934) Suriname: A 5 Gulden (Guilder) Banknote issued in 1996, from the now demonetised Series of Banknotes and replaced by the Suriname Dollar since 2004:
The name Surinam (present day "Suriname") derives from an indigenous people called "Surinin", who inhabited these territories at the time of European exploration and visit to this place.
The British settlers were the first to set up a European Colony at Marshall's Creek, along the Suriname River, with the Dutch following a little later. The early settlers set up plantations on Surinam.
By 1667, several disputes arose between the Dutch and British settlers for control of this territory. By the Treaty of Breda, the Dutch gained control of Suriname and this territory became a part of a group of Dutch colonies called "Dutch Guiana" and Dutch became its official language. Through the terms of the Treaty, the Dutch continued with their occupation/plantations on Surinam, while the British kept New Amsterdam, the main city of the former Dutch colony of New Netherland in North America on the mid-Atlantic coast (present day New York City).
In 1683, the Society of Suriname was founded by the city of Amsterdam, the Van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck family and the Dutch West India Company.
This society was chartered to manage and defend the colony at Surinam. The Dutch planters at the colony relied heavily on African slaves to cultivate , harvest and process the commodity crops of coffee, cocoa, sugar-cane and cotton along the rivers.their plantations. Due to bad treatment, many slaves escaped from the plantations.
These runaway slaves, collectively called the "Maroons", with the help of native South Americans living in adjoining rain forests, set up a new and unique culture in the interior, which became highly successful.
Made up of different ethnicities, they were instrumental in gradually developing several independent tribes through a process of ethnogenesis. These tribes included the - Saramaka, Paramaka, Ndyuka or Aukan, Kwinti, Aluku or Boni and Matawai. The Maroons raided several of the Dutch plantations to recruit new members from the slaves and to acquire weapons, food and supplies.
The colonists mounted armed campaigns against the Maroons, but with little success as the Maroons were familiar with the terrain and could easily go to their hide-outs.
From 1861 to 1865, as a fall-out of the US Civil War, which ended with the freeing of slaves, the Netherlands abolished slavery in Surinam in 1863.
As a plantation colony, Suriname had an economy dependent on labour-intensive commodity crops. To make up for shortages of labour, the Dutch recruited and transported contract or indentured labour from the Dutch East Indies (present day Indonesia) and India (through an arrangement with the British Raj) and also, from China and the Middle East.
After 1873, most of the freed slaves abandoned the plantations where they were indentured or contracted for several generations, for seeking out their fortunes in the capital city - Paramaribo.
Even today, Suriname's population, as a legacy of colonisations, although small, but because of a complex colonisation and exploitation, is one of the most ethnically and culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world and from all the continents.
The present day ethnicity of Suriname primarily comprises - 28% Indians, 22.0% Maroons, 16.0% Creoles and 14% mixed races, while the predominant religions are Christianity (48%), Hinduism (24.0%) and Islam (14%).
During World War II (1939-1945), the USA occupied Suriname to protect the bauxite mines to support the Allied War effort.
In 1954, Surinam became one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
On 25.11.1975, Suriname became an independent nation, but maintains close economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with its former colonial occupier.
In 01/1978, the name was officially changed to "Suriname", but the old name "Surinam" is still quite popular - like the national airlines is still called "Surinam Airways".
Culturally, Suriname is considered to be a culturally Caribbean country and is a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community).
The Surinamese Guilder:
Till 2004, the Surinamese Guilder (sub-divided into 100 Cents was the currency of Suriname till it was replaced by the Surinamese dollar, owing to high inflationary pressures.
The evolution of Banknotes in Suriname:
In 1826, the "Algemene Nederlandsche Maatschappij" (General Netherlands Company) issued 1/2 and 3 Guilder Banknotes.
In 1829, Banknotes of the West Indies Bank in the denominations of 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5 , 10 and 50 Guilders were circulated.
In 1837, the Bank circulated 10, 15 and 25 centen (cent) and a 25 Guilder Banknote.
In 1865, 100, 200 and 300 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1901, the Surinaamsche Bank introduced 50 Guilder Banknotes.
In 1915, it introduced 10 Guilder Banknotes.
Between 1918 and 1920, the Government issued "silver certificates" ("Zilverbonnen")
In 1925, 200 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1927, 100 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1935, 5 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1940, 2-1/2 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1941, 25 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1943, 1,000 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1948, 300 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1956, the Central Bank of Suriname was legislated in the Bank Act of 1956 and is the principal monetary authority of Suriname.
