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The Guinea 10 Sylis 1980 Specimen banknote, cataloged as Pick #23s, is a striking example of West African socialist-era currency issued under the regime of President Ahmed Sékou Touré. Created during a time of ideological fervor and national pride, the note was part of the syli currency system, introduced in 1972 to replace the colonial-era Guinean franc. This specimen note, produced in limited quantity and never intended for circulation, bears distinctive red “SPECIMEN” overprints and zeroed serial numbers (“X0000000”) that denote its archival and demonstration purpose. Graded Uncirculated (UNC), the note remains in impeccable condition, with crisp paper, bold ink, and no evidence of wear or handling, making it both a collector's prize and a historical document of Guinea’s post-colonial economic experimentation.
The syli was adopted as part of Guinea’s effort to break from Western economic models and assert a self-reliant socialist identity. Meaning “elephant” in the Susu language, the term “syli” was imbued with national symbolism—representing strength, heritage, and African unity. The 10 Sylis denomination occupied a useful role in daily commerce during the syli era, bridging the gap between small purchases and more substantial transactions. Yet by 1980, inflation had begun eroding the purchasing power of all denominations, and just five years later, the syli was abandoned in favor of a redenominated Guinean franc. As a result, surviving specimen notes like this one are rare vestiges of a unique, short-lived monetary system, and offer insight into the political and cultural vision that guided its issuance.
The obverse of the 1980 10 Sylis note features an impressive engraved portrait of Camara Laye, the celebrated Guinean novelist and cultural icon. Best known for his 1953 autobiographical novel *The African Child* (*L’Enfant noir*), Laye is honored here not only for his literary achievements but as a symbol of Guinea’s intellectual and cultural independence. His depiction is dignified and introspective, dressed in traditional Guinean attire, and framed by intricate geometric and guilloché patterns that reinforce the note’s visual complexity and security. The portrait reflects Guinea’s desire to elevate national figures who contributed to postcolonial identity and Pan-African consciousness.
The color scheme on the obverse incorporates rich purples, magentas, and deep greens, lending a distinctive and regal appearance. “BANQUE CENTRALE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE” appears at the top in French, the country’s official language, while the denomination “10 SYLIS” is clearly printed in each corner. At the bottom, the date “1980” and the facsimile signatures of central bank officials further authenticate the note. A red “SPECIMEN” overprint crosses diagonally from the lower left to the upper right, and serial numbers on both flanks are replaced with zeroes, denoting the note’s non-negotiable status. The combination of portraiture, symmetry, and bold typography reflects both artistic merit and ideological precision.
The reverse side features an agricultural motif central to Guinea’s economic self-image during the socialist period. It depicts two Guinean workers harvesting and processing bananas—an important export crop and dietary staple. The scene captures both motion and cooperation, with one figure carrying a large bunch of bananas on his back and another stacking harvested fruit in a crate. The composition is intended to glorify manual labor and collective effort, reinforcing the regime’s emphasis on rural development and agrarian productivity as pillars of national prosperity. Set against a lush background, the image also highlights Guinea’s rich natural resources and fertile terrain.
The reverse design employs complementary colors to the obverse, using deep yellow-green, ochre, and olive-brown tones to underscore the agrarian theme. Ornamental borders frame the artwork, while “RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE” is printed boldly at the top. “10 SYLIS” appears again in each corner for clarity and denomination reinforcement. A second red “SPECIMEN” overprint spans the reverse face, carefully aligned so as not to obscure the central scene. The intricate engraving work, background line art, and color registration all demonstrate the high-quality craftsmanship typical of banknotes printed by leading security printers during this period.
The note incorporates standard security features of the time, most notably an embedded watermark of Camara Laye, which becomes visible when the note is held to light. Intaglio printing provides texture to the portrait and key inscriptions, serving both aesthetic and security purposes. Guilloché patterns and microprinted lines throughout the design make counterfeiting difficult, and the vibrant coloration adds another layer of visual complexity. As a specimen graded UNC, all these security features remain pristine—unmarred by folds, creases, or discoloration—making this note a textbook example of what the original circulating currency would have looked like straight from the printer.
Specimen banknotes are not part of regular monetary distribution but are produced in small quantities for central bank archives, government training, and collector reference. The Guinea 10 Sylis 1980 specimen was likely distributed to foreign banks, numismatic institutions, or internal archives, and its survival in such perfect condition indicates careful storage. The vivid “SPECIMEN” overprints, full ink saturation, and unblemished edges all testify to its exceptional preservation. As specimens were typically printed in limited runs, surviving examples—particularly in Uncirculated condition—are scarce and sought after by collectors specializing in African currencies, socialist monetary systems, or Cold War-era paper money.
The historical backdrop of this note further enhances its numismatic appeal. Guinea in 1980 was grappling with the challenges of a centrally planned economy, marked by bureaucratic inefficiency, price distortions, and limited foreign exchange reserves. While the syli was meant to symbolize strength and national control, in practice, it suffered from inflation and diminishing public confidence. Following the death of President Sékou Touré in 1984, a military-led government reversed many of his policies, and the syli was phased out in 1985. The 10 Sylis note thus represents both a literal and symbolic currency of Guinea’s postcolonial socialist experiment, capturing the tensions between ideology and practicality.
For collectors, this specimen note holds a special allure. It commemorates a prominent cultural figure, celebrates agricultural labor, and belongs to a now-defunct currency system. The balance between artistry and symbolism, combined with its high condition and rarity, makes it a cornerstone item for anyone interested in African paper money or post-independence political iconography. It offers a tangible, beautifully designed link to a time when Guinea sought to define its own path in the global economic landscape, relying on native heroes, domestic agriculture, and sovereign currency as pillars of national identity.
In conclusion, the Guinea 10 Sylis 1980 P#23s Specimen UNC is a numismatic gem that embodies the aspirations, aesthetics, and ideological drive of a critical period in Guinea’s history. With its rich cultural references, high-quality engraving, and flawless condition, the note stands as a testament to the country's determination to forge an independent future. Today, it remains an exceptional acquisition for collectors, historians, and institutions seeking to preserve the legacy of Africa’s postcolonial economic narratives.