1977 Ceylon 100 Rupees Banknote (P-82) – Tribute to Sri Lanka’s Ancient Heritage
Issued by the Central Bank of Ceylon on August 26, 1977, this 100 Rupees banknote (Pick 82) captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s cultural pride and historical depth during a transitional period in its national identity. Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. in the UK, the note belongs to the “Armorial Ensign” series, which celebrated the newly adopted emblem of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka following its renaming from Ceylon in 1972. With its rich brown tones and intricate depictions of ancient architecture, the note reflects a reverence for the island’s storied past.
Key Features & Historical Context
Issuer: Central Bank of Ceylon
Denomination: 100 Rupees
Date of Issue: August 26, 1977
Pick Number: P-82
Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Company, UK
Size: Approx. 162 × 86 mm
Material: Paper
Watermark: Armorial Ensign of Sri Lanka
Security Features: Watermark, multicolor underprint, and detailed engraving
Status: Withdrawn from circulation
Design Characteristics
Obverse
Armorial Ensign of Sri Lanka prominently displayed at right
Denomination and issuing authority in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
Color scheme: Dominant brown with olive, orange, and purple accents
Formal layout reflecting the official tone of high-denomination notes
Reverse
Illustration of Polonnaruwa Vatadage, a circular relic shrine from the ancient capital
Architectural elements include moonstones, guard stones, and lion statues
Symbolism: A tribute to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and medieval craftsmanship
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1977 Ceylon 100 Rupees note offers collectors a historically rich and visually detailed representation of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization and post-colonial identity. Issued just five years after the country’s renaming, it bridges the legacy of Ceylon with the emerging republic. Its high denomination, architectural imagery, and limited circulation make it a prized item for collectors of South Asian currency, Buddhist art, and transitional-era banknotes.
