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

50 Rupees Rupee (Issued 1956-1959)

The paper of this fifty-rupee note carries a pale, aged quality that speaks to its mid-twentieth-century manufacture, with a base tone that shifts between soft lilac and cool blue-grey across the surface. Handling and time have introduced a gentle patina to the stock, though the printed detail remains largely legible and the overall impression is of a note produced to a high standard of intaglio craftsmanship. The format is a generous horizontal rectangle, broadly consistent with the larger-denomination Ceylon issues of the period. These physical characteristics — the firm paper weight, the depth of ink impression, and the subtle colour layering — place it firmly within the printing conventions of post-independence Central Bank of Ceylon production.

On the front, the design is arranged across a field of predominantly blue and violet tones, with the upper portion carrying Sinhala script text identifying the Central Bank of Ceylon, flanked on either side by the numeral “50” printed boldly in the corners. Beneath this header, the English text “FIFTY RUPEES” appears on the left side in clear serif typography. Occupying the left-centre of the note is the Ceylon coat of arms, rendered in fine intaglio engraving within a circular frame: it depicts the Sinhala lion holding a sword, surrounded by petals and with a stylised sun and moon motif, all enclosed within a decorative border that includes the word “Ceylon” in a ribbon beneath. To the right of the coat of arms, the central panel features a large ornate guilloché oval, within which bold Sinhala script text — the denomination in words — is printed in a deep reddish-pink ink that contrasts sharply against the blue background, creating an immediate focal point. Flanking this central oval are delicate geometric and floral guilloché patterns that extend across the width of the note, rendered in fine interlocking lines of pale blue and lavender. The serial number R58/14128 appears twice: once in the upper right area and once in the lower left, printed in blue. A date inscription in Sinhala script, corresponding to the 1958 issue year, appears within the central panel. Two lines of facsimile signatures in Sinhala script are printed below the central oval, representing the authorising officials of the Central Bank of Ceylon. Along the very bottom edge, Sinhala script text repeats the denomination in words, and a further numeral “50” appears at the lower right. The outer border of the note is framed with a repeating wave-and-scroll pattern, and a secondary inner border of fine repeated geometric ornament reinforces the formal character of the design throughout.

The reverse presents a monochromatic composition in blue and blue-grey tones, with the dominant visual element being a large, architecturally detailed engraving of a moonstone and stone staircase, identifiable as the ancient carved moonstone and balustrade steps characteristic of early Buddhist temple architecture in Sri Lanka, most famously associated with sites such as Anuradhapura. The staircase rises in broad stone steps from the intricately carved circular moonstone at the base, the engraving capturing the concentric decorative bands of the moonstone — including stylised animal friezes and floral motifs — with considerable precision. To the right of the staircase, a carved stone pillar or lamp post is partially visible, adding further architectural context. On the left side of the reverse, a large plain circle in a lighter, unprinted tone serves as the watermark zone, its smooth contrast against the printed areas visible from the face. The upper centre of the reverse again shows Sinhala script text identifying the issuing bank, with the numeral “50” in both upper corners. The English text “FIFTY RUPEES” is printed at the lower left, and Sinhala script text repeating the denomination appears along the lower centre. The overall engraving on the reverse is finely executed, with cross-hatching and tonal gradations giving depth and texture to the stonework, and the architectural subject matter — a conscious celebration of Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage — reflects the cultural priorities of the post-independence era.

Sell foreign coins and banknotes the simple way: this 50 Rupees Central Bank of Ceylon banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com together with other old or withdrawn Sri Lankan Rupees banknotes, all settled in a single transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 Rupees Rupee banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com brings all your foreign currency together: exchange or sell Sri Lankan Rupees banknotes and other old, withdrawn or modern coins and notes for cash, with no specialist knowledge needed.

Other Sri Lankan Rupees you can exchange: 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 100, 200.