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The Guinea 5 Sylis 1980 Specimen banknote, cataloged as Pick #22s, is a captivating artifact from a pivotal period in Guinea’s monetary and political history. As part of the syli currency system implemented during the Marxist regime of President Ahmed Sékou Touré, this note reflects both the ideological aspirations and economic conditions of a nation striving for self-determination. Issued by the Banque Centrale de la République de Guinée and printed by a reputable international security printer—most likely Thomas De La Rue—this specimen note is distinguished by red “SPECIMEN” overprints and zeroed serial numbers. It was never intended for circulation and is preserved in Uncirculated (UNC) condition, retaining all of its original design elements, paper crispness, and vivid coloration, making it highly desirable among collectors of African currency and specimen banknotes.
The syli, introduced in 1972 to replace the Guinean franc, served as the national currency until 1985. This monetary shift was an assertion of Guinea’s independence from colonial economic systems and part of a broader commitment to socialist and pan-African principles. The term "syli" itself, meaning "elephant" in the Susu language, was selected to symbolize strength, dignity, and indigenous heritage. During its 13-year run, the syli was subdivided into 100 centimes, and denominations ranged from 1 to 10,000 sylis. The 5 Sylis note occupied a lower-middle denomination, useful for everyday transactions, but was phased out with the reintroduction of the Guinean franc in the mid-1980s following Touré's death and the subsequent policy reversals.
The obverse of the 1980 5 Sylis note features a finely detailed portrait of Almamy Samory Touré, one of Guinea’s most venerated national heroes. Touré, founder of the 19th-century Wassoulou Empire, led extensive resistance campaigns against French colonial expansion and was later captured and exiled. His legacy as a military strategist and defender of West African sovereignty made him a fitting symbol for Guinea’s post-independence identity. On the note, he is depicted in traditional attire, with a calm but resolute expression, rendered in intaglio for a tactile and visually precise effect. The background surrounding his image consists of geometric patterns and guilloché engravings, enhancing both visual appeal and anti-counterfeiting protection.
The dominant color scheme on the obverse includes warm olive-brown, muted ochre, and hints of burgundy and green. “BANQUE CENTRALE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE” is prominently printed along the top, while the denomination “5 SYLIS” appears clearly in the corners. The issue year “1980” is located at the bottom center, just above the signatures of the Bank’s officials. The red “SPECIMEN” overprint runs diagonally across the note from the lower left to the upper right, without obscuring critical design elements. The serial numbers—ordinarily an alphanumeric code—are replaced with “X0000000,” standard for specimen notes. The layout is symmetrical and harmoniously spaced, with every element reinforcing clarity and authority.
The reverse side of the note highlights the value of agriculture and labor in Guinea’s socialist narrative. It features an illustration of Guinean women engaged in the harvesting and sorting of peanuts—an important cash crop in the country’s rural economy. One woman is seen carrying a large basket atop her head while others work in the fields, evoking a sense of unity, perseverance, and industriousness. This rural scene is rendered with both artistic sensitivity and ideological clarity, consistent with state efforts to promote collectivist ideals and the dignity of manual labor.
Colors on the reverse mirror those on the front—earthy tones of green, tan, and brown—accentuating the natural setting and agricultural subject matter. The denomination “5 SYLIS” is printed in the upper left and lower right corners, while “RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE” appears at the top. The red “SPECIMEN” overprint again stretches diagonally across the central image. Ornate borders, crosshatch engravings, and intricate background patterns provide both visual richness and security. The scene itself serves not only as a literal representation of national industry but as a symbolic reinforcement of Guinea’s postcolonial socialist ideology.
Security features on this note, though not as advanced as modern currency, were notable for the period. A watermark of Samory Touré is embedded in the paper and visible when held up to light, offering a first-line defense against counterfeiting. Intaglio printing provides raised texture, especially over the portrait and inscriptions, aiding in both verification and durability. The note also features micro-line engraving, detailed border work, and precise color alignment. As a specimen in UNC condition, all these features remain crisp and untouched, providing an excellent example of the note’s original production quality.
Specimen notes like this one were never issued to the public but were distributed to central banks, law enforcement, and archival institutions for reference and training. Their production was limited, and their survival in pristine condition makes them rare and valuable. The UNC grade indicates no folds, stains, or handling damage; the corners are sharp, the paper is fresh and rigid, and the red overprint is bright and well-centered. The ink remains vibrant, and the portrait and reverse scene retain their full engraved clarity.
The historical backdrop of this note is equally compelling. The 1980s marked a period of economic stagnation in Guinea, exacerbated by the limitations of a centrally planned economy and increasing isolation from international financial systems. The syli, while symbolically important, proved inefficient and subject to inflationary pressures. Following President Sékou Touré’s death in 1984, a coup brought new leadership and a change in economic direction. The result was the abandonment of the syli in 1985 and a return to the Guinean franc. Thus, the 5 Sylis 1980 note marks the waning phase of an ambitious but ultimately short-lived currency experiment.
In numismatic terms, the 5 Sylis 1980 Specimen is a key piece for collectors interested in African currency, Cold War-era economics, or discontinued monetary systems. Its subject matter—celebrating Samory Touré and Guinea’s agrarian workforce—makes it a culturally rich addition to any collection. Furthermore, as one of the last regular issues before the currency system was overhauled, it occupies a transitional moment in Guinea’s economic history. Collectors appreciate this note not only for its rarity and artistic qualities but for the ideological story it tells about independence, resistance, and identity.
In conclusion, the Guinea 5 Sylis 1980 P#22s Specimen UNC encapsulates a complex period of Guinea’s post-independence development. Its thoughtful design, honoring both historic leadership and everyday laborers, reflects a country striving to assert its values and forge its path. With high-quality printing, symbolic richness, and preserved condition, this note stands as an exceptional example of African specimen currency and an enduring artifact of political and monetary evolution in the late 20th century.