1998 Seychelles 10 Rupees – Island Flora, Marine Life & Creole Identity
Pick# 36 | Central Bank of Seychelles (Labank Santral Sesel)
The ND (1998–2008) Seychelles 10 Rupees banknote (Pick 36) represents a fresh visual direction for the island nation’s currency—one that shifts from political symbolism to the natural beauty and biodiversity that define the Seychelles. Issued by the Central Bank of Seychelles, this note blends endemic wildlife, iconic palms, and Creole identity into a vibrant, modern design.
Printed on durable paper and circulating widely throughout the archipelago, the 10 Rupees note is both a practical workhorse and a miniature showcase of Seychelles’ ecological richness. Its imagery reflects the country’s commitment to conservation and cultural pride during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Design Highlights
Obverse (Front)
A clean, nature‑focused composition featuring:
Coco‑de‑Mer palm — the world‑famous double‑lobed nut found only in Seychelles
Black spotted triggerfish, a colourful reef species
National coat of arms prominently displayed
Denomination in English, French‑Creole, and numerals
Signature of the Governor of the Central Bank
Lettering: Central Bank of Seychelles Labank Santral Sesel dis roupi ten rupees 10
Printed in crisp multicolour tones with strong tropical motifs.
Reverse (Back)
A celebration of Seychelles’ marine and island wildlife:
Cowry shells
Palm fruit
Fairy terns, one of the nation’s most graceful seabirds
Hawksbill turtle, an endangered species closely associated with Seychelles
Lettering: Cental Bank of Seychelles Labank Santral Sesel Ten Rupees 10
The layout is airy and organic, evoking the calm rhythm of island life.
Watermark
Sea turtle, visible when held to the light — a fitting symbol for a nation defined by its marine ecosystems.
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Seychelles
Issuer Central Bank of Seychelles
Period Republic (1976–present)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Years 1998–2008 (ND “Without Swordfish Foil” Issue)
Denomination 10 Rupees
Currency Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Composition Paper
Size 151 × 75 mm
Shape Rectangular
References P# 36, TBB# 409a/409b
Why Collect This Note?
The 1998 Seychelles 10 Rupees note is prized for its:
Strong nature‑themed artwork
Representation of endemic island species
Clean, modern design from the late 1990s
Use of Creole language alongside English
Place within a transitional series before polymer issues
For collectors of African, island, or wildlife‑themed currency, this note offers a beautifully balanced blend of biodiversity, culture, and national identity—an essential piece of Seychelles’ numismatic story.
