25 SRG #503

Front

White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus), a large frugivorous bird native to the Amazonian rainforests of South America including Suriname. The species is identified by the Latin name 'RAMPHASTOS TUCANUS' printed at bottom. This bird series was the final issue of the Surinamese Gulden before the 2004 currency reform. The coat of arms of Suriname appears at upper right with the motto 'Justitia Pietas Fides' (Justice, Piety, Faithfulness). Various stylized insects and aquatic motifs represent Suriname's rich biodiversity.

Back

A Surinamese Creole woman in traditional dress carrying a basket of tropical fruits on her head, representing the agricultural heritage and cultural diversity of Suriname. The ornate guilloche patterns and sunburst design showcase traditional banknote engraving artistry. Note: This back image is from a DIFFERENT NOTE - a 10 Gulden dated 1 September 1963, printed by Joh. Enschedé en Zonen, not the matching back for the 25 Gulden 2000 front.

History

MISMATCHED PAIR: The front is a 25 Gulden from the 2000 'Bird Series' (P-148), the final series of the Surinamese Gulden featuring native wildlife. The back is from a 10 Gulden dated 1963 (P-121), part of an earlier series printed by Joh. Enschedé en Zonen of the Netherlands, as indicated by the printer's imprint. The Surinamese Gulden was replaced by the Surinamese Dollar at a rate of 1000:1 on 1 January 2004. The 2000 series was issued shortly before this demonetization and had limited circulation life.