Obverse. Photo © Numismática Leilões
  • 25 Rupees 2011, KM# 131, Seychelles, Declaration of the Independence, 35th Anniversary
  • 25 Rupees 2011, KM# 131, Seychelles, Declaration of the Independence, 35th Anniversary
Description

Following the 1974 election, negotiations with the British resulted in an agreement by which Seychelles became a sovereign republic on June 29, 1976. The SDP and SPUP formed a coalition government in June 1975 to lead Seychelles to independence.

Seychelles is an archipelagic island country in the Indian Ocean at the eastern edge of the Somali Sea. The country consists of 115 islands. Its capital and largest city, Victoria, lies 1,500 kilometres (932 mi) east of mainland Africa.

Seychelles was uninhabited prior to being encountered by Europeans in the 16th century. It faced competing French and British interests until coming under full British control in the late 18th century. Since proclaiming independence from the United Kingdom in 1976, Seychelles has developed from a largely agricultural society to a market-based diversified economy, characterized by rapidly rising service, public sector, and tourism activities.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Seychelles shows a shield, in which a giant tortoise is located on grounds. On the ground there is a coco de mer palm tree. Behind it there is a sea with two islands and a sail ship to be seen. The shield is enthroned by a helmet, on which a white-tailed tropicbird is located above waves. The shield is supported by two white sailfish. Beneath the shield the motto of Seychelles is stated: "Finis Coronat Opus" (Latin for "The End Crowns the Work").

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
FINIS · CORONAT · OPVS
· 2011 ·

Reverse

Depicts a scenic view of Seychelles Island with palm trees in the background. On the beach, notable elements include the famous Coco-de-Mer, Victoria Clock Tower, and Aldabra giant tortoise. The inscription of the occasion and date appears above, with the denomination below.

The Lodoicea, commonly known as the sea coconut, coco de mer, or double coconut, is a monotypic genus within the palm family. Its sole species, Lodoicea maldivica, is endemic to Praslin and Curieuse islands in the Seychelles, known for producing the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Historically, it also grew on the nearby islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris, and Ile Ronde, but had become extinct there until its recent reintroduction.

The Victoria Clock Tower, a significant historical landmark in Seychelles, marks its 115th anniversary this year. Installed on April 1, 1903, in Victoria, the capital city, this colonial-era monument was erected in memory of Queen Victoria, who passed away in 1901. Its inauguration marked a notable event in the island nation’s history.

The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), native to the Seychelles, specifically the Aldabra Atoll, represents one of the largest tortoise species globally. While giant tortoises once inhabited numerous western Indian Ocean islands and Madagascar, the fossil record shows their presence on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.

35TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
29TH JUNE 2011
25 RUPEES

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.999
Weight 1.24 g
Diameter 14 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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