In 1957, the Central Bank of Suriname took over the printing and supervision of Banknotes in the country and issued Banknotes in the denominations of
5, 10, 25, 100 and 1,000 Guilders.
In 1982, 500 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1988, 250 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1995, 2,000 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1997, 5,000 and10,000 Guilder Banknotes were issued.
In 2000, a 20,000 Guilder Banknote was circulated.
The last Series of Guilder Banknotes was introduced in 2000 in the denominations of 5, 10, 25, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 25,000 Guyilders. This colourful issue has native birds on the Front and native flowers on the Bank.
These Banknotes are all Collector's items - present day.
On the Front of the 5 Gulden Banknote (5 Guilder) is seen a representation of the Central Bank Building.
On the top is the name of the Central Bank - "CENTRALE BANK VAN SIRINAME" ( in Dutch).
On the Back of the 5 Gulden Banknote (5 Guilder) is seen an image of a man sawing trees at a plantation, trucks in the Background, a Toucan and a native flower. The emblem of Suriname is on top right.
The Dimensions of this Banknote are - 5-3/4 inches x 2-3/4 inches and its Colour is predominantly Dark Green.
This Banknote was issued in 1996.
The Emblem of Suriname:
The Coat of Arms/Emblem of Surinam was adopted on 25.11.1975.
Armiger: Republic of Suriname
Blazon: Per Pale, the Dexter, Azure (Blue), a Sailing Vessel affrontry Or (golden) on a base barry wavy Argent (Silver) and Azure of five pieces, the sinister Argent (Silver), a Palm Tree on a base wavy Vert, over all; a lozenge-shaped surgeon Vert, a Mullet (Star) of 5 points (Or).
Supporters: Two Arawak Indians armed with bows and quivers, proper, their loin-cloths Gules (Red).
Motto: "Justitia - Pietas - Fides" (meaning (Justice, Piety, Fidelity)
The left half of the shield symbolises the past, as slaves were abducted and carried through ships out of Africa.
The right half, represents the present and shows a Royal palm, which is also the symbol of a just person (coming from the saying "the just should blossom like a palm").
The diamond in the middle is the stylised form of the heart, which is regarded as the organ of love. The points of the diamond show the four directions of the wind.
Inside the diamond is a five-pointed star, symbolising the five continents from which the inhabitants of Suriname migrated - Africa, America, Australia, Asia and Europe.
(The above 5 Gulden Banknote is from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Post researched and written by Rajeev Prasad)
For some other interesting posts on Currencies of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, please visit the following links:
Culturally, Suriname is considered to be a culturally Caribbean country and is a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community).
The Surinamese Guilder:
Till 2004, the Surinamese Guilder (sub-divided into 100 Cents was the currency of Suriname till it was replaced by the Surinamese dollar, owing to high inflationary pressures.
The evolution of Banknotes in Suriname:
In 1826, the "Algemene Nederlandsche Maatschappij" (General Netherlands Company) issued 1/2 and 3 Guilder Banknotes.
In 1829, Banknotes of the West Indies Bank in the denominations of 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5 , 10 and 50 Guilders were circulated.
In 1837, the Bank circulated 10, 15 and 25 centen (cent) and a 25 Guilder Banknote.
In 1865, 100, 200 and 300 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1901, the Surinaamsche Bank introduced 50 Guilder Banknotes.
In 1915, it introduced 10 Guilder Banknotes.
Between 1918 and 1920, the Government issued "silver certificates" ("Zilverbonnen")
In 1925, 200 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1927, 100 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1935, 5 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1940, 2-1/2 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1941, 25 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1943, 1,000 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1948, 300 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1956, the Central Bank of Suriname was legislated in the Bank Act of 1956 and is the principal monetary authority of Suriname.
In 1957, the Central Bank of Suriname took over the printing and supervision of Banknotes in the country and issued Banknotes in the denominations of
5, 10, 25, 100 and 1,000 Guilders.
In 1982, 500 Guilder Banknotes were introduced.
In 1988, 250 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1995, 2,000 Guilder Banknotes were circulated.
In 1997, 5,000 and10,000 Guilder Banknotes were issued.
In 2000, a 20,000 Guilder Banknote was circulated.
The last Series of Guilder Banknotes was introduced in 2000 in the denominations of 5, 10, 25, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 25,000 Guyilders. This colourful issue has native birds on the Front and native flowers on the Bank.
These Banknotes are all Collector's items - present day.
