1974 Suriname 1 Gulden – Independence Square Issue | P‑116c
The 1974 Suriname 1 Gulden (P‑116c) is a classic pre‑independence banknote issued under Queen Juliana, featuring the historic High Court building overlooking Independence Square in Paramaribo. Printed by the renowned Dutch firm Joh. Enschedé Zonen, this note represents the final years of Suriname’s colonial‑era currency before the transition to republic status in 1975.
Historical Context
Issued on 1 November 1974, this note belongs to the long‑running 1961–1986 gulden series. Key contextual points:
Produced one year before Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands (1975).
Printed by Joh. Enschedé & Zonen, one of Europe’s most respected security printers.
The obverse features the High Court building, formerly the Ministry of Finance, a landmark of Dutch colonial architecture.
The reverse includes a legal warning from Article 260 of the Surinam Penal Code, emphasising penalties for forgery.
The gulden was later replaced by the Surinamese dollar (SRD), and this note is now demonetized.
This issue is popular among collectors for its clean design, Dutch printing quality, and its place in Suriname’s transition to independence.
Key Features & Specifications
Issuer: Suriname
Issuing Authority: Government of Suriname
Queen: Juliana (1948–1975)
Period: Pre‑Republic / Independence Era
Type: Standard circulation banknote
Years of Issue: 1961–1986
Year: 1974
Value: 1 Gulden
Currency: Surinamese Guilder (1826–2003)
Composition: Paper
Size: 129 × 73 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Demonetized: Yes
Reference: P‑116c, Plomp PLS17.1
Printer: Joh. Enschedé & Zonen, Haarlem, Netherlands
Obverse
Dark‑green print with black text on pale olive‑green and brown underprint
Detailed engraving of the High Court building (formerly Ministry of Finance) with white clock tower and national flag
Inscriptions include:
SURINAME
MUNTBILJET
EEN GULDEN
Legal text referencing the 1960 Currency Regulation
Date: Paramaribo, 1 November 1974
Printer imprint: Joh. Enschedé en Zonen Haarlem
Reverse
Brown and green colour scheme
Ornamental geometric pattern
Full legal warning from Article 260 of the Surinam Penal Code regarding forgery
Serial number with two letters and five digits
Inscriptions:
SURINAME
WETTIG BETAALMIDDEL (Legal Tender)
EEN GULDEN
Collector Notes
The P‑116c is a well‑designed and affordable entry into Surinamese numismatics. Its architectural theme, Dutch printing, and pre‑independence date make it a historically meaningful addition to any world banknote collection.
