational purposes, as it includes a section which describes the flora & fauna appearing on the most recent paper currencies of the islands.

The booklet's publication coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Seychelles Independence, to be celebrated Thursday June 29.

Divided into sections pertaining to marked periods and events in the life of the Seychelles currency, the booklet provides colourful illustrations of the different forms of paper currencies used over the years.

Information for the booklet has been compiled by a small group within the Central Bank with the help of the National Archives and several individuals who are experts in their fields. They include Adrian Skerrett (conservationist), Dr Jeanne Mortimer (biologist and conservationist), Julien Durup (archivist and historian), Kantilal Jivan Shah (historian, naturalist, conservationist, artist, photographer, healer, numismatist and philatelist) and Stella Doway (archivist).

In a foreword to the publication, CBS Governor Francis Chang Leng says: “It is a rewarding feat for readers to explore the different varieties, sizes and designs of the various denominations of the Seychelles rupee notes, which have been issued over the years, not forgetting the individuals who were in authority in the country at the time the notes were printed and issued. Not only is this booklet very informative, but it can also be used as a guide for currency enthusiasts.”

The booklet costs R160 a copy and is available at the Central Bank.

The photos accompanying the article are specimens of the various R100 notes that have been in circulation over the years in Seychelles and that feature in the new publication, along with the newly issued R500 note and various other notes of lesser value.