On the top is the name of the Central Bank - "CENTRALE BANK VAN SIRINAME" ( in Dutch).
The Dimensions of this Banknote are - 5-3/4 inches x 2-3/4 inches and its Colour is predominantly Dark Green.
This Banknote was issued in 1996.
The Emblem of Suriname:
Armiger: Republic of Suriname
Blazon: Per Pale, the Dexter, Azure (Blue), a Sailing Vessel affrontry Or (golden) on a base barry wavy Argent (Silver) and Azure of five pieces, the sinister Argent (Silver), a Palm Tree on a base wavy Vert, over all; a lozenge-shaped surgeon Vert, a Mullet (Star) of 5 points (Or).
Supporters: Two Arawak Indians armed with bows and quivers, proper, their loin-cloths Gules (Red).
Motto: "Justitia - Pietas - Fides" (meaning (Justice, Piety, Fidelity)
The left half of the shield symbolises the past, as slaves were abducted and carried through ships out of Africa.
The right half, represents the present and shows a Royal palm, which is also the symbol of a just person (coming from the saying "the just should blossom like a palm").
The diamond in the middle is the stylised form of the heart, which is regarded as the organ of love. The points of the diamond show the four directions of the wind.
Inside the diamond is a five-pointed star, symbolising the five continents from which the inhabitants of Suriname migrated - Africa, America, Australia, Asia and Europe.
(The above 5 Gulden Banknote is from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Post researched and written by Rajeev Prasad)
For some other interesting posts on Currencies of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, please visit the following links:
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13) "Spice Island of the Caribbean", Grenada: Fifth Coin out of 8 to be issued in the "Eastern Caribbean Gold & Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme" ("EC8 Programme") - all coins to be released in 2018: Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars) and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars)
14) Anguilla - "Culinary Capital" of the East caribbean: Sixth Coin out of 8 to be issued in the Eastern Caribbean Gold & Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme: "EC8 Coin Programme"): all coins to be released with the issue date as 2018 - Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars) and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars):
15) "Seaplane" St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Seventh Coin out of eight to be issued in the Eastern Caribbean Gold & Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme: (EC8 Programme) - all coins to be issued with the date as "2018": Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars) and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars)
16) "Flamingo", St. Lucia: Eighth and last coin to be issued in the Eastern Caribbean Gold and Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme: (EC8 Pragramme) - all coins were released with the issue date as 2018: Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars)and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars)
17) The Bahamas: "CRISP" (Counterfeit Resistant Integrated Security Product) Series of new Banknotes: A new half-dollar Banknote issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas on 24.01.2019
18) Suriname: A 5 Gulden (Guilder) Banknote issued in 1996, from the now demonetised Aeries of Banknotes and replaced by the Suriname Dollar since 2004
13) "Spice Island of the Caribbean", Grenada: Fifth Coin out of 8 to be issued in the "Eastern Caribbean Gold & Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme" ("EC8 Programme") - all coins to be released in 2018: Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars) and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars)
14) Anguilla - "Culinary Capital" of the East caribbean: Sixth Coin out of 8 to be issued in the Eastern Caribbean Gold & Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme: "EC8 Coin Programme"): all coins to be released with the issue date as 2018 - Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars) and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars):
15) "Seaplane" St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Seventh Coin out of eight to be issued in the Eastern Caribbean Gold & Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme: (EC8 Programme) - all coins to be issued with the date as "2018": Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars) and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars)
16) "Flamingo", St. Lucia: Eighth and last coin to be issued in the Eastern Caribbean Gold and Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coin Programme: (EC8 Pragramme) - all coins were released with the issue date as 2018: Gold Bullion Coins (10 Dollars)and Silver Bullion Coins (2 Dollars)
17) The Bahamas: "CRISP" (Counterfeit Resistant Integrated Security Product) Series of new Banknotes: A new half-dollar Banknote issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas on 24.01.2019
18) Suriname: A 5 Gulden (Guilder) Banknote issued in 1996, from the now demonetised Aeries of Banknotes and replaced by the Suriname Dollar since 2004
Anoop Banerjee has commented:
ReplyDelete"Rajeev, you've got to mention the indentured Indian labourers ( mostly from Bihar) taken to Surinam by the British during Colonial rule in India, for the cultivation of sugarcane plantations there & exporting sugar to Old Blighty ! Even today, sugar is their main industry & foreign exchange earner. Surinam is like a mini India, in many ways."
Thanks, Anoopda. On a second look at the post, I have edited and added this information.
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