2 Rupees Central Bank Of Ceylon Banknote (Armorial Ensign Series)

2 Rupees Rupee (Issued 1956-1962)

In post-independence Ceylon during the late 1950s and early 1960s, two rupees represented a meaningful sum in everyday commerce — enough to cover a modest meal, a short bus journey, or a small quantity of rice or coconut oil at a local market. The note circulated widely among working families, traders, and labourers across the island at a time when the newly sovereign nation was establishing its own monetary identity under the Central Bank of Ceylon. Issued across a span of years that encompassed significant political and social change, this denomination served the practical needs of millions. The series marks a clear departure from colonial-era design, embracing the symbols of the independent Ceylonese state.

On the front, the note is printed predominantly in shades of rose pink and deep carmine red against a pale background of fine guilloché patterning that covers much of the central field. In the upper portion, Sinhala script text is displayed prominently across the top of the note, identifying the issuing authority as the Central Bank of Ceylon. To the upper left and upper right, the numeral “2” appears in decorative cartouches framed by intricate geometric border work. Centrally positioned on the left half of the note is a circular emblem depicting the Lion of Ceylon — the Sinhala lion shown in profile holding a sword, enclosed within a circular sunburst-style ring of fine radiating lines, with a label beneath in Sinhala script reading “Lanka”. This emblem is the official state seal of Ceylon and is rendered with considerable engraving detail, the lion’s form clearly articulated against the circular surround. To the right of this emblem, a panel displays the serial number in bold black typeface reading “E/59 096185”, positioned beneath a smaller block of Sinhala script text. Below the serial number, a date panel is printed, showing “1959 – 9 – 11”, indicating this particular note was issued on the 11th of September 1959. Further Sinhala script denomination text occupies the central right area of the note in large, prominent lettering. At the very bottom of the note, a horizontal band carries the English text “TWO RUPEES” in the lower left and Tamil script denomination text in the lower right, separated by a signature panel rendered in fine cursive script, flanked by additional scrollwork ornamentation. The borders of the note feature repeated decorative patterns of stylised floral and geometric motifs in dark carmine, giving the note a formal, structured appearance consistent with engraved banknote production of the era.

The reverse is printed entirely in a single rich carmine red tone, creating a visually unified composition across the whole surface. At the top, Sinhala script text identifies the Central Bank of Ceylon, mirroring the front, while to the right a further line of Sinhala script appears. The dominant central image is a detailed engraved vignette depicting the ancient ruins at Polonnaruwa — specifically a row of tall stone columns rising from a broad stone platform, rendered with careful attention to the layered stonework of the plinth below and the varying heights of the columns above. The ruins are set against a plain sky, and to the left of the colonnade, tree foliage is faintly visible, adding depth to the composition. The engraving is precise and atmospheric, capturing the archaeological grandeur of the site. In the lower left, the English text “TWO RUPEES” is printed in a clear serif typeface, while centrally below the main image, Sinhala script denomination text appears. The numeral “2” appears in decorative panels at the upper left, upper right, and lower right corners. At the very base of the note, in small print, the printer’s imprint reads “Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., New Malden, Surrey, England”, confirming the note was produced by one of Britain’s foremost security printers of the twentieth century. The overall reverse design is clean and authoritative, relying on the architectural vignette and the disciplined use of a single colour to convey institutional dignity.

Wondering who buys foreign coins and notes? Webuyallcurrency.com does — a 2 Rupees Central Bank of Ceylon banknote like this is accepted alongside other old or withdrawn Sri Lankan Rupees banknotes, so you can exchange the lot for cash at once.

• Indicate the quantity of 2 Rupees Rupee banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

From leftover holiday money to inherited collections, Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange or buy your Sri Lankan Rupees banknotes and other foreign currency, handling old and withdrawn pieces in the same simple process.

Other Sri Lankan Rupees you can exchange: 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.