10 gulden Surinamese gulden #505

Front

The coat of arms of Suriname flanked by two indigenous figures representing the country's native peoples. The coat of arms features a ship (representing Suriname's connection to the sea and trade), a diamond (symbolizing mineral wealth), a star, and palm trees, with the national motto 'JUSTITIA PIETAS FIDES' (Justice, Piety, Loyalty). The two indigenous warriors hold spears and stand as guardians of the nation, reflecting Suriname's pre-colonial heritage. Text at bottom reads 'SURINAAMS WETBOEK VAN STRAFRECHT' (Surinamese Criminal Code), indicating the note's legal-tender status under national law.

Back

Tropical vegetation scene depicting Suriname's lush rainforest environment with palm trees and native plants. The design emphasizes the country's natural biodiversity and tropical landscape, which covers much of this former Dutch colony on the northern coast of South America. The date '1 FEBRUARI 1963' appears at right, marking the issue date. Text 'CENTRALE BANK VAN SURINAME' and 'VIJF EN TWINTIG GULDEN' (twenty-five gulden) appears, though this is the 10 gulden note and the back shows 25, suggesting this is a mismatched pair.

History

This is a 10 gulden note from Suriname issued February 1, 1963 by the Centrale Bank van Suriname, printed by the renowned Dutch security printer Joh. Enschedé en Zonen. The Surinamese gulden (also called florin) was the currency of Suriname from 1940 until 2004, when it was replaced by the Surinamese dollar at a rate of 1 dollar = 1,000 gulden due to high inflation. Suriname remained a Dutch colony until 1975, and these notes from the 1960s reflect both Dutch colonial administrative influence and growing national identity. The text referencing the 'Surinaams Wetboek van Strafrecht' (Criminal Code) was a standard anti-counterfeiting warning on notes of this era. The serial number visible is LK061222. IMPORTANT FLAG: The back image shows '25' denomination while the front shows '10' denomination - this appears to be a mismatched pair of different notes photographed together.