Lot 362

India, Reserve Bank of India, George VI (11 December 1936–15 August 1947), 1000 Rupees, Calcutta circle, 1938 ND, Signed by J.B. Taylor, S. No. A0 860849, The George VI 1,000 Rupees note of the Calcutta Circle, issued by the Reserve Bank of India from 1938, represents the beginning of India’s modern central-banking era and the transition from Government of India-issued currency to RBI-issued banknotes. Bearing the signature of Sir James B. Taylor, the second RBI Governor but the first whose signature appeared on Indian banknotes, it holds exceptional historical and numismatic importance. With a value equivalent to 16,000 annas, it was intended chiefly for government treasuries, banks and major commercial transactions rather than everyday circulation. The Calcutta issue is especially significant because the city—though no longer the imperial capital after 1911—remained one of British India’s foremost financial, industrial and maritime centres, dominating the trade in jute, tea, coal, shipping and other exports. According to the PMG Population Report, only 13 examples have been certified in Extremely Fine 45 (EF 45), with just 20 notes graded higher, demonstrating the considerable scarcity of this important note in comparable or superior grades, Jhun & Rez # 4.8.1B, Pick # 21b, Staple Holes at Issue, Graded by PMG 45 Choice Extremely Fine, rare.