A Pre-War Treasure: The First 100 Rupee Note of Independent Burma

Own one of the most prestigious high-denomination notes of the British Commonwealth. This 1939 100 Rupees note was issued by the Reserve Bank of India specifically for use in Burma following the Government of Burma Act of 1935. Unlike later issues that used overprints, this note features the text "PAYABLE... IN BURMA" natively integrated into the design.

Historical & Design Highlights:

• Obverse (Front): Features a detailed profile portrait of King George VI in his coronation finery. The center text confirms its specific Burmese legal tender status, a design unique to this brief pre-war window.

• Reverse (Back): A stunning wildlife scene depicting a working elephant felling a tree in a teak forest, a classic symbol of Burma’s industrial and natural heritage. The lower corners feature beautiful fanned peacocks, the national symbol of Burma.

• Signatory: Hand-signed in the plate by J.B. Taylor, the second Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

• Watermark: Profiles of King George VI.

Item Details:

• Issuer: Reserve Bank of India (Burma Issue)

• Denomination: 100 Rupees

• Date: ND (1939)

• Pick Number: P-6 (Jhun&Rez 5.6.1)

• Serial Number: A/0 964590

• Grading: PMG 15 Choice Fine NET

• Condition Notes: PMG has assigned a "NET" grade due to "Severed & Reattached, Discoloration, Ink." This note was a high-value survivor of the chaotic Pacific theater; such repairs are common for notes that were carried through the jungle during the 1942 retreat or preserved during the occupation.

Collector's Perspective: The A/0 prefix indicates this is from the very first print run of this denomination. Most 100 Rupee notes were demonetized or lost during the Japanese invasion in 1942. Finding an original, non-overprinted 1939 issue is a major milestone for any advanced collector of Indian or Southeast Asian banknotes. Its "battle-scarred" condition only adds to its authenticity as a true survivor of the British Raj.