25 SRG #504

Front

The Presidential Palace (Het Paleis) in Paramaribo, also known as the Government Palace or Paleis van de President. This neoclassical building with its distinctive colonnaded facade and flag-topped cupola has served as the official residence and workplace of the President of Suriname since independence in 1975. The building features elaborate architectural details including arched windows, balconies, and a symmetrical design typical of colonial Dutch architecture. The text at the bottom references the Surinamese Penal Code regarding counterfeiting: 'NEGEN JAREN TUCHTHUISSTRAF OF GELDBOETE VAN TEN HOOGSTE DRIEHONDERD GULDEN' (Nine years imprisonment or a fine of up to three hundred guilders).

Back

Historical sailing ships representing Suriname's maritime heritage and colonial trading history. The date 'FEBRUARI 1988' indicates this specific printing date, while '1 NOVEMBER 1985' at bottom left indicates the series authorization date. The ships depicted are period vessels that would have connected Suriname to the Netherlands and participated in Atlantic trade during the colonial era. Text 'JOH ENSCHEDÉ EN ZONEN IMP' at bottom right identifies the Dutch security printer.

History

This note belongs to the 1985 issue series of the Surinamese guilder, introduced by the Centrale Bank van Suriname following the country's transition from Dutch colonial rule. The series was printed by Joh. Enschedé en Zonen, the renowned Dutch security printer. This specific note was printed in February 1988 as indicated by the date on the reverse, though it belongs to the series authorized in November 1985. The Surinamese guilder (SRG) was the currency from 1940 to 2004, when it was replaced by the Surinamese dollar at a rate of 1 dollar = 1,000 guilders due to severe inflation. The serial number format (0449118126) is typical of this series. Pick reference P-137b corresponds to the 1985 series 25 guilder note with this specific signature combination and date.